Madison
I checked my reflection in the mirror one last time, smoothing down the emerald green dress I’d chosen for the evening. The cut was modest enough for a Broadway show but still accentuated my curves in a way I knew Alexander would appreciate. My hair fell in loose waves around my shoulders, and I’d taken extra care with my makeup.
My phone buzzed with a text from Alexander.
Alexander: Car arriving in 5. Wear the emerald earrings I left for you.
I glanced at the velvet box on my dresser, which I’d been deliberately ignoring. Opening it revealed a pair of teardrop emerald earrings, likely very expensive. I hesitated before putting them on, admiring how they caught the light.
“Mom, I’m heading out!” I called, grabbing my clutch.
She appeared in the doorway, eyes widening at my appearance. “Well, don’t you look stunning! Those earrings are gorgeous.”
“Alexander got them for me,” I admitted, touching one self–consciously.
“That man has excellent taste.” She winked. “In jewelry and women.”
“Mom!”
“What? It’s true.” She shooed me toward the door. “Now go have fun.‘
I kissed her cheek and headed downstairs, where Alexander’s sleek black car waited at the curb. The driver opened the door, and I slid inside to find Alexander already seated, looking devastatingly handsome in a tailored
black suit.
His eyes traveled over me appreciatively. “The earrings were a good choice.”
“Did I have one?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Of course. You could have left them in the box.” His lips quirked up. “But I’m glad you didn’t.”
“They’re beautiful,” I admitted. “Thank you.”
“They complement you.” His gaze lingered on my face. “Though you’d look equally stunning without them.”
Heat crept up my neck. “Careful, Mr. Knight. That almost sounded like a compliment.”
“I’m capable of those on occasion.” He leaned back, his knee brushing against mine. “We’re picking up Hazel
next.”
“She’s probably still getting ready,” I said with a laugh. “Hazel has never been on time for anything in her life.”
“Hence why I scheduled the pickup thirty minutes before we actually need to leave.”
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Chapter 291
I blinked in surprise. “You did?”
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“I can be strategic when necessary.” His hand found mine, fingers tracing patterns on my palm. “You look beautiful tonight, Madison.”
The unexpected sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. “Thank you.‘
We rode in comfortable silence until the car pulled up to Hazel’s apartment building.
Five minutes later, Hazel emerged from the building, looking stunning in a form–fitting black dress.
“She’s actually ready,” I said in disbelief.
Alexander smirked. “As I said, strategy.”
Hazel slid into the car, her eyes widening at the luxurious interior. “Wow. Now this is how you travel to a Broadway show.” She extended her hand to Alexander. “Mr. Knight, thank you for the invitation. I’m still not entirely convinced this isn’t a dream.”
Alexander took her hand with a charming smile. “Ms. Foster. Glad you could join us.
“Are you kidding? I’d cancel a date with Chris Evans for these tickets.” She settled back against the leather seat. “Madison, you didn’t tell me your boyfriend was so generous.”
I felt Alexander’s amused gaze on me. “He has his moments,” I replied diplomatically.
“So modest.” Hazel grinned. “The tickets, the car service–what’s next, a private jet to Paris for brunch?”
“Don’t give him ideas,” I warned.
Alexander’s lips twitched. “Paris is lovely this time of year.”
“See what you started?” I shot Hazel a look.
She laughed, clearly enjoying herself. “So, Mr. Knight, how did you manage to get tickets to the most impossible show to see on Broadway? I heard even celebrities are waitlisted.”
“I know the producer,” he replied simply.
Hazel’s eyes widened. “Of course you do.”
The car pulled up to the theater, where a small crowd had gathered outside. The driver came around to open our door, and Alexander stepped out first, offering his hand to help me. Cameras flashed as several people recognized him.
“Is that Alexander Knight?”
Hazel exited the car behind us, her eyes wide at the commotion. “Wow, is this what it’s like being with you all the time?” she whispered as we walked toward the entrance.
“Unfortunately,” I replied under my breath.
Alexander guided us past the line and directly to the VIP entrance, where an attendant was waiting.
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Chapter 291
+25 BONUS
“Mr. Knight, we’ve been expecting you. Please follow me.”
We were led through the opulent lobby and up a private staircase to a box overlooking the stage. The attendant opened a velvet curtain, revealing plush seats and a small table with a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice
bucket.
“Your private box, sir. Please let us know if you need anything else.”
Hazel’s jaw dropped as she took in the luxurious setting. “Okay, this is officially the most amazing night of my life.”
Alexander gestured for us to take our seats. “I’m glad you approve, Ms. Foster.”
“Hazel, please,” she insisted, settling into one of the plush chairs. “And approve doesn’t begin to cover it.
I sat between them, still processing the VIP treatment. Alexander was beside me in an instant, his thigh pressed against mine as he poured champagne into three flutes.
“To an enjoyable evening,” he said, raising his glass.
Hazel clinked her glass against ours. “To generous billionaires and their excellent taste in Broadway shows.”
I took a sip of champagne, the bubbles tickling my throat. “The view is incredible from here.”
“Only the best for you,” Alexander said quietly, his eyes on me rather than the stage.
Hazel caught the exchange and smirked into her champagne. “So, how long have you two been official? Madison’s been frustratingly vague on the details.”
I nearly choked on my drink. “Hazel!”
Alexander’s hand landed on my knee under the table, a gentle squeeze that could have been reassurance or warning. “Madison values her privacy,” he replied smoothly. “It’s one of the many things I admire about her.”
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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.
