Chapter 7: Do You Think You're Worth It?

Grayson lounged on the couch, his demeanor laid-back and casual. He seemed to be in a good mood.

Next to him sat the woman from the coffee shop the day before. Her skirt was so short it barely covered her thighs.

Madison glanced at the woman's legs pressed against Grayson's and then averted her gaze.

It seemed she had arrived at an inconvenient time.

The moment the woman saw Madison enter, her face clouded over. But in front of Grayson, she held her tongue.

Grayson raised an eyebrow, looking at Madison. "Madison, is there a problem?"

Madison looked at the woman sitting beside Grayson. "I have something to talk to you about."

Grayson leaned back on the couch. "If it's about quitting, Madison, just head to HR."

Madison paused for a moment. "It's not about quitting."

Grayson chuckled lightly. "Then, what is it? I thought the only reason you would come to me was to resign."

Madison acted as though she hadn't detected the sarcasm in his voice and glanced at the woman seated next to Grayson. "I'd like to talk to you alone."

Grayson observed her silently as if weighing whether it was still worth having a private conversation with her.

Madison felt uneasy inside. She knew Grayson's temper well.

Having snubbed him at the club earlier and then being so adamant about resigning, she was certain he wouldn't let things slide easily.

As expected, the man chuckled. "Is there really something between you and me that needs to be discussed alone?"

Madison's lips were pulled tight, and she took a deep breath. "Grayson, I've decided not to resign."

His expression didn't change in the slightest. "And so?"

"I'd like to discuss my future salary with you."

Grayson crossed his arms and finally turned to the woman beside him, saying, "Hey, sorry, let's talk business another time."

The woman shot Madison a look of anger, but facing Grayson, she forced a smile. "All right then, Grayson, you take care of Madison's issue first."

After saying that, she glared at Madison and stormed out. Once the manager had left, Grayson finally turned his attention to Madison.

"How do you want to discuss this?"

Madison was silent, unsure of how to begin.

Grayson seemed to be the patient type. He just waited as she remained silent.

"Grayson, I need to borrow some money," Madison finally said under his gaze. She didn't bring up not resigning but switched to asking for a loan instead.

"Ha—" The scorn in Grayson's laugh was undisguised. "Do you think this is a charity? Or do you assume we have some deep bond that would compel me to lend you money?"

Madison's face flushed with embarrassment, just as she had anticipated, but she steeled herself to speak. "I'll pay you back."

Grayson folded his arms. "Madison if you're not prepared, don't come to me. Out!"

His countenance was chilling.

Madison remained standing in place. Finally, after a long moment, she capitulated, murmuring, "I'm not resigning after all."

Grayson's expression eased ever so slightly. "I didn't catch that."

Madison locked eyes with him. "I've decided not to quit. I was shortsighted before. Please forgive me, Grayson."

Grayson's smile finally broke through the chill in his demeanor. "Come here."

Madison knew what was coming next. But now, she was out of options.

After hesitating for a couple of seconds, she walked over to Grayson.

He grabbed her forcefully, pulling her in close. Before she knew it, Madison was pinned beneath him.

"Decided to stay, for real?"

Madison averted her gaze, muttering an affirmation.

"Look at me and answer," Grayson ordered, turning her face toward him.

Swallowing her bitterness, Madison forced a smile. "Yes, I'm staying."

"And what brought about this change of heart?" Grayson insisted, refusing to let her off the hook.

Madison was silent for a moment, then braved the words, "I need the money. And no one but you, Grayson, can make me feel comfortable in bed while paying me."

Grayson let out a soft chuckle, his hand slipping under the hem of her clothing. "So, you've thought it through. Now, Madison, how much are you expecting?"

Madison tried to keep her tone steady. "One million for today."

Grayson's fingers, working at her buttons, paused. His lips curved into a cold smirk. "You think you're worth that?"

Madison tugged at the corner of her lip, trying to make her smile look carefree. "Do you think I'm worth it? If not, I may find another benefactor.

"Madison!" Suddenly, Grayson's grip tightened fiercely on her chin.

Madison went silent.

Grayson rarely lost his temper. Most times, his face was a mask, emotions deeply hidden, never allowing others a glimpse. Now, the anger in his eyes was startling, even frightening Madison a little.

"It was a joke," she said quickly, meeting his gaze, "Do you think I'm worth it, Grayson?"

His eyes grew colder. "If you've set that price, you'd better prove your worth."

With that, he stood up. "Get off early and go home."

Madison pulled up a smile. "Sure."

After work, Madison went straight back to what she called home. It was a condominium gifted to her by Grayson when they first got together. Every nook was decorated with the happiness of those early days. This place she always referred to as home—their shared home.

When Madison walked through the door, she found Grayson already lounging on the couch.

"Go take a shower!" the man commanded without even glancing her way.

"Okay," Madison replied, her body rigid.

Post-shower, she emerged to find Grayson on the phone. He gestured her over with a hand.

Without hesitation, Madison took his hand. He pulled her straight onto his lap.

"Madison, help me undress," he murmured, nipping gently at her earlobe.

Madison froze, realizing he hadn't finished his call.

"Hurry up." His tone sharpened with impatience when she didn't move.

Gritting her teeth, she started unbuttoning his shirt, exposing his well-sculpted physique. Despite three years of familiarity, the sight still intimidated her.

"Sure, set it up," Grayson replied distractedly to the person on the other end of the line.

As soon as he hung up, he bit down gently on the tender flesh of her neck, drawing a soft moan. The caller paused abruptly. Madison tensed, and Grayson bit her again.

"Grayson!" she exclaimed.

Finally satisfied, he ended the call. Casually, Madison glanced at the screen.

Nicholas.

She realized Grayson never did take any nonsense lying down. Anyone who made him uncomfortable would receive it back tenfold.

After the call, Grayson claimed her with a fervent kiss.

"Madison, be good, keep going," he coaxed.

Her hands fumbled towards his belt as she pleaded softly, "Grayson, please be gentle."

"Do you think I can be gentle now?" He chuckled.

His wild side took over completely from the couch to the bedroom and finally to the bathroom.

Exhausted, they collapsed onto the bed. Madison instinctively touched her belly, sighing in relief at the absence of any pain.

Grayson pecked her on the lips. "What do you want for dinner?"

She didn't answer, devoid of appetite. All she wanted now was sleep.

When she woke up again, Grayson's voice was faintly audible from outside.

Realizing it was completely dark outside, she glanced at the clock. It was past ten in the evening.

She slipped into her clothes and walked out.

Grayson was on the phone. Catching sight of her, he wrapped up the conversation with a few words and hung up.

"Grab something to eat," he said, tilting his chin toward the table.

Only then did Madison notice the food container on the table. To her surprise, it held beef and corn chowder, still steaming hot.

After a whole day without food, her appetite surged at the sight. Lifting the soup, she sipped slowly, savoring each mouthful. Grayson shot her a glance before heading into his study.

Madison ate distractedly, her mind a jumbled mess. The conflict with the child she had intended to abort but didn't, the job she meant to quit but hadn't. It seemed all she could do now was to take things one step at a time.

The bowl of corn chowder was empty before she knew it. She hadn't felt it while eating, but suddenly, a wave of nausea swept over her. Setting down the bowl, she covered her mouth and rushed to the restroom.

In an instant, the soup she'd just consumed came spilling out. After everything was purged, her stomach began to settle slightly.

She rinsed her mouth and washed her face. When she turned around, she found Grayson standing behind her, his expression unreadable.