Madison
I watched Alexander step out of the car, his tall frame disappearing through Selena’s front door with Leo. The sleek black Bentley idled silently, its luxury interior suddenly feeling too empty without Alexander’s commanding presence.
“Great, now I get to sit here like a good little assistant while the men handle business,” I muttered, drumming my fingers on the leather seat.
Through the tinted windows, I could see the elegant townhouse with its pristine white facade and carefully manicured shrubbery. Typical Kensington – old money dressed in fresh paint.
Five minutes passed. Then ten. I checked my watch for the third time and sighed. The driver remained stoically silent in the front seat, probably used to waiting around for his wealthy passengers.
My phone buzzed in my purse, a welcome distraction. I fished it out, expecting a text from Alexander, but instead, I saw Hazel’s name lighting up my screen.
Hazel: What’s London like? Are you having a royal time with Mr. CEO? Send pics!
I glanced at the elegant townhouse where Alexander had disappeared. No sign of movement behind those pristine windows.
I typed back, keeping it vague.
Me: Still at the hotel. Alexander’s handling some business.
My phone buzzed again almost immediately.
Hazel: Business? In London? Please tell me you’ve at least seen Big Ben! Or is Alexander’s Big Ben keeping you too busy?
I rolled my eyes at her not–so–subtle innuendo.
Me: We did some sightseeing. It’s beautiful here.
Hazel: So you ARE enjoying yourself! I was worried he’d lock you in meetings the whole time.
I smiled, remembering Alexander’s surprisingly thoughtful tour of the city.
Me: It’s been nice. Different than I expected.
The three dots appeared, disappeared, and then reappeared as Hazel composed her reply. Finally, several photos popped up on my screen: designer handbags displayed on glossy store shelves.
Hazel: Emergency shopping situation. Which one? Need to decide in five minutes!
I studied the photos. The blue was eye–catching, but the black was classic.
Me: Black. More versatile, and the gold hardware is gorgeous.
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Chapter 250
+25 BONUS
Hazel: EXACTLY what I was thinking! This is why we’re friends. Great minds and expensive taste!
Another message followed quickly.
Me: Have fun in London with your sexy billionaire! And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do… which leaves you plenty of options!
I snorted and typed back.
Me: Behave yourself. Talk soon.
Putting my phone aside, I sighed and checked my watch. Twenty minutes had passed. What was taking so long? The conversation with Selena couldn’t be going well if Alexander needed this much time.
I drummed my fingers against the leather seat, imagining various scenarios unfolding inside that elegant townhouse. Was Selena denying everything? Threatening legal action? Or worse – was she dangerous?
The thought made my stomach clench. Alexander had insisted this was just a conversation, but what if—
My spiraling thoughts were interrupted as the front door finally opened. Alexander emerged first, his expression unreadable, followed closely by Leo. They stood on the doorstep, heads bent in intense conversation. Alexander’s posture was rigid, his hands moving emphatically as he spoke.
I pressed my face closer to the window, straining to hear anything, but the car’s soundproofing was too effective. Leo nodded several times. He checked his watch, then clapped Alexander on the shoulder before walking to his car parked further down the street.
What had happened in there? Had Selena confessed? Denied everything? The suspense was killing me.
Leo’s car pulled away from the curb, disappearing around the corner as Alexander turned toward our car. His face was like thunder, jaw clenched tight as he approached.
Alexander slid in beside me, bringing with him the crisp London air and tension that filled the entire backseat.
“Miss me?” he asked, his voice deceptively light as he settled in.
“Terribly. I was about to send in a search party.” I studied his face, looking for clues. “You were in there a while.”
The car pulled away from the curb, merging smoothly into London traffic.
“It was… informative.” Alexander loosened his tie slightly, the only visible sign of the stress he was under.
“That’s it? ‘Informative‘? You disappear into a stranger’s house for nearly an hour, and all I get is ‘informative‘? “I crossed my arms. “What happened in there?”
He glanced at the driver, then pressed a button that raised the privacy partition between us. Once it was fully closed, he turned to me.
“Selena Johnson is exactly who we thought she was.” His voice was low, intense. “She drugged my drink at the
Morrison event.”
“She admitted it?” I couldn’t hide my surprise.
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Chapter 259
+25 BONUS
“Not willingly.” A ghost of a smile crossed his face. “Let’s just say Leo can be very persuasive when necessary.”
Something in his tone made me uneasy. “You didn’t-
“We didn’t hurt her if that’s what you’re asking.” He shrugged. “Though she did pull a gun on us.”
“A gun?” My voice rose an octave. “Alexander, what the hell-”
“Relax, Madison. It was under control.” He waved dismissively as if being held at gunpoint was a minor inconvenience. “Leo disarmed her.”
“Jesus Christ.” I ran a hand through my hair. “And here I was, worried about being bored in the car.”
Alexander’s lips quirked up. “Would you have preferred to be there when she pulled the gun?”
“No, but a heads–up that you were walking into a potentially dangerous situation might have been nice.”
“We didn’t know she was armed.” He gazed out the window at the passing London streets. “Though I can’t say I’m entirely surprised. People with secrets tend to be… defensive.”
“So what happened? After the gun?” I pressed.
Alexander shifted in his seat, turning to face me fully. The streetlights cast dramatic shadows across his face as he began to speak.
“We confronted her with Tyler’s statement and the money trail. She denied it at first but eventually revealed the true mastermind.”
“Who?” I leaned forward, completely engrossed.
“Vanessa Caldwell.”
The name hit me like a bucket of ice water. “Vanessa? The same Vanessa who-”
“The very same.” Alexander’s expression darkened. “The one who poured water on you that morning at the office.”
I sat back, stunned. “But why would she drug you?”
“Because she’s delusional.” His jaw clenched. “She thought if I was… uninhibited… I’d finally give in to her advances.”
“That’s insane.” I shook my head in disbelief. “And illegal. And
“Exactly what happened,” he finished. “According to Selena, Vanessa flew her to New York specifically for this purpose. Gave her ten thousand in cash and a vial of something to slip into my drink.”
“And Selena just agreed to this?”
“Apparently, she and Vanessa were friends in college. Vanessa’s father has a significant influence in financial circles. Selena claimed she couldn’t say no without risking her career.”
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.
