Page 12 of My Rise

"Alex," I say, a note of familiarity in my voice. "Thanks for meeting me. It's been a while."

He offers a genuine smile, the warmth in his eyes contrasting with the uncertainties that linger in the air. "So very long,” he agrees with a laugh. “It’s always a pleasure.”

"I’ll get right to the point. Things have changed," I begin, a measured tone conveying the gravity of the situation. "With the Shadow Syndicate gone, there's a void that needs filling. New alliances, new ventures… opportunities amidst the chaos."

Alex leans forward, his expression a blend of curiosity and readiness. "A woman with. Plan, I take it.”

“You know it.”

I quickly provide an overview of the evolving power dynamics and the emergence of figures like Viktor Zolnerov. The city, once under the Shadow Syndicate's formidable influence, is now a chessboard where players make strategic moves to claim dominion over the shadows.

"The question is…" I pause. "Where do you see yourself in this new era?"

Alex absorbs the information, his gaze steady as he contemplates the implications. I appreciate that he’s taking his time and not rushing to answer.

"Survival is about adaptation," he says slowly, “and adaptation requires the right alliances."

A very good answer.

I realize I’m staring a bit too deeply into his blue eyes. They’re the windows to one’s soul, but I already know his soul. He would never hurt me, and I need to stop thinking about how I told Xavier I planned on taking Alex to bed.

"The right alliances indeed. Which brings me to why I reached out," I say, shifting the focus to the core of our meeting and putting a lid on my raging hormones. "We need allies we can trust, allies who understand the intricacies of this world. I'm proposing that we navigate these uncertain times together."

The proposition hangs in the air, and Alex considers things.

When he places his hand on top of mine, I already know his answer.

"Vanessa," he says, his gaze meeting mine with a level of sincerity, "we've been through our share of challenges. If you're extending your hand, I'll take it. If anyone can find solid ground in this uncertainty, I know you can. You and me together? It’ll be like old times.”

“I knew I could count on you.”

“I take it we pool our resources, leverage our networks…”

“Precisely.” I nod. “With the right alliances, we could navigate this new terrain more effectively."

Let's navigate this new era together."

My smile is more genuine and free than a professional, business smile warrants, but this is Alex. I can’t help myself.

I took it upon myself to order coffees before Alex arrived, and the waitress now brings them over. She tries to catch Alex’s eye, flirting with him, but he barely looks at her.

“Are you eating anything?” he asks me.

“I’m not hungry right now.”

“Not even for dessert?”

I hesitate.

“One slice of your best pie with two forks please,” Alex says, still looking at me.

Pie just might be one of my weaknesses.

“Coming right up,” the waitress says overly cheerfully, and she scampers away.

I sip my coffee and wait until I’m certain she can’t overhear us. "We can't navigate this alone," I assert, my gaze meeting Alex's with a resolute intensity. "The alliances forming in the shadows are treacherous, and we need a solid backup, individuals we can trust implicitly."

Alex slowly nods. “You're right, Vanessa. We can't afford to underestimate the dangers that lurk within these alliances."

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