Lahat ng Kabanata ng A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss: Kabanata 331 - Kabanata 340

MadisonOutside, his Bentley waited at the curb, engine purring softly in the cool night air. 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 strong line of his jaw, the slight furrow between his brows as he concentrated on the road. "My mother has been asking about you, Mr. Knight," I said as we neared my building, breaking the silence. His eyebrows lifted slightly. "Has she?" "She wants you to come over again sometime. For breakfast, actually." I fidgeted with the clasp of my clutch. "She makes incredible pancakes." "Pancakes." He repeated the word as if testing it, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You don't have to," I added quickly. "I know you're busy. And it's not... I mean, given our current situation, it might be awkward." "Our current situation." "Yes. You know." I gestured vaguely between us. "Professional relationship only." Alexander pulled up in front of

MadisonMom sat across from me, her expression thoughtful. "You know, when your father and I were dating, we sometimes needed space. It's healthy."I nearly choked. "Mom, we're not, I mean, Alexander and I are, it's complicated.""Love usually is," she said with a knowing smile.I didn't correct her. What was the point? In a few weeks, when she was stronger, I'd invent some amicable breakup story. For now, let her believe her daughter was dating a billionaire CEO rather than... whatever Alexander and I actually were."The eggs are amazing," I said, changing the subject. "How are you feeling today?""Better than you look," she teased."Gee, thanks." I rolled my eyes but laughed. My mother's honesty was both her best and most annoying quality."Go enjoy your beach day," she urged, patting my hand. "You work too hard. Have some fun, get some sun, flirt with a lifeguard.""Mom!""What? Just because you're dating doesn't mean you can't look. Your father used to say that looking at the menu

Madison"I used to paint," I said finally. "Watercolors, mostly. Landscapes. I haven't done it in years. No time." "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 my arrangement with Alexander, beyond my responsibilities? "Food's here!" Devon called, saving me from further introspection. We feasted on fish tacos and fresh lemonade, arguing good-naturedly about whether pineapple belonged on pizza (it absolutely doesn't) and if cereal was technically a soup (Nathaniel made a surprisingly compelling case that it was). After eating, we decided to walk along the shore. The sand was warm between my toes, and the water occasionally lapped at my ankles. I let the others walk ahead, hanging back to absorb the moment. The sun had begun its descent, casting golden light across the water. Families were packing up, couples strolled hand in hand, and seagulls swooped overhead. The simple magic of a Sund

AlexanderThe 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," he called as I approached. "I was about to send a search party." I slid into the leather chair across from him. "Some of us actually work on Sundays." "And some of us maintain healthy work-life boundaries." He raised his glass in mock salute. "You should try it sometime." The waitress materialized beside our table. "Good evening, Mr. Knight. Your usual?" "Macallan 25, neat." I loosened my tie as she departed. "How long have you been here?" "Long enough to watch that group of models by the bar turn down three different trust fund kids." Anthony grinned. "Quality entertainment." My drink arrived promptly, and I took a slow sip, letting the smoky liquid coat my tongue.

MadisonThe cab smelled like pine air freshener and faint cigarettes, an assault on my senses after the sterile environment of Knight Industries. I leaned my head against the cool window, watching Manhattan blur past. My phone buzzed in my purse, pulling me from my trance. Hazel's name flashed on the screen. I swiped to answer. "Please tell me you're not still at work," she said without preamble. "I'm in a cab, actually," I replied, stifling a yawn. The Manhattan Project had consumed my day, leaving my brain feeling like mush. "Perfect timing! I need you to go shopping with me for my company party. The one I told you about yesterday? I found this incredible boutique in SoHo that's having a sale." I glanced at my watch. Almost six. "Now? I'm exhausted, Hazel." "Yes, now. The sale ends today, and I need your brutally honest opinion on dresses. Plus, you need something too." "I never said I was going to your party." "You never said you weren't," she countered. "Come on, Madison.