Chapter 26: Grayson Arrives

Madison, confused, looked at the room before turning to the server. "Is there a mistake? I believe I booked an outdoor table."

The server smiled knowingly. "There is no mistake, Madison. The gentleman joining you switched the reservation to a private room."

A pulse throbbed at Madison's temple. She forced a smile. "Okay, thank you. I'll go in by myself."

After the server left, Madison ducked into the restroom. She dialed Amelia right away. "Amelia, where are you?"

"I'm at the hospital; I've got a night shift. What's up? Feeling okay?"

Madison paused for two seconds. "No, it's nothing. I was hoping to grab dinner with you, but let's plan for another time."

"OK."

Hanging up, Madison stood still for a long moment before finally steeling herself to call Grayson. Enduring his mocking retorts was preferable to facing Fabian alone.

However, when she called Grayson, there was no answer.

Madison stared at the screen where her call had been abruptly dropped due to the lack of response, a bitter taste flooding her heart. She still vividly remembered Grayson pulling away from their intimate moment to answer Nora's call.

If it were Nora, she was sure he would be available to pick up her call anytime.

Clearing the clutter from her mind, Madison sent Grayson her location on Messenger. Then, she let him know she was dining with Fabian, she pocketed her phone and headed for the private dining room.

He might ignore a call, but he would surely check his messages. Knowing Grayson's jealousy, she hoped he would make an appearance. Madison had pinned her hopes on Grayson's irrational possessiveness.

Upon entering the private room, Fabian greeted her with a grin. "Madison, you're late. You owe three shots as a penalty," he jested.

Madison's professional smile lingered, avoiding the topic. "Sorry, I was caught in traffic. Why did you move us inside? The restaurant's best views are outside."

Fabian laughed. "The view outside might be nice, but I'd rather have the pleasure of your exclusive company, Madison."

He reached for Madison's waist as he spoke. "Madison, you have no idea how long I've been looking forward to this meal with you."

Madison's skin crawled at his touch. She stood up, deftly avoiding Fabian's hand, and picked up a glass of water. "You must be quite busy lately, right, Mr. Fabian?"

Fabian wasn't upset by her dodge, knowing that good things come to those who wait. "Pretty much, but I can always make time for you, Ms. Madison."

Madison offered a polite chuckle. "Why would I want to bother you so often?"

After brief small talk, Madison took a seat opposite Fabian. Just then, Fabian received a call.

Seizing the opportunity while he was distracted, Madison swapped the wine in her glass for water. As soon as he hung up, she raised her glass in a toast. "I really appreciate the help this time around, Mr. Fabian."

"You're too courteous, Madison."

Fabian sipped his drink, eyes lingering on her with an unsettling intensity. After exchanging a few drinks across the table, Fabian grew restless. He moved to sit beside her with his glass. "Madison, why sit so far away?"

Madison casually shifted back. "Mr. Fabian, isn't it better for conversation to sit face to face?"

"But I prefer dining like this."

Fabian wrapped his arm around Madison's waist. She stood up, pushing him away. "Grayson mentioned he'll be stopping by. I should step out to greet him."

Fabian's smirk vanished in an instant; then he let out a scoff. "Come on, Madison, Grayson's not helpless. Does he really need you to pick him up?"

He wrapped his arms around Madison again.

"Mr. Fabian, a little decorum, please!"

"Decorum? Madison, you came here today. You knew what was going to happen. Why the act? Don't tell me Grayson's never laid a hand on you!"

Fabian leaned in and planted a kiss on Madison's neck. The reek of stale alcohol made her stomach churn. She started to struggle.

"Madison, if you're going to drink, drink properly. Do you think I won't notice you switched your drink to water? Who do you think you're fooling, huh?" As he spoke, he grabbed a glass of liquor and forced it into Madison's mouth.

Madison turned deathly pale. She wanted to spit out the liquor but involuntarily swallowed a sip.

"Not even drinking? Madison, that's not how you ask for a favor!"

Madison coughed violently.

Fabian yanked at her collar and ripped open her blouse, exposing her elegant collarbone. He unconsciously swallowed hard. As he bent down to kiss her, Madison stamped down hard on his foot with her high heel. The sharp pain made him howl.

Seizing the moment, Madison dashed for the door. But as she swung it open, Fabian grabbed her hair from behind. "Trying to run? I'd like to see you try!"

Despair washed over her. Her heart filled with bitterness. But in her struggle, she collided with a pair of familiar eyes.

Grayson stood at the doorway, casually observing the scene with a cigarette dangling from his lips. With his hands in his pockets, he leaned against the wall as if watching a play.

"Carry on, don't mind me." His voice was as cold as frost in winter.

Fabian clicked his tongue and released Madison's hair. Her body slumped, and she quickly steadied herself on the door frame.

Grayson's gaze lingered on Madison. Seeing her torn neckline, his expression turned icy.

"Is this how you do business?" His words dripped with sarcasm.

Madison steadied her heart and her breathing. "It was Fabian. He acted inappropriately toward me."

Fabian laughed briefly. "Madison, let's not forget that you were the one who invited me for dinner today."

Grayson's expression turned even more unsightly. "Come here." His command was stern and cool.

Madison staggered over to him, barely keeping herself upright. Grayson scooped her into his arms without hesitation. "Did the deal go through? Or are you still discussing it?"

Madison's voice quivered as she swallowed hard. "There's nothing left to discuss."

Grayson's deep gaze lingered on the red marks etched on her neck by Fabian's grip.

"If there's nothing left to discuss, then wait for me in the car."

After he finished speaking, he released Madison with evident disdain in his eyes.

She stumbled away, out of Grayson's line of sight, and made a beeline for the restroom. Once inside, she clung to the sink and started to gag herself. It had only been a small gulp that she swallowed but the feeling of unease persisted, haunting her insides.

She induced vomiting over and over, like an act of self-punishment until someone pulled her up. Grayson's gaze was heavy upon her.

"Do you think you're disgusting too, Madison?"

The corners of Madison's eyes glistened with freshly shed tears, mirroring her disgust and hatred. "I just find him repulsive."

Grayson's hand landed on the red mark on her neck and tightened suddenly.

"If you knew it was revolting, why did you come? Wasn't it you who arranged the meeting?"

His voice had a chilling edge to it. Anger tinted his handsome features.

Madison's lips trembled, managing a forced smile. "Isn't it normal to ask for help over dinner?"

"And what? You just presented yourself to him? Madison, didn't you know how badly he's been wanting you?"

With that, he suddenly let go, stepping back with his arms crossed, scrutinizing her. "Or is it that you'll sleep with anyone who offers you an advantage?"