A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss novel Chapter 334

Chapter 334

Madison

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“I can’t believe we finally get to meet you,” Mia said, adjusting her rearview mirror to look at me. “Hazel makes you sound like some corporate superhero.”

I laughed. “Hardly. I just have a job that requires long hours.”

“Same, girl,” Mia nodded, pulling into traffic. “But that’s why days like this are essential. All work and no play makes Madison a dull corporate drone.”

“Is that how the saying goes?” I smiled, leaning back against the seat.

“In Hazel’s retelling, yes,” Mia chuckled, turning up the radio. “She says you’re basically married to your desk.”

“Hazel exaggerates,” I protested, shooting a look at my friend in the passenger seat.

“Do I?” Hazel twisted around. “When was the last time you had a beach day?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but realized I couldn’t remember. “Okay, point taken.”

The car ride to Rockaway Beach was surprisingly fun. Mia had excellent taste in music, and Hazel kept us laughing with stories from their office. For the first time in months, I felt my shoulders relax as the cityscape gave way to coastal views.

“So Madison,” Mia asked, “what exactly do you do at Knight Industries? Hazel’s been vague on details.”

“I’m a project manager,” I replied. “I oversee the Manhattan development project.‘

“Fancy,” she whistled. “Important enough to have the big boss’s ear?”

“Something like that,” I smiled noncommittally.

Hazel caught my eye in the mirror and winked. I knew what she was thinking, but thankfully, she kept quiet about Alexander.

When we arrived at the beach, it was already bustling with Sunday crowds. Families with colorful umbrellas dotted the sand, children raced between towels, and the scent of sunscreen mingled with salt air.

“Prime real estate,” Nathaniel announced as we all congregated in the parking lot. “Let’s claim it before those teenagers do.”

We made a beeline for a perfect spot, not too close to the water but with an unobstructed view. Devon and Nathaniel spread blankets while Ariana unpacked a portable speaker. Within minutes, our little beach camp was established.

I slipped off my sundress, suddenly self–conscious in my blue bikini. It had been a while since I’d worn so little in public.

“Damn, Madison!” Leila exclaimed. “You’ve been hiding that body under business suits?”

I blushed. “The Knight Industries dress code doesn’t exactly include swimwear.”

Chapter 334

“Their loss,” Devon said appreciatively, earning him an elbow from Hazel.

“Eyes elsewhere, buddy. She’s taken.”

I shot Hazel a warning look, but she just shrugged.

“Actually, I’m focusing on my career right now,” I said quickly.

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“Single by choice?” Leila asked, applying sunscreen to her arms. “I respect that. Men are exhausting.”

“Amen,” Ariana agreed, raising her water bottle in a toast.

“Not all men,” Nathaniel protested.

“Yes, all men,” the women replied in unison, dissolving into laughter.

I relaxed a bit, realizing no one was particularly interested in my dating status. Hazel handed me a cold beer from the cooler, and I accepted gratefully.

“To escaping the office,” she declared, clinking her bottle against mine.

“I’ll drink to that,” I smiled, taking a long sip.

The afternoon unfolded in a delightful blur. We swam in the refreshingly cool Atlantic, played an extremely uncoordinated game of beach volleyball, and dozed on towels under the summer sun. No one mentioned work, relationships, or anything more serious than which food truck had the best tacos.

“Madison, heads up!” Nathaniel called, sending a frisbee spinning toward me.

I leapt up and caught it, surprising myself with my reflexes.

“Nice!” Devon applauded. “The corporate world hasn’t completely destroyed your athletic ability.”

“I was the junior frisbee champion of my block when I was ten,” I laughed, sending the disc sailing back toward

him.

We played frisbee until we were breathless and laughing, then collapsed back onto our towels. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so carefree and unburdened by responsibilities and expectations.

“I need to do this more often,” I admitted, stretching out on my towel.

“You really do,” Hazel agreed. “All work and no play makes Madison… what was it again, Mia?”

“A dull corporate drone,” Mia supplied,

“Right. That.” Hazel nudged me with her foot. “Seriously, you look happier today than you have in months.”

I realized she was right. The constant tension in my shoulders had eased, and the knot of anxiety that had taken

up permanent residence in my stomach had loosened. I wasn’t thinking about Alexander, Katherine, the Manhattan Project, or my mother’s medical bills.

I was just… being.

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Chapter 334

“Food run!” Ariana announced, sitting up. “Who wants what?”

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