Chapter 325
Madison
+25 BONUS
The office felt colder without Alexander’s attention. For a week after ending our arrangement, I’d seen him exactly twice, both times in passing, with barely a nod of acknowledgment. The professional distance I’d requested now stretched between us like an arctic wasteland.
I drummed my fingers on my desk, staring at his closed office door. He was in there, on a call. I could hear the low rumble of his voice through the walls, but couldn’t make out the words.
I missed his voice. Missed the way it would drop to that dangerous, seductive octave when we were alone. Missed how he’d call me “Maddie” in private moments, the nickname rolling off his tongue like a caress.
Now it was all “Ms. Harper” and curt nods in the hallway.
I got exactly what I asked for. Professional distance. No more arrangement. No more confusion.
So why did it feel like I’d lost something precious?
My computer pinged with a new email. I clicked it open, expecting something work–related. Instead, my stomach dropped.
To: All Staff
From: Executive Office
Subject: Knight Industries Annual Charity Gala – Two Weeks Notice
The annual Knight Industries Charity Gala will be held on Saturday at the Plaza Hotel. All department heads and senior project managers are required to attend. Formal attire required.
Alexander Knight, CEO
The charity gala. I’d completely forgotten about it with everything else going on. As project manager, I was now expected to attend, something that would have excited me just a week ago.
Now it filled me with dread.
Would Katherine be there? Of course she would. She and Alexander would probably arrive together, the perfect power couple reunited at last.
My phone rang, startling me from my spiral of self–pity.
“Madison Harper speaking.”
“Ms. Harper.” Alexander’s cool, professional voice sent shivers down my spine. “My office. Now.”
He hung up before I could respond. Typical. I smoothed my skirt, checked my reflection in my compact mirror, and headed for his door.
I knocked once, then entered. “You wanted to see me, Mr. Knight?”
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Alexander sat behind his desk, not bothering to look up from his computer. “Close the door.”
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I did as instructed, then stood waiting. He continued typing for a full minute before finally acknowledging my
presence.
“You’ve seen the email about the gala?”
“Yes.”
“You’ll attend as project manager.”
“I assumed so.”
He nodded, still not meeting my eyes. “I need you to handle some personal preparations for me as well.”
“Personal preparations?” I repeated, uncertain.
“My tuxedo needs to be picked up from the tailor. I also need you to confirm my dinner reservation for two at Le Bernardin after the gala. 10:30 PM.”
Dinner for two. The implication was clear. He’d be taking Katherine.
“Of course,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “Anything else?”
He finally looked up, his blue eyes cool and distant. “Yes. I need you to help me select a gift for Katherine. Something to welcome her back to New York.”
The request hit like a slap. He wanted me to help pick out a gift for the woman who was clearly replacing me in his life? Was he deliberately trying to hurt me?
“I’m not sure I’m qualified for that task,” I said carefully.
“You’re a woman,” he replied dismissively. “You know what women like.”
“I know what I like,” I corrected him. “I can’t speak for Ms. Sinclair’s preferences.”
Something flickered in his eyes, irritation? Amusement? It was gone before I could identify it.
“Fine. I’ll give you some options. I’ve narrowed it down to either jewelry from Tiffany or a cashmere wrap from Burberry. Which would make a better impression?”
I wanted to tell him exactly what he could do with his gift options, but I maintained my professional facade.” The jewelry would be more personal. The wrap is more practical.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“Jewelry, then,” I said flatly. “Women generally appreciate the thought that goes into selecting the right piece.”
He nodded, making a note. “I’ll have the selection sent to your desk. Choose the one you think best.”
I swallowed hard. “Will that be all, Mr. Knight?”
“For now.” He returned his attention to his computer, effectively dismissing me.
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I turned to leave, my hand on the doorknob, when his voice stopped me.
“Ms. Harper?”
I looked back. “Yes?”
“You’ll be seated at my table during the gala. Table one, near the stage.”
Great. A front–row seat to watch him charm Katherine all evening.
“Understood,” I said, and left before he could see the hurt in my eyes.
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Back at my desk, I buried myself in work, trying not to think about Alexander’s requests. By lunchtime, I’d made significant progress on the Manhattan project and successfully avoided any further interaction with my boss.
My phone buzzed with a text from my mother.
Mom: How’s your day going, sweetheart?
Me: Fine. Busy with work. How are you feeling?
Mom: Much better! Dr. Williams says my numbers are improving. Might be able to reduce some medications
soon.
At least something was going right.
Me: That’s wonderful news, Mom!
Mom: Yes! When are you bringing Alexander over again? I miss him.
My heart sank. She’d grown so fond of Alexander during his visits, and I couldn’t bear to disappoint her while she was still recovering.
Me: He’s been busy with work. Big project. Will check his schedule.
Mom: Tell him I’m making pot roast next week. His favorite!
I put my phone away, unable to continue the conversation. How was I supposed to explain that Alexander was no longer part of my personal life? That he was back with his ex, and I was just his assistant again?
A courier arrived at my desk, interrupting my thoughts. He handed me a sleek black box with the Tiffany & Co. logo embossed in silver.
“Delivery for Madison Harper,” he said. “Sign here, please.”
I scribbled my signature and accepted the box, feeling its weight in my hands like a burden. Inside were three velvet jewelry cases.
With reluctant hands, I opened the first case. A platinum necklace with a teardrop diamond pendant sparkled against the velvet. It was simple, elegant, and probably worth more than my annual salary.
The second case contained a bracelet of interlocking platinum links studded with small diamonds. It was beautiful but less personal.
Chapter 325
The third case revealed diamond stud earrings, which were classic and timeless.
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I stared at the three options, feeling sick to my stomach. Alexander wanted me to select jewelry for Katherine, jewelry he’d probably fasten around her neck or wrist, his fingers brushing against her skin the way they used to brush against mine.
Was this punishment for ending our arrangement? Or was he genuinely oblivious to how painful this task would be?
I snapped all three cases shut and placed them back in the box. Then I grabbed a post–it note and scribbled:
All three are lovely. The necklace seems most appropriate for a welcome gift. -M
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.
