Chapter 266
Chapter 266
Madison
+25 BONUS
I froze mid–step, unable to process the scene before me. Alexander Knight–billionaire CEO, my boss, my fake boyfriend, the man who’d had me pinned against his office wall–was chatting with my mother like they were old friends.
“So I tell him, ‘If you think that’s how plumbing works, I’ve got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn!‘” my mother said, gesturing wildly.
Alexander threw his head back and laughed. “That’s brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.”
I approached slowly, feeling like I’d stepped into an alternate dimension. Neither had noticed me yet.
“And what exactly is happening here?” I asked, drawing their attention.
Alexander turned, his smile widening when he saw me. “Madison! I was just getting acquainted with this delightful woman.” He placed his hand on the small of my back, leaning in close. “Meet my girlfriend,” he said smoothly.
My jaw dropped. “Mom, he’s just—”
“Mom?” Alexander’s eyebrows shot up.
“Yes, my daughter,” my mother said, beaming. “Though she apparently hasn’t mentioned me.”
I stepped between them. “Mom, he’s just joking. This is Alexander Knight, my boss.” I emphasized the last word, shooting him a pointed look.
“Mrs. Harper, I had no idea you were Madison’s mother. We just happened to cross paths while I was waiting for Dr. Williams.”
“Call me Sarah, please,” my mother insisted. “And what a happy coincidence! I recognized you from those business magazines Madison leaves around her apartment.”
I felt my cheeks heat up. “I don’t leave them around-”
“She has quite the collection,” my mother continued, ignoring my protest. “Your face is on at least half of them.
Alexander’s lips quirked up. “Is that so?”
“Mom,” I hissed, “shouldn’t we be handling your discharge papers?”
“But we’re talking,” my mother protested, waving dismissively at the paperwork concerns. “Alexander was just telling me about his lake house. Did you know it’s been in his family for generations?”
I shot Alexander a look that clearly said ‘traitor.” “We can talk later, Mom. The nurse is probably waiting with your paperwork.”
“Oh, nonsense.” My mother patted Alexander’s arm like they were old friends. “We can continue our chat later.
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Maybe over dinner sometime? I’d love to hear more about your business ventures.”
Alexander’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “I’d be delighted, Sarah.”
+25 BONUS
“Wonderful!” My mother beamed at him, then turned to me with a sly smile. “Madison, you never told me your boyfriend was so charming.”
“He’s not my “I started, then caught Alexander’s warning glance. “I mean, it’s still… new.”
“Well, new or not, he’s quite the catch.” She winked at me, completely misreading my discomfort.
“Let’s get your discharge papers, Mom,” I said firmly, guiding her toward the nurses‘ station.
Alexander fell into step beside us. “I’ll handle the paperwork while you help your mother gather her things.”
“That’s so thoughtful,” my mother gushed. “Isn’t he thoughtful, Madison?”
“Incredibly,” I muttered.
While Alexander charmed the administrative staff, I helped my mother pack her belongings. She couldn’t stop talking about him.
“He’s exactly how I pictured him from those magazine covers,” she whispered excitedly. “Even more handsome in person!”
“Mom, please.”
“What? I’m just saying, you’ve done well for yourself.” She zipped up her toiletry bag. “And the way he looks at you!”
I nearly dropped the stack of books I was packing. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, honey.” She patted my cheek. “That man is completely smitten.”
Before I could argue, Alexander appeared in the doorway with discharge papers. “All set. The car is waiting whenever you’re ready.”
“Such efficiency!” My mother practically glowed as she beamed at Alexander.
I rolled my eyes while gathering the last of her belongings. “Mom, it’s just hospital paperwork.”
“When you’ve been stuck in a hospital as long as I have, you appreciate someone who can cut through red tape.” She patted Alexander’s arm. “Most people would still be arguing with insurance companies.”
Alexander’s smile was modest but pleased. “I may have some experience with the administrative side of healthcare.”
“Some experience,” I muttered. “He owns half the medical startups in New York.”
“Not half,” Alexander corrected. “Maybe a third.”
My mother laughed, delighted by his humor. “Well, whatever the percentage, I’m grateful. Now, are we ready to go? I’ve been dreaming of my own bed for weeks.”
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A nurse appeared with a wheelchair. “Hospital policy, Mrs. Harper.
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Mom sighed dramatically. “Fine, but I’m perfectly capable of walking.”
“Rules are rules,” the nurse said cheerfully.
+25 BONUS
As the nurse wheeled my mother toward the elevator, Alexander fell into step beside me. “Your mother is charming,” he murmured.
“She’s something alright,” I replied. “I can’t believe you told her about the lake house.”
“She asked what I did for relaxation.” His shoulder brushed mine as we walked. “Should I have lied?”
“No, but maybe don’t share vacation spots that I’ve personally visited while naked.”
His eyes darkened. “Now there’s a memory.”
I felt heat rise to my cheeks and quickened my pace to catch up with my mother.
Outside, Alexander’s sleek black car waited at the curb. The driver jumped out to help my mother from the wheelchair while Alexander took her bags.
“This is quite the chariot,” Mom said, sliding into the backseat. “Much nicer than Madison’s usual Uber rides.”
I groaned inwardly as I climbed in after her. “Mom, please.”
“What? I’m just making conversation.” She turned to Alexander as he settled beside me. “Madison never brings men home. You’re the first in years.”
“Mom!”
Alexander’s smirk was unbearable. “Is that so?”
“Oh yes. There was that Jackson boy in college, but he wasn’t anything special.”
I closed my eyes briefly. “Can we please talk about something else?”
“Fine, fine.” My mother waved her hand dismissively. “Alexander, tell me about this Manhattan project Madison’s working on. She’s been very secretive about it.”
As Alexander launched into an overview of the development, I watched him interact with my mother. He was charming, attentive, and genuinely engaging, showing a side of himself I rarely saw in the office. My mother hung on his every word, occasionally asking surprisingly insightful questions that made Alexander raise his eyebrows in appreciation.
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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.
