Sophie was sitting at her desk, feeling the weight of the long-standing treachery within Black Enterprises seeping in. She was a jumble of ideas, feelings, and preparations. Her friendship with Ethan had deepened despite the difficulties, entwining their personal and professional lives.
Message from Ethan on Sophie's phone late in the afternoon said, "Join me for a coffee break on the terrace?"
Smiled back, she said, "Be there in five."
With its breath-taking vista of the city, the terrace provided a tranquil haven in the middle of the action. Already there, lost in thought, Ethan leaned over the railing. She drew forward, and he turned, a kind grin on his lips.
Holding out a cup of coffee, Ethan said, "Hey."
Taking the cup, Sophie said, "Hey yourself." OK.
For a little while, they enjoyed the vista and the infrequent respite from the mayhem in comfortable quiet.
How are you doing these days? A soft-spoken Ethan asked.
With a shrug, Sophie glanced out to sea. "There is a lot to absorb. There will be difficulties, I knew that, but this Such degree of dishonesty surprised me.
Nodding, Ethan looked serious. Myself, neither. But remember that we are in this together?
Sophie turned to look into his eyes. "I agree. And Ethan, I like you. It will pass.
Standing next to one other, their hands touched, their bond evident. Ethan looked away, then clasped her hand in his.
Low and sincere, he said, "Sophie, I need you to know something." "I have never had this kind of feeling toward somebody before. In the best conceivable manner, you have completely upended my existence.
A beat went out of Sophie's heart. 'Ethan, I'
Ethan leant in and planted a kiss on her before she could say anything further. A gentle, long kiss that expressed every feeling words could not. When they did separate, Sophie was out of breath.
Whispering, "I feel the same way," she said. "I can't seem to fight it," I said.
Warmth poured into Ethan's eyes as he grinned. Let us then give up fighting it. Watch where this leads us.
The days after that were a mix of hard labor and snatched intimate moments. As Sophie and Ethan overcame the obstacles together, their bond became closer. But they were reminded of the risky game they were playing by the continual threat of treachery.
A particularly exhausting day later, Ethan extended an invitation to Sophie to supper in his penthouse. It was a clean, contemporary room with amazing city views from floor to ceiling windows.
Looking about in wonder, Sophie said, "Wow, this place is incredible."
A definitely happy smile from Ethan. "That you enjoy it pleases me. Set up house.
They ate a great dinner together, and the talk was easy. Moving into the living area, Ethan handed them each a glass of wine.
To us, he said, lifting his glass. And to conquer whatever that comes our way.
As Sophie clinked her glass with his, she said, "To us."
With the city lights softly glowing through the windows, they took up residence on the couch. Sophie was drawn in close by the arm that Ethan was draping over her shoulders.
"It feels like I can breathe at last when I'm with you," Ethan said. 'You've made my life brighter, Sophie.
Head resting on his shoulder, Sophie grinned. "For me, you have done the same. Never have I felt so a part of a relationship.
Their talk became more intimate as they related dreams and anecdotes they had never told anyone else. That vulnerable moment drew them closer further.
"Ethan, I know this is all complicated with everything going on at work," Sophie added. But you have me here. Anytime.
With a softened look, Ethan planted a kiss on her forehead. Knowing. And you have me here as well. This will pass. Collaboratively."
Even as the relationship deepened, the threat inside the organization remained. For their personal safety as much as the benefit of the business, they understood they had to proceed cautiously.
Sophie came to work one morning to see a fresh development waiting for her. Excited and worried at the same time, Ethan beckoned her into his office.
"We've made a breakthrough," Ethan told her, passing her a folder. Consider this.
Sophie scanned through the folder after opening it. Information there connected a number of senior executives to the most recent betrayals. A couple names sprung to her attention.
With a glance up at Ethan, Sophie said, "This is huge." It is risky as well, though. Powerful persons they are.
Nodding, Ethan said. That much is known. We must go sensibly. But now that we know this, we can begin to remove them."
They worked out a scheme to progressively reveal the offenders, making sure they had strong proof before acting. Their only chance of cleaning up the business was with that hazardous tactic.
Subtle operations and rigorous planning characterized the weeks that followed. Working nonstop, Sophie and Ethan became closer as they overcame every obstacle together. Their friendship did, however, flourish in the middle of the chaos, offering comfort and hope.
Ethan looked serious at Sophie one evening as they were finishing up another exhausting day. Then
Something needs to be shown to you.
Sophie trailed behind him to a wall-mounted secret panel that he unlocked to show a safe. Entering a combination, Ethan pulled out a little, unidentified box. Putting it down on the desk, he seemed determined and nervous at the same time.
How much is in the box? Her interest aroused, Sophie questioned.
Breathing deeply, Ethan sat. Lifting the cover, he declared, "This is the key to everything."
Several papers and a flash drive were inside the package. Ethan gave Sophie the flash drive, which she put into her laptop. She went over the files as they loaded, her eyes getting bigger by the second.
These are correspondence and financial documents. Speaking little above a whisper, Sophie said, "This is proof of a conspiracy."
Nod from Ethan. Beyond simple corporate sabotage, that is. Not just Black Enterprises are involved in this network of corruption; other businesses as well. These folks have spent years rigging markets, buying off authorities, and laundering money.
A chill scuttled Sophie's back. If this leaks, well.
Finished with her thinking, Ethan said. Some really influential individuals could be brought down by it. That may, however, potentially seriously endanger us.
Sophie shut the laptop with a rushing thought. We have to use great caution. They will not think twice to go after us if they believe we have this knowledge.
Putting a comforting hand on her shoulder, Ethan said. "This will be handled by us together. Sophie, you have my faith. More than everybody else."
Planning took up the next several days. Before acting, Sophie and Ethan realised they had to have more proof and make sure they were secure. They hired a reliable, discreet private investigator who had previously worked with Ethan.
Sophie was in her office working late one evening when the investigator called.
You'll want to see what I've uncovered, he said. Meet me where you usually are.
Taking her coat, Sophie went to the covert, little café where they had made plans to meet. There already was the seasoned detective, Jack, sipping coffee.
Jack, Sophie said, slipping onto the seat across from him. Tell me what you have for me.
Jack gave her a file folder. I know these are recorded hand on her shoulder surveillance photographs. That is the reason we must carefully organize our future actions. Before acting, we will get further proof and make sure we are in the lead.
Sophie nodded, her first dread giving way to resolve. This far, we have not wavered, and we will not now. Come along.
Secret meetings and planning sessions filled the days that followed. Committed to finding the truth and holding the guilty parties accountable, Sophie and Ethan put in endless hours of labor. As they collectively negotiated the dangerous seas, their already solid bond grew even more robust.
A loud bang at the door shocked them one evening as they worked in Ethan's apartment, going over paperwork. Heart thumping, Sophie looked at Ethan.
I said, "Are you expecting anyone?"
Concerned, Ethan shook his head. He moved to the door, looked through the peephole, and then relaxed obviously. Opening the door to see his sister standing there, he responded, "It's just Isabella."
Isabella came in, a tight look on her face. Glancing between Sophie and Ethan, she remarked, "We need to talk."
What is wrong? With a last shut door, Ethan inquired.
Isabella drew a long breath. My own digging has been going on. I believe there could be a corporate mole disseminating information to our adversaries.
Sophie and Ethan looked at one other apprehensive. Do you know who that may be?
Isabella nodded glumly. "I need more proof, but I have a few suspicions. I wanted to caution you both to use great caution. Who can we trust is unknown to us.
Grunting, Ethan said. That makes things more difficult. But we'll watch out. Thanks Isabella for the warning.
Isabella nodded, a softening of her features. Just swear to me you will take care. Two of you.
Sophie was suddenly quite appreciative of Isabella's care. Ours will. Together, we will work this out.