Semua Bab A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss: Bab 431 - Bab 440

Madison"Come on, sweetheart." I took Ethan's hand, steering him toward the elevator. "Say goodbye to the cloud bed." "Bye, cloud bed!" Ethan waved enthusiastically at the guest room. "I'll miss you!" Alexander followed us, his presence filling the space behind me. The elevator ride down felt endless, Ethan chattering about dinosaurs and tall buildings while I focused on breathing normally. The Bentley waited in the underground garage, all sleek black curves and leather interior that probably cost more than I made in six months. "Can I ride in the front?" Ethan bounced on his toes. "Please, please, please?" "Backseat," I said automatically. "But Mom!" "Backseat, Ethan." Alexander opened the back door, helping Ethan climb in and buckling his seatbelt with surprising competence. "Next time, you can sit in front. When you're taller." "How much taller?" "At least this much." Alexander held his hand several inches above Ethan's head. "I'll grow really fast! I drink milk every da

AlexanderShe studied my face, searching for something. "This isn't about making up for anything. You're his father. You don't have to prove that with expensive gifts." "I'm not trying to prove anything. I just wanted to see him smile." "He smiles plenty without three-hundred-dollar dinosaurs." "Three-fifty." "I heard you the first time." Her lips twitched, almost betraying a smile. She took a breath, her expression shifting to something more thoughtful. "Look, kids appreciate gifts, but too many expensive things at once can actually overwhelm them. They lose the magic of it, you know? Each gift becomes less special when there's always something new and shiny." She paused, studying my face like she was measuring whether I'd take offense. "What I'm saying is, you can definitely give Ethan things. He'd love that. But maybe space them out? One special gift here and there means more than drowning him in toys all at once. That way, each one matters." I processed her words, recognizing

Alexander"Why don't we table this discussion for when you're older?" Madison suggested. "Like thirty." "Thirty?" Ethan's eyes went wide. "That's forever away!" "Exactly." She held out her hand. "Come on. We should probably start thinking about heading back to Connecticut soon." "Already?" Ethan's face fell, his excitement deflating like a popped balloon. "But I just got the dinosaurs! And we didn't even finish setting up the habitat yet!" "I know, baby. But we need to get back." "Can't we stay one more day? Please? Just one more day?" "Ethan." "Pleeeease?" I opened my mouth to tell them they should stay. That I'd book them rooms at The Plaza, or they could stay at my penthouse. That Connecticut could wait another day or two. That Ethan needed more time with his dinosaurs, and I needed more time with both of them. My phone buzzed in my pocket. The words died on my tongue as I pulled it out, glancing at the screen. Josephine Miller. My PA. I swiped to answer. "Yes?" "Mr. Kn

AlexanderThe elevator doors opened onto Hazel's floor, and I stepped out, the weight that had been pressing on my chest for months finally lifting. I knocked on the door, hearing the muffled sounds of cartoons playing inside. Hazel answered, her expression curious. "That was fast." "I don't waste time." "Clearly." She stepped aside, letting me in. "They're in the living room. Well, Ethan's in the living room. Madison's been stress-cooking in the kitchen for the past hour. I think she's made enough food to feed a small army." I walked down the hallway, following the sound of animated characters and the smell of something savory. Ethan sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes glued to the television, surrounded by his new dinosaur collection. The T-Rex stood guard over the smaller dinosaurs like a prehistoric sentinel. "Hey, buddy." His head whipped around, and his face lit up. "Dad! You came back!" "Told you I would." He scrambled to his feet, running over to grab my hand. "Com

Alexander"Ethan's been exploring for a while," she observed. "Should we check on him?" "He's fine. The penthouse is childproofed. Mostly." "Mostly?" "There aren't any sharp edges or exposed outlets." I dried my hands on a towel. "And the balcony doors lock automatically." "Reassuring." I caught the edge in her voice. Not quite sarcasm, but close. "You don't trust me to keep him safe." "I didn't say that." "You didn't have to." Madison's jaw tightened. "I just met you a few days ago as his father, Alexander. Forgive me for being cautious." Fair point. I'd walked back into her life after five years' absence and expected instant trust. That wasn't reasonable. "You're right," I said quietly. "I'm sorry." Her eyebrows rose. "Did Alexander Knight just apologize?" "It happens occasionally. When I'm wrong." "How often is that?" "Not often enough, apparently." Her lips twitched. Almost a smile. Ethan's voice carried down the hallway, singing something with no rhythm whatsoever