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Chapter 349
Madison
My phone vibrated in my clutch. Jackson’s name flashed on the screen.
“It’s Jackson,” I told Hazel, my heart skipping nervously as I answered. “Hey, where are you?”
“Madison, they won’t let me in! I’ve tried explaining I’m your friend, but the security guy keeps insisting my name isn’t on some list.”
“What? That’s ridiculous.” I glanced toward the entrance. “You’re at The Summit, right? Main entrance?”
“Yeah, been standing here arguing with Mr. Muscles for ten minutes. He’s enjoying this power trip way too much.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Give me a second, I’ll sort this out.”
“Maybe Alexander doesn’t want your date crashing his party,” Hazel whispered, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
I rolled my eyes. “He’s not my date. And Alexander doesn’t even know I invited him.”
“Sure, keep telling yourself that.” Hazel drained her champagne and set the empty glass on a passing server’s tray. “Stay here, I’ll go rescue your not–date.”
“Thanks, Hazel. I owe you.”
“Yes, you do. Get me another champagne while I’m gone.” She winked before sashaying toward the entrance, her red dress drawing appreciative glances.
“Jackson? Hazel’s coming to get you. Sit tight,” I said into the phone.
“This place is insane, by the way. Is that an ice sculpture?”
I laughed. “Welcome to Alexander Knight’s world. Everything’s excessive.”
“Can’t wait to see it. Assuming I ever get past the bouncer.”
“You will. Hazel’s very persuasive.”
After hanging up, I fidgeted with my clutch, scanning the room. No sign of Alexander yet.
A sudden hush fell over the crowd, followed by excited murmurs. The string quartet transitioned to a familiar melody, Knight Industries‘ signature sound from their commercials.
My stomach tightened. He was here.
The double doors at the far end of the ballroom swung open dramatically. Alexander entered, commanding attention without effort. His bespoke tuxedo highlighted his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His presence filled the room instantly, magnetic and undeniable.
I couldn’t look away. Damn him.
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Alexander moved through the crowd with practiced ease, accepting birthday wishes and shaking hands. He looked relaxed, confident, like a man who owned the world and knew it.
Then Katherine appeared at his side, radiant in her gold dress, her hand slipping possessively through his arm. The perfect power couple.
I gripped my champagne flute tighter, fighting the urge to drain it in one gulp.
“Madison!”
Jackson’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to find him approaching, looking handsome in a charcoal suit that fit him surprisingly well. His hair was styled neatly, and he’d clearly made an effort.
“You made it!” I smiled genuinely, relieved for the distraction.
“All thanks to Hazel.” He gestured behind him, where Hazel trailed, looking smugly satisfied. “She worked some kind of magic on that security guy.”
“I just reminded him that refusing entry to the Manhattan project manager’s friend might not sit well with his boss,” Hazel explained, reaching for a fresh champagne from a passing server. “Also, I might have mentioned my uncle is on the board. He isn’t, but Security Guy doesn’t know that.”
Jackson let out a low whistle, taking in the opulent surroundings. “This place is unreal. Like, MTV Cribs meets Gatsby.”
I laughed. “That’s actually a perfect description.”
“And you work with these people?” He shook his head in amazement. “No wonder you never returned my texts back in the day. I couldn’t compete with all this.”
“It wasn’t a competition,” I assured him, acutely aware of how different his world was from Alexander.
Jackson pulled me into an unexpected, warm, and friendly hug. “You look incredible, by the way. This dress is… Wow.”
“Thanks,” I said, feeling myself blush. “It’s new.”
“Worth every penny.” He stepped back, hands lingering on my shoulders. “The food here must be amazing. Let me guess, gold–dusted caviar? Champagne fountains?”
“Close. The chocolate fountain is over there,” I pointed across the room.
“Seriously? I was joking!” Jackson laughed. “Do these people realize there’s a recession happening? This party probably cost more than my student loans.”
“Probably,” I agreed, smiling despite myself. After months of immersion in Alexander’s world, Jackson’s outsider perspective was refreshing.
The hair on the back of my neck suddenly stood up. A familiar sensation washed over me, one I’d felt countless times in the office when Alexander entered a room.
I turned slightly, and there he was. Across the ballroom, Alexander’s eyes were locked on me, his expression
Chapter 349
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thunderous. Katherine stood beside him, speaking animatedly, but his attention remained fixed in my direction.
“You okay?” Jackson asked, noticing my sudden tension.
“Fine,” I said automatically, forcing my gaze away from Alexander’s. I focused on Jackson instead, trying to ignore the electric current I felt from Alexander’s stare. “The chocolate fountain is a must–try. Fair warning, though, it ruins regular chocolate forever.”
Jackson laughed, his hand still resting comfortably on my shoulder. “I’ll risk it. Can I get you another drink first?
“Please. Champagne.”
As Jackson headed toward the bar, Hazel nudged me with her elbow. “Holy shit, Alexander looks like he’s about to combust. Did you see his face?”
“I’m not looking,” I whispered, though I desperately wanted to. “This isn’t about him, remember?”
“Sure, honey. And that dress is just fabric.” Hazel smirked.
I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the weight of Alexander’s stare from across the ballroom. “I need some air,” I said abruptly, smoothing down my dress. “It’s getting stuffy in here.”
“You mean you’re getting nervous because Mr. CEO can’t take his eyes off you,” Hazel corrected, looking entirely too pleased with herself. “Fine, go cool off. I’ll keep an eye on your not–date.”
“He’s not my-
“Save it for someone who believes you,” she waved me off. “Go get your air. I’ll make sure Jackson doesn’t wander off with some socialite.”
I moved away from them, weaving through clusters of people, nodding politely at colleagues who recognized me. The dress swished against my legs with each step, the slit revealing just enough to make me feel powerful yet vulnerable at the same time.
I found a relatively quiet spot near one of the floor–to–ceiling windows, away from the main crowd. The New York skyline sparkled beyond the glass, a tapestry of lights against the night sky.
Just as I took a deep breath, a commotion near the entrance caught my attention.
Caroline had arrived, looking immaculate in an emerald green dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Her hair was swept into an elegant updo, and diamond earrings caught the light as she scanned the room with predatory precision.
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.
