Chapter 352
Madison
I nearly choked on my water. “What?”
“Come on, Madison. He’s been watching you all night when he thinks no one’s looking.” Jackson raised an eyebrow. “And that blonde, Katherine, right? Keeps glancing at you too. There’s clearly something going on.
I glanced across the room. Alexander wasn’t looking our way anymore; his attention was focused on the small group around him. His posture seemed tense, and his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“You didn’t answer my question about your boss.
“Sorry,” I snapped my attention back to him. “What about him?”
Jackson leaned closer, lowering his voice. “There’s obviously something going on between you two. The way he keeps looking at you…‘
“There’s nothing going on,” I said quickly. Too quickly.
Jackson raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “Right. And I’m secretly Batman.”
I laughed despite myself. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Maybe,” he conceded with a grin. “But I’m also observant. He’s been watching you all night like a hawk.”
“We work together. That’s all I can really say.”
Jackson studied me for a moment. “Fair enough. But if he hurts you…”
“What? You’ll swoop in with your Batmobile?” I teased, grateful for his lightness.
“Exactly,” he nodded solemnly. “I’ll even wear the cape.
11
Hazel rejoined us, champagne glass in hand. “What are we talking about? You two look awfully cozy.”
“Jackson was just telling me about his secret identity as Batman,” I explained.
“Damn it, Madison! That was supposed to be confidential,” Jackson clutched his chest in mock horror.
Hazel snorted. “Well, Batman, what do you say we go wish the birthday boy a happy birthday?”
My heart skipped. “Now?”
“When else? He’s surrounded by fewer people right now,” Hazel pointed out. “Plus, it’s the polite thing to do. We are at his party.”
Jackson nodded. “I’m curious to meet him too. See if he lives up to the legend.”
“What legend?” I asked, suddenly nervous.
“The legend of the man who has Madison Harper working nights and weekends,” Jackson grinned. “Must be
1/4
quite the boss to inspire such dedication.”
I rolled my eyes, but my heart was racing. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”
We made our way across the ballroom, weaving through clusters of guests. I led the way, acutely aware of the blue dress swishing around my legs with each step.
Alexander spotted us approaching. His conversation stopped mid–sentence, his eyes locking with mine for a brief, electric moment before sliding to Jackson at my side.
“Mr. Knight,” I said formally as we reached him. “Happy birthday.”
“Ms. Harper,” he replied, his voice smooth and controlled. “I’m glad you could make it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” I said, managing a polite smile.
Alexander’s eyes lingered on me a moment longer than necessary, taking in the midnight blue dress before shifting to Jackson. “And you must be Jackson.”
I blinked in surprise. “How did you know that?”
“Just a guess,” Alexander replied smoothly, though something in his expression hardened slightly. “A friend of Madison’s, I presume?”
“That’s right,” Jackson extended his hand, which Alexander shook firmly. “Happy birthday, Mr. Knight. Impressive party.”
“Thank you,” Alexander nodded, his tone professional but cool. “Please, enjoy yourself. We have an open bar and excellent food. Ms. Harper, make sure our guest is properly taken care of.”
The emphasis he placed on “our guest” wasn’t lost on me.
“Of course,” I replied. “I’ll make sure he has everything he needs.”
“Good,” Alexander said, then turned to Hazel. “Ms. Foster. Always a pleasure.”
“Happy birthday, boss man,” Hazel grinned, raising her champagne glass in a mock toast. “Another year of terrifying the business world with your existence.‘
Alexander’s lips twitched slightly. “I do my best.”
Jackson cleared his throat and pulled a small, neatly wrapped package from inside his jacket. “Actually, we brought you something. Nothing fancy, but… happy birthday.”
Alexander looked genuinely surprised as he accepted the gift. “That wasn’t necessary.”
“Madison insisted,” Jackson explained with a smile. “Said it would be rude to show up empty–handed.”
Alexander’s eyes found mine again, questioning. “Did she?”
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “It’s just a token. Nothing special.”
Alexander carefully unwrapped the package to reveal a leather–bound notebook with his initials embossed in
2/4
the corner. “This is thoughtful,” he said, running his fingers over the monogram.
“Madison mentioned you take a lot of notes,” Jackson explained. “Thought you might appreciate something nicer than the standard office supplies.”
“It’s excellent quality,” Alexander remarked, his eyes meeting mine again. “Thank you, both.”
“You’re welcome,” I said, feeling strangely vulnerable under his scrutiny.
“Well,” Hazel said, breaking the awkward silence, “we should let the birthday boy circulate. We can’t monopolize him all night.”
“Right,” Jackson agreed. “Lots of important people waiting to kiss the ring.”
I cringed internally at Jackson’s joke, but Alexander merely raised an eyebrow.
“Enjoy the party,” he said smoothly. “Ms. Harper, make sure Jackson gets whatever he needs. Consider him a VIP guest.”
“Will do,” I nodded, wondering why he was being so insistent about my duties toward Jackson.
As we moved away, Hazel nudged me with her elbow. “Is it just me, or was that weird?”
“Definitely weird,” I agreed under my breath.
“I think I’m going to find that chocolate fountain,” Jackson said, oblivious to the tension. “Want to come with?”
“You two go ahead,” Hazel said, spotting someone across the room. “I just saw an old colleague. I’ll catch up later.”
As Hazel disappeared into the crowd, Jackson and I made our way toward the chocolate fountain.
“So that’s Alexander Knight,” Jackson mused, glancing back over his shoulder. “He’s intense.”
I laughed. “That’s putting it mildly.”
“Is he always like that?”
“Like what?” I asked innocently.
“Like he’s mentally calculating the exact amount of time it would take to destroy someone’s career?” Jackson grinned. “Or is that just for me?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I said, though I’d noticed Alexander’s coolness too. “He’s just focused on his guests.”
“Right,” Jackson nodded skeptically. “That’s why he kept staring at you like you’re wearing his favorite color.”
I nearly tripped over my own feet. “He wasn’t staring.”
“Madison, the man couldn’t take his eyes off you,” Jackson laughed. “Not that I blame him. You look amazing in
that dress.”
“Thank you,” I managed, feeling flustered. “Look, chocolate fountain!”
3/4
Jackson allowed me to change the subject, and we spent the next half hour sampling various treats and
watching the increasingly tipsy crowd grow more animated.
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.
