A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss (by Gregory Ellington) novel Chapter 433

Alexander

I drove home on autopilot, my hands gripping the steering wheel hard enough to make my knuckles white. The city blurred past, all lights and noise I barely registered.

My mind was stuck on that hug. The way Madison had frozen in my arms, rigid and uncertain. The way she'd pressed her hands against my chest, not quite pushing me away but not relaxing either. And Ethan. God, Ethan throwing his small arms around my neck like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Five years. I'd missed five years of his life.

The elevator to my penthouse felt too quiet. Too empty. I stepped inside, and the silence pressed against my chest like a physical weight.

The guest room door stood open. I walked over, staring at the rumpled bedding where Ethan had slept. A faint impression remained in the pillow where his head had been.

My son had slept here. In my home. For the first time ever.

I looked at the photos from the amusement park. That last one in the photo booth. Madison's soft expression, Ethan's enormous grin, and me looking at her instead of the camera like some lovesick idiot.

We looked like a family.

I should have been there from the beginning. Should have seen Madison pregnant, watched her belly grow, and held Ethan minutes after he was born. Should have been there for first steps and first words and every milestone I'd never get back.

I couldn't change what had happened. Couldn't rewrite the past or reclaim those lost years. But I could focus on the future. On being present now, on building something real with Ethan.

And maybe with Madison too, if she'd let me.

I set down the photo and pulled out my laptop instead. Work usually provided a distraction, but tonight the numbers swam together, making no sense.

The next morning, I woke with purpose. No more half measures. No more waiting for the perfect moment.

I showered, dressed in casual clothes instead of a suit, and grabbed my keys. The drive to Fifth Avenue took twenty minutes in light traffic. FAO Schwarz dominated the corner, its massive windows displaying enough toys to bankrupt a small country.

Inside, the store buzzed with early shoppers and excited kids. I navigated past stuffed animals and board games, heading straight for the dinosaur section.

A sales associate materialized beside me. "Can I help you find something?"

"Dinosaur set. The best one you have."

She brightened immediately. "How old is the recipient?"

"Four. Almost five."

"Perfect age for the Prehistoric Collection." She led me to a massive display featuring detailed dinosaur figures, excavation kits, and elaborate playsets. "This is our premium line. Scientifically accurate, hand-painted, comes with educational materials."

I examined the largest set. A T-Rex easily two feet tall, surrounded by smaller dinosaurs and accessories. The price tag made most people blink. I barely noticed it.

"I'll take this one."

"Excellent choice. Would you like it gift wrapped?"

"Yes."

Ten minutes later, I walked out carrying a bag that could barely contain the massive box inside.

The drive to Hazel's apartment felt longer than it should have. I parked the car and headed inside with the dinosaur set.

The elevator ride up felt endless. I shifted the bag, suddenly uncertain. What if Ethan didn't like it? What if Madison thought I was trying to buy his affection?

Too late now.

I knocked on Hazel's door.

It swung open almost immediately. Hazel stood there in pajamas and a robe, coffee mug in hand. Her eyebrows shot up at the sight of the massive bag.

"Well. Someone's been shopping."

"Is Madison here?"

"In the kitchen with Ethan. Come on in." She stepped back, letting me pass. "Fair warning, he's already had pancakes and is currently vibrating at sugar speed."

I followed her down the hallway. Voices drifted from the kitchen, Ethan's excited chatter mixing with Madison's quieter responses.

Madison and I stood alone in the kitchen. She crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.

"That was generous."

"He likes dinosaurs."

"He loves dinosaurs. There's a difference." She moved closer, lowering her voice. "Alexander, you don't have to buy him things to make him like you."

"I know that. But I saw it and wanted to get it for him."

"A two-hundred-dollar dinosaur set?"

"Three-fifty, actually."

Her eyes widened. "Three hundred and fifty dollars for toys?"

"It's educational. Comes with a whole curriculum guide."

"It's excessive."

"Maybe. But his face when he saw it?" I held her gaze. "Worth every penny."

Madison's expression softened slightly. "You're going to spoil him."

"Is that so bad?"

"When he starts expecting a pony next week? Yes."

"I'll buy him the pony too if that's what he wants."

"Alexander."

"Madison." I moved closer. "Let me do this. Let me make up for lost time in whatever small ways I can."