Chapter 266

Madison

I froze mid-step, unable to process the scene before me. Alexander Knight—billionaire CEO, my boss, my fake boyfriend, the man who’d had me pinned against his office wall—was chatting with my mother like they were old friends.

“So I tell him, ‘If you think that’s how plumbing works, I’ve got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn!’” my mother said, gesturing wildly.

Alexander threw his head back and laughed. “That’s brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.”

I approached slowly, feeling like I’d stepped into an alternate dimension. Neither had noticed me yet.

“And what exactly is happening here?” I asked, drawing their attention.

Alexander turned, his smile widening when he saw me. “Madison! I was just getting acquainted with this delightful woman.” He placed his hand on the small of my back, leaning in close. “Meet my girlfriend,” he said smoothly.

My jaw dropped. “Mom, he’s just—”

“Mom?” Alexander’s eyebrows shot up.

“Yes, my d