+25 BONUS
Chapter 316
Madison
“Good morning, Ms. Harper,” he said, voice smooth as velvet. His gaze traveled over me appreciatively, lingering just long enough to be noticeable before returning to my face.
“Good morning, Mr. Knight,” I replied with professional politeness. Good morning, you two–timing asshole, I added in my mind, keeping my expression neutral despite the anger simmering beneath the surface.
Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if sensing something off in my tone despite my careful control. “My office in five minutes. Bring coffee.”
“Of course,” I answered, my voice impressively steady considering the hurricane of emotions whirling inside me. “I’ll bring it right away.”
He nodded, holding my gaze for a beat longer than necessary before turning toward his office. I watched him walk away, hating how my traitorous body still responded to the confident swagger in his step.
Once his door closed behind him, I exhaled sharply and stood. The pantry was mercifully empty when I arrived, giving me privacy to seethe as I prepared his coffee.
“Exclusive arrangement, my ass,” I muttered, slamming the coffee pod into the machine with unnecessary force. “Parading around town with Katherine while I’m tucked away like some dirty little secret.”
The machine hummed as it brewed, and I drummed my fingers against the counter, rehearsing what I might say. Should I confront him immediately? Or wait until he brought up the photos himself? Maybe he was planning to end our arrangement. Maybe Katherine had agreed to take him back.
The coffee finished brewing, its rich aroma filling the pantry and mingling with the lingering scent of frustration.
I took a deep breath, smoothed my expression into professional neutrality, and headed for his office. Three quick knocks, and I entered without waiting for a response.
Alexander sat behind his massive mahogany desk, fingers flying over the keyboard with practiced ease. He glanced up as I approached, his expression unreadable.
“Your coffee, Mr. Knight,” I said, placing it on the coaster to his right.
“Thank you, Ms. Harper.” His voice was warm, showing no signs of guilt or discomfort. Either he didn’t know about the photos yet, or he was an exceptional actor. “Please, sit.”
I perched on the chair across from him, tablet in hand. “Your schedule for today includes the board meeting at ten, lunch with the board at noon, and the development team presentation at two.”
He took a sip of coffee, watching me over the rim of his mug. “You’ve forgotten something.”
“I have?”
“Dinner. With me. Eight o’clock.”
Chapter 316
+25 BONUS
“I don’t recall that being on the schedule.”
A small smile played at the comers of his mouth. “I’m adding it now. Unless you have other plans?”
Was he serious? After spending the evening with Katherine, he expected me to just fall in line for dinner? “Actually,” I said, the words tumbling out before I could stop them, “I do have plans tonight.”
Alexander’s eyebrows shot up, surprise flickering across his face before he composed himself. He set his coffee down slowly, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Plans?” he repeated, his voice deceptively casual. “What kind of plans?”
I straightened in my chair, feeling a surge of satisfaction at his reaction. “I’m spending time with my mom. She’s feeling much better, and we’re having a movie night.”
It wasn’t entirely a lie. Mom had mentioned wanting to watch a movie together, but we hadn’t set a specific date. Still, the excuse felt solid enough.
Alexander leaned back in his chair, studying me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. “I see.”
I waited for him to push back, to insist I reschedule with my mother. To remind me of our arrangement. To pull rank as both my boss and my… whatever he was.
Instead, he simply nodded. “Alright.”
That was it? Just “alright“? No attempt to change my mind? No counter–offer?
“Is there anything else you need, Mr. Knight?” I asked, keeping my voice professionally neutral despite the storm brewing inside me.
“Not at the moment, Ms. Harper.” He turned his attention back to his computer screen, effectively dismissing me. “Close the door on your way out.”
I stood, clutching my tablet to my chest like a shield. This wasn’t how I’d expected the conversation to go. Where was the Alexander who usually pursued what he wanted with single–minded determination?
Unless…
Unless he already had plans for tonight. With Katherine,
The thought hit me like a punch to the gut. Of course. He wasn’t pushing because he already had a backup plan. Or maybe I was the backup plan, and Katherine was always his first choice.
“Will that be all?” I asked, hovering by his desk, irrationally hoping he’d stop me.
“Yes, that will be all.” He didn’t even look up.
I turned and walked toward the door, each step measured and controlled despite my inner turmoil. Just as my hand reached the doorknob, his voice stopped me.
“Madison.”
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I turned, hope fluttering stupidly in my chest. “Yes?”
Alexander’s eyes met mine, his expression unreadable. “Enjoy your evening with your mother.”
The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. “Thank you. I will.”
+25 BONUS
I slipped out of his office, closing the door behind me with a soft click. Back at my desk, I collapsed into my chair, releasing a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
What the hell was happening? The Alexander I knew would have tried to change my mind, would have used his considerable charm and persuasion skills to get what he wanted. Instead, he’d just accepted my excuse without question.
My computer pinged with a new email. The Manhattan project team was waiting for our morning check–in. Perfect timing; I needed space to think.
I grabbed my tablet and practically fled to the elevator, jabbing the button repeatedly as if that would make it arrive faster.
“Come on, come on,” I muttered, glancing back at Alexander’s door.
The elevator finally arrived, and I stepped inside, exhaling only when the doors closed. As it descended, I smoothed my skirt and tried to compose myself.
“Get it together, Madison,” I whispered to my reflection in the polished elevator doors. “You’re a professional.”
When I reached my project manager office, the team was already assembled around the conference table.
I immersed myself in work, grateful for the distraction. No messages from Alexander. No calls. Just blessed silence that somehow felt more ominous than any confrontation.
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.
