Chapter 31: Have I Treated You Wrong?

Hanging her bag on the coat rack, Madison swapped her shoes. "I checked out the Night Market Street."

"With whom?"

Madison paused, sensing no need to hide anything. With Grayson's demeanor, he surely knew something already.

"Just me. I ran into Nathan on my way back, and he gave me a ride home."

He remained on the couch, eyeing her. "Is it just a chance encounter?"

"Yes, just that."

"Quite the coincidence." A scoff escaped him, and he patted the seat next to him.

"Come, sit down and tell me how this coincidence happened."

Her spine tensed. His irritation was evident.

With a tinge of bitterness in her voice, she started to explain. "I was just waiting for a cab when he happened to pass by and offered me a ride, Grayson. I'm not so alluring that I can summon anyone with a phone call."

His face darkened. With a derisive snort, he warned, "Madison, remember what I've told you before. Keep your distance from other men. Don't sully yourself. It diminishes your worth."

Madison felt as if needles pierced her heart, but she showed no weakness before him. She managed a smile. "I remember, don't worry, Grayson."

He nodded, then asked, "Find anything at the Night Market Street?"

Madison had a fondness for picking up knick-knacks there. She used to show him her finds every time, but today, she lacked the spirit. She couldn't control her emotions like he did, with such ease.

"I didn't buy anything. I was just looking," she replied tersely.

Grayson gave her a look, clearly discontent with her answer.

After a moment, she reluctantly pulled out two pairs of socks from her purchase. "I bought a couple of pairs of socks."

Although it was just socks, it had always been one pair for him, one for her. Seeing the socks, Grayson's expression softened slightly. "Go take a shower."

Nodding, Madison headed toward the bathroom. As she stepped into the bathroom, Grayson called out to her again. "Have you eaten yet? I heard you threw up what you had earlier."

Madison's back tensed slightly. "Yeah, I had a bowl of chicken and corn chowder on Night Market Street."

Grayson hummed nonchalantly. It was likely a casual question, not something he truly dwelt on.

...

After her shower, she found Grayson on the phone. He ended the call with a few quick words as he saw her enter.

"Get a check-up tomorrow."

Madison paused. "A check-up for what?"

"Your stomach," Grayson said. "Health is capital, and I don't want you dodging toasts at events anymore."

Madison stiffened. "There's nothing wrong with me."

Grayson looked at her sternly, "Nothing wrong means you don't keep throwing up. Listen to me, Madison."

After speaking, he went into his study, and Madison let out a small sigh, standing still.

...

Lying in bed, a message from Amelia popped up on her phone.

[Come in this weekend for a check-up. Let's see if the risk of miscarriage has improved and monitor the baby's heartbeat.]

[Okay.]

After replying to Amelia, Madison set the phone aside. The thought of prenatal care filled her with a bit of anxiety.

Grayson had been quite demanding recently, and she was afraid it might affect the baby. Thankfully, there hadn't been a repeat of last time's incident. It should be fine.

Lost in her thoughts, Madison drifted off to sleep.

Exhausted from Grayson's antics the night before and the day's chaos, she truly needed the rest. Yet, in the middle of the night, Grayson's kisses woke her.

Madison frowned slightly. "I'm really tired today. Can we take a break?"

Grayson captured her chin with his fingers, kissing her without allowing any escape. His actions were his response to her question.

The room was dark. Madison couldn't see his expression, but she could feel his intense heat. Primal desire mixed with heavy breaths spilled onto the side of her neck.

His hot lips traveled down her neck, paused at the bite mark on her collarbone, then returned to her lips. Grayson knew her body all too well. In mere moments, he made her whole body melt with his kisses.

Instinctively, she parted her lips, welcoming his deeper invasion. In the darkness, their bodies pressed together like lovers the world over, intimate and inseparable.

Tonight, Grayson seemed even more unrestrained than the last. It was punishment, a release, but certainly devoid of tenderness.

He always had a commanding presence in the throes of passion, preferring to be in control. Tonight was no exception. This time, he gripped her waist, ushering her to take the top position. His hands roamed her midsection momentarily before he sat up, nibbling at her earlobe.

Madison instinctively clung tighter to him.

It was then her cell phone began to ring. Barely lucid, Grayson snatched the phone and answered the call.

Nathan's voice came through. "Madison, you free tomorrow? I've got some documents I need you to see."

Reality hit Madison like a bucket of ice water. She sobered up, her complexion turning pallid. Yet, Grayson, ever so wicked, thrust the phone into her hands. "Baby, take the call."

Madison's hands were trembling, and she attempted to hang up, but Grayson firmly held her hand in place. His lips lingered on her neck, his burning breath infusing his words. "You wouldn't want to put Nathan in a tough spot, would you?"

With great effort, Madison brought the phone to her ear, mustering what composure she could. "Sorry, Nathan, I'm not available tomorrow." She spoke with control, then hastily ended the call.

Grayson's lips found hers once more. His more intense advance left her overwhelmed.

Madison thought to herself, 'This man was truly despicable.' He never cared how embarrassed or uncomfortable she felt.

After what seemed like an eternity, Grayson finally relented.

He carried her to the bathroom.

As the hunger subsided in the bathtub, Madison's thoughts became clear. She looked at Grayson, trying to explain. "Grayson, Nathan took on an international dispute case and wants me on board as a translator."

Grayson lay in the tub, eyes lightly shut, not looking at her. "Can't he find a professional translator?"

Madison paused. "It's probably due to the sensitive nature of the case. He can't just hire someone unfamiliar."

He chuckled softly, opening his eyes to reveal an unreadable emotion. "So, you're not an outsider to him anymore?"

She didn't avoid the subject. "Let's just say we're friends. Just the regular kind.

"Nathan handled my mother's case years ago, and he's been a great help since. Plus, I could really use the extra cash."

Grayson suddenly sat up, splashing the water. "What's the matter? Do you need more than your earnings from me? Or have I been depriving you?"

Madison managed a laugh. "Money," she mused. "You can never have enough of it."

She had suffered through her fair share of times when money had her by the throat. As such, she wasn't about to start a fight with money.

Even if accepting the job would surely ruffle Grayson's feathers. As long as it paid, she was game.

The catch was it shouldn't drag Nathan down. So, she had to make things crystal clear.

Grayson pulled her toward him from the other end of the tub. With a deep chuckle in his voice, he wrapped his large hand around her waist. "So, Madison, do you want a raise?"

"If you are willing to offer one, I'm not one to decline," Madison said, striving for nonchalance. She knew she was in no position to be picky.

After sleeping with someone just for money, she had no dignity left to hold on to. Now that she stayed by his side, she didn't want to compete with Nora anymore. She also don't expect any affection or love from him.

All she wanted was the money. As much money as she could get.

A dark shadow had crossed Grayson's face at some point, turning it into a grimace. He stood up abruptly, donning his robe and leaving the bathroom.

Madison sat in the tub, knowing she had ticked him off again. But she had spoken the truth, and he knew that all too well. She couldn't fathom why he would be angry about it.