Madison
I stood before my mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back. The midnight blue dress hugged every curve, its silky fabric catching the light as I turned. The plunging neckline revealed just enough cleavage to be daring without crossing into inappropriate territory, while the slit offered a tantalizing glimpse of leg with each step.
“Wow,” I whispered, smoothing my hands over the fabric. My hair fell in loose waves around my shoulders. The smoky eye makeup and berry–tinted lips completed the transformation.
I slipped on the strappy silver heels I’d splurged on during my shopping trip with Hazel, immediately adding three inches to my height. The total effect was… powerful. Different. Not Madison the personal assistant or Madison the project manager.
Just Madison.
My phone buzzed on the dresser. A text from Hazel: “Car’s here. I’m downstairs. Move your ass!”
I smiled, grabbing my silver clutch and taking one final look in the mirror. “You can do this,” I told my reflection, squaring my shoulders before heading out.
Mom whistled as I emerged from my bedroom. “Holy smokes! Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?”
“Very funny,” I said, checking my clutch for essentials: lipstick, phone, ID.
“Alexander is going to swallow his tongue when he sees you,” she declared, grinning widely.
“That’s not the goal,” I lied, adjusting a strap on my heel.
“Of course not,” Mom winked knowingly.
“I’ll be late,” I warned, kissing her cheek carefully to avoid transferring lipstick. “Don’t wait up.‘
“Take pictures! I want to see Alexander’s face when he sees you in that dress.”
I waved goodbye, feeling excitement and terror as I headed for the elevator. The doorman did a double–take as I passed through the lobby, and I couldn’t help the small surge of confidence that followed.
Outside, a sleek black car waited at the curb, Alexander’s doing, of course. The driver stepped out, opening the door with practiced efficiency.
“Ms. Harper,” he nodded politely.
“Thank you,” I said, sliding into the backseat, where Hazel was already waiting, resplendent in her red halter dress.
“Holy shit!” she exclaimed, eyes widening. “You look fucking incredible!”
“Language,” I laughed, settling beside her as the driver closed the door.
1/3
“Seriously, Madison. If Alexander doesn’t propose on the spot, the man is blind.” She pulled out her phone. “We need to document this moment. The night Madison Harper became a sex goddess.”
“Please don’t,” I protested, but she was already snapping photos.
“When’s the last time you dressed like this? Never? That’s what I thought,” Hazel continued, reviewing hier shots. “These are fire. I’m sending them to you.”
The drive to The Summit took longer than expected, Manhattan traffic clogging the streets despite the hour. I fidgeted with my clutch, stomach knotting with each passing block.
“Relax,” Hazel said, patting my knee. “You look amazing. Alexander will cat his heart out.”
“It’s not about Alexander,” I insisted unconvincingly.
“Right. And these aren’t fuck–me heels,” she gestured to my silver stilettos. “Come on, Madison. It’s me. You can admit you want to make him jealous.”
I sighed, giving up the pretense. “Fine. Maybe a little jealous. Is that so terrible?”
“It’s perfectly natural,” Hazel assured me. “The man’s been parading around with his ex–girlfriend while you’ve been playing by all the rules. Time to shake things up.
11
The car finally pulled up to The Summit, where a red carpet led to the entrance. Several photographers milled about, capturing the arrivals of Knight Industries executives and their guests.
“Shit,” I muttered. “I didn’t think about photographers.”
“Perfect!” Hazel exclaimed. “Now there will be documented evidence of how hot you look tonight. Maybe it’ll end up in the business section, ‘Mystery Woman Outshines Everyone at Knight Birthday Bash.“”
The driver opened our door, and Hazel practically pushed me out first. I emerged, momentarily self–conscious as a camera flashed in my direction.
I smiled politely, waving once before turning to help Hazel from the car. She emerged with a dramatic flourish, striking a pose that belonged on a runway.
“Work it,” I whispered, stifling a laugh.
“When will I ever be on a red carpet again?” she whispered back. “I’m milking this for all it’s worth.”
We linked arms, heading toward the entrance where a suited attendant checked names against a guest list.
“Madison Harper,” I said confidently. “Plus one.
11
He scanned the tablet in his hands. “Very good. Please proceed inside.” He gestured toward the open doors. Enjoy your evening.”
11
The Summit’s grand ballroom had been transformed for the occasion. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the space, while elegant floral arrangements adorned every table. A string quartet played in one corner, their music providing a sophisticated backdrop to the mingling crowd.
2/3
“Holy crap,” Hazel breathed, taking in the scene. “This is next level.”
“Alexander doesn’t do anything halfway,” I murmured, scanning the room automatically for his tall figure.
“Open bar is that way,” Hazel pointed. “Let’s get a drink before we do anything else. I need liquid courage to mingle with all these rich people.”
We weaved through clusters of guests toward the bar, where impeccably dressed bartenders served premium liquor in crystal glasses.
“Champagne, please,” I requested. “Two.”
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