Chapter 274

Madison

Alexander sat down behind his desk, motioning for me to take a seat across from him. I perched on the edge of the chair, tablet balanced on my knee.

“How’s your mother doing today?” he asked, his voice softer than I expected.

The question caught me off guard. “She’s... fine. Trying to cook pancakes this morning despite doctor’s orders to rest.”

A small smile played at the corner of his lips. “Sounds like someone else I know who doesn’t follow instructions.”

“I follow instructions just fine, Mr. Knight,” I replied, raising an eyebrow. “When they make sense.”

“Debatable.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Have you thought about what we discussed last night?”

So we were jumping right into it. No small talk, no buffer. Typical Alexander.

“I’ve thought about it,” I said carefully.

“And?”

“And I haven’t decided yet.” I met his gaze steadily. “It’s not a simple decision.”

“I see.”

“Is t