A knock on the door distracted Maddison for a moment. She panicked but didn't know where to hide. Where could she hide? Didn't Elias King have a girlfriend? A man so handsome and rich surely had many suitors!
"It's just my assistant," Elias said without much thought before heading towards the door.
Not knowing where else to be, she ran straight into the bathroom and closed the door. However, her curiosity got the better of her. So, she carefully turned the knob and left a small gap to peek through.
"Sir, I've made all the arrangements as you've asked. Your lunch appointment scheduled for today will be in an hour."
"Perfect, thank you. Wait outside."
With that, the room door closed once more.
"Lunch?" Maddison echoed what she had heard.
It was already lunchtime?!
Maddison burst out of the bathroom, surprising Elias. He looked at her in confusion as she rushed towards him.
"I'm sorry about all of this but I have to go. I'm already late for work, I-"
"Good, if you're already late for work they won't be expecting you. On the other hand, I have an offer for you," He said calmly as he took a sit on the sofa.
He beckoned Maddison to come closer. She hesitated while glancing at the door. She curled her hands, unable to decide on what to do next. Elias was right. She was hours late for work. If she was about to be scolded, she might as well get her worth.
Furthermore, she was intrigued.
What sort of offer was he referring to?
"Are you going to buy my silence? You don't have to, no one will ever know I was here. I will never say a word to anyone, ever," Maddison reassured him as she took a step closer.
It wasn't as if anyone would believe her anyway! What were the odds that she met one of the richest and most eligible bachelors of the city at the pub and he brought her to his home?
Elias chuckled at Maddison's words. He shook his head as he reached for his tablet. After a few taps, he handed it to her.
"Play the video."
Maddison sat down next to him and did as she was told. It was a news story and both of their faces appeared in it. She watched the video in complete shock until the end of it.
"Yesterday, billionaire Elias King was spotted carrying a woman out of Sanctuary Club! If that isn't shocking enough, we have confirmation that he has brought this mystery woman back to his penthouse. Could this be Mr King's secret new girlfriend?"
Elias carefully took the tablet back from her.
"Everyone knows?" Maddison finally spoke.
"Everyone and their mothers, and grandmothers know," Elias sighed as he leaned back.
If she could bury her head in the sand now, she would do so in a heartbeat. Her world was spiraling out of control before her very eyes! First, her boyfriend dumped her to marry an heiress. Now, she was involved in a scandal with a billionaire.
She didn't know if she should laugh or cry.
"I'm sorry for causing this mess. I really am," Maddison apologized earnestly, hoping Elias would understand, "I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you."
"Whatever it takes?" Elias asked as he crossed his arms.
"Whatever it takes… so long as it does not involve a crime," She was desperate to make it up to him but not desperate enough to break the law!
"So if I were to ask you to sleep with me right now to pay me back, you would?" He asked with a straight expression.
Maddison gulped as she looked at him intently. She narrowed her eyes while studying his expression. She couldn't tell if he was joking or not. Taking advantage of the moment, Elias leaned in closer, taking her by surprise.
"Well?" He asked in a huskier tone of voice than usual.
She could hear her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to think of an answer. Does she say yes? What would he do if she said no? Elias was a powerful man with powerful connections. He could get anything he wanted.
"I…"
Elias chuckled as he leaned back, "I was merely joking, Miss Lane. Just a joke."
Maddison laughed along too, easing the tension she had felt. Her cheeks were rosy red with embarrassment. Was she going to agree with him if he didn't say it was a joke?
"But I do want to strike a deal with you, Maddison. That part isn't a lie."
"What sort of deal?"
"I'm aware that you've recently been dumped by your ex-boyfriend, Hugo Anderson."
The words stung but it hurt a lot less than it used to. Maddison put on a brave face as she nodded in reply.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up," He spoke up when he noticed how she looked.
This caught her by surprise.
"It's alright. Please, continue."
"I also know that he has just gotten married to Lizzie Taylor. How would you like to get revenge on him?"
Maddison couldn't believe her ears. She glanced over at Elias in shock. Why was he offering her such a deal? Billionaires like him only do things for their profit. How would helping her help him?
"What would you gain from this?" She asked him outright, not wanting to beat about the bush.
Elias smiled. If she asked that question, it meant she was considering his offer.
"I get a bride."
"A bride? Who's going to marry- Oh," Maddison realized what he meant.
But she still couldn't understand why he would want something like this. Yes, the man has had a few gossip scandals in the past. But he can't help it when women throw themselves at him. Perhaps there was something more to it.
"Why would you want a bride?" She asked again, more curious than ever.
"Well, I'm sure you're well aware of the rumors that surround me. I don't care much for them but I would love for them to end. It's too much noise and I would like some peace and quiet for a change." Elias explained.
But he didn't stop there.
"Also, I simply find everything just a little amusing. I would like to see where it goes. So, what do you say?"
"But-"
Elias produced a set of documents and presented it to Maddison, "It would all be in black and white. I have it all written and cleared with my lawyers. To sweeten the deal, I'll also be giving you $99 million for your troubles. As soon as you sign these papers, the money will be transferred to you."
"So I'm married to you, forever?" Maddison asked.
"Sure. If not, we can divorce after three years. Fair deal?"