Chapter 201

Madison

The elevator continued its descent, each floor making my anxiety climb higher.

Alexander stood beside me, his cologne filling the small space, making it hard to think clearly. His presence always clouded my judgment, making me forget why I should keep my distance.

“You’re quiet,” he remarked, eyes fixed on the descending floor numbers.

“Just wondering where we’re going,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Patience, Ms. Harper.” The corner of his mouth lifted in that infuriating half-smile. “It’s a virtue you might want to cultivate.”

The elevator slowed and dinged as we reached our destination, ten floors below the executive level. When the doors slid open, Alexander gestured for me to exit first.

I stepped into an unfamiliar corridor. I’d never been to this floor before. My duties had kept me primarily on the executive level, with occasional trips to specific departments for meetings or deliveries.

Alexander le