Madison
Monday mornings always felt like the calm before the storm tactived early, settled at my desk, and due inte work before the usual office chaos began The Manhattan Project was picking up speed, and my to do list bod ATOWY CNGANAontially over the weekend
Treviewed the latest architectural renderings, taking notes on potential issues. My mind kept drifting to Katherine Sinclair. After discovering who she was, I’d spent the entire weekend debating whether to ask Alexander about her directiv
“Just focus on work,” I muttered to myself, tapping my pen against the desk
Would bringing up Katherine make things awkward between us? Or worse, would it reveal feelings I wasn’t ready to confront? Our arrangement was complicated enough without adding emotional baggage.
A knock at my door interrupted my thoughts
“Good morning, Miss Harper.” Herbert Hayes stood in the doorway, briefcase in hand, looking every bit the seasoned professional in his navy suit.
“Mr. Hayes, welcome.” I stood and gestured to the chair across from my desk. “Flease, come in
He settled into the chair, placing his briefcase beside him. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important
“Not at all. I was just reviewing the latest designs.” I closed the file on my computer and turned my fill attention to him. “How was your weekend? Have you settled in yet?”
“It was good, thank you. I’m all settled and ready to start today.”
“That’s great to hear.” I pulled out a folder from my desk drawer. “I’ve prepared some materials to get you started. The team meeting is at eleven, which should give you time to review everything
Herbert accepted the folder with a nod. “Efficient. I appreciate that.”
“We’ve got a lot of ground to cover,” I said, gesturing toward the door. “Let me show you to your workspace. You can get started there.”
He followed me out, and I led him to a small but well–appointed office down the hall. “This will be yours while you’re working with us.”
“Perfect.” Herbert set his briefcase on the desk and looked around approvingly. “I’ll get right to it.”
“Great. I’ll see you at eleven, then.”
Back at my desk, I tried again to focus on work, but my thoughts kept circling back to Katherine. Maybe I should just ask him. Get it over with. Clear the air.
My desk phone rang, startling me from my thoughts.
“Madison Harper speaking.”
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“Come to my office.” Alexander’s voice was clipped and professional.
“Right away, Mr. Knight.”
I grabbed my tablet and then checked my reflection in my compact mirror. Hair neat, lipstick perfect, no visible signs of my internal turmoil. Good.
The ride up felt longer than usual. I tapped my finger against my tablet, rehearsing what I’d say when I entered his office. Professional. Detached. As if I hadn’t spent half the night wondering about Katherine Sinclair.
When the elevator doors opened, I strode purposefully down the hallway, my heels clicking against the marble floor. I knocked twice on Alexander’s door before entering.
“You wanted to see me, Mr. Knight?” I kept my voice steady and professional.
Alexander sat behind his massive desk, sunlight streaming through the floor–to–ceiling windows behind him. He looked up from his computer, his gaze intense as always.
“Ms. Harper,” he acknowledged, gesturing to the chair across from him. “Sit.”
I perched on the edge of the chair, tablet balanced on my knees. “What can I do for you?”
“Has Herbert Hayes arrived?” he asked, his eyes returning to his computer screen.
“Yes, he came in this morning. I’ve set him up in the office and given him the project materials to review before the team meeting.”
Alexander nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Good. He’ll be an asset to the Manhattan Project.”
“I agree,” I said, relaxing slightly. “His experience will be invaluable.”
Alexander leaned back in his chair, studying me with those piercing eyes. “I have another task for you. One that requires discretion.”
My pulse quickened. “Of course.”
“Your friend–Hazel, was it? The one who found those articles about me?”
I blinked in surprise. “Yes?”
“I need her services.” He folded his hands on the desk. “Ask her to compile every article she can find about me. Specifically, anything suggesting I’m dating someone or involved in some scandal. Check those Discord servers she mentioned, social media, gossip sites, everything.” 1
“You want me to ask Hazel to dig up dirt on you?” I couldn’t keep the confusion from my voice.
“Precisely.” His expression remained serious. “We need a complete collection. Every article, post, or mention. I want to see if they’re connected.”
“May I ask why?”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. “We’ve identified the person writing these articles. I need to see the full picture to determine if they’re all from the same source or if multiple people are involved.”
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My curiosity piqued. “You found who’s behind the articles? About you dating Penelope and Scarlett?”
“Yes” His eyes darkened. “But I need more evidence before making my next move,”
“Who is it?” I leaned forward, unable to hide my interest.
Alexander’s lips curved into a slight smile. “All in good time, Ms. Harper. First, I need that collection of articles, Can your friend handle this discreetly?”
I almost laughed. “Hazel would kill for this opportunity. She lives for this kind of thing.”
“Perfect.” He pushed a business card across the desk. “Have her send everything directly to this email address. Tell her there’s compensation involved.”
I took the card, tucking it into my tablet case. “She’ll be thrilled. This is basically her dream job.”
“Good. I need this as soon as possible.” He paused, watching me carefully. “Is there something else on your mind, Ms. Harper? You seem… distracted today.”
I shifted in my seat. “Just curious why someone would target you with fake dating rumors.”
“People have many motives. Money, revenge, jealousy.” His eyes locked with mine. “The question is: why does it matter to you?”
Heat crept up my neck. “It doesn’t. I’m just concerned about the company’s reputation.”
‘Are you?” His smile turned knowing. “Or are you concerned about who I might be dating?”
“Our arrangement specifies exclusivity,” I replied coolly. “I’m simply verifying compliance with the terms.”
Alexander laughed, a genuine, warm sound that caught me off guard. “Always the professional. Very well, Ms. Harper. To ease your mind: I’m not dating anyone except you. These articles are fabrications.”
“I wasn’t worried,” I lied.
“Of course not.” His tone made it clear he didn’t believe me. “Now, about your friend Hazel, how quickly can she get this done?”
“I’ll call her right after our meeting. I’ll make sure she understands how critical this is and that it needs to be done with utmost urgency.”
“Excellent.” He leaned forward, “Tell her discretion is paramount. No one can know what she’s doing or why.”
“She can keep a secret.” I paused. “When she wants to.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “Make sure she wants to. This is important.”
“I understand.”
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Chapter 223
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.
