Chapter 143
Madison
I smoothed down my skirt and took a deep breath, trying to ignore the throbbing between my legs. How was I supposed to focus on work when my body was still humming with unfulfilled needs?
John opened the car door, and Alexander stepped out first, buttoning his suit jacket with practiced ease. I followed, grateful for the moment to compose myself.
“The project meeting starts in ten minutes,” Alexander said, checking his watch. “I need to grab something from my office first. I’ll meet you in the conference room.‘
“Yes, Mr. Knight.”
He strode ahead, leaving me to follow at my own pace. I took the opportunity to duck into the restroom, desperate to make myself presentable.
The mirror reflected a woman I barely recognized–flushed cheeks, slightly swollen lips, and eyes still bright with arousal. I splashed cold water on my face, careful not to ruin my makeup, and retrieved my panties from my purse.
“This is insane,” I muttered as I slipped into a stall to put them back on. The damp fabric felt uncomfortable against my skin, but it was better than sitting through a meeting bare beneath my
skirt.
I made it to the conference room with two minutes to spare.
Alexander was already there, engaged in conversation with several executives. He glanced up as I entered, his eyes darkening momentarily before returning to his professional demeanor.
The meeting dragged on for nearly two hours, focusing on Knight Industries‘ tech division.
I took detailed notes, asked relevant questions, and did my best to appear focused despite the lingering ache between my thighs and the way Alexander’s thigh occasionally brushed against mine
under the table.
As the project meeting wrapped up, Alexander stood, straightening his jacket with a practiced motion. “Thank you, everyone. We’ll reconvene next week to discuss the quarterly projections.”
The executives filed out, nodding respectfully to Alexander as they passed. When the room emptied, he turned to me, his expression unreadable.
“The real estate team is waiting in Conference Room C,” he said, gathering his papers. “We’re meeting them now. I expect you to act professionally. If there’s something you don’t know, simply say you’ll discuss it when the actual work begins.”
1/4
Chapter 143
“But I haven’t prepared anything. What if they ask about my experience?”
+25 BONUS
“They will. And you’ll handle it.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Remember who put you in this position. Don’t make me regret it.”
The double meaning wasn’t lost on me. I swallowed hard and nodded. “Yes, Mr. Knight.”
“Good.” He gestured toward the door. “After you.‘
I walked beside Alexander down the hallway, my mind racing. The conference room was on the other side of the building, giving me precious minutes to collect myself.
I focused on my breathing, trying to quiet the nervous flutter in my stomach. This was my first time being introduced as a project manager, and the weight of the title felt both exciting and terrifying.
“Remember,” Alexander said, keeping his voice low as we walked, “you’re not expected to know everything today. This is merely an introduction.”
“Right,” I nodded, clutching my tablet closer to my chest. “Just an introduction.”
“Ms. Harper.” He stopped abruptly, turning to face me. “You’ve proven yourself capable in every task I’ve assigned you. This is no different.”
His confidence in me was both reassuring and intimidating. Before I could respond, we rounded the corner and spotted a small group of executives waiting outside Conference Room C.
“Mr. Knight,” the Chief Operating Officer Daniel Miller greeted us first. “Right on schedule as always.
11
“Mr. Miller,” Alexander nodded. “I trust you’ve reviewed the preliminary plans for the Manhattan project?”
“Indeed. Ambitious timeline, but nothing we can’t handle with the right team.” Daniel’s gaze
shifted
to me with a smile. “Ms. Harper, congratulations on your new role. I was pleased to hear about your appointment.”
“Thank you, Mr. Miller,” I replied, straightening my posture. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Laura Taylor, the Head of Human Resources, approached next. “Ms. Harper, it is wonderful to see you stepping into this position. We’ve been watching your progress.”
“That’s… comforting to know,” I said, unsure whether to be flattered or unnerved by her statement.
A man I didn’t recognize stood slightly apart from the executives. He was tall with salt–and–pepper hair and wore a tailored suit that screamed experience and authority.
Alexander noticed my glance. “Ms. Harper, this is our external real estate consultant, Victor
2/4
Chapter 143
+25 BONUS
Harmon. He’ll be advising on the Manhattan Project.”
“Ms. Harper,” Victor extended his hand. “I’ve heard interesting things about you.”
I shook his hand firmly. “All good, I hope, Mr. Harmon.”
“Let’s just say I’m curious to see if you live up to Mr. Knight’s endorsement.” His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Before I could respond, Alexander checked his watch. “Shall we? I believe the team is waiting.”
We entered the conference room, and I immediately felt every eye turn toward us. The room was arranged with a large oval table in the center, surrounded by sixteen chairs. Eight were already occupied by people I assumed were the project team members.
Alexander took his place at the head of the table while I sat to his right. The executives filled in the remaining seats, with Victor Harmon sitting directly across from me.
“Good morning,” Alexander began. “Thank you all for being here.” He gestured toward Victor. “Mr. Harmon will be leading the introductions today.”
Victor stood, buttoning his jacket with practiced ease. “Thank you, Mr. Knight. I’ve had the pleasure of assembling this team specifically for the Manhattan Project. Each member brings specialized expertise that will be crucial to our success.
He began pointing around the table. “Olivia White, our lead architect, has designed three award- winning commercial spaces in the last five years.
A woman with sleek black hair and sharp eyes nodded. “Looking forward to bringing this vision to life.”
“Ryan Hall, structural engineering lead. He’s worked on some of the most challenging foundation projects in New York.” A man with glasses and a serious expression raised his hand briefly.
“Sophia Rodriguez, interior design specialist with experience in luxury commercial spaces.” A stylish woman with a portfolio in front of her smiled warmly.
“Thomas Moore, environmental compliance officer.” An older man with an earnest expression nodded,
“Rachel Kim, the financial analyst specializing in real estate development.” A woman with a calculator and spreadsheets already open on her laptop gave a quick wave.
“Joseph Taylor, our urban planning expert.” An older gentleman with a beard acknowledged the introduction with a slight nod.
.
“And finally, Lucas Garcia, our construction liaison, will be coordinating with the eventual building
3/4
Chapter 143
+25 BONUS
team.” A rugged–looking man in a slightly less formal suit than the others crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair.
Victor paused, looking directly at me. “And now, I’d like to introduce Ms. Madison Harper, who will be serving as the project manager for this development.”
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.
