Chapter 338

Alexander

“Madison made her choice,” I said finally. “I respected it.”

“Respect.” Anthony rolled the word around like he was tasting it. “That’s a first for you.”

I shot him a dark look.

“Hey, I’m just saying you’ve never been one to take rejection lying down. Remember that hostile takeover you orchestrated just because Jameson turned down your initial offer?” Anthony chuckled. “You don’t give up easily. So why give up on Madison?”

The question hung between us, demanding an answer I wasn’t ready to give.

“It’s different,” I said finally.

“Different how?”

“Madison isn’t a business deal.”

“No, she’s better,” Anthony countered. “She’s real, Alex. She cares about you, not your money, not your power. I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life. But as your friend, I have to point out that you’re making a mistake. Madison Harper is exactly what you need, someone genuine in a world full of people who only want what you can g