Chapter 215

Madison

I stood outside Alexander’s penthouse, my finger hovering over the doorbell as I took a deep breath. The hallway was silent except for the soft hum of the building’s ventilation system and my own heartbeat thumping in my ears.

I pressed the button, hearing the melodic chime echo through his apartment.

Footsteps approached, and the door swung open. Alexander stood there, his tie loosened and the top two buttons of his shirt undone. He’d changed from his office attire into dark jeans and a casual button-down that somehow looked more expensive than most people’s formal wear.

“You’re here.” His eyes traveled over me, taking in my slightly windblown hair and the outfit I’d worn to meet Caroline.

“You asked me to come,” I replied, stepping inside as he moved aside.

“I did.” He closed the door behind me. “Drink?”

“Please.”

I followed him through the penthouse, my heels clicking against the marble floors. The lights of the city