Chapter 38: What Kind of Person Do you Like?

Madison stared at the degrading one-word note, a heavy ache in her heart. She desperately wanted to return the money to him, then fling a few hundred dollars back at him to show him what a real "reward" was.

However, she lacked the audacity.

She gazed at the message for a long while before responding to Grayson: [Thank you, Grayson.]

Posturing could have been more useful, especially in front of Grayson, a man who didn't love her. With him, it was even more futile.

Shortly after sending the message, the bedroom door swung open. Grayson stood there with a smirk of mockery at the entrance.

He began with a scornful chuckle. "Thank you for what?"

Madison met his gaze. "Thank you for spending your money and effort, Grayson."

Grayson leaned casually against the door frame, eyebrows raised and eyes swirling with sarcasm. "Madison, you are so blunt."

After speaking, he turned and walked away, saying over his shoulder, "Get up and eat something."

Madison didn't want to move. She had no mood for it nor the energy. "I'm not hungry."

"Don't make me say it twice." The man's voice was lazy, but Madison didn't dare contest.

She got up, dressed, and left the bedroom. On the table, there was a bowl of soup.

Ever since she told him about her stomach issues, Grayson seemed to have a particular fondness for ordering soup for her. She dared not overthink it, afraid of getting her hopes up.

...

Grayson's contract negotiations had gone rather smoothly. After sealing the deal, they left City B.

In the airport's VIP lounge, they had just entered when they heard someone call out.

"Grayson."

Madison froze for a moment before seeing Nora walking toward them.

"Grayson, you haven't been in touch for two days."

Grayson raised an eyebrow. "You tried contacting me?"

"If I don't reach out to you, you won't check in on me?"

The two exchanged words like a couple in the midst of a tiff.

Madison stood there, feeling incredibly superfluous. She took a deep breath and averted her gaze.

"Oh, Madison's here as well?" Nora acted as if she had just noticed Madison.

Madison nodded at Nora politely. "Ms. Nora."

Nora offered a small smile. "Madison, you've really gone to great lengths, traveling so far to accompany Grayson on a business trip."

Madison offered a subdued smile. "It's part of my job, after all. And the compensation Grayson's offering makes it worthwhile."

Grayson shot Madison a mysterious look at the mention of compensation.

Turning her gaze away, Madison remarked, "I'm going to take a break over there."

With that, she turned and walked away.

Once Madison had taken a seat on the other side, Grayson shifted his attention to Nora. "Why give her such a hard time?" he probed.

Nora glared back at him. "Oh, Grayson, are we feeling sympathetic now?"

Grayson let out a soft chuckle. "She's still part of my team, isn't she? Can't I even speak up for her?"

Irritated, Nora spun around and stormed off, but Grayson didn't bother to follow.

In no time, she returned, huffing with indignation. "I'm leaving, and you're not even going to ask me to stay?"

Grayson watched her, an amused smile on his face, but remained silent. With a scowl, Nora plopped back down next to him.

Witnessing this entire scene, Madison felt a pang of discomfort, struggling to catch her breath. She stood up and headed toward the restroom.

Emerging later, she found herself instantly blocked by Nora.

"Ms. Nora," Madison said, stepping back to create some distance.

Nora laughed coldly, her eyes settling on Madison's midsection. "Madison, you're really taking your responsibilities seriously, aren't you? To come on a business trip with Grayson in your condition..."

Madison's head spun as she forced a smile, playing ignorant. "I'm not sure I follow you, Ms. Nora."

She had suspicions during a company dinner a while back when Nora insisted on plying her with drinks. Madison wondered if Nora had her suspicions, but since Nora remained quiet afterward, she let the matter go. She didn't expect the issue to resurface today.

Attempting to appear calm, she asked, "Is there something wrong with accompanying Grayson on business?"

Nora let out a laugh. "Weren't you feeling unwell? Yet here you are, Whitney, traveling while under the weather. Is there no one else at your company?"

Madison looked away. "I've been feeling a bit better recently. I'm sorry to have caused you concern."

After stating this, Madison walked past her. Only once she had left the restroom did she finally take a deep, relieving breath.

Nora, emerging as if nothing had happened, clung to Grayson like a playful kitten. "Grayson, I want to sit with you in a bit."

Grayson raised an eyebrow. "Is there something wrong with your seat?"

Faking offense, Nora retorted, "I just want to sit with you. Is that such a problem?"

Grayson chuckled. "Well, you might want to check with Madison here, as that seat you're eyeing is hers."

Madison found herself nudged forward by Grayson once again. Matching Nora's gaze, she forced a smile. "Sure. If Ms. Nora insists on swapping, so be it."

Grayson shot her a glance but remained silent.

Nora burst into laughter. "Thank you, Madison."

*

On the plane, Nora took the seat next to Grayson. Madison settled into another by herself. Throughout the flight, her mind was elsewhere.

The words Nora spoke in the restroom had gotten to her after all. She wondered if her secret was really at risk.

Clearly, she needed to be even more cautious in the future.

Stepping off the plane, Grayson walked away, phone to his ear, and only spoke when he reached the car. "Why did you give up the seat?"

Madison's lips tightened. After a brief silence, she replied, "Isn't that what you suggested, Grayson? That I shouldn't butt heads with Ms. Nora."

Grayson let out a sarcastic laugh. "Suddenly, you're the obedient one."

Madison stayed silent, and Grayson opened the car door. "Since you're being so compliant, join me for a gala tonight."

"Can I skip it?" Madison frowned and asked.

Gala events always involved drinking. She couldn't drink. Avoiding it only made people suspicious.

However, Grayson left no room for refusal. "No can't do! Madison, you need to follow orders."

Madison was at a loss for words.

...

By the time they got home, the stylist had already delivered the gown. It was another one of Grayson's picks.

The black off-the-shoulder dress showcased her already fragile collarbone to exquisite effect. The diamond necklace Grayson had given her before matched the dress perfectly. Her slender waist was captivating, impossible for eyes to wander from.

"Madison, you look absolutely gorgeous," the stylist couldn't help but compliment Madison.

She glanced at Grayson, who had already changed and was raising an eyebrow at her.

"It's all thanks to Grayson's great taste in clothes."

Grayson walked over to her with a grin, his large hand taking hold of her waist. "Madison, I must say, you're getting sweeter by the minute."

Madison's lips twitched into a smile, about to respond when suddenly Grayson paused. His eyes dropped to the area around her waist. "Have you put on a little weight around the waist lately?" Grayson asked.

Madison instantly tensed.

"Really? I might have been less active recently. I'll make sure to get more exercise," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Grayson nodded, adding, "A little meat isn't bad. It feels nice to the touch. You don't need to diet intentionally."