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
Chapter 323 Chapter 329 Madison +25 BONUS “Is it?” His voice dropped lower, taking on that dangerous edge that used to make me weak in the knees. Still did, if I was being honest with myself. “Yes. Professional boundaries, remember? Your idea p> “Actually, it was your idea to end
Chapter 322 Chapter 328 Madison I picked up my champagne glass, draining it in one less–than–ladylike gulp. A waiter materialized at my elbow, offering a replacement. I accepted with a grateful smile. “Thirsty, Ms. Harper?” Alexander’s deep voice cut across the table. I met his gaze coolly. “Just enjoying the
Chapter 321 Chapter 327 Madison For the next week, I threw myself into work. Every morning, I arrived early, left late, and was buried in work. Anything to avoid thinking about Alexander Knight and the hollow feeling in my chest. The day of the gala arrived with cruel swiftness. I
Chapter 320 Madison I immersed myself in the Manhattan Project for the rest of the afternoon, grateful for the distraction. Most of the team had left by six o’clock, but I remained, reviewing contractor bids and material options. My phone buzzed with an email notification. From Alexander. To: Madison Harper
Chapter 319 Chapter 325 Madison +25 BONUS The office felt colder without Alexander’s attention. For a week after ending our arrangement, I’d seen him exactly twice, both times in passing, with barely a nod of acknowledgment. The professional distance I’d requested now stretched between us like an arctic wasteland. I
Chapter 318 Chapter 324 Alexander I stared at the door Madison had just walked through, an unfamiliar heaviness settling in my chest. Her words echoed in my head: “ I think we should end the arrangement p> What the hell had just happened? I leaned back in my chair, trying