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.
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“Hey, I’m just saying you’ve never been one to take rejection lying down. Remember that hostile takeover you orchestrated just because Jameson turned down your initial offer?” Anthony chuckled. “You don’t give up easily. So why give up on Madison p>
The question hung between us, demanding an answer I wasn’t ready to give.
“It’s different,” I said finally.
“Different how p>
“Madison isn’t a business deal p>
“No, she’s better,” Anthony countered. “She’s real, Alex. She cares about you, not your money, not your power. I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life. But as your friend, I have to point out that you’re making a mistake. Madison Harper is exactly what you need, someone genuine in a world full of people who only want what you can give them p>
“And Katherine isn’t genuine?” The question slipped out before I could stop it.
Anthony’s expression hardened. “Katherine is exactly who she’s always been: selfish, ambitious, and willing to use anyone to get what she wants. Including you p>
I stared into my whiskey, unwilling to acknowledge the truth in his words.
“You know I’m right,” Anthony pressed. “Madison is the real deal. Don’t throw that away for whatever game Katherine’s playing p>
“It’s not that simple p>
“It absolutely is that simple.” Anthony leaned forward, his eyes intense. “Madison, good. Katherine, bad. See? Simple p>
Despite everything, I laughed. “When did you become such a relationship expert p>
“When I started dating someone with actual emotional intelligence.” He grinned. “Lyla’s rubbing off on me p>
“Clearly.” I took another sip of my drink. “But you’re oversimplifying p>
“Am I? It looks pretty straightforward. You were happy with Madison. Katherine showed up. Now you’re miserable but pretending not to be.” Anthony shrugged. “Doesn’t take a genius to connect those dots p>
I opened my mouth to argue, then closed it. Was he right? Had I let Katherine’s return affect my judgment?
Chapter 338
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“It wasn’t working with Madison,” I said finally.
“Bullshit p>
“Excuse me p>
“I said bullshit.” Anthony’s eyes glinted with challenge. “It was working fine until Katherine appeared. Then suddenly it wasn’t ‘working‘? Come on, Alex p>
“Madison was uncomfortable with the arrangement.
“Arrangement.” Anthony snorted. “There’s that word again. What exactly was this ‘arrangement p>
I hesitated, reluctant to share the details.
“Let me guess,” Anthony continued. “Some kind of exclusive but temporary relationship with all the benefits and none of the commitment? Classic Alexander Knight move p>
His accuracy was unnerving. “Something like that p>
“And let me guess again, you never actually talked about feelings or where things might go beyond this‘ arrangement p>
I shifted uncomfortably. “It wasn’t like that p>
“Of course it wasn’t.” Anthony rolled his eyes. “Because God forbid Alexander Knight actually admit he has feelings for someone p>
“I care about Madison,” I admitted, surprising myself with the words. “She’s… different p>
“Different how p>
I thought about how to answer, how to explain the way Madison challenged me, surprised me, made me want to be better. How she didn’t back down from my moods or my demands. How she saw through my bullshit and called me on it.
“She sees me,” I said simply.
Anthony’s expression softened. “And that terrifies you, doesn’t it p>
I didn’t answer, but my silence was confirmation enough.
“Look,” Anthony said, his voice gentler than before. “I’ve known you a long time. I’ve seen you with countless women, models, actresses, and socialites. But I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you look at Madison Harper p>
“I don’t look at her any particular way,” I protested.
“Yes, you do.” Anthony smiled. “Like she’s a puzzle you can’t quite figure out. Like you’re afraid she might disappear if you blink. Like she matters p>
“She’s an employee p>
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“She’s more than that, and you know it.” Anthony leaned back. “The question is, what are you going to do about it p>
“Nothing,” I said firmly. “She made her choice. I respect that p>
“Respect.” Anthony chuckled. “Since when did Alexander Knight start respecting other people’s choices when they conflict with what he wants p>
“People change p>
“Not that much.” Anthony drained his glass. “So, what’s the real reason you’re letting her go without a fight? Are you afraid p>
“I’m not afraid of anything,” I shot back automatically.
“Aren’t you?” Anthony challenged. “Afraid of admitting that Madison Harper means something to you? Afraid of opening yourself up to being hurt again? Afraid of letting someone in after Katherine left p>
I clenched my jaw. “This conversation is over p>
“Fine.” Anthony held up his hands in surrender. “But think about what I said. Madison is worth fighting for. Katherine is… not p>
The waitress appeared with fresh drinks, providing a welcome interruption. I raised my glass, eager to change the subject. “ To your upcoming wedding. How’s planning going p>
Anthony allowed the diversion. “My mother wants ice sculptures. Lyla’s family insists on a traditional Italian seven–course meal. It’s a nightmare p>
“Sounds like you need a destination wedding. Somewhere neither family can easily attend p>
Anthony laughed. “Don’t think I haven’t considered it.” He took a sip of his drink. “So, best man duties. You’re still in, right p>
“As long as the bachelor party doesn’t involve strip clubs. I’ve had my fill of those with Leo’s disaster last year p>
“God, no. I was thinking of a fishing trip. Montana. Just the guys and some peace and quiet before I surrender my freedom forever p>
I raised an eyebrow. “Fishing? Who are you and what have you done with Anthony Williams p>
“Hey, I’m evolving.” He grinned. “Besides, Lyla’s father is a fishing enthusiast. Need to score some points with the future in–laws p>
“Ah, there’s the self–serving Anthony I know p>
“Hey, I do what needs to be done.” He raised his glass. “Speaking of which, what are you going to do about Madison p>
I sighed, realizing he wasn’t going to let this go. “Nothing. She’s made her position clear p>
“Tell her how you feel instead of hiding behind this ‘arrangement‘ bullshit p>
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Chapter 338
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.