Alden felt like burying his face in his hands.He only wanted to get to know Madeline, to slowly work his way into her good graces. However, once he found out she was Trevon's wife, his little scheme evaporated.However, Blaine would not let it go and was looking at him as if expecting a gold medal.'Calling the cops, let Trevon be sent to jail, huh?'His face darkened. "Mr. Walker, let's not get things twisted. Mrs. Gibson was unfairly dragged through the mud over my family drama. She's the one who deserves an apology!"He was staring at Macie as he said it.Macie, livid and shaking with her eyes shut tight, yelled, "Expecting an apology from me? You'd have to walk over my dead body first!"Alden's head throbbed with the beginnings of a headache.Blaine opened his mouth to retort but a sharp look from Alden shut him down.The Quiggs just did not stack up to the Gibsons, especially with the real estate deal hanging in the balance.Alden bit back his frustration. "Mr. Gibson,
Madeline was not pleased.Trevon's statement seemed to disregard the adoption cancellation.However, there was no way Jazzy was going back with them.She gave Trevon's hand a covert squeeze, but he did not flinch, his gaze locked on Alden.Alden was on the fence. With Trevon around, snatching Jazzy away was pretty much off the table. It would just stir up more trouble.Leaving Jazzy...He blamed Maciefor that mess, for her insistence on kicking Jazzy out and causing that whole drama.At least Trevon had not pushed to cut ties completely.As long as the adoption was still on paper, Jazzy would not dare spill any secrets.Alden gave Jazzy a warm smile. "Looks like you and Mrs. Gibson get along, so stick around her for a bit. However, don't get cocky just because she's taken a liking to you. Keep it low-key, alright? Scare her and you'll have me to answer to.lI'll have the driver pick you up for dinner tonight. Your mom and I will be waiting. You love the videos I make, right?
Madeline was stunned by his outburst.Gazing into Trevon's red-rimmed eyes, she realized he had indeed been out all night searching for her. The anger that had been sitting heavy in her heart began to melt away."I... I never thought you'd come after me."They fought, and it was only natural for Trevon to ignore her calls. However, fear had gripped her, and in a moment of spite, she had refused to reach out.Once she cooled down, she still did not call, convinced no one would bother looking for her. Who was there to call, anyway? It felt like she was the last person on earth.However, hearing that Trevon had spent the night searching for her thawed the chill in Madeline's heart a little more.She really was a little love-starved, was she not? Clinging to even the smallest gesture of warmth.With a self-deprecating chuckle, Madeline offered an apology. "I'm sorry. I lost my phone and had no idea you were out there looking for me. I'm sorry for worrying you."Trevon's expression
Rosie responded quickly, "She got a fright. I had someone take her to get some rest.""Let's go check on her," Trevon suggested as he stood up.They followed Rosie to where Jazzy was staying. Since she had been adopted, there was not a room for her, so they had set her up in a makeshift space in a small storeroom.Rosie opened the door to find Jazzy in the midst of changing.Jazzy let out a piercing scream and dove under the blankets, her face in sheer panic as she kept screaming. Madeline quickly shut the door, blocking Trevon and Daniel from entering. As Jazzy's screams filled the room, Madeline and Rosie locked eyes, each recognizing the heavy concern reflected back at them. "Jazzy."Rosie softly called out to her, trying to move closer, but Jazzy shoved her away. Madeline frowned with worry. She gently pulled Rosie aside and asked, "Jazzy, you up for some boba?" At the sound of Madeline's voice, Jazzy's crying began to subside. She cautiously poked her head out from
Madeline stepped out of Jazzy's room, her face etched with concern.At 13 years old, Jazzy had found a home with the Quigg family, leaving behind the minimal comforts of the orphanage. Life was tough, leaving her frail and slight.Three years with the Quiggs, though, and she had grown into her tall and elegant beauty.Jazzy confided that after her fifteenth birthday, Alden's looks turned dark, filled with something that made her skin crawl.Then, as a high school freshman, Alden, fueled by alcohol, crossed a line, and everything fell apart.She would beg, fight back, but Alden was relentless.It all blew up three months ago when Macie walked in on them. Alden played it cool, accusing Jazzy of coming onto him.Jazzy was defenseless against the lie.Macie did not hesitate to send her packing, threatening to revoke the adoption over her supposed misconduct.The truth was plain, but their hands were tied.Months had passed since that last encounter, and without evidence, holding
Realizing the phone had been picked up from the police station left Madeline in disbelief. "How did it get to the police station?"Daniel quickly filled her in on last night's drama."You mean, someone died yesterday on Green Jubilee Road?"A shiver of fear ran through Madeline. She was lucky that Bernard was there for her, decisively whisking her away to the safety of the orphanage. If not for him, she might have been the hostage in yesterday's ordeal.The thought of someone dying for her weighed heavily on Madeline's heart."Daniel, could you find out about the girl who died? I'd like to pray for her," Madeline whispered.Daniel nodded in agreement.Madeline, troubled, sent a quick text to Bernard before sinking into her chair in silence.Trevon, noticing her distress but also her diligence in updating others, felt a twist in his gut and let out a frustrated grunt.…Edith only learned of the close call at the orphanage after Madeline's phone call. She immediately had them
Tracy was once a dreamy young girl who was caught up in the idea of love. She got married to the wrong guy, but with her family's help, she got a divorce and brought her kid back home, taking on their family name.However, that rough patch did not knock her down.Tracy came out the other side as a self-made woman. She started Silver Leaf Studio and turned it into one of Redenbaugh City's finest, even making waves internationally.Madeline's thoughts drifted to her mother. The more she thought about it, the more Bella and Tracy seemed similar.Both were head over heels, marrying in a heartbeat over a pretty face. However, where life took them could not be more different.Tracy bounced back, finding her way back to her family's open arms.Bella had become a shadow of herself, lost in her own mind, clueless about the whereabouts of the Ziegler family.In the midst of conversation, Felicia walked in and announced, "Look who's here! It's Ms. Lewis."Edith let out a knowing laugh, "T
Tracy would not take a loss lying down. If only she had a way to fight it.To her, three million dollars was nothing.However, Lydia had backed Tracy into a corner at the Silver Leaf Studio, threatening her very life. She was caught between a rock and a hard place, forced to back down."I recall events like yesterday's auction always get plenty of press. Usually, they zero in on the auction itself and miss the fashion angle."Tracy squinted thoughtfully.Madeline suggested, "How about we buy a press release? Highlight all the designer outfits from the auction, especially Lydia's gown."Tracy got the hint and smirked. "A gown that's returned right after the show? It's like they're playing dress-up with no money to back it. I'm curious how the Sanders family will show their faces after this."It was a clever trap.Once the gown was the talk of the town, Cilix and Lydia would be forced to buy it back to maintain their dignity.They could not afford the hit to their reputation. No