Chapter 18: Grayson's Warning

The words on the tip of her tongue were swallowed back down. She knew Grayson's temper all too well. If he was insistent on seeing her today, it meant she couldn't afford to stir trouble. "I'll be right there."

The Executive chuckled. "Hurry back."

When Madison arrived home, Grayson had just finished showering. His robe loosely cloaked his chiseled physique.

Seated on the sofa, he lit a cigarette, eyes peering through the smoke at Madison. After a moment, he gave a mysterious half-smile. "I never knew my Madison is capable of such fierceness."

Madison stood still, silent. She knew he was referring to the scuffle at the studio.

"I can't just let people walk all over me. Is this a visit on Ms. Nora's behalf, Grayson?"

He looked at her for a moment, then stubbed out his cigarette. "Come here."

"Let's talk here, Grayson."

Grayson remained motionless; his gaze fixed on her. Reluctantly, Madison made her way to him.

A box lay on the table in front of Grayson, and he pushed it toward her. "Open it. See if you like it," he said blandly.

Inside, Madison found a necklace. The diamond sparkled brilliantly under the lights; its cut flawless. For a moment, Madison was speechless.

Grayson had never given her anything. After all, gift-giving requires thoughtfulness. He had never shown her that kind of attention. The idea of a present was foreign because of it.

He would give her money, but he never gave her any material gifts.

In the past, it was always Madison who bought things for him—clothes, shoes, ties. She didn't have much money, and the brands weren't top-tier. Yet, he would wear them.

Luckily, the man had a good figure and handsome features; even the most affordable items looked premium on him. So, Madison's desire to buy him things only grew stronger.

However, he had never reciprocated, never thought to, probably never remembered to. This unexpected gift was akin to pigs flying.

"Why the sudden gift?" she asked, looking up at him. Madison couldn't deny the flutter in her heart at the sight of the necklace. She admitted she was sentimental; the smallest gesture from Grayson could make her happy for days.

Grayson's lips curved upwards slightly. "It suits you. Try it on."

She put it on in front of the mirror. The diamond glistened against her delicate neck, and the reflection that stared back at her was more vibrant and stunning than ever. Grayson enveloped her from behind, his lips tracing the line of the necklace.

Madison turned around. "Why did you give me a present all of a sudden?"

He kissed her, murmuring, "Madison, is this really the time to ask that question?"

Madison's heart cooled at his words. "Is it because of Nora?"

"Stop getting all up in Nora's business." Grayson's voice was laced with desire, but his words were devoid of affection.

Madison felt her heart plunge. "Do you really believe I'm the perpetrator?"

He looked at her, the desire in his eyes fading to indifference. "It doesn't matter if it was you or not. Just don't provoke her."

Her heart ached with each beat. Maintaining a calm facade, she asked, "And if she provokes me?"

"Avoid her." These were just two words, but they shattered Madison's heart completely. Such blatant favoritism instantly took Madison back to her childhood.

Back then, she had just returned to Horizon City. She was a stranger in a new place with no friends to speak of.

Meanwhile, Nora was the renowned beauty queen of their school. Her influence was undeniable. Under her explicit or implicit commands, Madison was cornered by a group of bullies nearly every day.

Blocking her path, they would pelt her with stones and mud and sometimes even mix in mice, lizards, or snakes.

Once, Madison, unable to take it any longer, fought back and hit Nora. Peter actually showed up at her house, and without a word, he whipped her with a belt. Crying, she told him everything Nora had done to her.

One statement he made still haunts her to this day. "Even if she kills you, swallow it!"

Now, a similar scene was unfolding before her. Yet, hearing those words from Grayson's mouth felt even more piercing than from that man's. Suppressing the bitterness welling up inside, she asked him, "Why?"

She didn't see a reason to hide from her, to be the one avoiding her.

She wasn't the other woman; she had done nothing to feel guilty about; she didn't have to hide.

Grayson looked at her. "Because she is Nora, and you, you're just Madison."

His words struck her like a sharp knife to the chest. She forced a smile and looked at him. "What if I refuse?"

Grayson's gaze deepened. "Madison, I'm just reminding you, don't create trouble for yourself. Be a good girl; it's better for you."

Madison let out a laugh. Regardless of whether she complied or not, the results was the same.

"All right, whatever you say, Grayson."

He nodded in satisfaction. "Make me a cup of coffee."

Grayson never drank coffee and was exceptionally picky about it. Madison had once taken the time to learn how to prepare and brew coffee just for this man, even bringing her own coffee set on trips; this time was no exception.

Yet today, she was somewhat reluctant. "I don't feel well; I don't want to make it."

Grayson's lips curled into a knowing smile as if he could see right through her. "Madison, you're getting more stubborn."

Madison met his gaze. "Why not have Ms. Nora serve you? Is it that you can't bear to let her?"

Grayson's expression darkened instantly Madison knew she was courting danger with her boldness, yet the question tumbled out anyway.

"I'm just curious. Since your first love has returned, why do you keep me around? Can't you see she doesn't like me? You tell me not to provoke her, but don't you realize the best way is just to let me go?"

Grayson's smile was icy. "Do you want to leave that badly? Did you cut a deal with Nicholas already or found yourself another place to crash? Do you think this is a hotel where you can check in and out whenever you please?"

Anger flared in Grayson.

Madison swallowed the rest of her words. Provoking him now was not a wise choice. "I was just asking. I have no other plans, and I've made no other deals."

Grayson's expression remained sour. "Go get the coffee gear."

Madison nodded and headed out.

Returning with the coffee supplies, Grayson had already settled into the study. He nodded toward a spot next to him. Madison sat down.

Grayson held a cigarette between his fingers. As Madison approached, the scent of smoke tickled her senses. Suddenly, nausea welled up, an unstoppable force.

She fought the urge to gag as she brewed Grayson's coffee, then made a beeline for the bathroom. Once inside, she rushed to the sink. Madison heaved a few times, but nothing came up.

She steadied herself on the basin to catch her breath.

Turning around, she found Grayson, cigarette still in mouth, standing in the doorway. His expression was unreadable as his gaze fixed on Madison.

"If I hadn't seen your medical report, I'd almost believe you were pregnant."