Chapter 220
Chapter 226
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Chapter 226
Madison
1 quickly rebuttoned it, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. “Why is Scarlett coming here anyway p>
“I have no idea.” Alexander settled behind his desk, straightening papers that had been disturbed during our activities. “But I intend to make it quick p>
I nodded, moving to the chair across from his desk just as a knock sounded at the door. Five minutes had passed faster than I’d expected.
“Come in,” Alexander called, his voice cool and controlled.
The door swung open, and Scarlett Reynolds glided in like she owned the place. She was stunning in a form- fitting red dress that hugged every perfect curve of her body, her blonde hair cascading in flawless waves down her back. The diamond earrings caught the light as she moved, and her makeup looked professionally applied. Next to her, I felt like a schoolgirl who’d been caught making out behind the bleachers.
“Alexander, darling,” she purred, not even glancing in my direction as she approached his desk. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice p>
“Scarlett,” he acknowledged with a slight nod. “What can I do for you p>
She settled into the chair beside mine, crossing her long legs and leaning forward slightly to give Alexander a better view of her cleavage. The scent of her expensive perfume filled the air between us.
“I just wanted to check in,” she said, her voice honey–sweet. “See how you’re doing p>
“I’m fine,” Alexander replied, his tone neutral. “Was there something specific you needed to discuss p>
Scarlett laughed, a tinkling sound that somehow managed to be both musical and grating. “Always so business- focused. Can’t a girl just stop by to see an old friend p>
“During business hours? Without an appointment?” Alexander raised an eyebrow. “That seems unlikely, even for you p>
She smiled, undeterred by his coolness. “Fine, you caught me. I wanted to talk about that ridiculous article. It seems like someone made sure it was taken down rather quickly p>
“The article was nothing but gossip and speculation. Of course, it was removed,” he replied smoothly.
“Such a shame,” Scarlett said, leaning back in her chair. “It was actually good gossip for once. I was hoping we might make it true p>
Jealousy churned in my gut as I glanced at Alexander for his reaction.
His face remained impassive. “Make what true, exactly p>
“You know…” She trailed a perfectly manicured finger along the arm of her chair. “Us. Together again. The power couple everyone expects us to be p>
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I fought to keep my expression neutral, though jealousy burned through me like acid.
“Scarlett,” Alexander said, his voice firm but not unkind, “we’ve discussed this. What happened between us was in the past. It’s going to stay there p>
“But why?” She pouted prettily. “We were so good together p>
“I’m not interested in rekindling anything,” he cut her off. “Our relationship ended for good reasons p>
She glanced at me for the first time, her eyes narrowing slightly before returning to Alexander. “Is there someone else? Is that it p>
Alexander didn’t look my way, but I felt his awareness of me like a physical touch. “My personal life isn’t up for discussion p>
Always so mysterious,” Scarlett laughed, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Fine, keep your secrets. For now p>
“Was there anything else?” Alexander asked, checking his watch. “I have a meeting soon p>
“Actually, yes.” She leaned forward again, all business now. “I’m having dinner at Le Bernardin tomorrow night. Join me? We can discuss that investment opportunity I mentioned p>
The invitation was clearly about more than business, her tone suggesting exactly what kind of “dessert” she had in mind.
“I can’t,” Alexander replied without hesitation. “I’m booked solid this week p>
“Next week then?” She persisted, undeterred. “I’m very flexible p>
“Scarlett,” Alexander’s voice held a note of finality. “I’m not interested in dinner this week or next. If you want to discuss business, schedule a proper meeting through my assistant p>
She sighed dramatically, rising from her chair with fluid grace. “You’re no fun anymore, Alexander. But I’ll keep trying. You know I never give up when I want something.
Her eyes flicked to me again, this time with a calculating look that made my skin crawl. Then she turned and sashayed toward the door, her hips swaying provocatively.
“Goodbye, Alexander,” she called over her shoulder. “Think about my offer. All of my offers p>
The door closed behind her with a soft click, leaving a cloud of expensive perfume and tension in her wake.
I sat frozen in my chair, unsure what to say or do. Had Scarlett been behind the gossip articles? Was she trying to manipulate Alexander by spreading rumors about them being together?
Alexander’s voice broke the silence. “Well, that was interesting p>
“She seems… persistent p>
Alexander laughed; the sound was genuine and relaxed. “That’s one word for it. Scarlett doesn’t like being told
no p>
“She’s beautiful,” I said before I could stop myself.
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“Yes, she is,” he agreed, watching me carefully. “But beauty isn’t everything p>
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I fidgeted with my phone, uncomfortable under his scrutiny. “Do you think she’s behind those articles? The ones about you dating different women p>
Alexander’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “It’s possible. That’s why I want Hazel to gather all of them. I need to see if there’s a pattern p>
“I’ll call her right away,” I promised, grateful for the change of subject.
“Good.” He stood up, circling his desk to stand in front of me. “And Madison p>
I looked up at him, pulse quickening at his proximity. “Yes p>
“Don’t worry about Scarlett.” His hand cupped my cheek, thumb brushing across my lower lip. “She’s not a threat to our arrangement p>
“I wasn’t worried,” I lied, my voice barely above a whisper.
His smile told me he didn’t believe me for a second. “Of course not.” He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “Now, unfortunately, we do have an actual meeting to prepare for. But we’ll continue where we left off.
Soon p>
The promise in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. “I’ll hold you to that, Mr. Knight p>
“I’m counting on it.” He straightened, all business again. “Now, go call your friend. I want those articles as soon as possible p>
I stood, smoothing my skirt one last time. “Right away p>
Chapter 227
+15 BONUS
Chapter 227
Madison
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.