CHAPTER THIRTEEN – THE BILLIONAIRE’S PROPOSAL

Laughter trailed off as the meal ended, replaced by a comfortable silence. Ethan pushed back his chair and gestured towards the sliding glass doors leading to the balcony. "Mind if I step out for some air?" Madison shook her head, a silent invitation. They slipped out onto the expansive patio, the cool night air washing over them. The city lights twinkled below, a mesmerizing tapestry stretching out as far as the eye could see. Ethan leaned against the railing, a champagne flute clinking softly in his hand. Madison stood beside him, sipping on a cool glass of fruit juice. The weight of their conversation hung between them. Clearing her throat, Madison finally spoke. "About the marriage proposal…" she began cautiously. Ethan turned to face her, his gaze steady. "Yes?" "There's something I need to be clear about," she continued, her voice firm. "Having a baby doesn't mean I want to give up on my acting career." Ethan took a sip of his champagne, his expression unreadable. Then, to