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Chapter 212
Madison
His phone rang, and he answered immediately, launching into a discussion about another project. I took the opportunity to finalize my notes and send emails to the relevant team members regarding the Thornton property adjustments.
The rest of the ride back to the office passed in comfortable silence punctuated by Alexander’s occasional phone conversations.
When we pulled up to the office building, Alexander stepped out first and stood by the car, waiting for me. As we made our way through the bustling lobby, employees nodded respectfully in acknowledgment.
“I have meetings for the rest of the afternoon,” Alexander said as we stepped into the elevator. “I’ll need the Thornton property report on my desk by tomorrow morning.”
“Of course.” I held his gaze for a moment, still feeling the electricity between us from our earlier encounter.
The elevator doors opened, revealing the busy office floor. Alexander stepped out first, immediately shifting
into CEO mode.
“The Thornton report, my desk, tomorrow morning,” he reminded me as we approached my office.
“I’ll have it ready,” I replied, matching his professional tone.
He nodded curtly before continuing to his office, not a single hair out of place despite what we’d done in the backseat of his car less than an hour ago.
I settled at my desk, my body still humming from our encounter.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of meetings, phone calls, and finalizing the Thornton property report.
Back at my apartment, I kicked off my heels with a groan of relief. The hot water of the shower soothed my muscles, washing away the day’s stress and the lingering scent of Alexander’s cologne.
As steam filled the bathroom, I leaned against the cool tile, letting my mind wander.
Caroline’s text from yesterday still haunted me: “Hey Madison! Let’s meet for drinks tomorrow. I want to get to know Alexander’s ‘assistant‘ better. 7 PM at The Loft?”
I’d agreed against my better judgment. What was I thinking? The woman clearly had an agenda that involved getting closer to Alexander. But maybe this was my chance to learn more about Katherine.
After toweling off, I checked my phone. 6:15 PM. Just enough time to get ready. I slipped into black jeans and a simple blue blouse, a casual yet put–together look. No need to dress up for Caroline.
The cab dropped me off in front of The Loft at 6:58 PM. The trendy bar occupied the top floor of a renovated industrial building in Chelsea, its floor–to–ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Perfect for Caroline’s obvious taste for the dramatic.
I spotted her immediately at a corner table near the windows, looking immaculate in a designer dress. Her
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chestnut hair fell in perfect waves over her shoulders as she sipped a martini, scrolling through her phone.
“Madison!” She waved me over with excessive enthusiasm. “You made it!”
“Caroline,” I nodded, sliding into the seat across from her. “Nice place.”
“Isn’t it divine? I practically live here when I’m in the city.” She signaled a waiter. “What are you drinking?”
“Just a gin and tonic.”
Caroline ordered my drink and another martini for herself. “Extra dirty, two olives,” she instructed the waiter with a wink that made me want to roll my eyes.
“So,” she turned her attention back to me, “how long have you been working for Alexander?”
“Almost a year now,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
“And you’re his… personal assistant?” The way she emphasized “personal” made it sound like a euphemism.
“Yes, and now also project manager for the Manhattan development.”
Her perfectly sculpted eyebrows shot up. “Project manager? That’s quite a promotion. Alexander must think very highly of your… skills.”
The waiter arrived with our drinks, saving me from responding immediately. I took a sip, welcoming the sharp bite of gin.
“Alexander has always had an eye for talent,” Caroline continued, stirring her martini with an olive pick.” Among other things.”
“He’s an excellent businessman,” I said flatly.
Caroline laughed, the sound like tinkling glass. “Oh honey, don’t be so formal. We’re just two girls having drinks.
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“Right,” I replied, taking another sip of my gin and tonic. “Just drinks.”
Caroline leaned forward, her diamond earrings catching the light. “So, how is it working for Alexander? He can be quite… demanding.”
“He’s professional and expects the same from his employees,” I answered carefully.
“Professional? That’s the most boring word you could use to describe Alexander Knight.” She laughed again, stirring her martini. “Come on, give me something juicy. Does he still have that temper? Remember that time he threw his phone across the boardroom?”
I raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen him throw anything.”
“Really? How disappointing. He must be mellowing with age.” She sighed dramatically. “Though I doubt that applies to all aspects of his personality.”
We drank in silence for a moment, the ambient noise of the bar filling the space between us.
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The city lights sparkled like a sea of diamonds through the floor–to–ceiling windows, casting, & A almost magical backdrop that complemented the chic ambiance of the bar.
“Beautiful view, isn’t it?” Caroline mused, tracing her finger around the rim of her martini glass. “I always request this table. The lighting makes everyone look good.”
“It’s impressive,” I admitted, taking another sip of my drink
We fell into silence for a moment, the ambient noise of the bar filling the space between us. The clink of glasses, murmured conversations, and soft jazz from hidden speakers created a sophisticated soundtrack to our uncomfortable meeting,
“So,” Caroline finally broke the silence, leaning forward slightly. “How’s Alexander these days? Still working
those ridiculous hours?”
“Mr. Knight keeps incredibly busy,” I replied neutrally, giving nothing away. “The company’s expanding rapidly, and he’s always at the helm, driving the growth forward.”
Caroline nodded thoughtfully and took a sip of her martini, her eyes never leaving mine. The tension between es was palpable, and I could sense her calculating her next move.
I cleared my throat, deciding to address the elephant in the room. “At the gala, you said you wanted to know about his whereabouts.”
Caroline’s eyes lit up. “Yes! That’s actually why I wanted to meet. I was hoping we could establish a… metually beneficial arrangement.”
“What kind of arrangement?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.
“Nothing complicated,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “Just text me when he’s planning to attend certain events or parties. Or if he mentions a restaurant he’s going to. That sort of thing”
I raised an eyebrow. “So you can coincidentally be there?
“Exactly!” She beamed as if I’d just solved a complex equation. “We have such entsting deniers Hereder and I. But timing is everything, you know? If I happen to run into him at the right charity gala or the perfect restaurant opening.” She trailed off with a suggestive smile.
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Chapter 213
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.
