Chapter 304
Madison
+25 BONUS
I stood perfectly still, the champagne flute clutched in my hand like a lifeline. Alexander’s face remained frustratingly neutral as he regarded Katherine–not excited, not cold, just unreadable.
“How long are you in New York?” Gabriel asked Katherine, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
“Indefinitely,” she replied. “I’ve leased office space for Sinclair Luxe’s American headquarters. We’re launching the winter collection here first, before Paris.”
“Bold move,” Alexander commented, taking a measured sip of his scotch.
Katherine’s laugh was musical, practiced to perfection. “When have I ever been anything but bold, darling?” She leaned closer to him, lowering her voice to a near–whisper. “Remember Barcelona? That rooftop bar where we nearly—”
“The auction is starting soon,” Alexander interrupted, checking his watch. “We should find our seats.”
Relief washed over me. At least he hadn’t let her finish whatever intimate memory she was trying to resurrect.
Gabriel clapped his hands together. “Yes, yes! Maria has outdone herself this year. Wait until you see the items up for bid.”
Katherine slipped her arm through Alexander’s with practiced ease. “You’ll sit with me, won’t you, Alex? For old times‘ sake?”
I braced myself for his response, for the dismissal that would confirm what I already suspected: that I was temporary, a placeholder until Katherine returned.
Alexander extracted his arm from her grip, his movement subtle but deliberate. “I’m afraid I’ve already made arrangements to sit with Ms. Harper. Business matters to discuss.”
My pulse quickened. I kept my expression neutral despite the small victory.
“Business at a charity gala?” Katherine arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “Some things never change. Still the workaholic.”
“Some things do change,” Alexander replied, his tone revealing nothing.
We made our way to the auction area, where rows of chairs faced a stage. A slideshow displayed the items up for bid.
Alexander guided me to our seats with his hand at the small of my back, the heat of his palm burning through the thin fabric of my gown. We sat in the second row, close enough to see everything but not so close as to appear overeager.
“Are you planning to bid on anything?” I asked, attempting to break the tension between us.
“Perhaps.” His eyes scanned the room, lingering briefly on Katherine, who had found a seat three rows behind us. “Depends on what catches my interest.”
1/3
Chapter 304
+25 BONUS
The auction began with Gabriel’s wife, Maria, taking the stage, welcoming everyone and explaining the charitable cause: a new pediatric wing for the city hospital.
The first few items went quickly, wealthy patrons raising their paddles for luxury experiences and rare collectibles.
“Next up,” the auctioneer announced, “a unique opportunity. A private tour of the Sinclair Luxe atelier in London, followed by a custom–designed piece from their upcoming collection, personally overseen by Katherine Sinclair herself.”
I felt Alexander stiffen beside me.
“Shall we start the bidding at ten thousand dollars?”
Paddles rose around the room. Twenty thousand. Thirty thousand. Forty–five thousand.
“Fifty thousand,” a voice called from behind us. I didn’t need to turn to know it was Katherine.
The room fell silent for a moment. The auctioneer looked confused. “Ms. Sinclair, this is your donation…”
“I’m aware,” she replied smoothly. “But I’d like to add a special element. Whoever wins will also receive a private dinner with me at my London penthouse.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. The bidding resumed with renewed enthusiasm.
“Seventy–five thousand,” called a silver–haired man near the front.
“One hundred thousand,” countered another bidder.
I glanced at Alexander, whose jaw had tightened almost imperceptibly. His eyes remained fixed on the auctioneer, but I could sense the tension radiating from him.
“One hundred fifty thousand,” a new voice entered the fray.
“Two hundred thousand,” Alexander said clearly, raising his paddle.
My heart stopped. I turned to him, searching his face for some explanation, but his expression remained maddeningly blank.
“Two hundred thousand from Mr. Knight,” the auctioneer confirmed. “Do I hear two hundred fifty?”
The room fell silent.
“Going once… going twice… sold to Alexander Knight for two hundred thousand dollars!”
Applause erupted around us. I sat frozen, my mind racing. Had Alexander just paid two hundred thousand dollars for a private dinner with his ex–girlfriend or girlfriend?
“Congratulations,” I managed, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears.
“Thank you,” he replied, his tone giving nothing away.
The auction continued, but I barely registered the items or bids. My thoughts swirled around Alexander’s
2/3
Chapter 304
+25 BONUS
motives. Was this his way of reconnecting with Katherine? Had our arrangement suddenly become inconvenient now that she was back?
After the final item was sold, raising over three million dollars for the hospital, the crowd dispersed back to the main ballroom. The string quartet had been replaced by a small jazz ensemble, their smooth melodies creating a more intimate atmosphere.
“Drink?” Alexander asked.
“Please,” I nodded, needing something stronger than champagne.
We had barely reached the bar when Katherine appeared beside us, radiant in her crimson gown.
“Two hundred thousand dollars, Alex,” she said, her voice a perfect blend of amusement and intimacy. “That’s quite a statement.”
“It’s for a good cause,” he replied, ordering a scotch for himself and a gin and tonic for me.
Katherine’s eyes sparkled. “And the private dinner? Is that for a good cause too?”
“I haven’t decided if I’ll use it.”
“You’d give up the chance for my personal attention?” She moved closer, her expensive, exotic perfume enveloping us. “That doesn’t sound like the Alex I remember.”
Alexander accepted our drinks from the bartender, handing me mine. “People change, Katherine.”
“Do they?” She tilted her head, studying him. “Or do they just pretend to, until they can return to who they truly are?” Her gaze shifted to me, assessing. “Madison, was it? Alex mentioned you’re his project manager?”
“And personal assistant,” I added, refusing to be diminished.
“How… versatile of you.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “It must be challenging, juggling two roles.”
“Ms. Harper excels at everything she does,” Alexander interjected, his tone matter–of–fact.
Katherine’s eyebrow arched slightly. “I’m sure she does.”
Chapter 305
Chapter 305
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.
