The Call Boy I Met in Paris – Episode 40
Sophie studied Derek’s confident expression. “Really? Where is Mr. Lake now?” She had spent the last hour in a conference room with the executives authorized to represent him, yet no one had mentioned Derek or a separate agreement.
“He went to grab a bite,” Derek replied. The answer arrived too quickly and carried none of the details a genuine meeting would have produced.
Sophie glanced at the waiting-area clock. “And he didn’t invite you?” Her tone turned the question into an insult before Derek could defend himself.
“I’m not hungry.” He adjusted his cuffs, trying to restore dignity. The receptionist focused intently on her screen to avoid revealing amusement.
Justin returned from the corridor and stopped beside Sophie. Whatever conversation he had held out of sight, he looked composed again. Derek’s eyes narrowed at the ease with which he moved through the headquarters.
Sophie lifted the signed portfolio. “Well, best of luck to you.” She no longer needed to challenge Derek’s imaginary connection. The real contract in her hands mattered more.
She and Justin walked toward the elevators. Only after the doors closed did she release the breath she had held through the negotiation.
“I did not expect this project to go so smoothly,” she admitted. The agreement was generous, the executive had respected her revisions, and Justin had anticipated every point of resistance.
“Maybe Lake Enterprises recognizes excellent work,” Justin said. The compliment warmed her, although his familiarity with the company continued to trouble her.
“Or maybe my assistant has been secretly negotiating behind my back.” Sophie watched his reflection in the elevator doors. “You disappeared at a convenient time.”
“Bathrooms are often conveniently located,” he replied. The answer made her laugh despite herself, and the questions retreated without disappearing.
Outside the building, Sophie photographed the signed page for her records. The evidence felt like freedom: no Derek, no merger marriage, and no father deciding which man could preserve her mother’s legacy.
Her phone rang before she reached the car. Derek’s name appeared on the screen. She considered ignoring him, then answered because she wanted the confrontation finished.
“What do you want, Derek?” Her patience had been exhausted at the Swift residence and in the Lake lobby.
“I know you got that contract,” he said. Resentment replaced his earlier performance of confidence. “But trust me, I won’t let you win forever.”
Sophie looked through the glass doors and saw him still inside, pacing near reception while waiting for a CEO who would never appear. The threat might once have frightened her. Now it sounded like wounded pride.
“Just you wait,” Derek continued. He promised consequences without naming them, clinging to the belief that uncertainty would make her afraid.
Sophie thought of the falling stock, the divorce ultimatum, and his claim that she would beg him to take her back. Every scheme depended on her believing he still held power over her.
“Do you know what you sound like?” she asked. Derek fell silent, perhaps expecting anger or negotiation.
“A loser.” Sophie ended the call before he could answer. Beside her, Justin smiled, while inside Lake Enterprises Derek stared at his phone and realized the woman he meant to control had hung up on him.