Chapter 296
Madison
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
A dozen answers flashed through my mind. Who called you earlier? Why did you say Katherine’s name that night? What happens when our year is up?
Instead, I said, “Just wondering if I can walk tomorrow after what you did to me p>
“If not, I’ll carry you p>
“Into the office? That would start some rumors p>
“Let them talk.” His arm tightened around me. “I don’t care what they think p>
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But I did. I cared what people thought when they saw us together, whether they believed I’d slept my way to my position or if they respected me as a professional.
“Hey,” Alexander said, sensing my shift in mood. “What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours p>
I hesitated, then decided on a partial truth. “Just thinking about work tomorrow p>
He studied me for a moment, clearly not buying it, but nodded. “Always so dedicated, Ms. Harper p>
“Someone has to keep Knight Industries running smoothly p>
“Such a dedicated employee,” he murmured, leaning closer until his breath tickled my ear. “I should make sure you get the best employee award this year. Maybe a nice plaque for your office? ‘Madison Harper: Excellence in Dedication and Other Services p>
I pushed against his chest, trying to look stern despite the heat rising to my cheeks. “I don’t want that p>
“No? Not even if I present it to you personally?” His hand slid beneath the sheets, fingers dancing along my inner thigh. “At the company gala, perhaps? I could list all your… accomplishments in great detail p>
“Alexander!” I swatted his hand away, fighting a smile. “Be serious p>
“Alright,” he conceded, pulling me closer instead. “But you deserve recognition for your work. The Manhattan Project is exceeding expectations because of you p>
Something warm bloomed in my chest at the genuine praise. “Thank you p>
His eyes held mine for a beat too long, something unreadable flickering in their depths. The playboy mask slipped, revealing something more vulnerable beneath.
“What?” I asked, suddenly self–conscious.
He shook his head slightly. “Nothing. Just…” His thumb brushed my lower lip. “You continue to surprise me, Ms. Harper p>
“Is that good or bad, Mr. Knight p>
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“Definitely good.” His voice dropped an octave, sending a shiver down my spine. “Very, very good p>
Sunday evening arrived with an elegant invitation to the Kensington Foundation Gala, one of those exclusive events where the wealthy gathered to pretend their charitable donations weren’t tax write–offs.
Alexander had casually mentioned it over breakfast yesterday, sliding the embossed invitation across the table like it was nothing.
“Wear something stunning,” he’d said, eyes darkening as they swept over me.
Now, as the elevator ascended to the penthouse floor of the Royalton Hotel, I smoothed down my midnight–blue gown, the silky fabric clinging to my curves before flowing gracefully to the floor. Alexander stood beside me, devastatingly handsome in his tailored tuxedo.
“Nervous?” he asked, his breath warm against my ear.
“Should I be p>
His lips curved into that infuriating smirk. “Not at all. Just stay close to me p>
The elevator doors opened to reveal a ballroom transformed into a glittering wonderland. Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic light over the crowd, while a string quartet played on a raised platform at one end of the room. A polished wooden dance floor occupied the center, already hosting several couples swaying to the music.
“Champagne?” Alexander offered, snagging two flutes from a passing waiter.
“Thank you.” I took a sip, the bubbles dancing on my tongue. “So, who exactly are we impressing tonight p>
“Everyone.” His eyes locked with mine over the rim of his glass. “But particularly our hosts. The Kensingtons are potential investors in the Manhattan project p>
I nodded, understanding the stakes. “Lead the way, Mr. Knight p>
His fingers brushed against mine as we navigated through the crowd, the brief contact sending electricity up my
arm.
“Alexander Knight!” A portly man with silver hair approached, arms outstretched. “So glad you could make it p>
“Gabriel, good to see you.” Alexander shook his hand firmly before gesturing to me. “This is Madison Harper, my project manager for the Manhattan development p>
I extended my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kensington p>
“The pleasure’s all mine. ” His eyes lingered a moment too long on my décolletage before returning to Alexander. “We should discuss the waterfront properties. I’ve had some thoughts p>
As they launched into business talk, I scanned the room, taking in the displays of wealth: women dripping in diamonds, men in watches worth more than my annual salary. I had grown somewhat accustomed to this world through Alexander, but it still felt like wearing someone else’s clothes: beautiful, but not quite mine.
A server offered me another champagne flute as I waited. I accepted it with a smile, taking a small sip while observing the social dynamics around me. Groups formed and dissolved like schools of expensive fish, each
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person angling for the most advantageous connection.
+25 BONUS
I caught snippets of conversation: stock portfolios, summer homes in the Hamptons, private school admissions. The language of wealth was its own dialect, one I was slowly learning to translate.
“Enjoying yourself, Ms. Harper?” Alexander’s voice startled me from my observations. Gabriel had departed, leaving Alexander free to return his attention to me.
“Just people–watching,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “Everyone seems to know exactly where they belong p>
“And you don’t feel you belong p>
I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. “I’m adapting. Your world has its own set of rules p>
“It’s not so different from any other ecosystem,” he said, taking a sip of his champagne. “Predators, prey, and those clever enough to be neither p>
“And which are you, Mr. Knight?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“What do you think p>
“Definitely predator,” I answered without hesitation.
Alexander’s eyes darkened as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Smart observation, Ms. Harper. Always know what you’re dealing with p>
The intensity of his gaze made my skin tingle. I took another sip of champagne to steady myself.
“And what about you?” he asked, studying me over the rim of his glass. “Prey? Or something else entirely p>
I met his eyes directly. “I prefer to think of myself as adaptable p>
“Adaptability is a survival skill,” he agreed, his lips curving into that infuriating half–smile. “One you’ve mastered quite well p>
“I learn quickly, Mr. Knight p>
“Indeed you do.” His fingers brushed mine as he took my empty glass, replacing it with a fresh one from a passing server. The brief contact sent electricity up my arm.
“Alexander, darling,” a sultry voice purred from behind us. “Care to show me how well you still move on the dance floor? I remember you having… exceptional rhythm p>
I froze as I turned to face the owner of that sultry voice.
Standing before us was a vision in a crimson gown that seemed to flow like liquid around her perfect figure. The bodice was adorned with intricate crystal beadwork that caught the light with every slight movement, creating the illusion that she was literally glowing. Her blonde hair was styled in an elegant updo, a few strategic tendrils framing her flawless face.
Katherine Sinclair.
In the flesh.
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Reality crashed down on me like a bucket of ice water. The woman from the photos. Alexander’s ex. The one who had left him years ago.
I glanced at Alexander, expecting… what? Shock? Desire? Instead, his expression had hardened into something unreadable, his jaw clenched tight. The temperature between us seemed to drop several degrees in an instant.
Chapter 303
Chapter 303
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.