Chapter 6: What does he want again?.

The party last night wrapped up really late, so Mark and Madison had to stay in a hotel not far from the restaurant. Mark, wanting to make it up to Madison for dragging her to the bash on her first workday, impulsively snapped up a diamond necklace for her, valued at one million dollars. Madison had never received such a lavish gift before. She thought about declining it, but Mark seemed to read her mind. "I've never gifted anything to a woman with so many eyes on me. Please, don't let me be embarrassed." So, Madison ended up accepting the necklace, feeling like she had no other choice. The following morning, as they both emerged from the hotel and hopped into the same car for work, cameras caught them in action. These two incidents, combined, set off a buzz all over the globe. Madison, feeling overwhelmed, dialed Emma from her desk. "What am I supposed to do? The necklace is worth one million dollars. I couldn't repay that even if I worked for him for five years." But Emma reassured her. She explained that Mark was always generous, which helped him build numerous business relationships. "If Luke really has a thing for you, isn't that kind of great? Don't worry about accepting the gift. To him, that money is just a drop in the bucket." Emma said she was trying to make her friend understand. Madison sighed. "You're always making light of things. I'm so anxious. I don't even want to go outside. It feels like everyone is staring at me." "It was a tough call, but accepting that necklace was the only way to save him from embarrassment in front of everyone." Emma paused briefly. "When you didn't come home last night, I was half-expecting something had happened between you two." She said it with a slight giggle. "Really, Emma? What goes on in your mind?" Madison chuckled. "You think of crazier things than I do." "I didn't see it coming either. Mark is Henry's uncle. It's a small world, isn't it?" The mere mention of Henry made Madison feel uneasy. "Let's not talk about him now. I'm at work. We'll catch up at home." "Alright. Skip eating out tonight. I'll have the maid prepare something you love." "That sounds perfect." Madison was overwhelmed after ending the call. It was just her second day at the office, and everyone already knew about the necklace. Their stares as she walked in spoke volumes. Despite Emma's counsel, Madison was determined to return the necklace to Mark. It was excessively pricey, and, given her relationship with Mark, she didn't feel it was appropriate to keep it. After wrapping up her work, she carried the necklace, neatly boxed, to Mark's office, knocking on the door with a mix of nerves and resolve. "Come in." His voice came from the other side of the door. Madison didn't beat around the bush. "Boss, I can't accept this necklace. It's too extravagant. The incident from last night is affecting my life, and I need to return this to you." Hearing her words, Mark acknowledged his mistake. "I apologize; I wasn't thinking straight. I had a bit too much to drink and made a hasty decision. I'll release a statement to clear up the misunderstanding." "Thanks." Mark had been drawn to Charlotte from the moment he first saw her, feeling like she brought light into his life. His long-standing single status had made him quite the catch, surrounded by many admirers, but he hadn't been interested in any of them. Madison was just about to leave Mark's office when Henry came in unannounced. "Didn't you say you'd send it to me, Mark? Why do I have to come here just for a draft?" As she turned to leave, Madison accidentally bumped into Henry. His demeanor changed immediately upon seeing her, and he couldn't help but make a snide comment. "Quite the center of attention last night, weren't you, Miss?" Mark was quick to defend her. "Mind your language, Henry." Henry, oblivious to the rudeness of his remark, only stopped because Mark seemed irritated. Then, addressing Madison, Mark asked, "Can you bring me the design sketches you were working on yesterday?" Yes sir..." Seeing Henry had already soured Madison's day. She retrieved the ring design, a piece she knew Henry would give to someone specific. She had braced herself for encountering Henry at work, but not this soon. Despite personal feelings, Madison presented her design ideas with the utmost professionalism. Mark was genuinely impressed by her design, even considering it for a limited edition. Finding such a talented designer was rare, and he was eager to support her growth. This is just amazing work," he said with a beaming smile. Thank you, sir.". Henry, after Mark's compliments, gave a scornful smirk. "It doesn't look that impressive. I've heard about this lady's Heart of Love design. It seems like she's been overrated by the media." Madison remained professional. "If there's any aspect you're dissatisfied with, sir, please let me know. I can adjust the design to meet your expectations." Henry meticulously examined Charlotte's design, finding faults. "The diamond here seems awkward, and this element is redundant, right?" "Alright, I'll modify it according to your feedback as quickly as I can." Madison wanted to leave the situation. She collected her drawings and left the office. Henry took this opportunity to follow her. "Mark, I'm going to see this through. If there's anything else that needs to be addressed, I can talk it over with her." "Be careful with how you act. If you want to cause trouble, do it elsewhere, not in my office." Mark told Henry before he left his office. "I understand." Henry then followed Madison. Catching up, he asked, "Why the rush? You don't want to be around me?" Madison deflected his comment. "I've accepted your project, and I'm committed to doing my job well. I hope today you can interact with me purely as a client." Anticipating that Henry might try to follow her to her office, she cleverly headed toward the reception area, where other employees were present, hoping his conduct would be more appropriate in a public setting. Madison eyed the busy employees around them. "Are you sure we should talk here?" "Isn't this where clients are normally received? Isn't it the same at your company?" Madison asked. Besides, I believe whatever you want to say in my office can be said here, right?" She continued "Just think about it. If something were to happen here, who would it affect more?" His implication shocked Madison. "Are you threatening me?" Henry subtly nodded towards her office. "Some matters are best discussed privately, in your office, right?" Madison, frustrated but composed, agreed, "If you insist, sir, then we can move this conversation to my office." As she made her way through the hall to her office, Henry followed behind. Thoughts kept running through Madison's head, and the comment he made earlier seemed to make her thoughts more erratic. She was already thinking of the next line of action if he tried something stupid in the office. Henry followed closely behind her as he shut the door behind him.