Chapter 37: This is Your Compensation

Madison returned to her hotel room and noticed a new deposit notification on her phone.

Five hundred thousand.

As she absorbed this piece of information, she checked the trending searches online. Sure enough, the gossip had shifted. The trending topic that Nora was Grayson's first love had eclipsed the previous rumors about the mysterious evening encounter.

Below the new trending headline, online commentators were in a frenzy—some offering congratulations, others expressing envy, and many speculating whether the pair had reconciled.

Madison's fingers stiffened around her phone for a moment before she laughed softly. She had gotten what she had asked for. This was probably the outcome Nora wanted, for which Grayson went public with their past.

Madison, who had stayed by Grayson's side primarily for the money, found him settling matters with her using just that.

Typical Grayson—cold and calculated in his precision.

As Madison was about to put away her phone, she received a call from an executive. "Grayson will pick you up soon for your client meeting after you've changed," the executive informed Madison.

She remained silent, not responding to the call. The feeling of injustice was not absent from her heart, yet she was aware that she was in no position to question Grayson's demands.

"Madison?" the assistant's voice came through again.

"All right," Madison acknowledged briefly.

Ending the call, she slipped into the dress Grayson had bought her the night before. A rich sapphire that ended just above her knees. After changing, she applied makeup for the first time since learning of her pregnancy, especially for today.

About thirty minutes later, her phone rang. It was Grayson. When Madison stepped outside, Grayson lowered his car window, his eyebrows lifting slightly at the sight of her. The sapphire dress brought out her fair, almost porcelain complexion.

"Nice dress," Grayson commented casually, leaning against the car window.

Without a word, Madison got into the car.

The client meeting was at a golf course. Throughout, Madison she followed quietly behind Grayson, translating every sentence with calm efficiency, not saying more than was necessary. The meeting went well, with both parties expressing their intention to cooperate.

Back in the car, Grayson turned to look at her. "You seem upset."

After a moment of silence, she tried to appear nonchalant. "Grayson, have you ever considered ending our arrangement early?"

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you suggesting you want to end it?"

A faint smile touched her lips as she turned to him. "The thought has crossed my mind."

His gaze intensified as he considered her. "Is this about that trending topic some time ago?"

She took a deep breath, not denying it. "Yes."

Grayson's hand found its way to her waist, pulling her closer. "So, you think you're completely clear of suspicion or that it isn't even up for discussion?"

Her expression stiffened. "That's not what I mean."

"Is it not, or are you just being petulant?" he probed, eyes locked on hers.

Madison let out a rueful chuckle. "Do I have the right to be petulant, Grayson?"

He held her gaze thoughtfully. "Madison, if you know you have no reason to be, don't waste time with unnecessary emotions."

"I'm not being petulant, I really..." Madison's voice trailed off, a mix of emotions playing across her face.

"Madison," Grayson cut her off abruptly. "Do you really think this place is a hotel where you can come and go as you please? You should know, ever since you came crawling back for that million last time, you lost any right to talk about leaving."

Madison was at a loss for words, stifled by his remark. Tears welling in her eyes, she turned to face Grayson.

"Your relationship with Ms. Nora has gone public, Grayson. You're making me feel like the other woman! I don't want to be caught in the middle anymore. It's uncomfortable for all three of us."

Grayson leaned back in his seat; his expression unwavering.

"Madison, is me and Nora news to you?"

She averted her gaze. "No."

"So, why the theatrics now? You come to me when you need money, and after you've got it, you want out. Have I been too good to you, Madison? That it made you think you can do whatever you want here?"

"No," she countered, locking eyes with him. She had never felt entitled to do as she pleased around him.

"I never thought that. I just..." The word "hurt" was on the tip of her tongue, but Madison held it back. To show vulnerability in front of a man who didn't love her was just sentimental folly. She had no right to feel aggrieved.

Taking a deep breath to steady her chaotic emotions, she faced Grayson again. "I just don't understand why you won't reconcile with Ms. Nora. She's been back for a while."

Grayson's face grew stern. "Madison, you're overstepping."

"Being stuck in the middle like this really sucks, you know."

"Madison." Anger was starting to show on his face. "Know your place, recognize who you are. My situation with Nora is none of your concern."

Madison's breath caught in her throat.

That was right. From the beginning, she was just a lover. She could never affect them, not really. It was her wishful thinking that made her feel caught between them. There needed to be more space for her in Grayson and Nora's world.

Grayson started the car.

The drive was silent, neither uttering a single word until the car came to a stop. Then, Madison spoke up again.

"Grayson, fifty thousand is too little compensation."

If that was how it was, she might ask for more. Fifty thousand wouldn't cut it.

Grayson parked the car, a cold smirk on his lips. "Then, how much do you want, Madison?"

"One million."

Grayson quirked an eyebrow as he bent his head to light up a cigarette. His profile was immaculate, jawline chiseled. With the flick of his lighter, he looked both carefree and seductive. "Madison, my money doesn't grow on tree. If you want it, you need to show me you deserve it," Grayson spoke and then turned his challenging gaze to Madison.

Madison got his message loud and clear. However, she didn't budge. "Grayson, this is the compensation I'm owed."

Grayson chuckled. "The five hundred grand should cover your hurt, right? Or do you really think you are some dignitary who can shake me down for a million just because you were asked a question?"

Still, Madison didn't move.

Grayson reached over, his slender fingers pinching her chin. "Madison, you're a smart girl. You should know this will only make things more uncomfortable for you."

Her eyes fell as she gave a bitter smile. She got it. It was another warning from Grayson. A reminder that throwing any temper tantrum in his presence was pointless.

"I get it," she said.

...

Back at the hotel, Grayson headed straight to the bathroom.

Madison sat on the couch, lost in thought at today's debacle. She saw, once again, the gaping chasm between how Grayson saw her and how he saw Nora. It was disparity that filled her with despair.

She had never truly hoped Grayson would love her. She had accepted that fact early on. All she wanted was a little pity from him. But it seemed that even that measly wish was out of reach.

...

Grayson emerged from the bathroom and called out to her. "Go wash up."

Madison nodded and entered the foggy bathroom, which was still scented with Grayson's pine fragrance.

When she came out, Grayson was smoking at the window. Seeing her, he stubbed out the cigarette and beckoned, "Come here."

As Madison approached, Grayson grabbed her waist and pinned her against the window. "Madison, let's finish what we didn't last night."

She was not in the mood. Tonight was nothing like the night before.

"I'm sorry, Grayson, I..."

He frowned. Her words were caught in her throat.

Seeing the growing displeasure in his eyes, she steeled herself and leaned in for a kiss.

When she awoke again, it was deep into the night. Grayson was nowhere in the room. Madison noticed an additional transaction in her phone's banking app.

Half a million dollars.

The note contained just a word: [Reward]