Chapter 327
Madison
For the next week, I threw myself into work. Every morning, I arrived early, left late, and was buried in work. Anything to avoid thinking about Alexander Knight and the hollow feeling in my chest.
The day of the gala arrived with cruel swiftness. I woke up with a knot of dread in my stomach, knowing I’d have to watch Alexander with Katherine all evening, playing the part of the professional employee while remembering how his hands felt on my body.
At noon, a courier delivered a large garment bag to my apartment.
I unzipped the bag slowly, revealing a midnight blue gown that took my breath away. The silk fabric shimmered in the light, its deep color reminiscent of the night sky. Strapless with a sweetheart neckline, it hugged the torso before flowing out in a subtle A–line.
Tucked into the garment bag was a smaller box containing a diamond necklace and matching earrings that had to be worth at least twenty thousand dollars.
So he’d picked the dress himself, not from the rental options he’d shown me. The realization sent an unwelcome flutter through my stomach.
I spent the afternoon getting ready, taking extra care with my hair and makeup. By 6:45, I was dressed and waiting, the diamonds cool against my skin.
Part of me hoped Alexander might pick me up himself, despite everything. That he’d walk in, see me in the dress he chose, and remember what we’d shared.
But at precisely 7 PM, my phone buzzed with a text from Alexander.
Alexander: Your car has arrived, Ms. Harper.
Just a driver. Of course.
I tried to ignore my disappointment as I grabbed my clutch and headed downstairs.
The Plaza Hotel glittered with lights as we pulled up to the entrance. A red carpet lined the steps, and photographers snapped pictures of New York’s elite as they arrived. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, grateful the press wasn’t interested in a mere project manager.
The ballroom was transformed into a wonderland, with crystal decorations catching the light and casting rainbow prisms across the white–clothed tables. In the corner, an orchestra played softly as waiters mingled and offered champagne flutes.
I spotted Alexander immediately. He stood near the entrance, magnificent in his black tuxedo and perfectly styled hair. Katherine was beside him, resplendent in a crimson gown that hugged her figure. Her hand rested on his arm as she laughed at something he said.
My heart twisted painfully. They looked perfect together, and the handsome CEO and the gorgeous fashion designer were reunited at last.
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“Champagne, miss?” A waiter appeared at my elbow.
“Thank you.” I took a glass, grateful for something to do with my hands.
+25 BONUS
I made my way to table one, where place cards marked our assigned seats. Sure enough, I was positioned directly across from Alexander, with Katherine to his right. I would have a perfect view of them all evening.
I took my seat, exchanging polite greetings with the other guests already at the table. Alexander and Katherine continued to work the room, stopping to chat with various donors and businesspeople.
She never left his side, touching his arm frequently, laughing at his jokes. I tried not to stare, focusing instead on my champagne.
“Ms. Harper.”
I looked up to find Alexander standing over me, Katherine still attached to his arm.
“Mr. Knight,” I replied, my voice impressively steady.
His eyes swept over me, lingering briefly on the necklace. “I see the dress fits well.”
“Yes, thank you. It’s beautiful.”
He nodded, then turned to the elderly couple also seated at our table. “Mr. and Mrs. Pembroke, may I introduce Katherine Sinclair, CEO of Sinclair Luxe?”
I was dismissed without another word, not even introduced to the Pembrokes. Just Alexander’s employee, not worth mentioning. 1
Dinner was an exquisite torture. From my seat, I had a perfect view of Alexander and Katherine. She leaned close to him throughout the meal, whispering comments that made him smile, that rare, genuine smile I’d worked so hard to earn. Now he gave it freely to her.
“Remember that awful charity ball in Texas?” she said loudly enough for me to hear. “When you nearly punched that man for stepping on my dress?”
“He deserved it.”
“My hero,” she purred, placing her hand on his.
I stabbed my fork into a piece of salmon, imagining it was Katherine’s perfectly manicured hand.
The speeches began after the main course. Alexander took the stage first, welcoming everyone and explaining the charity’s mission. He was magnetic, commanding the room with effortless charisma.
“And now,” he concluded, “I’d like to introduce Madison Harper, our project manager for the Manhattan development, who will share some details about this exciting new venture.”
I rose from my seat, smoothing my dress before walking to the stage. Alexander gave me a brief nod as we passed each other, his expression inscrutable.
Taking the microphone, I faced the crowd, finding my professional voice despite the turmoil inside.
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“Good evening. The Manhattan project represents Knight Industries‘ commitment to sustainable urban development…”
I delivered my prepared remarks flawlessly, highlighting the project’s innovations and community benefits. As I spoke, I noticed Alexander watching me intently, his blue eyes never leaving my face. Katherine noticed too, whispering something in his ear that made his attention snap back to her.
After my speech, several donors approached to ask questions about the development.
I answered professionally, grateful for the distraction from watching Alexander and Katherine together.
When I finally returned to the table, dessert was being served, a delicate chocolate mousse that I couldn’t taste past the lump in my throat.
“Excellent speech, Ms. Harper,” Alexander said, his tone formal. “You represented the project well.”
“Thank you, Mr. Knight.”
Katherine’s laugh rang out again, drawing Alexander’s attention immediately. She touched his sleeve, leaning close to whisper something in his ear. Whatever she said made his lips quirk up in that half–smile I knew so well.
Just friends, my ass. The way she practically draped herself over him screamed possession. And he wasn’t exactly pushing her away.
I stabbed my dessert spoon into the chocolate mousse, imagining it was Katherine’s perfect face. 10:30 reservation at Le Bernardin? Who eats dinner at 10:30 PM after attending a gala with a five–course meal? People who want privacy for other activities, that’s who.
Not that I cared. Nope. Not one bit.
Chapter 328
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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.
