Chapter 109
Chapter 112
Madison
Monday morning arrived with gray skies and the promise of rain. I toweled off after my shower, contemplating my wardrobe choices while the local news droned on in the background. I selected a navy pencil skirt and cream blouse–professional but not trying too hard. After applying minimal makeup and twisting my hair into a sleek bun, I grabbed my bag and headed out.
The cab ride to Knight Industries was uneventful. I scrolled through emails, trying to focus on work rather than that ridiculous article about Alexander and Penelope. The thought still niggled at me, though I’d convinced myself it was nothing but clickbait.
When I reached the office, the usual morning bustle was in full swing. I nodded to security, grabbed a coffee from the break room, and headed toward my desk. Alexander was already in his office. A rare sight at this hour.
That was unusual. Alexander rarely arrived before nine, and it was barely eight–thirty.
I set my coffee down and organized my desk quickly before approaching his office. After a quick knock, I pushed the door open.
“Good morning, Mr. Knight,” I said, stepping inside.
Alexander looked up from his computer, his expression unreadable. He was impeccably dressed as always, not a hair out of place despite the early hour.
“Ms. Harper.” His voice was cool and professional. “I see you’ve decided to grace us with your presence today p>
I blinked, confused by his tone. “I’m early, actually p>
“Yes, for the office.” He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly. “But I told you to come to my penthouse yesterday evening p>
My stomach dropped. The penthouse. Sunday evening. The memory rushed back. He mentioned it last week when he gave me the weekend to study.
“I’m sorry, I was waiting for your call,” I lied, immediately realizing how lame that sounded. “I got caught up with all those real estate books and lost track of time p>
Alexander’s jaw tightened, “I told you last week. Do you need an official notice? Perhaps a calendar invitation or a formal letter delivered by courier?” His sarcasm was razor–sharp. “When I tell you to come, I expect you to be there. Next time, don’t miss it p>
“Sure, sir,” I replied, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. “It won’t happen again p>
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I turned to leave, my mind racing. Was he genuinely angry about me missing our… what? Appointment? Date? Booty call? Or was there something else bothering him?
The article. Had he seen it?
+25 BONUS
I paused at the door, my hand on the knob. I needed to know if there was any truth to it. If he and Penelope were involved, then technically, our contract was void. I could walk away with the money for Mom’s care intact. No more complicated feelings, no more blurring of professional and personal lines.
The thought should have filled me with relief. Instead, I felt a strange twist in my stomach. Something almost like… disappointment? No, that couldn’t be right. Why would I be disappointed at the prospect of ending this arrangement with Alexander?
“Is there something else, Ms. Harper?” Alexander’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Or are you simply admiring the view from my doorway p>
I turned back to face him, my mind racing for an excuse. “I was just thinking about making coffee for you, but it’s probably too early for that p>
A slow smile spread across his face, the kind that made my knees weak despite my best efforts. ” Coffee might be too early,” he said, his voice dropping to that dangerous low register, “but something else on my mind isn’t too early at all p>
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I knew exactly what he was implying, and despite everything–the missed appointment, his irritation, that stupid article–my body responded to him like a puppet on strings.
Before I could formulate a response that wouldn’t make me sound like a complete idiot, a sharp knock interrupted our moment. I quickly stepped aside, smoothing my skirt as Alexander called out, “Come in p>
The door swung open to reveal Wilson from the PR department, tablet in hand and anxiety written all over his face. He barely acknowledged my presence as he strode toward Alexander’s desk.
“Mr. Knight, we have a situation that requires immediate attention,” he said, holding out the tablet.
Alexander glanced at me, clearly weighing whether to dismiss me or not. I hovered awkwardly, unsure if I should stay or go start my actual work for the day.
Wilson cleared his throat. “It’s about an article that’s circulating online. It suggests you and Penelope Jacobs from Accounting are… involved p>
My eyes darted to Alexander’s face, searching for any hint of guilt or discomfort. Instead, I found only annoyance.
“What complete bullshit,” Alexander said flatly, taking the tablet and scanning the article with
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narrowed eyes. “I’ve spoken to Penelope about tax filings p>
The knot in my stomach loosened instantly. So the article was garbage, after all.
+25 BONUS
“ I want this removed,” Alexander continued, handing the tablet back to Wilson. “Now. And I want to know who fed this story to the press p>
Wilson nodded quickly. “I’ve already contacted our legal team. We’ll issue a cease and desist to the publication, and I’ve prepared a statement denying the allegations p>
“Good. Make it happen.” Alexander waved his hand dismissively. “And Wilson? Find out who’s behind this. Someone at Knight Industries is feeding information to the press, and I want to know
who p>
“Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it immediately.” Wilson tucked the tablet under his arm and hurried out, closing the door behind him.
The moment we were alone, Alexander’s eyes locked onto mine. “Interesting timing,” he remarked, leaning back in his chair. “You seemed particularly interested in that article p>
“I saw it yesterday,” I admitted, figuring honesty was the best approach. “My friend, Hazel, sent it to me p>
Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable. “And what did you think of it p>
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, trying to appear casual despite the tension crackling between us. “I thought the photos were clearly from different events. Pretty sloppy journalism p>
“That’s all?” He tilted his head, studying me like I was a particularly interesting specimen under a
microscope.
I met his gaze directly. “Our agreement specified exclusivity. I’m just clarifying the terms p>
A slow smile spread across his face. “Are you asking if I’m sleeping with Penelope p>
“I’m asking if the article has any merit,” I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the heat rising to my cheeks.
Alexander pushed back from his desk and stood, his movements deliberate and predatory. He rounded the corner of his desk, each step bringing him closer until I could smell his cologne.
“Are you hoping it’s true, Madison?” His voice lowered to an intimate tone that made me shiver. ” Looking for a way out of our arrangement p>
I stood my ground as he approached, refusing to back away despite the overwhelming urge to retreat. “I’m looking for clarity p>
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+25 BONUS
He stopped just inches from me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “The article is garbage. Penelope and I had a business dinner about tax implications for the Vegas property. His eyes never left mine. “I’m not sleeping with her. I’m sleeping with you. Exclusively. As agreed p>
I tried not to show the relief that washed over me. “Good to know p>
“Is it?” His lips quirked up at one corner. “And why is that, Ms. Harper? Are you perhaps developing feelings beyond our contractual obligations p>
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.