Chapter 196
Chapter 201
+15 BONUS
Chapter 201
Madison
The elevator continued its descent, each floor making my anxiety climb higher.
Alexander stood beside me, his cologne filling the small space, making it hard to think clearly. His presence always clouded my judgment, making me forget why I should keep my distance.
“You’re quiet,” he remarked, eyes fixed on the descending floor numbers.
“Just wondering where we’re going,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Patience, Ms. Harper.” The corner of his mouth lifted in that infuriating half–smile. “It’s a virtue you might want to cultivate p>
The elevator slowed and dinged as we reached our destination, ten floors below the executive level. When the doors slid open, Alexander gestured for me to exit first.
I stepped into an unfamiliar corridor. I’d never been to this floor before. My duties had kept me primarily on the executive level, with occasional trips to specific departments for meetings or deliveries.
Alexander led the way down a hallway, past a series of glass–walled conference rooms. We turned a corner and entered a large open space filled with empty desks arranged in clusters. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the modern workspace with sleek furniture and state–of–the–art equipment.
At the far end stood a glass–walled office with blinds for privacy, smaller than Alexander’s but impressive
nonetheless.
“This is your office,” Alexander announced, stopping at the glass door. “And this,” he gestured to the open area with multiple workstations, “is where your team will work p>
I blinked, momentarily forgetting all my worries about Katherine. “My office p>
“For the Manhattan Project.” He opened the door, waiting for me to enter.
I stepped inside, running my fingers along the smooth surface of the desk. My desk. The office was beautifully appointed with a comfortable chair, sleek computer, and even a small seating area for meetings.
“This is… incredible,” I admitted, turning in a slow circle to take it all in.
The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over my new domain–my own office, with actual walls and a door that closed. After years of working from a desk outside someone else’s office, this felt surreal.
“You like it?” Alexander leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, watching my reaction with
evident satisfaction.
“It’s perfect.” I ran my fingers along the smooth desktop, imagining myself working here, making decisions, and leading a team. “The view isn’t bad either p>
He chuckled. “Not as good as mine, but it’ll do p>
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I walked to the window, taking in the city skyline from this new angle. So this was the big news he wanted to share. Part of me had been bracing for something completely different something about Katherine perhaps. But this was a pleasant surprise.
“When can I move in?” I asked, already mentally arranging my belongings on the desk.
“Today, if you want. Everything’s set up and ready to go p>
I turned back to face him, a sudden realization dampening my enthusiasm. “Wait a minute. This is ten floors down from the executive level p>
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “And p>
“And I’m still your PA, right? So I’ll be running between floors all day?” I crossed my arms. “What am I, a robot? Or are you just trying to help me meet my step count p>
His lips twitched with amusement. “You could use the exercise p>
“Excuse me p>
“I’m joking, Ms. Harper.” He stepped further into the office. “You take everything so seriously p>
I ignored his comment. “Why this floor specifically? Isn’t there space on the executive level? Or couldn’t I just work from my current desk and have the team report to me there p>
Alexander shook his head. “That’s not how it works. You’ll be meeting with contractors, designers, architects – people who have no business wandering around the executive floor. This location gives you privacy when you need it and space for your team to collaborate p>
I bit my lip, considering his logic. He had a point, but still. “The elevator rides alone will eat up half my day p>
“Always so dramatic.” He moved closer, his cologne enveloping me. “Most project managers would be thrilled with this setup p>
“I am thrilled,” I clarified quickly. “Just trying to figure out the logistics p>
Alexander closed the distance between us, his presence making the spacious office suddenly feel smaller. He leaned against the desk beside me, our shoulders almost touching.
“You know what I think?” he said, voice dropping to that intimate tone that tinged my skin. “I think you’re worried about being away from me p>
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. Knight p>
“No?” His fingers brushed against mine on the desktop. “Then why the concern about being ten floors away p>
“Because I’m still your assistant,” I replied, pulling my hand away. “Unless you’ve forgotten that part of our arrangement p>
He smirked. “I haven’t forgotten anything about our arrangement, Ms. Harper p>
The way he emphasized “arrangement” made heat rise to my cheeks. I turned toward the window, pretending
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to admire the view while collecting myself.
“This project could be huge for your career,” Alexander continued. “Handle it well, and you’ll make a name for yourself in this industry. People will know you for your work, not just as Alexander Knight’s assistant p>
I turned back to face him. “Is that what you think I want? To not be associated with you p>
“Isn’t it?” His eyes searched mine. “Most people want recognition for their own achievements p>
“I do,” I admitted. “But I’m not ashamed of working for you either p>
He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Good. Because this project will test everything you’ve learned. The question is: are you up for it p>
“Yes,” I said firmly. “I can handle it p>
“That’s what I like to hear.” His smile widened. “Confidence looks good on you, Ms. Harper p>
I couldn’t help but smile back. “So does this office p>
Alexander’s eyes darkened as he leaned closer. “I’ve been thinking about hiring a new personal assistant p>
My smile vanished. “What p>
Chapter 202
Chapter 202
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.