A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Madison

I pushed open the door to my mother’s hospital room, greeted by the familiar beeping of machines and the soft glow of the TV mounted on the wall. Mom lay propped up against a mountain of pillows, completely engrossed in what looked like

another one of her trashy romance shows.

“Really, Mom? ‘Love’s Burning Passion‘ again?”

She didn’t even look away from the screen. “Shh, Diego is about to tell Isabella he’s actually her long–lost twin brother’s evil

stepson.”

I dropped into the chair beside her bed, rolling my eyes. “That’s ridiculous.”

“That’s what makes it fun, Maddie.” She finally tore her gaze away from the drama unfolding on screen. “You look tired.”

“Thanks, Mom..

“Well, you do.” She reached

If she only knew. I forced

every daughter wants to hear.”

a

and patted my hand. “Work keeping you busy?”

mile. “Actually, I have some news. You’re being transferred to Hallmark Hospital.”

Mom’s face lit up. “Oh, I know! The nurse told me this morning. Such a fancy place – they even have those beds that massage you while you sleep.” She narrowed her eyes. “But Maddie, honey, how on earth can we afford that? Those massage beds

don’t come cheap.”

I fiddled with the hem of my skirt. “Got a bonus at work. Plus, the insurance is covering more than we thought.” The lies tasted bitter on my tongue, but they were better than explaining my arrangement with Alexander.

“A bonus? That boss of yours must really value you.” She beamed with pride, then her smile faltered. “But sweetie, you shouldn’t spend all your money on me. I know how hard you work.”

“Mom, stop.”

“No, really. First the apartment, then all those extra shifts, and now this?” She gestured at the room around her. “I’m becoming such a burden-”

“Stop right there.” I cut her off, raising my hand. “You’re not a burden. You’re my mom. The woman who raised me on microwave dinners and Disney movies because you worked three jobs to keep a roof over our heads.”

Her eyes got misty. “Those weren’t my finest culinary moments.”

“Are you kidding? Your signature dish was mac and cheese with hot dogs cut into octopus shapes. Pure genius.”

“The other moms packed their kids organic quinoa.”

I snorted. “Yeah, and their kids always traded it for my octopus dogs.”

She laughed, then winced, pressing a hand to her side. My heart clenched.

“Mom, remember when I was seven and got chicken pox? You missed that big promotion because you stayed home with me for a week, reading me stories and covering me in calamine lotion until I looked like a pink Dalmatian.”

“You were so itchy you tried to scratch with a fork.”

“And you tied oven mitts to my hands while I slept.” I squeezed her fingers. “The point is, you’ve always been there for me. Now it’s my turn.”

“But-”

“No buts. Unless it’s about that hunky doctor who keeps finding excuses to check your vitals ”

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Chapter 18

+25 BONUS

Her cheeks flushed pinknMadisonön!”

“What? Dr. Martinez is totally into yoyolsawarnhimlingering over your chart yesterday. Pretty sure he wasn’t studying your blood pressure.“e

“He was being thorough.“h.”

“He was being thirsty. And speaking of thirstys theresa’s that jello cup you promised to save me?”

Mom pointed to the mini–fridge.d’Bottomshelfenarddon’t change the subject, young lady.“v

I retrieved the jello, brandishing my plastic spoon dikthewweapon Subject closed. You’re stuck with me and my obsessive need to take care of you. Deal with it“it.”

I dug into the red jello, savoring the artificial cherry flavoReRemember when you used to make these from scratch? With r fruit and everything?“?”

“Those were the days.” Mom adjusted her blanket; henexpręssicsidurturing serious Have you heard anything from your our tbrother, Jordan?“?”

“S“Stop right there.” I leaned forward, taking her hands in mine you getting sickicladatiothing to do with his decisions. He H

“A’And I’m perfectly capable of handling it.” I forced a bright smile. Besides, who letselsvilleqeepyowfrom flirting with every mmedical professional who walks through that door?“?

“The past is the past, Mom. Right now, we need to focus on getting you better and planning fgiftenturikake what color yoyou want to paint your room when you’re back home. I’m thinking hot pinkik.”

“Tryped andreaviy bought the paint!” I hadn’t, but the horror on her face was worth the lie. Complete with gutthitaccents.”

“That’s the apprhough maybe we should avoid death jokes in a hospital “”

“I prefer cremely optimistic.“Jotood up, stretching. “Now, what do you say we see what other terrible life choices Didge’so

family can makémulithamidiour?”

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