The day of Whitman’s 50th anniversary arrived in the blink of an eye. Madeline lazily gave herself a spa treatment before finally plopping herself in front of the vanity to start doing her makeup. After that, she donned herself in the gown that Meredith could only wish to own, picked up her designer purse, and got into a car toward Glendale’s first-ever luxurious six-star hotel. Rows of street lamps glowed as the night began to darken. Staring at the reflection on the windows in the car, her red lips curled as she raised a hand to rearrange the baby hair around her forehead. The beauty of the small smile gracing Madeline’s lips was reflected in the rearview mirror, causing the driver to almost run a red light. It was the first time he had seen such a beautiful woman. At that moment, the main entrance of the six-star hotel was already packed with people. Reporters fought each other for first-hand material while various passersby also stopped to collect small gifts. Guest
All eyes fell on Madeline from the moment she got off the car… Inside, Jeremy was frowning. A deep look flashed in his icy eyes as he found himself frustrated by Madeline not picking up his call. Suddenly, he felt a tug at his pant legs. Looking down, Jeremy was faced with Jackson’s indifferent expression. “Where’s Big Sis Vera? Is she not here yet?” Jackson was very much looking forward to Madeline’s arrival. Jeremy felt his heart grow distant as he stared at his son. The sight of Jackson would always remind him of how he had destroyed the ashes of his and Madeline’s daughter. His heart raced as frustration bubbled each time the memory of Madeline’s last words as she tugged on his collar replayed in his mind.“Jack,” Meredith’s voice sounded.The hand on Jeremy’s pants tightened as the light in his eyes vanished. He let go to flee, only to be caught by Meredith in the end. “Where are you going, Jack?” With a fake smile plastered on her face, Meredith gripped Jackson’
Madeline’s eyes turned into crescents at Jeremy’s shocked reaction. “What’s wrong, Jeremy? It’s me… Madeline.” “...” Madeline! The name pierced straight into Jeremy’s heart like a sharp knife, knocking the breath out of him. Madeline quirked the corners of her lips prettily at Jeremy’s stricken gaze. She leaned closer. “What’s wrong, Mr. Whitman? I thought you’re the one who told me to attend the anniversary celebration as your ex-wife?” Her soft voice engulfed Jeremy’s racing heartbeat like a closely woven net. Hearing her response, Jeremy felt his heart slowly calm down. ‘So that’s how it is, huh?’Staring at her pretty as a picture appearance, he felt his heart drown in loneliness. However, Jeremy made sure to keep that emotion to himself. Quickly but surely, he responded with a warm and seductive smirk. “You’re here.” Madeline smiled. “Yeah, I am.” Meredith was no longer having it. She was pissed at the little distance between Madeline and Jeremy as the two
Madeline smiled casually. “Did you see it with your own two eyes, Mrs. Montgomery? How are you so certain that Madeline Crawford is the shameless woman you claim her to be?” “Of course, I’m certain! I watched with my own eyes how shameless and merciless Madeline Crawford is! Time and time again she hurt my precious daughter and grandson. Death is the lightest punishment for a woman like her!” Eloise clenched her jaw, spitting out word after word that dripped with the hatred and disgust she felt for Madeline. It was almost as if death was not enough to relieve the hatred in her heart. Seconds later, Madeline heard a mocking scoff from Eloise. “While you may share Madeline Crawford’s appearance, Miss Vera, I do hope that you’d refrain from acting as shamelessly as that woman!” With a condescending look, Eloise left Madeline’s side and walked back to Meredith. The ‘mother-daughter’ duo held each other’s hands, looking closer than ever. Madeline pursed her lips gently as she
Tanner’s complexion paled as he pointed a finger at Madeline who was currently washing her hands. Shocked, he crawled up from the ground with a hand on the wall for his strength seemed to have vanished from his legs. It was the first time he had participated in such a high-class celebration. As a result, he had drunk a good amount to take full advantage of the situation. Under the effects of alcohol, Madeline’s enchanting smile floated about in his vision. Her face duplicated as the figures began to approach him. He could not breathe! Too afraid to look her in the eye, he started to stutter and mumble. “Mad-Madeline Crawford! Why won’t you leave me alone? The person you’re looking for is Meredith! Not me!” Watching Tanner tremble in fear before her, Madeline stepped over with her high heels clicking and a smile on her curled lips. “You’re asking me why Madeline’s spirit is haunting you? I’m sure you know exactly why.” “Ah!” Tanner dashed into the male bathroom, terrified.
‘To start all over again is too much easier said than done, Jeremy.‘For all the pain you’ve put me through and all the fatal scars and wounds you left me would never be erased! ‘The fact that I loved you is one of the past. ‘All I have left for you, is hatred!’Right then, Eloise walked over with Meredith in tow. “You look happy, Old Master. What are you and this lady over here talking about?” “What ‘this lady’? This is Madeline.” The old master emphasized with displeasure. “She’s not, Grandfather. This isn’t Madeline. Madeline died three years ago. This lady is Miss Vera Quinn, she just looks like Madeline.” Meredith explained with a smile, then turned to look at Jeremy. “Aren’t I right, Jeremy?” Smiling, she was so sure that Jeremy would lean over to speak in her ear. Instead, he frowned in distaste. The old master was infuriated, frowning as he stared at Madeline. “Nonsense! She’s Madeline!” “She really isn’t Madeline, Old Master!” Mrs. Whitman had arrived to join t
Tanner Long! This tramp! How could he have gotten in? Confusion and unease settled in Meredith’s stomach. Tanner was pointing at Vera, claiming she was a ghost with eyes blown wide and fright written all over his face! That could only mean that he had mistaken Vera for Madeline and was sent into shock. Being sent into shock meant that he could end up saying things he should not! However, Madeline’s lips quirked at Tanner’s terrified scream. From the corner of her eyes, she watched anxiety flash across Meredith’s expression. Then, Madeline approached Tanner with a confused look. Locking eyes with Madeline, Tanner’s fright grew as he began to shout. “Ah! It-It’s really… It’s you!” Coupled with the influence of alcohol, he believed without a doubt that Madeline’s ghost had come to haunt him! For all the horrible things he had done in his life, it made sense to feel such a heavy weight of guilt. Madeline raised a brow and asked with mock confusion, “Do you know this man
Tanner was positively terrified, the color draining from his face as his pupils dilated from the fear. “Go away, Madeline! Stop bothering me! I… I was just doing what I was paid to do!” “Tanner Long!” Meredith immediately interrupted him and nervously called for the bodyguards. “Quickly, take this man away!” Tanner pointed a trembling finger at Meredith, paying her words no heed. “Madeline Crawford! If… If you want to haunt someone for revenge, then haunt her! It was all Meredith’s orders!” With Tanner’s words, Meredith felt her body growing cold. Feeling a tyrannical storm of frost swirling around her, she could not imagine the expression Jeremy was wearing on his face. “What’s happening? Who is this man? What does he mean?” Mrs. Whitman quickly rushed over to ask. Meredith frantically tried to change the subject. “Mrs. Whitman! This is Tanner Long. He and Madeline used to be involved illicitly. They also planned Jack’s kidnapping together!” “So it’s you!” Eloise glare