Chapter 343 Chapter 349 +25 BONUS Chapter 349 Madison My phone vibrated in my clutch. Jackson’s name flashed on the screen. “It’s Jackson,” I told Hazel, my heart skipping nervously as I answered. “Hey, where are you p> “Madison, they won’t let me in! I’ve tried explaining I’m your friend,
Chapter 342 Chapter 348 Madison We circulated through the room, stopping occasionally to chat with colleagues I knew. Everyone seemed surprised by my appearance, their double takes both flattering and slightly embarrassing, “Have you seen the birthday boy?” asked Tim from Accounting, his eyes lingering a bit too long on
Chapter 341 Madison I stood before my mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back. The midnight blue dress hugged every curve, its silky fabric catching the light as I turned. The plunging neckline revealed just enough cleavage to be daring without crossing into inappropriate territory, while the slit offered a
Chapter 340 Chapter 346 Madison The driver opened the door, and Alexander stepped out first, then extended his hand to help me. I hesitated before taking it, trying to ignore the warmth that spread up my arm at his touch. Outside, the air smelled of river water and damp earth.
Chapter 339 Madison My phone buzzed with a text. Reflexively, my heart jumped. Alexander? But It was just Jackson. Jackson: Thanks again for dinner. Next time, my treat for real. I smiled and typed back. Me: Deal. And thanks for being understanding about my work schedule. Jackson: What are friends
Chapter 338 Chapter 344 Madison I took a large sip of wine, buying time. “I don’t pay attention to gossip p> “Smart. Though it must be interesting, seeing the reality behind the public image p> “It has its moments,” I said vaguely, desperately wanting to change the subject. “How about
Chapter 337 Madison She led me to a cozy corner table partially secluded by a decorative wine rack. It was perfect for conversation without shouting over the dinner crowd. I settled in, declining a glass of wine until Jackson arrived. While waiting, I checked my phone, a habit I couldn’t
Chapter 336 Madison The afternoon dragged on with back–to–back meetings about the project. By five o’clock, my eyes burned from staring at spreadsheets, and my coffee cup had been empty for hours. “I need caffeine,” 1 muttered to myself, stretching in my chair p> I headed to the cafeteria, grateful
Chapter 335 Chapter 341 Madison Tuesday morning’s bright sunlight slashed through the half–open blinds of my apartment as I finished the last sip of coffee. I was already running through the day’s schedule in my head. I glanced at my new blue dress hanging on my closet door, the price
Chapter 334 Madison “Look at you!” Mom exclaimed when I emerged. “Hot date with Alexander after shopping p> The question stung more than it should have. “No, just Hazel p> Mom’s gaze turned shrewd. “Trouble in paradise p> “No trouble,” I lied smoothly. “He’s busy p> “That man works as
Chapter 333 “Liar p> I shot him a warning look. “Fine, be stubborn.” Anthony shrugged. “But while you’re busy pretending not to care, Katherine’s circling like a shark. And if you think she’s back just for business, you’re deluding yourself p> Chapter 339 Chapter 339 Madison +25 BONUS The cab
Chapter 332 Chapter 338 Alexander “Madison made her choice,” I said finally. “I respected it p> “Respect.” Anthony rolled the word around like he was tasting it. “That’s a first for you p> I shot him a dark look. +25 BONUS “Hey, I’m just saying you’ve never been one to
Chapter 331 Alexander The Summit’s panoramic view of Manhattan never failed to impress, even after countless visits. Golden hour had passed, leaving the skyline ablaze with artificial light against the darkening sky. I spotted Anthony at our usual corner table, already nursing what looked like his second scotch. “You’re late,”
Chapter 330 Chapter 336 Madison I smiled, taking a sip. “I did have fun today p> “See? Life exists outside the office. Revolutionary concept p> “Says the woman who works sixty hours a week p> “But I complain about it properly,” she countered. “You wear your workaholic tendencies like a
Chapter 329 Chapter 335 Madison +25 BONUS “I used to paint,” I said finally. “Watercolors, mostly. Landscapes. I haven’t done it in years. No time p> “There’s always time for what matters,” Mia said simply. Her words hit me harder than intended. What did matter to me? Beyond work, beyond
Chapter 328 Chapter 334 Madison +25 BONUS “I can’t believe we finally get to meet you,” Mia said, adjusting her rearview mirror to look at me. “Hazel makes you sound like some corporate superhero p> I laughed. “Hardly. I just have a job that requires long hours p> “Same, girl,”
Chapter 327 Chapter 333 Madison Mom sat across from me, her expression thoughtful. “You know, when your father and I were dating, we sometimes needed space. It’s healthy p> I nearly choked. “Mom, we’re not, I mean, Alexander and I are, it’s complicated p> “Love usually is,” she said with
Chapter 326 Chapter 332 Madison I was drowning. Katherine stood above me, her crimson dress billowing like a cloud of blood in the murky water. She pressed down on my shoulders, her manicured nails digging into my skin as I thrashed beneath the surface. Her face remained serene, almost bored,
Chapter 325 331 Chapter 331 Madison Outside, his Bentley waited at the curb, engine purring softly in the cool night air. +25 BONUS The drive to my apartment was quiet, the city lights sliding past the windows in a blur of color. I watched Alexander’s profile as he drove, the
Chapter 324 +25 BONUS Chapter 330 Madison Alexander handed his keys to the valet with practiced ease, then turned to me, extending his arm. “Shall we p> I hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing my hand on his forearm. His muscles tensed beneath my touch. “You look