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
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