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Chapter 73
Alexander
I made my way across the crowded room, catching snippets of conversations about property values and market trends. Marcus Thompson stood near the floor–to–ceiling windows, deep in conversation with someone I recognized from the city planning commission. His animated gestures suggested he was in the middle of pitching another one of his grand ideas.
I glanced back and spotted Madison observing the room with practiced discretion. The emerald dress I’d chosen for her drew appreciative glances, but she maintained her professional demeanor. Good girl. The way she carried herself tonight – poised yet reserved – made me want to drag her into one of the private rooms and mess up her perfect composure.
Focus, Alexander. Business first.
I turned my attention back to Marcus, who was gesturing animatedly about his latest development plans. The champagne in my hand remained untouched as I approached the small group gathered
around him.
“Mr. Knight!” Marcus’s face lit up with enthusiasm. “Just the man I wanted to see. Congratulations on the success of the project. The design is absolutely stunning p>
“Thank you, Mr. Thompson.” I gave him a firm handshake. “The team outdid themselves on this one p>
“They certainly did. Listen,” he lowered his voice conspiratorially, “I’ve got something brewing in Los Angeles. Premium location, oceanfront views – the works. Looking to break ground in about six months p>
I raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. “Sounds promising p>
“Oh, it is. Think glass, steel, and sophistication – right up your alley.” He pulled out his phone, swiping through some preliminary renders. “Would love to get your thoughts on it p>
“We should discuss it properly. Perhaps over lunch next week p>
“Perfect! I’ll have my office set it up.” Marcus beamed, clearly pleased. “You know, between me, half the developers in this room would kill for your team’s touch on their projects p>
you
and
I smirked. “Only half? I must be losing my edge p>
Marcus laughed heartily, drawing curious glances from nearby guests. “There’s that famous Knight charm. How do you manage to be both insufferably arrogant and completely right at the same time p>
“Years of practice,” I deadpanned, enjoying our easy rapport. “And an excellent support team p>
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Marcus raised his glass. “That’s exactly why we work so well together. Your team’s execution is unmatched. I’ve got another project brewing in Miami – a beachfront property with serious potential. We should discuss it over drinks next week p>
“Send the details to my office p>
Marcus grinned. “Will do. But enough about work. Guess what? I have a pair of bombshells waiting for me tonight. Absolute stunners. You should join us, man. Pick one for the night p>
He fished out his phone and showed me pictures of two women who looked like they’d just stepped off a runway. Long legs, curves in all the right places, sultry eyes that promised a wild time.
I raised an eyebrow, impressed despite myself. “They certainly are striking p>
Marcus laughed, enjoying my reaction. “Right? It’s going to be one hell of a night p>
“I’d love to, but I have a conference call with Japan tonight. I have no time for extracurricular activities p>
“You’re missing out, Mr. Knight.” Marcus shook his head in mock disappointment. “But hey, work comes first. More fun for me, I guess p>
11
I smirked, amused by his antics. “Enjoy your night then p>
“Oh, I will,” he said with a wink before getting pulled away by another guest.
I watched Marcus disappear into the crowd, his enthusiasm for the night’s potential activities still hanging in the air. My gaze drifted to Madison, who stood near one of the marble columns, her emerald dress catching the light. She maintained perfect posture while observing the room, and the way she held herself made heat pool in my stomach. Later, I promised myself.
Movement near the bar caught my attention. Leo stood there, his dark suit impeccable as always. I made my way over, dodging a group of overenthusiastic investors.
“Hey man,” Leo greeted me with a slight nod. “Anything interesting p>
“Just spoke with Andrew. Either he’s Oscar–worthy or genuinely knows nothing about the drug incident p>
Leo’s eyes scanned the crowd. “Nothing suspicious here either. Been watching the bartenders like hawks. My gut says whoever drugged you that night targeted you specifically p>
“Agreed. Someone wanted something from me, but what p>
“Could be anything – business secrets, compromising photos, blackmail material.” Leo’s voice dropped lower. “You need to watch your back. These society types can be ruthless when they want something p>
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“I’m being careful now. No drinks unless I pour them myself, and my security team screens everything.” I kept my voice low, matching Leo’s tone.
Leo nodded, and his expression shifted to something more playful. “Have you thought about what I showed you p>
“What p>
“The girl, man. The one in the photos I showed you yesterday. She’s absolutely stunning p>
I let out an exasperated sigh. “I already told you I’m not interested. Got that conference call with Japan tonight p>
Leo’s eyes narrowed, a knowing smirk playing across his face. “This is new. You never turn down beautiful women. Either something’s going on that you’re not telling me, or that drug incident scared you more than you’re letting on p>
“Maybe I just value my life and reputation more than a quick fuck. One wrong move, one compromising photo, and everything I’ve built could come crashing down p>
“The Alexander Knight I know wouldn’t let fear stop him from having fun.” Leo nudged my shoulder. “Remember that twins incident in Miami p>
“That was different. Times change p>
“Times change?” Leo snorted. “Since when did you become such a philosopher? Next thing you’ll tell me, you’re taking up meditation and eating kale p>
“Better safe than sorry. I’ve got too much at stake to risk it all for a night of fun p>
“Well, if you change your mind, give me a call. These girls are vetted and discrete. But you’re right – better safe than getting into trouble these days. Just be careful, man p>
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re telling me to be careful while showing me naked photos? That’s rich coming from you p>
“Hey, I’m just looking out for my friend. Can’t blame a guy for trying to help you get laid p>
“Trust me, that’s not an issue p>
“Oh?” Leo’s eyebrows shot up. “Do tell p>
“A gentleman never kisses and tells p>
“Since when are you a gentleman?” Leo snorted. “You used to give me play–by–play details p>
“Times change,” I smirked. “Now, don’t you have actual work to do? Like making sure no one spikes
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my drink tonight p>
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“Fine, keep your secrets.” Leo clapped my shoulder. “But whoever she is, she must be something special to make Alexander Knight turn down a sure thing p>
I rolled my eyes. “There’s no one, Leo. Stop playing matchmaker and focus on security p>
“Come on, man. Is she still in touch? You know who I’m talking about p>
“Who exactly are you referring to?” I kept my voice neutral, though my jaw clenched involuntarily.
Leo lowered his voice. “Katherine. Aren’t you still waiting for her to come back p>
The name caused my chest to tighten. Katherine. Even after all these years, hearing it still affected
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Chapter 74
Sara Lili
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.