Chapter 2 He Planned to Hand Her Over

William's eyes were ice. "Get ready for dinner. We'll pretend you didn't just say that."

Message received - he wasn't letting her quit.

Back at her desk, Sophia's heart was in her throat. Making sure no one was watching, she slipped a small knife into her purse. If Louis tried anything funny tonight, he'd be in for a nasty surprise.

When evening rolled around, William emerged from his office, and Sophia fell in line behind him. Her coworkers shot her "good luck" looks that made her stomach turn.

In the car, William lounged back with his eyes closed. After what felt like forever, he broke the silence. "Quitting out of nowhere, huh? Got a better offer? Another CEO catching your eye?"

Sophia kept her poker face. "No."

His eyes snapped open, fixing on her. "Thought maybe you were trading up - new boss, new sugar daddy."

"Mr. Brown," Sophia said evenly, "you're about to get hitched. Shouldn't we deal with... this... first?"

His face went dark real quick. "You've got some nerve, Sophia."

Realizing she'd pushed too far, she backpedaled. "I apologize, Mr. Brown."

He shut his eyes again. Conversation over.

Sophia's mind was going a million miles an hour, trying to figure out her exit strategy. Being his side piece while he was single? Whatever. But being the other woman after he got married? Hard pass. She'd never kidded herself about becoming Mrs. Brown anyway.

"We're here, Mr. Brown."

The Crowne Heights Hotel stood there in all its fancy glory. The manager practically fell over himself greeting William, and Sophia tagged along to the rooftop restaurant.

The second the elevator opened, Louis Smith came at them like an overeager puppy, trying to bro-hug William. But William, king of personal space, smoothly dodged. Louis stumbled right into Sophia instead.

His eyes lit up like Christmas as he grabbed her arm. "Damn, William, your assistant's smoking hot."

His hand slithered down her arm like a snake, but Sophia stood tall. No way she was showing weakness.

William just frowned and walked off, leaving her to the wolves.

With William checked out, Louis got handsy. He yanked Sophia against him like she was his new toy.

Sophia plastered on a fake smile, trying to wiggle free without causing drama, but no dice. She kept glancing at William for help, but he was deep in "important business talk" with the suits at the table, acting like she didn't exist.

Louis dragged her into the seat next to him, right across from William, grinning like the cat that ate the canary. "Hey William, what's your price for this little hottie? Name it."

The air got thick real quick. Everyone at the table - and yeah, most knew about her and William - turned to him like it was showtime.

Sophia white-knuckled her chair, wound tight as a spring.

William gave Sophia a blank look. "Five years of experience. That's worth more than pocket money."

Not a 'no.' That's all it took. The message couldn't have been clearer - she had a price tag.

The suits around the table started acting like they were at a frat party, taking William's cold shoulder as their green light. They figured he was over his toy.

Sophia locked eyes with William as Louis got in her personal space, his face way too close.

She jerked away before he could make his move.

William just raised an eyebrow from across the table.

"Mr. Smith," Sophia pulled out her best fake smile, grabbing a wine glass, "let's make a toast."

The room burst into cheers.

Louis wouldn't let go of her hand. "Aren't you just precious? I'd love to get to know you better."

"Have another glass," Sophia offered.

More cheers as Louis took the bait. Then - oops! - half the wine "accidentally" ended up all over his designer suit.

"I'm so sorry!" Sophia laid it on thick, playing the clumsy assistant card.

But Louis just grinned wider, grabbing her hand. "No biggie, sweetie. Since you caused this mess, you can help me find something clean to wear in the lounge."

Sophia's heart dropped. Following Louis to the lounge? Talk about walking into the lion's den.

She shot William a desperate look.

Louis caught it and smirked at William. "Need the boss's okay first?"

William lounged back, sipping his wine like he was watching paint dry. "You made the mess. Clean it up."

Before Sophia could even process that gut punch, Louis yanked her up, arm locked around her like a vice.

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