Age is just a Number

herself repeatedly that it was just a meeting, a continuation of their professional discussions. Yet, as she s

with simple silver earrings and her favorite heels. It was professional enough for a

restaurants, Sophia took a deep breath. The glowing golden light spilling throu

reeted her warmly, as t

s. Rivera," he said, gesturing toward a p

orner table, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, his posture relaxed but commanding

s voice warm and rich

"Thank you," she said, forcing herself to s

chair for her before sitting across from her. "Quiet,

ngered on intimate. She shifted in her seat, unsure

e and left with their orders, Alexander lea

bout you," he said, h

ught off guard. "T

. Your passion, your insight, your ability to see the

re how to respond, so she fell back on professionalism. "I'm

ssion softening. "I wanted to see if the connection I felt

know what she'd expected from this

e asked c

intly, his gaze unw

t like the world had narrowed to just the two of them. She took a sip

expected," she

al context of our relationship. I respect you, Sophia-your work, your talent, your ambition. But I also

d never been the type to mix personal and professional, and yet, here was Alexa

," she admitted, her voic

ntly. "I just wanted to be honest with you.

tement, and fear. She knew this was a line she had never intended

hink about this,"

," he said, his tone steady

the undercurrent of tension remained. By the time Alexander walked her out to the waiting car, S

used, his gaze lingering on her face

lied, her voice ting

ance back at him through the rear window. He sto

as about to change-she