Chapter 357 363 Madison “We’re pretty casual around here,” Ellen explained as she showed me my desk. “No staying until midnight unless there’s a genuine emergency, and even then, we’ll probably just tell the client to wait until morning p> “That sounds healthy,” I said, setting my bag down on
Chapter 356 Madison The weekend arrived with unexpected sunshine and a sense of anticipation. Mom and I packed overnight bags and set off for Connecticut in a rental car. “It feels like an adventure,” Mom said as we drove out of the city. “I haven’t been on a road trip
Chapter 355 Madison The afternoon dragged on. I kept my head down, avoided the executive floor, and worked methodically through my tasks. By five o’clock, I had cleaned out my personal items from my desk and organized all my files. I took one final look around my office, then walked
Chapter 354 Madison I stared at my phone for the tenth time in an hour. Still nothing from Alexander. It had been three days since I’d sent the text about my pregnancy, and I was getting angrier by the minute. My phone rang, startling me so badly I nearly dropped
Chapter 353 Madison My office felt like a sanctuary. The door closed behind me with a reassuring click. I collapsed into my chair, the reality of the situation crashing down around me. Alexander was engaged to Katherine. And I was pregnant with his child. I pulled out my phone, checking
Chapter 352 Madison “No,” I whispered, shaking the test as if that might change the result. “No, no, no p> We’d used protection. Hadn’t we? The night blurred with whiskey and passion, but I was almost certain… Almost wasn’t good enough when it came to birth control. I sank to
Chapter 351 Madison By four o’clock, I’d managed to avoid any direct contact with Alexander. A small victory in a war against my own poor judgment. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples against the headache brewing behind my eyes. My computer pinged with a new email notification.
Chapter 350 Madison I woke to the soft glow of morning light filtering through unfamiliar curtains. For one blissful moment, I lived in peaceful ignorance before reality crashed like a bucket of ice water. Alexander’s penthouse. Alexander’s bed. Beside me, Alexander Knight slept soundly, his usually severe expression relaxed in
Chapter 349 Alexander I stepped closer, unable to resist the gravitational pull she seemed to exert on me. “If it doesn’t matter, why are we still talking about it p> “You’re right.” She reached for her glass and drained the remaining whiskey. “We shouldn’t be talking about it at all
Chapter 348 adison We rode the elevator in silence, the air between us charged with unspoken tension. In the lobby, Alexander guided me outside with a light touch at the small of my back that sent electricity up my spine. His Bentley waited at the curb, and his driver, John,
Chapter 347 Madison “This party is insane,” Jackson remarked, popping a chocolate–covered strawberry into his mouth. “Do you guys do this often p> “Knight Industries likes to celebrate success,” I explained. “And Alexander’s birthday is a company tradition p> “Must be nice,” Jackson chuckled. “My company’s idea of celebration is
Chapter 346 Chapter 352 Madison I nearly choked on my water. “What p> “Come on, Madison. He’s been watching you all night when he thinks no one’s looking.” Jackson raised an eyebrow. “And that blonde, Katherine, right? Keeps glancing at you too. There’s clearly something going on. I glanced across
Chapter 345 Chapter 351 Madison Once we were safely out of earshot, Jackson leaned close to my ear. “You’re a lifesaver. I now know more about yacht maintenance costs than any human should p> I laughed, genuinely this time. “Happy to help. How’s the rest of your evening going p>
Chapter 344 Chapter 350 Madison I shrank back slightly, hoping she wouldn’t notice me, but my attention was drawn to Alexander. He stood with Katherine, his hand not quite touching the small of her back as Caroline approached them. Even from this distance, I could see Caroline’s practiced smile as
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