My Boss Next Door

Chapter 4

Alexander

As I walked down the hallway with Sophia, I couldn't shake the encounter I'd just had with Eva. Her fire and attitude were refreshing, and I found myself intrigued by her. The way she had called me an "asshole" and then a "stalker" caught me off guard; most people were careful around me, afraid to speak their minds.

Sophia chattered beside me, but I was only half-listening. "about the board meeting?" she said. "Your father is retiring. That's a big change for you."

"Yeah, I know," I replied absently. My thoughts kept drifting back to Eva. I couldn't believe how she'd called me out in front of Melanie. It was a bold move, and part of me respected it. She was striking, too—the way her dark hair framed her face, her eyes flashing with annoyance and determination.

I remembered the way she had reacted when I mentioned my nickname for her. It was almost endearing. "Cruella," I thought, a smirk forming on my lips. She was nothing like the typical women I encountered; she had this raw honesty that was both refreshing and disarming.

"Alex? Earth to Alex," Sophia said, waving a hand in front of my face.

I snapped back to attention, shaking my head slightly. "Sorry, just thinking."

Sophia rolled her eyes, a playful smile on her lips. "You've got that look again. What's going on with you?"

"Nothing," I said too quickly, pushing thoughts of Eva out of my mind. "Just trying to wrap my head around the changes ahead."

She raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Right. Just remember, with the new position comes new expectations. You need to stay focused."

"Of course," I replied, but my thoughts lingered on Eva. I needed to keep my distance—this was a business, after all. I couldn't afford distractions, especially not from someone like her. She was just a new employee, after all, even if she was incredibly captivating.

But as I entered my apartment, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if our paths crossed again. Would I be able to keep my composure? Or would I be tempted to explore this unexpected connection? The thought was both thrilling and dangerous, and I knew I needed to figure out a way to keep my head in the game.

After finishing the work deals with Sophia, I decided to head to the Elite Bar. It was one of those exclusive places where a black card was the ticket to entry—only the wealthiest and most influential people in New York had access. I liked to keep my social circle tight, and the Elite Bar was the perfect spot to network with the right people.

As I approached the entrance, the doorman recognized me instantly and stepped aside, allowing me to pass without hesitation. The interior was sleek and sophisticated, filled with soft lighting that created an intimate atmosphere. I scanned the room, spotting familiar faces mingling at the bar and in the lounge area.

It was the kind of place where deals were made over drinks and connections were solidified. I made my way to the bar, ordering a whiskey neat as I took in my surroundings. My mind, however, kept drifting back to Eva. The image of her fiery spirit and sharp tongue played on repeat in my head.

"Just focus, Alex," I muttered under my breath, shaking my head slightly as if trying to dislodge her from my thoughts. This wasn't the time for distractions; I had a reputation to uphold and a company to manage.

I finished my whiskey and spent the next half hour engaging in the obligatory networking and information gathering. There's nothing like a little alcohol to loosen people's tongues, and while I usually stuck to a strict one-drink rule in public, tonight was different. I couldn't focus; my mind kept wandering back to Eva and our brief, electric encounter.