A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss novel Chapter 330

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Chapter 330

Madison

Alexander handed his keys to the valet with practiced ease, then turned to me, extending his arm. “Shall we?”

I hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing my hand on his forearm. His muscles tensed beneath my touch.

“You look nervous, Ms. Harper,” he murmured as we approached the entrance. “I don’t bite.”

“Recent evidence suggests otherwise,” I said under my breath.

The corner of his mouth twitched. “Only when asked.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks at the memory of the last time I’d “asked.”

The maître d‘ recognized Alexander immediately. “Mr. Knight, welcome back. Your table is ready.”

We were whisked through the restaurant to a secluded corner table partially screened by an elegant partition. Privacy at its finest and most expensive.

“Wine?” Alexander asked after we settled.

“Yes, please.” Maybe alcohol would help me navigate whatever game he was playing.

Alexander ordered a bottle of Château Margaux without consulting the wine list. The sommelier nodded approvingly and disappeared.

I fidgeted with my napkin. “So…”

“So,” he echoed, studying me with those penetrating blue eyes.

“Are you going to tell me what this is about? Because if it’s another business proposition, I’d prefer we get straight to it.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair. “Not everything is business, Ms. Harper.”

“With you, it usually is.”

“Usually, yes.” He paused as the sommelier returned with the wine. After the ritual of tasting and approving, our glasses were filled, and we were left alone again.

I took a sip. The wine was exquisite, rich, and complex, but I wasn’t here to appreciate his taste in vintages.

“Mr. Knight, why am I here instead of Katherine?”

He picked up his glass, swirling the ruby liquid. “Katherine had other commitments.”

“So I’m the backup plan? How flattering.”

“You’re never a backup plan.”

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Chapter 330

+25 BONUS

Before I could respond, the waiter appeared to take our orders. Alexander didn’t consult the menu, ordering for both of us with confident precision.

When we were alone again, I raised an eyebrow. “Ordering for me now?”

“Chef’s tasting menu. Six courses of his best offerings. I thought you might enjoy it.”

“And if I’m allergic to shellfish?”

“You’re not.” He took another sip of wine. “You had the lobster bisque at the Watson luncheon last month and commented that it was the best you’d ever tasted.”

My eyes widened slightly. “You remembered that?”

“I remember everything about you, Ms. Harper.”

The intensity in his gaze made me reach for my wine glass. “Why am I really here, Mr. Knight?”

He set his glass down carefully. “You’ve been working exceptionally hard lately. The Manhattan Project is ahead of schedule, under budget, and gaining positive attention. I thought a small celebration was in order.”

I blinked in surprise. “A celebration?”

“Is that so hard to believe?” Alexander asked, his piercing blue eyes studying me over the rim of his wine glass.

“No,” I said, lifting my glass and taking another sip. The rich wine warmed my throat as I swallowed, giving me a moment to compose my thoughts.

Inside, a flutter of happiness warmed my chest, but it quickly gave way to a hollow ache. This was exactly what I’d asked for: professional interaction, nothing more. There was no arrangement, no complications. Just a boss and employee celebrating a project milestone. The lines were clearly drawn, and the boundaries were firmly in place.

I had to forget about our past. The nights in his penthouse. The way his hands felt on my skin. The sound of his voice, low and commanding, in my ear. That was over now. I needed to focus on my work, on building my career, and on taking care of my mother.

“The Manhattan project is progressing exceptionally well,” Alexander said, his tone businesslike. “The investors are impressed with your management style.”

“Thank you, Mr. Knight.” I kept my voice neutral and professional.

“The east side rezoning was particularly well–handled,” he continued. “Not many project managers could have navigated that bureaucratic nightmare so efficiently.”

“I had excellent support from the legal team.”

A waiter appeared with our first course, a delicate composition of raw tuna, caviar, and crisp vegetables. It looked like a work of art.

“Chef Eric’s signature appetizer,” Alexander explained. “Try it with the wine.”

Chapter 330

I followed his suggestion, and the flavors complemented each other perfectly. “It’s incredible.”

“I knew you’d appreciate it.

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