Alexander
I stared at the real estate project files spread across my desk, running calculations for the new development in my head. The numbers looked promising, but something about the location nagged
at me.
My phone buzzed. Leo’s name flashed on the screen.
“Tell me you found something,” I said, leaning back in my chair.
“Bad news, man. No one else got drugged that night. I checked hospital records, talked to event staff, and even bribed a few waiters. You were the only target.”
“Fuck.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “The footage was useless, too. Whoever did this knew exactly where the cameras were.”
“Smart bastards. Must have cased the place beforehand.”
“Yeah, but their plan failed,” I smirked, remembering how I’d made it straight to my penthouse instead of wherever they’d intended. “They probably wanted me incapacitated somewhere specific. Instead, I went home and…” Madison’s face flashed in my mind, making my cock twitch at the
memory.
“And what?” Leo’s voice dripped with curiosity.
“Nothing. The point is, they failed. Which means they might try again.”
“You think they’re that desperate?” Leo’s voice crackled through the speaker.
“Someone went through a lot of trouble to drug me at a high–profile event. That’s not amateur hour. “I loosened my tie, remembering how close they’d come to succeeding. “If we don’t catch them first, they’ll make another attempt.”
“We’ll get these fuckers. Next time they show up, we’ll be ready.”
“Better yet, let’s catch them before they try. I hate playing defense.”
Leo chuckled. “Always the aggressive bastard. You owe me for all this digging.”
“Name your price.”
“I’ll think about it. Maybe that new Porsche you’ve been eyeing?” Leo laughed. “I’ll call you if I find anything else suspicious.”
“Sure.” I ended the call, tossing my phone onto the desk.
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I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. Who the hell had the balls to drug me? Not many people were that daring. It had to be someone with a serious grudge or someone who stood to gain a lot from my downfall. My mind ran through the usual suspects.
I tapped my fingers on the desk, contemplating possibilities. Maybe someone from an old deal gone wrong? There were always casualties in business, people who thought they’d been wronged or overlooked. But none of them seemed likely candidates either.
Then again, it could be someone completely unexpected. Someone with a grudge I hadn’t even considered.
I smirked at the thought of some disgruntled ex–employee plotting my demise from their basement. Or maybe it was someone I’d unknowingly pissed off at one of those godforsaken charity events Madelyn loved dragging me to.
But no, it had to be more calculated than that. Someone had planned this carefully, knowing exactly where and when to strike. The level of precision suggested they knew me well enough to predict my
movements.
Maybe it was time to tighten security at these events. Make sure no one gets too close without thorough vetting. But then again, what kind of life was that? Constantly looking over my shoulder, wondering who might be out to get me?
No thanks. I’d rather take my chances and face whoever it was head–on.
The thought brought a grin to my face. If they wanted a fight, I’d give them one. No one messed with Alexander Knight and got away with it.
Madison
I pushed open the hospital room door, Hazel right behind me. Mom lay propped up in bed, completely absorbed in what looked like another one of those cheesy romance shows she loved so much. The TV mounted on the wall showed a dramatic scene between two impossibly attractive people having what appeared to be an intense argument.
“Mom?” I stepped into her line of sight. “Still watching those dramatic shows?”
–
Her face lit up. “Madison! And Hazel! Oh, you should see this one he just found out she’s actually his long–lost sister’s best friend’s cousin.”
“Sounds complicated.” I dropped my purse on the chair. “How are you feeling today?”
“Better, though I’m going stir–crazy in here. These four walls are starting to close in on me.” She grabbed the remote and muted the TV. “But guess what? I met the most adorable nurse this morning. Dark hair, gorgeous smile, and so gentle when he checked my vitals.”
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Hazel burst out laughing. “Hold up last week it was that doctor with the, what did you call them?‘ Eyes like melted chocolate‘? Now, we’re moving on to nurses? That’s like a career demotion in your man–hunting journey.”
“Hazel!” Mom feigned offense. “I’ll have you know nurses are the backbone of healthcare. They work tirelessly to take care of patients and keep things running smoothly. Besides, this one has the most incredible eyes. They’re this striking shade of green that you just get lost in.”
“Mom, I swear you’re not here for matchmaking purposes.” I shook my head, fighting back a smile. ” You’re supposed to focus on getting better, not sizing up every male staff member who walks through that door.”
“Oh honey, I’m multitasking.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Besides, I’m not getting any younger, and neither are you. At this rate, I’ll never get to be a grandmother.”
“Mom!” Heat crept up my neck.
“What? I’m just saying you’re not getting any younger, either. When was the last time you went on a proper date?”
Hazel perched on the edge of the bed. “She’s got a point, Mads. You’re always buried in work these days.”
“I’m perfectly happy focusing on my career right now.” I smoothed invisible wrinkles from my skirt, avoiding their scrutiny.
Mom’s eyes lit up. “Speaking of work – what about that handsome boss of yours? The one you’re always talking about?”
I nearly choked on air. “Mr. Knight? No. Absolutely not.”
“Why not?” Mom leaned forward, suddenly energized. “You know how many romance series start exactly like that? A successful businessman falls for his dedicated assistant. It’s a classic!”
“She’s right.” Hazel grinned wickedly. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. The way you talk about him sometimes…”
“Stop it, both of you.” My voice came out higher than intended. “This isn’t some Hallmark movie or trashy romance novel. He’s just my boss. You two need to stop watching so many romance shows.” I grabbed my water bottle, desperate for a distraction. “Those storylines only work in fiction. Real life is much more complicated.”
“Come on, Mads.” Hazel nudged my arm. “Even if it’s complicated, you could at least give it a shot. What’s the worst that could happen?”
I crossed my arms. “There’s nothing to try, Hazel. Nothing at all.” The lie burned my throat, but I
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forced myself to maintain eye contact.
“Girl, you’re impossible.” She flopped back in her chair. “Here you are, working for this gorgeous, successful man – don’t give me that look, I’ve seen the magazine covers – and you won’t even consider it? You’re missing out on what could be an amazing chance.”
“I’m not missing anything.” My fingers found the hem of my skirt, fidgeting with the fabric. “I’ll find someone nice eventually. Someone normal. Someone who doesn’t make international headlines every other week or own half of Manhattan.
“Oh honey,” Mom chimed in, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Normal is overrated. But okay, we’ll drop it. For now.” She winked at Hazel.
“Mom!”
“What? Can’t a mother dream about her daughter landing a billionaire?”
“I thought you were rooting for the nurse with the striking green eyes?” I shot back.
“Oh, he’s for me. Mr. Knight is all yours.”
Hazel burst out laughing. “Your mom’s got game, Mads. Better watch out, or she’ll be married before you.”
I buried
my
face in my hands. “I can’t with you two. I really can’t.”
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.
