Chapter 213
Madison
“Did any of his previous assistants provide this… service?” I asked, keeping my tone conversational while I sipped my drink.
Caroline laughed, the sound light, and practiced. “Oh, many. I won’t name names, of course. Professional courtesy and all that.” She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Some were more helpful than others. The smart ones realized it was in their best interest to stay on my good side.”
“I see,” I said, setting my glass down firmly. “I’m afraid I can’t help you.”
Her smile faltered. “Excuse me?”
“As Mr. Knight’s personal assistant, I have a responsibility to maintain his privacy. His schedule isn’t public information, and I won’t be sharing it with anyone.”
Caroline’s perfectly shaped eyebrows drew together in a frown. “Don’t be difficult, Madison. It’s just a harmless text now and then.”
“It’s a breach of confidentiality,” I countered. “And honestly, if Mr. Knight wanted to see you, he has your number, doesn’t he?”
Her cheeks flushed pink. “You don’t understand our relationship. We have a long history.”
“I’m sure you do,” I replied evenly. “But that doesn’t change my position.”
Caroline sighed dramatically, setting her martini glass down with a soft clink. “You’re stubborn, aren’t you?” She leaned forward, lowering her voice. “What if I made it worth your while? Say… five hundred dollars per text? Just a quick heads–up when he’s attending certain events.”
I nearly choked on my drink. “You’re offering to bribe me now?”
“I prefer to call it compensation for services rendered,” she said with a wink. “One thousand for advance notice of his dinner reservations.”
“My answer is still no,” I said firmly. “I value my job and my professional integrity more than that.”
Caroline studied me for a moment, her head tilted slightly to one side. “Impressive. You really are loyal to him, aren’t you?” She picked up her martini, swirling the remaining liquid thoughtfully. “Most of his assistants would have jumped at the offer.”
“I’m not most assistants.”
“Clearly.” She smiled, something almost like respect flickering in her eyes. “I admire loyalty, even when it’s inconvenient for me.”
I relaxed slightly, sensing the shift in her approach. “Is that why you wanted to meet? Just to try to bribe me?”
“Not entirely.” Caroline flagged down a waiter and ordered another round. “I actually wanted to get to know you. Alexander doesn’t keep assistants for long–especially not ones he promotes.”
Chapter 213
+15 BONUS
“I work hard,” I said simply.
“I’m sure you do.” Her smile turned, knowing. “In whatever capacity he requires.”
I felt my cheeks flush but kept my expression neutral. “Is there something specific you wanted to know about me?”
“Many things,” she replied. “But I need an answer to another question, and this may not count as giving away his confidential information.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What is it? If it’s not private information, I can answer.”
Caroline leaned forward, her martini glass dangling from her perfectly manicured fingers. “Is Alexander dating anyone these days?”
The question hung in the air between us. I took a slow sip of my drink to buy myself time, feeling the gin burn slightly down my throat.
“I don’t know about that,” I replied carefully. “Mr. Knight keeps his personal life very private.”
Caroline laughed. “Oh, come on. You’re his assistant! You manage his calendar and take his calls. You must know if there’s someone special in his life.”
“Managing his business calendar and knowing his romantic interests are two different things,” I countered.
“Really?” She arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “That’s disappointing. His previous assistants were much more… informed.”
I shrugged, maintaining my neutral expression. “Perhaps Mr. Knight values his privacy more now.”
“Or perhaps,” Caroline said, stirring her martini with the olive pick, “he’s still hung up on Katherine.”
I nearly choked on my drink. “Who is Katherine?” I asked, trying to sound casual despite the sudden racing of my heart.
Caroline’s eyes widened with delight at my reaction. “You don’t know about Katherine? Oh my God, this is too good.”
I set my glass down, suddenly much more interested in this conversation than I had been a moment ago. “No, I don’t know anything about her.”
Caroline leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. “Wow. I’m genuinely shocked. You’ve been working for him for what–almost a year?—and he’s never mentioned Katherine?”
“No,” I replied, trying to keep my voice casual. “Should he have?”
“It’s ancient history. Happened years ago.” She waved her hand dismissively. “I don’t even remember exactly which year.”
I took another sip of my drink, my curiosity burning. “What happened between them?”
“Oh, it was quite the romance. They dated for a while—very seriously. Katherine came from this incredibly
2/3
Chapter 213
+15 BONUS
prestigious family, old money, you know? The kind of people who have buildings named after them.”
I nodded, trying not to seem too eager for information.
“They were perfect on paper,” Caroline continued, gesturing with her glass. “Two beautiful people from the right families, both brilliant, ambitious. Everyone thought they’d get married eventually.”
“So what happened?” I asked, keeping my voice neutral despite the strange knot forming in my stomach.
Caroline leaned in conspiratorially. “She left him. Packed up and moved to London to focus on her career. Wanted to build her own empire or something equally ambitious.”
I tried to imagine Alexander being left by someone. The concept seemed almost impossible, given his commanding presence and the way he controlled everything around him.
“Did he try to contact her?” I asked before I could stop myself.
Caroline shrugged. “Who knows? Alexander doesn’t exactly share his feelings. But it was obvious he was waiting for her to call.” She twirled the olive in her drink. “Men can be so stubborn about these things.”
“How long ago was this?” I tried to sound casually interested rather than desperately curious.
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.
