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Chapter 290
Madison
Alexander shrugged, looking out the window. “Consider it a thank you for the gossip articles collection p>
“A thank you that costs several hundred dollars per ticket p>
“Would you prefer I send her a fruit basket?” His tone was dry.
I laughed despite myself. “No, she’d hate that. But she’ll think this is weird p>
“Then make up something convincing.” His fingers drummed on his thigh. “Tell her I’m trying to impress you with my generosity to your friends p>
“That actually might work,” I admitted, tucking the tickets into my purse. “She’ll be thrilled. It’s her favorite show p>
“I know.” At my questioning look, he added, “You mentioned it once p>
“I’ll text her now,” I said, pulling out my phone and quickly typing a message to Hazel.
Alexander leaned back against the leather seat. “Alright. Let her know the car will pick her up at six p>
“The car?” I raised an eyebrow. “She can meet us there p>
“It’s easier this way,” he replied dismissively. “Less chance of her being late p>
I snorted. “You don’t know Hazel. She’ll be late regardless p>
“Then the car will wait.” His tone left no room for argument.
I finished the text, adding the detail about the car service, and tucked my phone away. “She’s going to think this
is weird p>
“You worry too much about what other people think p>
“Says the man with an entire PR team dedicated to managing his public image p>
His lips quirked up. “Touché, Ms. Harper p>
The rest of the ride passed in comfortable silence. When we arrived at Knight Industries, Alexander’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his expression darkening momentarily before he declined the call.
“Problem?” I asked.
“Nothing that can’t wait.” He pocketed his phone. “I have a conference call in ten minutes. Handle the site meeting notes and have them on my desk by three p>
Just like that, we were back to boss and employee. “Yes, Mr. Knight p>
I settled at my desk, organizing my notes from the construction site meeting. The familiar rhythm of work helped clear my head, pushing thoughts of Alexander and our complicated arrangement to the background. I
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was halfway through the report when my phone buzzed with an incoming call from Hazel.
I glanced at Alexander’s closed office door before answering. “Hey, Hazel p>
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“Broadway tickets?” she practically shrieked in my ear. “To “The Phantom’s Return‘? Are you serious right now?
I pulled the phone away slightly, wincing. “I take it you got my text p>
“Uh, yeah, and I almost had a heart attack. Those tickets are impossible to get! How did-” She paused. “Wait. Alexander Knight got these, didn’t he p>
“Yes,” I admitted, lowering my voice. “He wanted to thank you for helping with the article collection p>
“Bullshit,” Hazel laughed. “He’s trying to impress you by being nice to your friends. Classic move p>
“That’s exactly what he said you’d think p>
“Well, he’s right! And why am I being invited as the third wheel? Don’t you two have better things to do than watch a show with me? Like, I don’t know, each other p>
Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Hazel p>
“What? Like you two aren’t going at it like rabbits.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Is he as good as he looks? He’s gotta be, right? The way you’ve been glowing lately p>
“We are not having this conversation right now,” I hissed, glancing nervously at Alexander’s door. “Are you coming or not p>
“Are you kidding? Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. But fair warning—I’m going to be watching you two as much as the show p>
I sighed. “Please just behave normally p>
“Me? You’re the one who needs to keep it in check. No making out in the theater p>
“That’s not–we wouldn’t-” I spluttered.
“Relax, I’m just messing with you.” She paused. “Mostly. But seriously, a car service? Your boyfriend is extra p>
“He’s not my “I stopped myself, aware of potential eavesdroppers. “Just be ready at six, okay p>
“Yes, ma’am. Should I wear something fancy? I don’t want to embarrass you in front of Mr. Billionaire p>
“Wear whatever you want. It’s a theater, not the Met Gala p>
“So that’s a yes on fancy,” Hazel decided, “I’ll dig out that black dress from my cousin’s wedding p>
“Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow p>
“Can’t wait! And Madison?” Her voice softened. “I’m really happy for you. He seems good for you p>
Something twisted in my chest. If only she knew the truth. “Thanks, Hazel. See you tomorrow p>
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+25 BONUS
I hung up, staring at my phone. The lie was getting more complicated every day, and sometimes, I almost believed it myself.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of meetings and paperwork. Alexander remained sequestered in his office, emerging only briefly to sign documents before disappearing again. By the time I finished the construction site report, it was nearly three o’clock.
I knocked on his door, report in hand.
“Enter,” came his curt response.
I pushed open the door to find him standing by the window, phone pressed to his ear. He glanced at me, holding up one finger to indicate he’d be a moment.
“That’s not acceptable,” he said into the phone, his voice hard. “We had an agreement. I expect you to honor it.” He paused, listening. “No, that deadline stands. Make it happen p>
He ended the call with a sharp tap and turned his attention to me. “The site report p>
“Yes, Mr. Knight.” I handed him the folder. “All the action items are highlighted, with responsible parties and deadlines noted p>
He flipped through the pages, nodding slightly. “Good work, as usual p>
“Thank you. Is there anything else you need before I head to the project office p>
His eyes met mine, a flash of something heated in them before he masked it. “No, that will be all for now, Ms. Harper p>
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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.