A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss novel Chapter 121

Chapter 121

Madison

“So,

,” I said, setting down my fork, “without any police involvement, you managed to track down the bartender who drugged you? That’s impressive.”

Alexander’s expression darkened slightly. “Leo has certain skills that make finding people relatively simple. Especially people who don’t know they need to hide.” He took another sip of his wine. “But we aren’t sure if this woman is actually behind everything or if it’s all an elaborate script to divert attention.”

I frowned. “You think the bartender is lying?”

“I think someone clever enough to orchestrate this would also know how to create a convincing fall guy.” His eyes locked onto mine, intense and calculating. “The bartender’s story was almost too perfect: a mysterious woman, a single initial, cash payment, and no traceable connection.”

“So you’re back at square one,” I said.

“Not entirely. We know someone targeted me specifically. We know they had resources and planning. What we don’t know is who and why.” Alexander leaned back, swirling his wine thoughtfully. “I need to find out who did this and their endgame.”

I took another bite of my risotto, considering the possibilities. “Could it be corporate espionage? Maybe someone hoping you’d reveal company secrets while impaired?”

“Possible,” he conceded. “Or someone hoping I’d make a public spectacle of myself, damaging Knight Industries‘ reputation.”

“Instead, you just ended up in bed with your assistant,” I said before I could stop myself.

Alexander’s lips curved into that devastating half–smile that always made my stomach flip. “I’d hardly call that a negative outcome, Ms. Harper.”

I felt heat creep up my neck. “Mr. Knight, that’s hardly appropriate dinner conversation.”

“And yet, here we are.” His foot brushed against mine under the table, deliberately and slowly. ” Discussing it over dinner.”

I cleared my throat, trying to regain some professional composure. “Do you have any other suspects? People who might want to compromise you?”

“Several. Business rivals, spurned lovers, ambitious competitors.” He took another sip of wine. “The list of people who might benefit from seeing me weakened is, unfortunately, quite long.”

“Hazards of being successful, I suppose,” I murmured, taking another bite of my risotto. The flavors

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melted on my tongue, momentarily distracting me from the seriousness of our conversation.

Alexander leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass with a contemplative expression. His tie was slightly loosened, giving him a more relaxed appearance despite the intensity in his eyes.

“Success comes with its own set of complications,” he said after a moment. “Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth the constant vigilance.” He set his glass down and fixed those piercing blue eyes on me. There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

I raised an eyebrow, waiting.

“Are you in regular contact with Anthony?” His tone was casual, but there was an edge to it that caught my attention.

I blinked, surprised by the question. “Dr. Anthony Williams? I’ve only spoken with him two or three times at the hospital regarding my mother’s treatment.” I set down my fork, studying his expression. “Why do you ask, Mr. Knight?”

Alexander’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “There was an interesting moment during our little interrogation with the bartender. Anthony pulled up your I*******m profile rather quickly. I found

that… curious.”

My stomach did a little flip. “My I*******m?”

“Yes. Your profile appeared on his phone in seconds. Almost as if he’d been looking at it recently.” Alexander’s eyes never left mine, watching for my reaction.

I stared at Alexander, a flash of indignation heating my cheeks. How dare he imply that something was going on between me and Dr. Williams?

“How would I know why Dr. Williams has my I*******m profile?” I kept my voice level despite my rising irritation. “He’s your friend, Mr. Knight. Perhaps you should ask him about it directly.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “That won’t be necessary. I’m asking you.”

“There’s nothing to tell,” I said firmly, setting down my wine glass with a bit more force than intended. “I’ve barely spoken to the man outside of my mother’s medical consultations.”

“Good.” Alexander leaned forward. “Because I feel compelled to remind you that our arrangement is exclusive, Madison. You are not to date or fall for anyone else during our agreement. The financial penalties would be… substantial.”

I nearly choked on my own saliva. The audacity of this man! Here he was, notorious playboy Alexander Knight, lecturing me about exclusivity when his reputation with women was practically legendary.

“I remember our agreement perfectly well, Mr. Knight,” I replied coolly. “You don’t need to worry

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about me breaking any clauses.”

Unlike you, I added silently. You’re probably the one who can’t keep his cock in his pants for more than forty–eight hours. The hypocrisy was astounding. Here I was, living like a nun except for our encounters, while he was likely still fielding texts from his extensive roster of model ex–girlfriends.

Alexander studied me briefly, then seemed satisfied with whatever he saw in my expression. He signaled for the check, which appeared almost instantly. He didn’t even glance at the total before sliding his black card into the leather folder.

“I’ve noticed you have a habit of thinking very loudly, Ms. Harper,” he said with that infuriating half -smile. “Your face gives away more than you realize.”

I took a final sip of my wine, refusing to be baited. “I wasn’t aware I was so transparent.”

“Only to those paying close attention.” His eyes locked with mine, intense and possessive. “And I’m always paying attention to you.”

The waiter returned with his card and thanked us profusely for our visit. Alexander stood and extended his hand to help me up, his touch lingering longer than necessary. I ignored the little spark that shot up my arm at the contact.

As we walked out of the restaurant, the cool night air was a welcome relief from the heated tension

that had built between us.

“Did you enjoy dinner?” he asked as we approached the car.

“The food was excellent,” I admitted. “I’ve never had risotto that good before.”

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