Chapter 270

Madison

I unlocked my apartment door as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake my mother. The living room was dark, but a faint light spilled from under her bedroom door. I kicked off my heels and padded toward it, listening for any sounds.

“Mom?” I called softly, knocking gently.

“Come in, sweetheart.”

I pushed the door open to find her propped up in bed, reading a magazine. My magazine. With Alexander’s face on the cover.

“Really, Mom?” I groaned, leaning against the doorframe.

She grinned, unrepentant. “Just doing some research on my future son-in-law.”

“He’s not—we’re not—” I sputtered, then took a deep breath. “It’s still very new.”

“Hmm.” She flipped a page, studying it intently. “Says here he’s very wealthy.”

“Money isn’t everything.”

“Says the girl who’s been working extra hours to pay my medical bills.” She set the magazine aside, her expression softening. “He seems to care about you.”

I crossed my a