Chapter 3 Uneasy Alliances

I'm standing in front of Kendrick's desk, my heart racing and attempting to maintain my cool. Though, my new position seems more like a trap than a chance. Though the ghosts of our past continue to haunt me, I wish to trust in the opportunity I have been given. I look at the staff members surrounding us; every one of them is walking purposefully but lacking the friendliness one would anticipate in a workplace. Like they know things I don't, things I'm not supposed to know, they avoid eye contact and their expressions are frigid and aloof. A voice wakes me from my reverie.

Sofia, we have to discuss. Mason, then. His appearance sharply contrasts the frigid sterility of the workplace. Leaning against the doorframe, he stands in front of me now with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. Though that's Mason, always the cool, calculated one, his relaxed tone doesn't fit the tension I sense in the air. I step aside and nod. On what? "About Kendrick," he continues, his eyes sparkling with something I can't quite decipher. You believe you are in charge here? Though soft, his words strike like a slap. You are not. Kendrick always gets his way. For a little minute, the room spins and my heart races. What do you mean? He approaches closer; his presence is too much and too overpowering. "You believe this is only business? That you can waltz in here and take control? You will come to regret it, believe me. Though there is a peculiar feeling of warning in his remarks, the venom in them is clear. Trying to understand all he just stated, I step back. Mason, I'm not here to battle anyone. He chuckles quietly, a sound devoid of comedy. "Oh, but you will be." Remember my words. He then turns and departs, more questions left for me than solutions. Back at Kendrick's office the following day, the atmosphere seems more thick than ever. Sitting at his desk with stiff posture, he stares out the window as though avoiding anything possibly peering back at him. The quiet between us presses on me like a tangible force. I take a deep breath and close the door softly behind me. We have to speak. At first, Kendrick does not turn around. He looks deep in concentration until his cold, analytical gaze meets mine. "Regarding what?" His voice is far away and clipped. My heart pounding, I move ahead several steps. This is not only business, right? There is more going on here than you are allowing me to know. His eyes stay fixed; for a little period, it's as though I'm talking to a wall. Finally, he reclines in his chair, arms crossed across his chest. "I thought we agreed," he adds quietly, nearly too calm. "This is purely corporate." "Business, sure," I say, my voice strained. "But it seems like more. You and Mason... What is actually happening here? His face unreadable, he observes me for a long time. Then, his stare sharp, he leans forward and slightly tilts his head. You are not incorrect. Sofia, there has always been more between us. But I am not the one who has to choose how far we go with this. His statements are both a challenge and a confession. His getting up and walking up to my position sends a shiver down me. "Trust was always the most difficult aspect of our relationship for both of us." You, more than anybody else. A familiar pain pulls at my heart. The remarks pierced more than I had anticipated. What now then? Should I simply fall in line and believe you once more? He approaches us more closely. Sofia, no. I anticipate nothing. I just need you to understand that this is greater than either of us. I cannot correct the past, though. My sole concern is the future. Swallowing, I battle the internal turmoil. Though something in me, the same part that has always been pulled to him, fights it, I'm so close to pushing him away. Kendrick, I'm not a pawn in your game. "You never were," he answers gently, nearly whispering. "But I need you in ways you don't yet grasp." Later that night, I find myself in the corner of my flat, gazing over the document Kendrick had given me earlier. It's no longer only about business. I don't know when it ceased to be only that. Running my fingertips across the paper, I can feel the weight of every word, every circumstance. Everything he mentioned seems like a tempting proposition. Still, something feels off. I wince at the phone ringing. Before I even glance at the screen, I know who it is. Kendrick Silent, I respond; the tension between us grows unspoken. "What do you want?" At last, I enquire. His voice is almost regretful and clipped. I just wanted to see. I realise this is a lot, but I need you to see how crucial this is. Sofia, you are not alone in this. I sneer, attempting to conceal the quaver in my voice. I am not alone. Kendrick, I want to believe you but I have doubts. He lets out a sigh. Trust has never been simple for us, has it? For a long time, I remain silent as the gravity of his remarks sinks in. What now then? I softly question, my voice revealing my doubt. He does not respond right away. You will have to believe me more than ever before. Otherwise, all will collapse. The air seems heavy the instant I enter the softly illuminated space. Kendrick, standing near the window, the sun throwing shadows across his face, makes it difficult for me to read him. Mason is already there, arms folded across his chest, face inscrutable. Though my heart is racing, I attempt to calm my breathing. I was unprepared for this meeting, not mentally, not emotionally. Kendrick's mere presence is enough to make me feel tense all over. Mason first glances at me, then at Kendrick, and finally back to me. "We all know why we're here," he continues, his voice calm, as if he has already triumphed. I don't like that tone. It seems... like a warning. I sit down, hoping to gather myself. Let's finish this. My voice does not give away the anxiousness coursing through me. Kendrick spins around, eyes piercing. Though it doesn't show in his gaze, his lips twitch into something near a smirk. "You are here since you possess something I require," he says with commanding tone. You don't believe me, I say, straight to the point. "Why else would I be here?" Mason chuckles softly, the sound almost hiding his hatred. Sofia, trust isn't the problem. You are not here to believe anyone. You are here to follow our instructions. The remarks hurt and make me feel a surge of annoyance. "You believe I'm merely a pawn in your game, right?" Kendrick advances, his eyes black and his voice unexpectedly low. I never claimed that. But what follows will not please you. Once more, his tone's chill and his comfy grip govern. What comes next? I say, knowing already. I can sense the weight of whatever it is ready to come crashing down on me. Kendrick's eyes flash with something, perhaps regret, but it vanishes as fast as it materialised. You can either support me or oppose me. Though his voice is constant, there is a sharpness to it as if he is daring me to question him. Sitting opposite one another in the sterile office, the harsh light from the desk lamp throwing shadows on our faces, the strain between Mason and me is intolerable. I can't help but feel like I'm being used. Mason's eyes are brimming with secrets; I know he's concealing something. A gradual grin pulling at the edges of his mouth, he reclines in his chair. "You're still in the dark, Sofia," he continues, his voice oozing false pity. You might have undervalued Kendrick, I believe. You've always undervalued him, I believe. Willing myself not to react, I tighten my hold on the pen in my hand. What is that meant to imply? Mason's eyes shine with something more sinister. You don't believe he has been exploiting you all along? Naturally, he has. You believe he is doing this for Blackwell Enterprises' benefit? Though I try to remain composed, the uncertainty he is creating in my head is difficult to overlook. You are lying. Slow and careful, he shakes his head as though relishing every syllable. Sooner or later, you will pick up. Believe me, Sofia, you will regret it. Kendrick always like to keep his foes closer. The words struck me like a gut punch. He is correct. Kendrick and I have never been able to escape one another. But is that what it is? A play? The air around me suddenly too thick to breathe, I stand up fast. Mason, I'm not your foe. I am not your foe, Mason. And I won't be anyone's pawn. His grin broadens and, for the first time, I detect a trace of genuine evil in his face. "You don't get it, do you?" he adds, nearly whispering now. Sofia, you're too deep. You have no idea what you're heading into.