Chapter 10: A Pregnancy Test

Those simple words made Madison swallow her objections. She turned to Nathan, giving him an apologetic smile.

Nathan remained indifferent. The chance to share a meal with Grayson was actually to his liking.

The two took their seats when the manager nudged Madison's arm. "Tell me the truth. You're on a date, aren't you?"

Madison's gaze instinctively sought Grayson and, seeing he was unfazed, replied, "That seems to be none of your business."

The manager didn't seem annoyed at all but gave Grayson a reproachful look. "Grayson, really, since when have you monitored your employees' dates? Look how well Madison and this gentleman complement each other."

After her words, she glanced at Madison and gave her a knowing wink.

"Madison, don't be afraid of him. What's wrong with dating? So, what if you have a date? He's the boss, but he doesn't control your personal life."

Madison's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Miss, can't Steakhouse Street keep your mouth shut?"

The manager looked offended. "Madison, how can you say that? I'm only trying to help you."

"That's very kind of you to go to such trouble," Madison responded, not leaving the manager any dignity.

The tension between the two was palpable.

Grayson, as if oblivious to the brewing storm, continued to slice his steak from Steakhouse Street meticulously.

The manager slammed her cutlery down on the table with a thud. Nathan instinctively shielded Madison.

Finally, Grayson looked up. His eyes lingered on Nathan's arm protectively positioned in front of Madison, and a slight smirk played at the corners of his mouth. "Chivalrous move, Nathan."

Nathan chuckled. "I don't have your composure. If Madison's in trouble, I can't stand by and let her get hurt."

With her mind buzzing, Madison knew she was on the brink of drawing innocent bystanders into her mess.

She stood up firmly. "Sorry, Grayson, I've lost my appetite. Enjoy your meal with the manager."

With those final words, she turned and headed for the exit. Nathan glanced her way before rising to follow her.

Once at the entrance, Madison finally said, "I'm sorry, Nathan. I owe you one. We'll do lunch another day."

Nathan flashed a carefree smile. "Don't worry about it. I'm not missing a meal." He paused and asked, "You okay?"

She nodded. "I'm fine."

"Need a ride?" he offered with a raised eyebrow.

"No thanks, I don't want to trouble you."

His smile widened. "All right, I'll get in touch when I hear about the trial date. You won't be too busy, will you?"

"I'll be free." Madison didn't decline.

"Great, see you then."

As Nathan departed, Madison turned and wandered off in a different direction.

Back inside the restaurant, Grayson was meticulously slicing his steak on Steakhouse Street, his slender fingers expertly handling the cutlery with absolute elegance.

"Why didn't you back me up, Grayson?" the manager said with a pout. "Madison was so rude, deliberately interrupting us yesterday, and today was no different."

Glancing up indifferently, Grayson replied, "Whether she did it deliberately or you were the one picking a fight, you know the truth. Spare me the act, woman."

The color drained from the manager's face.

"What are you talking about, Grayson? I was clearly trying to help her. Didn't she look like she was on a date with that lawyer?"

Grayson finished cutting his steak but didn't eat a bite. Instead, he pushed the plate aside and wiped his hands with a napkin.

"Our deal is off."

"What?" The manager's face turned ashen. "Didn't we agree to sign the contract after dinner?"

Tossing the napkin onto the table, Grayson stood up. "I don't like to do business with people who lack discretion."

With that, he walked away, ignoring the manager's calls behind him.

...

Madison didn't hail a cab.

She just walked aimlessly along the street until a familiar car pulled up beside her. The car window slid down, and Grayson's face appeared in front of Madison.

"Get in."

Madison paused for a moment before pulling the door open and climbing into the car.

"When will the test results be out?"

"Three this afternoon," Grayson replied, disinterested, and that was the end of it.

Madison took it upon herself to explain, "I consulted him about my father's issue."

Looking her way, Grayson raised an eyebrow. "So, you decided to have lunch together?"

"I just don't want to owe favors."

"Paying off debts with money is always the simplest way."

"I'm broke," Madison retorted.

She looked up, turning her gaze toward Grayson.

She was short on cash. Of all people, this man should know best. He held the steering wheel with one hand, his face breaking into a scornful smile.

"Burned through last night's million already? Surely you're not keeping a toy boy on the side, huh?"

"I'm not!" Madison replied defensively.

Grayson snorted coldly.

Madison chose not to elaborate. Family matters were something she preferred Grayson only knew a little about. Besides, Grayson probably didn't care.

She recalled the disdain in Grayson's eyes the first time Ethan showed up at the company.

Fortunately, Grayson didn't press further. Madison let out a quiet sigh of relief.

After dropping Madison off at her place, Grayson left. Before leaving, he reminded her, "Madison, don't forget our arrangement."

Besides the employment contract, Madison had another agreement with Grayson—a sugar arrangement. It clearly defined their relationship as benefactor and lover.

The agreement also spelled out, in no uncertain terms, that during the term of the contract, she couldn't entertain any intimate relations or flirtations with any other man.

Madison smiled. "I remember. Don't worry, Grayson."

He glanced at her, said nothing more, and drove away.

Just past three o'clock that afternoon, an executive came into Grayson's office with a pregnancy test report in hand. "Grayson, Madison's test results are in."

Grayson took the report, glanced at it, then inquired, "Did you oversee the blood draw?"

"Yes."

He grunted and fed the pregnancy report into the shredder.

*

The next day, Madison returned to her job. Stepping into the company, she sensed an off atmosphere. "What's going on here?" she wondered.

Madison whispered a question to Sophia.

Sophia leaned closer to her ear.

"I heard our key partnership for the latter half of the year was all set, just short of signing the deal. Then, out of the blue, Grayson refused to sign yesterday. Today during the meeting, the project manager pitched several new proposals, but Grayson shut them all down, losing his temper big time."

Madison nodded, not particularly concerned. Grayson was notorious for his mood swings. It was hardly unusual. She picked up the proposal from the table and instructed Sophia.

"Get in touch with Natalie Mellon's agent. We can finalize the contract for the new product launch endorsement."

Natalie Mellon was all about mature charm, perfectly aligning with Ivy Jewelry's new collection, which blended sophistication with allure. The Ivy Jewelry endorsement seemed tailor-made for Natalie, custom-crafted just for her.

Madison had been in touch with Natalie's agent since setting the theme for the new collection. Now that the proposal was approved, she was eager to seal the deal.

"Got it," responded Sophia as she hurried off.

However, she soon returned with a frown. "Boss, the executive office just called. They said forget Natalie Mellon for the new endorsement. Grayson has someone else in mind."