Friend

The morning silence was broken by the ringing of Julian's phone. Emily, sitting beside him, watched as he answered the call, his voice firm but controlled.

"Hey, Alex," Julian said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he awaited confirmation of his suspicions.

Alex's voice was laced with concern. "Hey, man, how are you feeling? I was worried sick about you. I've been trying to reach you since last night."

Julian's tone was even, but with a hint of coolness. "Sophia drugged me, Alex."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Julian could sense Alex's surprise. Not that Sophia had drugged him, but that Julian knew about it despite being drugged himself.

"Julian, I...I didn't think you'd remember," Alex said, his voice hesitant. "You were pretty out of it last night."

Julian's expression remained impassive, but his voice took on a cold, detached tone. "I remember enough, Alex. And I know you know something. Find out where Sophia is. Now."

Alex sighed, and Julian could sense his reluctance. "Julian, I don't know anything about her whereabouts. But I'll look into it, I promise. Just be careful, okay? Sophia's not someone to mess with."

Julian's eyes narrowed. "You don't understand, Alex. I'm not the one who needs to be careful. Sophia's the one who should be worried. And you need to find out where she is before I return to the company today."

As the conversation continued, Emily watched Julian with a mix of concern and curiosity. She could see the tension in his body, the cold calculation in his eyes. Something was going on, something big, and she had a feeling that Julian was just scratching the surface.

"Don't underestimate me, Alex," Julian said, his voice cold and detached. "I'm more powerful than Sophia could ever hope to be. And I will find her, no matter what it takes."