A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss novel Chapter 158

Chapter 158

Madison

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Alexander removed his hands from her waist, but his eyes remained locked on her face. His smile wasn’t the polite business smile he gave investors or the professional one I’d seen during meetings. This was something different, something genuine that reached his eyes and made them crinkle at

the corners.

Who was she? My mind raced through possibilities. Was this the mysterious Katherine he’d called me that night when he was drugged?

She didn’t even match the blonde woman from the photograph I’d spotted in his penthouse – the one that disappeared so quickly after I noticed it. This woman had chestnut hair that cascaded in perfect waves down her back, not blonde locks. A friend or relative, perhaps? Or, more likely, another ex–girlfriend or hookup from Alexander’s extensive past.

She carried herself with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what she wanted and had probably gotten Alexander at some point.

I shifted my weight, trying not to feel invisible as they continued their reunion. The woman still hadn’t acknowledged my existence.

“How are you?” she asked, her perfectly manicured hand resting on Alexander’s forearm with familiar ease. “It’s been too long since we caught up properly.”

“I’m good,” Alexander replied. “Business is thriving. The Vegas project is moving forward, and we’ve just acquired a promising property in Texas. What about you? Last I heard, you were taking Los Angeles by storm.”

She laughed, the sound light, and practiced. “I’m wonderful. In fact, I have news: I’m returning to the New York main branch.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “What about Los Angeles? I thought that was your pet project.”

“It was,” she sighed dramatically, “but I begged my father to transfer my brother there instead. He finally relented, so I’ll return to New York within a month or two.” She glanced around the room before leaning closer to Alexander. “The West Coast lifestyle just wasn’t for me. Too much sunshine, not enough substance.”

“That’s good to hear,” Alexander nodded. “Though I’ve noticed your company’s sales haven’t been particularly strong lately.”

Her smile tightened almost imperceptibly. “Is that why you sold some shares in our company?”

“Yes,” Alexander replied smoothly. “If a company isn’t performing well, what’s the use of holding

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shares? It’s just business.”

“Well,” she countered, “you might want to buy back in before it’s too late. Once I’m back in New York, those share prices will skyrocket within weeks.” Her eyes sparkled with confidence. “Mark my words.”

Alexander chuckled. “Should I be concerned you’re planning to manipulate prices in the coming weeks? That would be highly illegal, you know.”

“Nothing like that,” she waved dismissively. “We’re expanding. Father has plans that haven’t been made public yet.” She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Between us, there’s an acquisition in the works that will change everything.”

I stood there, champagne flute still in hand, feeling increasingly like a piece of furniture. They’d completely forgotten I existed. The conversation flowed between them with the easy rhythm of people who shared a significant history together.

“An acquisition?” Alexander’s interest was piqued. “Anyone I know?”

“Now that would be telling,” she teased, touching his arm again. “But I will say it’s in the tech sector, and they have patents that will revolutionize our production line.”

“Interesting.” Alexander’s business mind was clearly engaged. “Your father always did have an eye for innovation.”

“He learned from the best.” She smiled. “He asked about you the other day. Said he missed having you over for dinner.”

Alexander’s expression shifted slightly. “Send him my regards. It’s been too long.”

“You should tell him yourself,” she suggested. “Come to dinner next week. Mother would be thrilled to see you, too.”

“I’ll check my schedule,” Alexander replied noncommittally. “Things are particularly busy with the new acquisitions.”

“Too busy?” She pouted playfully. “I remember when you used to make time, no matter what.‘

Alexander’s eyes flicked to me for the first time since she’d arrived, so briefly I almost missed it.” Things change.”

“Do they?” She followed his glance, finally seeming to notice me. Her eyes swept over me with casual dismissal before returning to Alexander. “Is this your new assistant?”

“Yes,” Alexander said. “Madison Harper, my personal assistant.”

I straightened my posture. “It’s nice to meet you,” I said, extending my hand.

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She shook it, barely making contact. “Charmed.” Her attention immediately returned to Alexander.” Anyway, as I was saying, Father’s planning a small gathering next Friday. Just family and a few close friends. You should come.”

“I’ll consider it,” Alexander replied.

A waiter passed with a tray of champagne. She exchanged her empty glass for a full one with practiced grace.

“Thank you,” she said to the waiter without taking her eyes off Alexander. “So, how’s the rest of your life? Anyone special these days?”

I shifted uncomfortably, clutching my untouched champagne. The question hung in the air between them, loaded with history and implications I couldn’t fully grasp.

Alexander’s expression remained neutral. “I’m focusing on business.‘

She laughed. “You always say that. Even back when we were-”

“How’s your brother?” Alexander interrupted smoothly. “Still causing trouble?”

“Deflection,” she said with a knowing smile. “Some things never change.” She sipped her champagne. “He’s fine. Currently trying to convince Father to let him run the European division, but

we both know that would be a disaster.”

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