A bowl of steaming sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles was set before Madeline.Her mood lifted instantly. "I just... I really love the taste."Caleb gestured for her to go ahead. "This place does make the best noodles. Dig in."Famished, Madeline flashed him a grateful smile and eagerly started eating.As they were eating, the owner—Felix Camidge—came by with a bowl of yogurt. "Give this a try. It's really refreshing."Madeline paused, setting her fork down. "Mr. Camidge."She had picked up on Caleb's familiarity with him and decided to address him similarly.Felix gestured for her to keep eating. "If Caleb hadn't brought you, I wouldn't have guessed he'd snagged such a pretty girlfriend."Madeline nearly choked on her food and reached for her water.Caleb jumped in quickly, "Mr. Camidge, you've got it all wrong. We're just classmates.""Just classmates, huh?"They both nodded.Felix did not pry further. Instead, he offered, "Next time you're hungry, just swing by anyt
Madeline was still confused by what Riley meant.Riley gestured to the supplements on the table. "Playing innocent? These are the hottest health products on the market. Forget the cost, they're so exclusive most folks can't even get their hands on them. How'd you even get these without dropping the Gibson name and cash?"Madeline had no clue those items were such a big deal. She regretted accepting them that morning.Madeline tried to clear things up. "Mom, you've got it all wrong. A friend gave these to me. I had no idea—""Excuses, excuses!"Riley's voice turned shrill, her earlier poise gone. "I know all your friends, and they're not the type to give gifts like these. I warned Madam Gibson from the start. Your family is all kinds of trouble. No manners whatsoever."Madeline attempted another explanation, but Riley was not having any of it."I'll let it slide this time. However, if it happens again, your mom's out of Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital."Madeline could not help but
Madeline's heart was weighed down with sorrow, yet Yeneth's chatter was oddly comforting.Madeline tiredly replied, "I'm okay. If they're in love and together, isn't that just how it goes? But..."However, Madeline still had feelings for Trevon.Yeneth's heart ached. "Regardless, he's your husband. He shouldn't be getting cozy with Lydia, let alone sparking scandals!"Yeneth was right. Such news should never have surfaced.How could Trevon be so reckless?Madeline shook her head, trying to clear the mess from her thoughts.What really bothered her was something else entirely."How did Riley find out about the gift from my senior this morning? She's hardly the type to visit my mom in the hospital."After a good round of cursing Riley out over the phone, Yeneth concluded, "Someone's definitely been filling her in! Didn't you mention the Gibsons set up the hospital? Maybe Riley's got a mole in there."A mole? Could it be a nurse or a doctor?Madeline had no immediate answer, bu
Nancy looked at her disdainfully. "Today's a big day. Everyone's swamped, and no one's got time to help you. Mrs. Yagle wants eight hundred apple pies this year. You'd better get moving, or you'll catch an earful from her if you can't finish."She tossed an apron at Madeline and hurried off.Madeline sourly stared at the apron in her hands. She and Trevon may be secretly married, but Nancy, a fixture in the house, surely knew who she was.To be treated that way, it had to be Riley pulling the strings.Considering her condition, making 800 apple pies could endanger her pregnancy.What was she to do?She massaged her aching back, lost in thought.…On the drive to the family estate, Trevon felt a twinge in his back too. He was worn out by the constant discomfort.All he could think about was how Madeline coped with it every month.Lydia cozied up to him, clinging to his arm. "Trevon, given our relationship, don't you think I should meet Madam Gibson and your mother at the famil
Nancy clammed up the moment she saw Trevon.Riley's stern look eased a bit. She glanced at Lydia before turning to Trevon."I was starting to think you wouldn't show."Riley acted as if Lydia did not exist, treating her like a complete stranger.Lydia, still smiling, introduced herself, "Mrs. Yagle, I'm Trevon's friend and Madeline's sister, Lydia."Riley's expression turned frosty in a heartbeat, and she snapped at Madeline. "Didn't you realize we're having a family dinner? What's the deal with bringing a stranger?"Lydia's smile froze on her face.Madeline was at a loss, her eyes quietly pleading with Trevon. She was almost used to Riley's habit of jumping to conclusions.Trevon's expression was cool. "She's with me."Riley choked on her words, then shot him a reproachful look, her tone softening, "Madeline's out of line, and now you too? You're not worried about upsetting your grandmother?"Trevon simply replied, "Grandma won't mind."With that, he took Lydia by the hand
The kitchen was alive with enticing scents, and Madeline's mouth watered. She peeked in to find the cook, Karter Wilson, popping open a jar of kimchi."Wow! This kimchi is fantastic," Madeline said, genuinely impressed.Karter beamed at her. "I'm whipping up something special today—beef and kimchi noodles. Sounds good to you?"Madeline quickly nodded. "Easy on the spice, please."The Gibsons were no strangers to exotic flavors, but lately, Edith was watching her health and preferred her meals on the milder side.The kitchen's spicy aromas were overwhelming, so Madeline fixed herself a quick glass of lemon water and made a beeline for the stairs.…Upstairs, Trevon did not take Lydia straight to Edith. He settled her in the room before bracing himself to face his grandmother alone.Edith, having learned of Lydia's arrival, laid into him with fury. "This is your answer to me? What happened to everything you've learned?"Trevon's jaw was set, his resolve clear. "We're... I have t
"Grandma, I don't love Madeline. Forcing her to stay with the Gibsons will only hurt her more."Even though Madeline had anticipated Trevon's reasoning, his words still broke her heart.Thankfully, Ryan kept Lydia at bay, saving her from further humiliation.Edith's cane thudded against Trevon over and over.Madeline gently pushed the door open and called out for Edith. "Grandma."Edith paused, her cane still in midair. "Madeline, what brings you here?"Edith put down her cane as she spoke, trying to move closer to Madeline. Madeline helped her sit, carefully avoiding looking at Trevon."Grandma, you're on medication. You can't afford to get riled up like this. Take a deep breath and relax."Edith wore a look of sheer exasperation as if she were lamenting over unmet potential. "This is all because of that damned thing!"Edith's grip tightened on her cane, poised to strike Trevon again.Madeline stepped in swiftly. "I understand why you're upset, Grandma, but the scolding and
Edith glared at Ryan. "Not in a million years! The astrologer says Madeline is his guardian angel. He's only safe when she's around. Even if that weren't the case, I'd never let someone like Lydia through the Gibson family's doors!" "So, you're still going to…"Edith let out a deep sigh. "Just keep an eye on things. If it actually leads to divorce, then come tell me."Madeline took it as a sign that Edith was on board with the divorce, and a weight lifted from her chest. Edith had always been good to her, and Madeline hated the thought of causing her any distress over the divorce.Back in her room, Trevon was peeling off his shirt. His tanned skin made his muscles look more defined, and the bruises from Edith's cane added a rugged appeal to him.Then, Trevon caught Madeline's eye. "Help me with the ointment."Madeline guiltily looked away. "Why not have Lydia do it?"After all, he brought Lydia home. Why should Madeline be the one to care for him?A sour feeling crept into Tre
That batch of red wine did not look too strong, but it packed a punch.As the trio kept drinking, they slowly started to feel the buzz.Yeneth, glass in hand, her cheeks a rosy red, ranted, "Don't employees' lives count for anything? Overtime, day in and day out! It's enough to wear out a horse!"That darn Camden, always harping on about performance, about profits! Is game development just about the bottom line? What happened to the heart? Rubbish!"For a moment, she thought she saw Camden's face, and in a fit of anger, Yeneth tried to slap it away, nearly tumbling into her wine glass instead.Madeline, startled, rushed to steady her.Yeneth, still wobbly, stood up on her own, fixing Trevon with a steely gaze and said icily, "You're just another greedy capitalist."Trevon sat there, calm and collected, but his delayed movements and the occasional glint of bewilderment in his eyes betrayed his inebriation to Madeline.When Yeneth spoke up, he turned his head slowly, locking eyes
Madeline, caught up in the conversation with Caleb and Yeneth, turned around in shock at Trevon's question.He had just declared he would not touch a drop, and he was suddenly reaching for the wine?However, she let it go without a question.The red wine was smooth and inviting. If he felt like drinking, why not?Trevon grunted a greeting into his phone. "Mr. Caleb Jabs."Caleb snapped out of his reverie, returning the greeting with a subdued nod, his gaze deepening.Yeneth, caught between awkwardness and concern, glanced at Caleb. She was about to speak when a glamorous doctor in a white coat appeared beside him on the screen.The doctor, Camila Jervis, peered at the screen, her smile teasing. "Mr. Caleb Jabs, are you chatting with your girlfriend?"Two women were on the screen, leaving it unclear whom she meant.Caleb shook his head, offering no explanation, and instead asked, "Dr. Jervis, what's up?"Camila arched an eyebrow, not prying further. "The professor's ready to s
Yahir sipped his cola, feeling utterly dejected.He had bolted from the Lewis family feast, even at the risk of getting caught, just to pocket two bottles of Lafite.They were not the prized '1982' edition, but they were still pretty decent.His mom's constant marriage talk was a drag, but her taste in wine was impeccable. He was all set for a night of no-holds-barred drinking with Trevon.However, Trevon dragged him over to Madeline's, and under the pretext of her pregnancy, confiscated all the wine.Then, it sat tauntingly in the wine cabinet.Yahir gazed at it, each bottle seeming to whisper seductively."Come on, come have a taste."It was pure torture!He took another swig of cola."Whoa!"Yeneth's shout came out of nowhere.Yahir choked mid-sip.The cola fizz popped like fireworks in his throat, sending him into a coughing frenzy, his face flushing a deep crimson as the soda splashed across the floor.Madeline jumped at his coughing spectacle, hastily grabbing a tis
Madeline swung open the kitchen door to find Yahir wrapping his arms around Yeneth from behind, as if he could not bear to let her go.Her mind, already a whirlwind of thoughts, was completely thrown."What in the world..."Madeline was puzzled as she returned from the kitchen. She had only stepped away to make a call, and then Yeneth and Yahir were locked in an embrace.Yeneth tried to explain, "Madeline, this isn't what it looks like. I was just—"However, Yahir clamped a hand over her mouth, grinning at Madeline. "We're just playing around, Madeline. Hey, do you have any wine glasses? We need four. Let's celebrate!"Trevon stepped out from behind Madeline, his composed facade unbroken. "Lost your head? She's pregnant. Think she can drink?"Yahir smacked his forehead. "Oh, man. I totally spaced on that."Once Yeneth wriggled free, she took a deep breath and delivered a sharp kick to Yahir's leg. "Get off me!"She kicked with all her might, hitting Yahir's shin and sending a
At that moment, Trevon seemed to freeze, then he straightened his posture. "Madeline, Liam's role is to be your close protection, to ensure your safety."Madeline had faced too many close calls, and he could not shake his concern for her.However, she was fiercely independent. If it were up to him, he would keep her tethered to his side.Madeline let out a derisive snort. She knew Xoan well enough to know he could dig up information on Yoana, but not with such speed and precision.Xoan claimed Liam was the one who had lent a hand.Madeline knew Liam. That had Trevon's fingerprints all over it."Do you really think I've become so dim-witted from pregnancy that I can't think straight?"Trevon looked at her, a mix of frustration and affection in his eyes.She had once been so sweet and compliant. Then, she became so sharp and quick-witted, a match even for him.However, he preferred her that way."Madeline, I'm just looking out for you."Trevon had an insatiable need to know ev
"Madeline, I've got the scoop on Yoana," Xoan said.Madeline was taken aback. "So soon?"Xoan let out a sly chuckle. "It wouldn't have been this quick, but Liam lent us a hand."Madeline stole a quick look at Trevon, then cast her gaze downward.Fifteen years back, Yoana was forced out of the Sanders Group—a victim of Cilix's cunning plot.It was not just a simple resignation as Bella had naively believed. Yoana was secretly saddled with a mountain of debt.Cilix did not stop there. He tarnished Yoana's name throughout the industry.She could not land a respectable job to save her life.Her personal life was total chaos.Her husband, Jim Livingston, who was once a low-level office worker, had dived into business on the back of Yoana's earnings and made a pretty penny.However, when the bill came due, Yoana hit a wall. Jim had sent all his cash back to his folks, leaving peanuts behind.Yoana was floored. A decade of hard work, and not a dime to show for it.When she begged
Madeline swung the door open to find Trevon on her doorstep, her eyebrows knitting together in a frown.Before she could get a word out, Yahir popped up from behind him with a grin. "Happy New Year, Madeline!"He waved a container of homemade goodies.Those two had nearly fought that morning, and then they were as chummy as can be—though Trevon looked like he would rather be anywhere else. However, he bit his tongue and kept quiet.With the Gibsons and the Lewises all cozied up for a New Year's feast, what on earth were those two doing there?Yahir's face fell. "Madeline, you've got no idea. My mom's a force of nature. Can you believe she's still dragging me to blind dates on New Year's Eve? I just had to bail."Madeline could not help but think about Liliana's earlier enthusiasm for rallying the troops and was at a loss for words."What about you, Trevon? What brings you here?" Madeline asked.Trevon pursed his lips. He was looking a little quiet too.Edith had been on his ca
Madeline walked into her house and immediately sensed something was up. She nudged the door wider and there was Yeneth, sparking an involuntary grin on her face."I thought you were going to be hibernating today?"Yeneth had been swamped with the Skylandia project, barely getting any sleep. She had texted Madeline about sleeping in on her day off.With a shrug and a smirk, Yeneth said, "Guess I'm just wired to work. Woke up at the crack of dawn, hung around in bed not to wake you, and by the time I showed up, you were already out and about."Madeline shut the door behind her, musing aloud."I've been turning it over in my mind. All this press and pest hunting is kid's play for the Sanders Group. To really take them on, we've got to… Yank the carpet out from under them?" Yeneth's smile was the answer Madeline needed as she shared her strategy."How's that sound?"Yeneth's thumbs-up was quick, but her frown came just as fast. "Fashion's a shark tank, and jumping in now? That's r
Madeline's request left Yoana taken aback.A wry smile crossed her face. "What can I possibly help you with at my age?"Madeline grasped her hand with conviction. "No, Mrs. Reed, you're the only one who can do this favor for me."Yoana looked down, her expression unreadable, and whispered, "You're giving me too much credit. Besides, with my background, there's no way I can go back to working with the Sanders Group. I have a couple of pairs of baby shoes here. Take them as a baby shower gift for your little ones."Madeline realized Yoana had gotten the wrong idea, thinking she was there about the Sanders Group or Cilix, and felt a twinge of disappointment."Mrs. Reed, please don't reject my request just yet. I'm planning to start my own fashion label. Everything Is underway, but I'm still missing one crucial piece—a designer."Madeline shared her vision.Yoana's eyebrows shot up in surprise when she heard Madeline's vision for her new company."That sounds just like the Sanders