Chapter 297
Chapter 303
Madison
+25 BONUS
Katherine stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Alexander in a familiar embrace. “It’s been far too long, darling. I’ve missed our little adventures.” She pulled back, her perfectly manicured hand lingering on his arm. One dance for old times‘ sake? I promise I won’t step on your toes like I used to p>
Alexander remained rigid, neither returning her embrace fully nor pushing her away. “Katherine. When did you get back from London p>
I felt my stomach twist. He had been getting calls from her; he must have known she was returning. Why hadn’t he mentioned it?
“Just flew in last night,” Katherine replied, her crimson lips curving into a smile that held secrets. “I’m expanding Sinclair Luxe to the States. Starting with New York, naturally.” Her eyes sparkled with confidence. ” The London market has been conquered. Time for new challenges p>
Alexander nodded, his face a perfect mask of neutrality. Not excited to see her, but not dismissive either. Just… blank. Professional. Controlled.
I stood beside them, suddenly feeling like I was intruding on a private reunion. The elegant champagne flute felt awkward in my hand, my midnight–blue gown no longer making me feel beautiful but merely adequate next to Katherine’s showstopping crimson creation.
The realization hit me like a physical blow: Alexander had been waiting for Katherine. That night, when he was drugged, when he called me by her name–it wasn’t just a hallucination or confusion. It was his subconscious revealing what his conscious mind kept hidden.
I’d been so foolish. Letting myself believe our arrangement might evolve into something real. Dreaming of a future where Alexander Knight looked at me with genuine love instead of just desire. Forgetting the fundamental truth of our situation: we came from different worlds. He belonged here, among the elite, with women like Katherine who understood the rules and spoke the language of wealth and privilege.
I was just a temporary distraction. A convenient arrangement.
I blinked, forcing myself back to the prese
Chapter 303
Madison
+25 BONUS
Katherine stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Alexander in a familiar embrace. “It’s been far too long, darling. I’ve missed our little adventures.” She pulled back, her perfectly manicured hand lingering on his arm. One dance for old times‘ sake? I promise I won’t step on your toes like I used to p>
Alexander remained rigid, neither returning her embrace fully nor pushing her away. “Katherine. When did you get back from London p>
I felt my stomach twist. He had been getting calls from her; he must have known she was returning. Why hadn’t he mentioned it?
“Just flew in last night,” Katherine replied, her crimson lips curving into a smile that held secrets. “I’m expanding Sinclair Luxe to the States. Starting with New York, naturally.” Her eyes sparkled with confidence. ” The London market has been conquered. Time for new challenges p>
Alexander nodded, his face a perfect mask of neutrality. Not excited to see her, but not dismissive either. Just… blank. Professional. Controlled.
I stood beside them, suddenly feeling like I was intruding on a private reunion. The elegant champagne flute felt awkward in my hand, my midnight–blue gown no longer making me feel beautiful but merely adequate next to Katherine’s showstopping crimson creation.
The realization hit me like a physical blow: Alexander had been waiting for Katherine. That night, when he was drugged, when he called me by her name–it wasn’t just a hallucination or confusion. It was his subconscious revealing what his conscious mind kept hidden.
I’d been so foolish. Letting myself believe our arrangement might evolve into something real. Dreaming of a future where Alexander Knight looked at me with genuine love instead of just desire. Forgetting the fundamental truth of our situation: we came from different worlds. He belonged here, among the elite, with women like Katherine who understood the rules and spoke the language of wealth and privilege.
I was just a temporary distraction. A convenient arrangement.
I blinked, forcing myself back to the present conversation.
11
‘–still have that temper of yours?” Katherine was asking, her hand still resting on Alexander’s arm.
“Some things never change,” Alexander replied, his tone giving nothing away.
Katherine’s laugh tinkled like expensive crystal. “And some things change entirely.” Her gaze shifted to me, finally acknowledging my presence. “Aren’t you going to introduce us, Alex p>
Alexander cleared his throat. “Katherine, this is Madison Harper, Knight Industries‘ Manhattan Project Manager and my personal assistant p>
Not his girlfriend. Not even his friend. Just his employee.
“Madison, this is Katherine Sinclair, an old friend p>
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Katherine’s perfectly shaped eyebrow arched. “Friend? Is that what we’re calling it now?” She extended her hand to me. “Girlfriend would be more accurate. Though that was some time ago p>
Alexander didn’t correct her. I waited for him to say something, anything, but his face remained impassive. I started to look at him, needing to see his reaction, when Gabriel Kensington approached our little group.
“Katherine Sinclair!” Gabriel exclaimed, kissing her cheek. “The prodigal daughter returns! London’s loss is our gain p>
Katherine beamed. “Gabriel, you charmer. How’s Maria p>
“Thriving. She’s around here somewhere, probably convincing the wealthy to part with more of their money for the children’s hospital p>
“A worthy cause,” Katherine agreed. “I’d love to contribute. Perhaps we could discuss it over lunch next week p>
Gabriel nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely. And you must tell me about your expansion plans. I’ve heard rumors p>
As they launched into business talk, I felt Alexander’s eyes on me. I met his gaze, keeping my expression professional despite the turmoil inside.
“Ms. Harper,” he said, his voice low. “Would you mind getting me another drink? Scotch, neat p>
A dismissal. Clear and simple.
“Of course, Mr. Knight,” I replied, grateful for the excuse to escape.
I made my way to the bar, requesting Alexander’s scotch and another champagne for myself. While waiting, I observed Katherine from across the room. She commanded attention effortlessly, her laughter drawing eyes, her gestures elegant and precise. She belonged in this world in a way I never would.
The bartender handed me the drinks. I took a steadying breath and returned to the group, which had now expanded to include several other guests, clustered around Katherine like moths to a flame.
I handed Alexander his scotch, our fingers brushing briefly. The contact sent a familiar jolt through me, one I tried desperately to ignore.
“Thank you, Ms. Harper,” he said formally.
I searched Alexander’s face for any hint of emotion, but his expression remained frustratingly neutral. Not cold, exactly, but certainly not the heated looks he typically gave me when we were alone.
“Katherine was just telling us about her new winter collection,” Gabriel said, gesturing toward me with his champagne flute. “Absolutely revolutionary approach to sustainable luxury p>
Katherine beamed, her perfectly manicured hand resting casually on Alexander’s forearm as if it belonged there. “It’s really about redefining what luxury means in today’s climate–conscious world. We’re using innovative fabrics developed by a small collective in Milan.” Her thumb traced small circles on Alexander’s sleeve, an intimate gesture that made my stomach clench.
I nodded politely, taking a sip of champagne to hide my discomfort. “That sounds fascinating p>
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+25 BONUS
“It is,” Katherine continued, her crimson lips curving into a smile. “Alex always appreciated my vision. Remember that sustainable fashion panel, darling? You defended my ideas so passionately p>
Alexander took a sip of his scotch. “You never needed defending. Your ideas spoke for themselves p>
“Always the diplomat,” Katherine laughed, the sound musical and practiced. Her eyes flicked to me, assessing.” That dress is stunning on you, Madison. Is it Valentino p>
“Versace, actually,” I replied.
“Mmm, last season’s collection,” she nodded approvingly. “You have excellent taste. The color complements your skin tone beautifully p>
The compliment felt like a perfectly wrapped gift with a knife inside. Last season’s collection. Not cutting edge, not innovative. Just… acceptable.
“Alex always did have an eye for beauty,” she added, her gaze sliding back to Alexander. Her fingers trailed along his sleeve with familiar ease, as if reclaiming territory she’d never truly abandoned.
Chapter 304
Chapter 304
nt conversation.
11
‘–still have that temper of yours?” Katherine was asking, her hand still resting on Alexander’s arm.
“Some things never change,” Alexander replied, his tone giving nothing away.
Katherine’s laugh tinkled like expensive crystal. “And some things change entirely.” Her gaze shifted to me, finally acknowledging my presence. “Aren’t you going to introduce us, Alex p>
Alexander cleared his throat. “Katherine, this is Madison Harper, Knight Industries‘ Manhattan Project Manager and my personal assistant p>
Not his girlfriend. Not even his friend. Just his employee.
“Madison, this is Katherine Sinclair, an old friend p>
1/3
Chapter 303
+25 BONUS
Katherine’s perfectly shaped eyebrow arched. “Friend? Is that what we’re calling it now?” She extended her hand to me. “Girlfriend would be more accurate. Though that was some time ago p>
Alexander didn’t correct her. I waited for him to say something, anything, but his face remained impassive. I started to look at him, needing to see his reaction, when Gabriel Kensington approached our little group.
“Katherine Sinclair!” Gabriel exclaimed, kissing her cheek. “The prodigal daughter returns! London’s loss is our gain p>
Katherine beamed. “Gabriel, you charmer. How’s Maria p>
“Thriving. She’s around here somewhere, probably convincing the wealthy to part with more of their money for the children’s hospital p>
“A worthy cause,” Katherine agreed. “I’d love to contribute. Perhaps we could discuss it over lunch next week p>
Gabriel nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely. And you must tell me about your expansion plans. I’ve heard rumors p>
As they launched into business talk, I felt Alexander’s eyes on me. I met his gaze, keeping my expression professional despite the turmoil inside.
“Ms. Harper,” he said, his voice low. “Would you mind getting me another drink? Scotch, neat p>
A dismissal. Clear and simple.
“Of course, Mr. Knight,” I replied, grateful for the excuse to escape.
I made my way to the bar, requesting Alexander’s scotch and another champagne for myself. While waiting, I observed Katherine from across the room. She commanded attention effortlessly, her laughter drawing eyes, her gestures elegant and precise. She belonged in this world in a way I never would.
The bartender handed me the drinks. I took a steadying breath and returned to the group, which had now expanded to include several other guests, clustered around Katherine like moths to a flame.
I handed Alexander his scotch, our fingers brushing briefly. The contact sent a familiar jolt through me, one I tried desperately to ignore.
“Thank you, Ms. Harper,” he said formally.
I searched Alexander’s face for any hint of emotion, but his expression remained frustratingly neutral. Not cold, exactly, but certainly not the heated looks he typically gave me when we were alone.
“Katherine was just telling us about her new winter collection,” Gabriel said, gesturing toward me with his champagne flute. “Absolutely revolutionary approach to sustainable luxury p>
Katherine beamed, her perfectly manicured hand resting casually on Alexander’s forearm as if it belonged there. “It’s really about redefining what luxury means in today’s climate–conscious world. We’re using innovative fabrics developed by a small collective in Milan.” Her thumb traced small circles on Alexander’s sleeve, an intimate gesture that made my stomach clench.
I nodded politely, taking a sip of champagne to hide my discomfort. “That sounds fascinating p>
2/3
Chapter 303
+25 BONUS
“It is,” Katherine continued, her crimson lips curving into a smile. “Alex always appreciated my vision. Remember that sustainable fashion panel, darling? You defended my ideas so passionately p>
Alexander took a sip of his scotch. “You never needed defending. Your ideas spoke for themselves p>
“Always the diplomat,” Katherine laughed, the sound musical and practiced. Her eyes flicked to me, assessing.” That dress is stunning on you, Madison. Is it Valentino p>
“Versace, actually,” I replied.
“Mmm, last season’s collection,” she nodded approvingly. “You have excellent taste. The color complements your skin tone beautifully p>
The compliment felt like a perfectly wrapped gift with a knife inside. Last season’s collection. Not cutting edge, not innovative. Just… acceptable.
“Alex always did have an eye for beauty,” she added, her gaze sliding back to Alexander. Her fingers trailed along his sleeve with familiar ease, as if reclaiming territory she’d never truly abandoned.
Chapter 304
Chapter 304
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.