Madison
Alexander sat down behind his desk, motioning for me to take a seat across from him. I perched on the edge of the chair, tablet balanced on my knee.
“How’s your mother doing today?” he asked, his voice softer than I expected.
The question caught me off guard. “She’s… fine. Trying to cook pancakes this morning despite doctor’s orders to rest.”
A small smile played at the corner of his lips. “Sounds like someone else I know who doesn’t follow instructions.
11
“I follow instructions just fine, Mr. Knight,” I replied, raising an eyebrow. “When they make sense.
IT
“Debatable.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Have you thought about what we discussed last night?”
So we were jumping right into it. No small talk, no buffer. Typical Alexander.
“I’ve thought about it,” I said carefully.
“And?”
“And I haven’t decided yet.” I met his gaze steadily. “It’s not a simple decision.”
“I see.”
“Is that all you wanted to discuss?” I asked, keeping my voice neutral.
He studied me for a moment, his eyes searching mine for something I wasn’t sure I wanted him to find. Finally, he nodded. “You can go and work, Ms. Harper.”
“Alright.” I stood, smoothing my skirt. “The development team is expecting the revised timeline by noon. Should I tell them you’ll have it ready?”
“I’ll email it to you within the hour.”
“Perfect.” I turned to leave, feeling his eyes on my back as I walked to the door.
“Madison,” he called just as my hand touched the doorknob.
I paused, not turning around. “Yes?”
“Your mother seems like a remarkable woman.”
I glanced over my shoulder, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “She is.”
“She raised you. That speaks volumes.”
A warm flush crept up my neck. “I’ll let her know you said so.
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Chapter 274
+25 BONUS
His lips quirked upward. “Please do.”
I nodded and left his office, closing the door behind me with a soft click. What was that about? Alexander Knight, CEO of Knight Industries, complimenting my mother? The same man who once fired an assistant for bringing him coffee that was two degrees too cold?
I shook my head, trying to make sense of it as I settled back at my desk. The Alexander I’d first met would never have cared about an employee’s family. He wouldn’t have remembered my mother’s name, let alone asked about her health.
But then again, the Alexander I’d first met wouldn’t have created this bizarre arrangement either.
I spent the rest of the day juggling between my PA duties and the Manhattan Project, shuttling between my desk outside Alexander’s office and my project manager space ten floors down. The development team had questions about the timeline, and the contractors needed approval on material changes.
By six o’clock, my feet ached, and my brain felt like mush. Most of the staff had already left, and the office was quiet except for the hum of the air conditioning and the occasional ping of the elevator.
I gathered my things, ready to head home to check on Mom, when I paused, my hand hovering over my bag. The conversation with Alexander from last night still bothered me. Making our arrangement public wasn’t something I could just agree to on a whim. We needed to talk about this properly and set clear boundaries.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I marched back to his office, knocking firmly on the door.
“Come in,” his deep voice called.
I pushed the door open to find Alexander standing by the window, silhouetted against the city lights beginning to flicker on as dusk settled. He’d loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves, giving him that dangerously attractive disheveled look.
“Madison,” he said, surprise evident in his voice. “I thought you’d left.”
“I was about to.” I closed the door behind me. “But we need to talk.”
He raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. “That sounds ominous.”
“It’s about last night. About making our arrangement public.”
Alexander gestured toward the chair across from his desk. “Have a seat.
I shook my head. “I’ll stand. This won’t take long.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. “Go on.”
“We have more months left in our original agreement,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “I agreed to this arrangement because you promised to keep it private, and I want it to stay that way until our year is up.”
“Is that all?” He crossed his arms, leaning against his desk.
“No,” I replied, meeting his gaze directly. “That’s non–negotiable. I won’t compromise on this.”
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Chapter 274
Alexander studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “You’re very adamant about this.”
“I am.”
+25 BONUS
“May I ask why?” Alexander’s voice was soft, but his eyes were intense, searching my face for answers.
I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze directly. “Because I don’t want everyone thinking I got my promotion because we’re dating. I’ve worked too hard to have my accomplishments dismissed as the result of sleeping with the boss.”
“Is that what you think people would say?” He pushed away from his desk, taking a step toward me.
“It’s what they already whisper, Mr. Knight.” I stood my ground despite his proximity. “The rumors started the moment you announced my promotion. Making our arrangement public would only confirm their suspicions.”
“Your work speaks for itself.”
“In an ideal world, maybe.” I crossed my arms. “But we don’t live in one.”
Alexander was close enough now that I could smell his cologne, that expensive scent that always lingered on my skin after our encounters. “And after the year is up? What then?”
The question hung between us, heavier than it should have been for a simple business arrangement.
“We can discuss it then,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “After our arrangement ends, we can talk about whether we want to continue it or not. Whether we want to keep it private again or… something else.”
His eyes darkened slightly. “Something else?”
I swallowed. “Whatever we decide. Together. But for now, I need this to stay private.”
Alexander studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. “Okay.”
“Okay?” I blinked, surprised by his easy capitulation.
3/3
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.
