A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss (by Gregory Ellington) novel Chapter 376

**Wram 376**

**Chapter 376**

**Alexander**

The morning sun crept through the curtains, casting a warm glow across my bedroom, and I awoke with a sense of renewed resolve. Or perhaps it was mere stubbornness that propelled me forward. Regardless, the decision was made: I was heading back to Connecticut. But first, I needed my lifeblood—coffee—and a dose of reality from someone who could pull me back from the edge of my own foolishness.

That someone was Anthony Williams.

I shot him a text at seven sharp, my fingers tapping out the message with a sense of urgency.

Me: Breakfast. The usual place. Eight o’clock.

His reply came back almost instantly, as if he had been waiting for my message.

Anthony: Someone died?

Me: Just meet me there.

Anthony: This better be good. I had plans to sleep until nine like a civilized human being.

I arrived at the café ahead of schedule, claiming our usual corner table, a cozy nook that felt like a second home. The café was a charming hole-in-the-wall establishment nestled near the hospital where Anthony worked, known for its mediocre coffee but exceptional bacon that could make anyone’s day better.

At precisely 8:07, Anthony sauntered in, his demeanor far too cheerful for someone who had just begrudgingly risen from slumber. He ordered at the counter with a casual wave before sliding into the booth across from me, a grin plastered on his face that immediately put me on high alert.

“So,” he began, skipping any pleasantries, “you went. You actually went to see her.”

I took a cautious sip of my coffee, trying to mask my discomfort. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t bullshit me, Alex. The café, remember? Halpert ring any bells?” He leaned in closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Tell me everything. Did you profess your undying love? Get down on one knee? Declare that you’ve been miserable for five years without her?”

“Jesus Christ, Anthony.”

“Or maybe you went for the classic move.” He clutched his chest dramatically, feigning a swoon. “Madison, I can’t live without you. Come back to New York and be my assistant again so I can stare at your ass while you file my paperwork.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Did you at least hug her? Tell me there was a warm, romantic embrace? Something movie-worthy?”

I shot him a glare over my coffee cup, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. “I went there. That’s it. Nothing happened.”

“You drove two hours to Connecticut, showed up at her café, and nothing happened? Not even a handshake? A high-five? An awkward wave across the parking lot?”

“We talked.”

“Oh, they talked!” Anthony exclaimed, raising his voice as if announcing a grand event. “Break out the champagne! Alert the media! Alexander Knight engaged in human conversation!”

“Can you not be an ass for five minutes?”

“I could, but where’s the fun in that?” He smirked as the waitress approached with his order. “Thanks, darling. You’re an angel.”

The waitress blushed, a hint of a smile on her lips before she hurried away, leaving me to stew in my thoughts. I took a deep breath, waiting until she was out of earshot. “She wasn’t exactly thrilled to see me.”

“Shocking,” Anthony said, chewing on a mouthful of eggs. “A woman disappears for five years, her former boss shows up out of nowhere, and she’s not doing cartwheels? I’m stunned.”

“You’re enjoying this too much.”

“I really am.” He took a contemplative bite of bacon. “So what did you talk about?”

“Not much. She asked me to leave.”

“And did you?”

“Eventually.”

“What did you talk about?” he pressed, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Anthony snorted. “Let me guess. You stood there being all brooding and intense, demanding answers she clearly didn’t want to give?”

I fell silent, and that was answer enough for him.

“Classic Alexander Knight move. Very intimidating CEO of you.” He pointed his fork at me, a knowing smile on his face. “How’d that work out?”

“She told me to go home to my wife.”

“Your what?”

“She thinks I married Katherine.”

Anthony’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “And you corrected her, right?”

“Of course I did.”

“Maybe.” He shrugged. “Worked in the movies.”

“This isn’t a movie.”

“Could’ve fooled me. You’re acting like a romantic lead who’s too stupid to realize he’s in love.”

“I’m not in love with Madison,” I shot back automatically, but the words felt insubstantial, as if they were merely a façade.

Anthony raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. “Really? Then why do you still remember her favorite coffee order? Why do you keep that ridiculous business card she designed in your desk drawer? Why haven’t you married Katherine in five years?”

I stiffened at the mention of Katherine. “Katherine and I are complicated.”

“Complicated how? You’ve been engaged since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Either marry her or don’t.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“It really is, though.” Anthony leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You’re stalling because you don’t want to marry her. You never did. The engagement was convenient, good for business, and the perfect power couple image.”

He paused, letting his words sink in. “But you don’t love her.”

I remained silent, the weight of his accusation hanging in the air between us.

“And I’m pretty sure she doesn’t love you either,” he continued, his tone relentless. “When’s the last time you two actually saw each other? Had dinner? Spent time together that wasn’t at some corporate function?”

I racked my brain, trying to recall. A week ago? Two weeks? “We’re busy.”

“Bullshit. You make time for what matters.” He pointed his fork at me again, emphasizing his point. “You drove to Connecticut yesterday. Cleared your entire schedule. For Madison.”

“That’s different.”

“How?”

“It just is.”

“Compelling argument.” Anthony finished his eggs, a satisfied look on his face. “So what’s your plan? Just show up at her café every day until she talks to you? That’s not creepy at all.”

“I didn’t say I was going back.”

“But you are, aren’t you?”

I didn’t respond, the silence stretching between us like a taut wire, filled with unspoken truths and unresolved feelings.