Chapter 254
Alexander
The sleek Bentley pulled up to a pristine townhouse in Kensington, one of London’s most exclusive neighborhoods. I checked the address against the one Leo had texted me.
“This is it,” I told Madison, who peered through the window with undisguised curiosity. “I need you to wait in the car.”
Her brow furrowed. “What? Why?”
“Because I don’t want to spook her. Leo and I will handle this.” I squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Trust me.”
Madison’s lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval. “Fine. But be careful.”
“Always am.” I winked, enjoying the eye roll it earned me.
I stepped out of the car, straightening my jacket as I surveyed the elegant townhouse. Security cameras were discreetly positioned at strategic points. A black car was parked nearby, and I spotted Leo leaning against it, sunglasses on despite the overcast London sky.
“About time,” he said as I approached. “Thought you’d gotten lost in tourist land.”
“Had to show Madison Harper the sights. Can’t come to London and just hunt down psychopaths.”
“How considerate of you.”
“What’s the plan?”
“Simple. We’re old classmates who happened to be in London. Thought we’d drop by to catch up.”
I raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? That’s your master plan?”
“Sometimes simple works best.” Leo shrugged. “Besides, she’s already been alerted to our presence.‘
I glanced at the security camera above the door. “Of course she has.”
We approached the front door together, and it swung open before we could even knock. A tall man in a tailored suit stood in the doorway, his expression professionally blank.
“Mr. Knight, Mr. Wallace. Ms. Johnson is expecting you.”
Leo shot me a smug look that clearly said, “told you so,” as we followed the man inside. The interior was exactly what you’d expect from someone with money and taste: marble floors, original artwork, and expensive furniture.
We were led to a living room where Selena Johnson waited. She rose as we entered, a smile playing on her lips that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Alexander Knight. Leonardo Wallace. What an unexpected surprise.” Her voice was smooth as silk, cultured with that particular upper–class British accent that somehow managed to sound both refined and condescending.
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She looked different from her photos, more polished and more poised. Her dark hair was styled in loose waves rather than the right bun Tyler had described, and she wore a simple but clearly expensive navy dress that accentuated her slim figure.
“Selena,” I greeted with a nod. “It’s been a while.”
“High school, if I recall correctly.” She gestured to the plush sofas. “Please, sit. Can I offer you tea? Coffee?”
“Coffee would be great,” Leo said, settling onto one of the sofas.
“Just water for me,” I added, sitting beside him.
Selena nodded to her staff member, who disappeared silently. “What brings two successful American businessmen to my humble London abode? I doubt it’s mere nostalgia.”
“Can’t old classmates catch up?” Leo’s smile was all charm.
“They can, but they rarely do without reason, especially when they fly across an ocean to do so.” Her eyes fixed on me. “I heard you’ve been quite busy, Alexander. Knight Industries is making waves.”
“We try our best.” I leaned back, deliberately casual. “I heard you’ve done well for yourself too. Executive at Thomfield Investments, right?”
A flicker of surprise crossed her face. “You’ve done your homework.”
“I like to know who I’m dealing with.”
The staff member returned with our drinks, placing them on the glass coffee table before disappearing again.
“Almost two years at Thornfield now,” Selena confirmed, taking a delicate sip of her tea. “Though I’m surprised you’d keep tabs on former classmates who weren’t in your immediate circle.”
“I didn’t. But recent events have made me curious about old connections.”
Her eyebrow arched slightly. “Recent events?”
Leo jumped in smoothly, “London’s quite a change from New York. Do you miss the States?”
“Occasionally,” she replied, her gaze still fixed on me. “But London suits me. Less… chaotic.”
“And how’s Thornfield treating you?” I asked, taking a sip of water. “Investment banking seems like a natural fit for someone with your analytical mind.”
“It has its challenges and rewards.” She crossed her legs, the movement deliberately slow. “Though I imagine running Knight Industries presents challenges of its own.”
“Every day brings something new,” I agreed, “Some more unexpected than others.”
“Such as?” Selena leaned forward slightly.
“The usual business challenges.” I kept my tone casual, watching her reactions. “Expanding Knight Industries‘ real estate portfolio in emerging markets, integrating new tech acquisitions, managing investment strategies across volatile sectors. When you’re overseeing everything from commercial developments to retail chains to
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financial services, there’s always something demanding attention.”
“Sounds exhausting,” she remarked. “Thornfield keeps me busy enough with just the investment side.”
Leo jumped in smoothly. “Thomfield has made quite a splash in European markets lately. That merger with Helvetica Bank was particularly impressive.”
A flash of surprise crossed Selena’s face. “You follow our acquisitions?”
“I make it my business to know what’s happening in finance,” Leo replied with an easy smile. “Especially when former classmates are involved.”
She laughed, the sound practiced and melodic. “Well, I can’t take credit for the Helvetica deal. That was all Martin Thornfield’s vision.”
“But you executed it,” I noted. “Implementation is where most mergers fail.”
“True.” She took a delicate sip of tea. “The devil’s in the details, as they say.”
“And how are you finding London?” I asked, steering the conversation in a different direction. “Been here long?
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“Almost two years now. The weather’s dreadful, but I’ve grown to appreciate the history, the culture.” She gestured vaguely to the elegant room around us. “And the real estate, of course.”
“This place is certainly impressive,” Leo commented, glancing around the townhouse.
“Thank you. It was a fortunate find,” she said, her voice carrying a note of modest pride. “And what about you, Alexander? Still the eternal bachelor, or has someone finally managed to tie down New York’s most eligible CEO?
11
I smiled without humor. “I’m focused on business.”
“As always.” Her eyes sparkled with something I couldn’t quite read. “Some things never change.”
“And you?” Leo asked. “Anyone special in your life?”
Chapter 210
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
