Madeline chuckled and replied, "That thirty million, wasn't that my divorce payout? I thought that was my consolation prize for splitting up with Trevon."Cilix's voice was sincere."You're my daughter, and there's always been a piece of the Sanders pie with your name on it. Your mother and I started from scratch together. Even when I was broke, I wanted to make it right by her."Divorced or not, that thirty million dollars is yours. The moment Sanders Group hits the stock market, you'll get every penny that's coming to you," he promised."If you doubt me, I'm willing to put it in my will."Madeline could not shake the feeling that the old fox was up to his usual tricks. To casually promise 30 million dollars just for a chat with the Lewis family? That was not Cilix's usual play.However, if all it took to pocket 30 million was delivering a message to Tracy, Madeline was not about to complain.The divorce was a gamble, and she had been plotting how to reclaim her money for a whi
Madeline ended her call with Cilix and rang up Tracy.Tracy let out a scoff. "The nerve of her! Begging you for help?"She saw Lydia grab Madeline's dress and figured that Madeline was not exactly the Sanders family's favorite. Badmouthing the Sanders family in front of Madeline did not weigh on her conscience one bit.Madeline just chuckled. "What's your move, Tracy?"Tracy's voice faded a touch. "She wore the dress, so it's off the market. However, if they're itching to have it, they better be ready to pay through their noses."She hesitated for a moment before adding, "You know, women like Lydia are just clowns. They deserve a scolding and nothing more. It's pointless to dwell on them."She was subtly advising Madeline.Madeline appreciated the guidance. "I get it, Tracy. Thanks."However, with her ties to the Sanders family, she could not help but feel harassed by them.How she wished the Sanders family would just disappear.The thought surfaced, causing a pang in Madelin
Caught up in her conversation with Jazzy, Madeline had completely forgotten about Bernard's request for her to draw.It was not until Bernard's voice broke through her thoughts that she snapped back to reality.There was no way she could draw at that moment.Her purpose in coming there was to take Jazzy out for a meal, to offer a little light in the girl's life.Madeline knew all too well the taste of hardship and the weight of despair, and it pained her to see Jazzy, so young, wrestling with life's cruel consequences.She longed to wrap Jazzy in a little more warmth, to shield her from the world's harshness.They had barely stepped outside when a sleek car pulled up to the orphanage's entrance. Madeline's heart skipped a beat, thinking the Quiggs had actually shown up, and she instinctively shielded Jazzy.However, it was not the Quiggs who emerged from the car, instead, a young man with delicate features stepped out.He caught sight of them and arched an eyebrow, "Bernard, Ja
Madeline aimed the question at Bernard. There seemed to be some bad blood between him and Cooper.Bernard frowned in concern.He knew Cooper had a certain charm that many girls found appealing. Did Madeline fall for that charm too?He turned to her and replied seriously, "He's bad news, Maddie. Keep your distance."Madeline could not help but chuckle. "I haven't even been near the guy."However, the thought of him with Yanely, and the way Yanely was acting, left her with an uneasy feeling.Bernard's gaze turned icy as he watched Madeline relax around Cooper. "He's nothing but a smooth-talking con artist. You don't need to bother with him."Madeline raised her eyebrows. Her curiosity piqued, but Bernard clammed up, leaving her questions hanging.She shrugged it off. Trevon was the one who should be sweating bullets anyway.…Mid-bite into her dinner, Madeline's phone buzzed with a call from Tracy."Just sold that dress for 4.5 million to the Sanders family. Send me your card
Madeline did not reveal everything about Jazzy to Tracy, only that there were some family issues making it tough for her to stay at home, so she was on the hunt for a temporary place to live.Jazzy had a knack for painting and fashion design, which led her to Tracy's doorstep.Tracy did not pry and quickly made the arrangements.Madeline let out a sigh of relief. If Tracy had dug deeper, she was not sure what she would have said.The whole situation with Tracy and Quigg family was a bit of a mystery to Madeline. She did not think Tracy harbored any old flames for Alden, but in matters like those, she never really knew.The decision she had made was a bit of a leap.However, it was not without its perks. The Quigg folks would not dare come looking for trouble on Tracy's territory.Before Madeline left, she gave Jazzy a serious look and reminded her to avoid talking about the orphanage to avoid stirring up any unwanted drama.Jazzy nodded with determination. "Got it, Maddie."He
Madeline blinked in surprise. Trevon had not eaten yet?It was already eight at night. Why had he not had his dinner?Could he actually be waiting for her? Was he really that considerate?Questions swirled in Madeline's head, but before she could voice them, Trevon's icy tone cut through. "Who'd wait this late? She doesn't need anyone fussing over her. Just get the dinner on the table."Madeline was left speechless.Daniel adjusted his glasses with a hint of helplessness. "Mrs. Gibson, don't be upset. Mr. Gibson's had a long day and he's just exhausted. I've been on his case to eat, but he insisted on waiting for you. If you haven't had a bite yet, why not come to the hospital and we can eat together?"Trevon sternly warned, "Daniel, that's enough."Madeline felt a pang of guilt knowing he had waited for her, but Trevon's sharp comment made her laugh at herself.She was not Lydia, after all. Why would Trevon wait for her?She responded calmly, "I've had my dinner. Could you lo
Madeline gave him a puzzled look.Trevon just stared back, stone-faced, and remained silent."Mr. Gibson?"He snapped out of it and gave her a piercing look, "You're just playing secretary at the company, you're not really working under me."Madeline was taken aback."Don't call me Mr. Gibson, " Trevon added.If he was not Trevon, such talk would have landed him in trouble in the real world."So, what should I call you if not Mr. Gibson? Boss?"Trevon glowered, his teeth clenched. "Just use my name!"Madeline could not help but chuckle. "Okay, okay. Trevon it is. Ready for your medicine?"Trevon stayed quiet as he turned over and got himself ready on the bed.Madeline bit her lip and started with the medicine. As she reached to lower his pants, Trevon's hand shot out, gripping the waistband tightly.Madeline tugged at the fabric, but it would not budge. She let out a sigh."Mr. Gibson—"Before she could finish, Trevon shot her a look that could freeze lava.She quickly c
The little girl was doing well at Tracy's. Engaging with her passions had brightened her demeanor.Jazzy had even struck up a friendship with Bernadette.Initially, Bernadette was just trying to learn about Bernard's likes through Jazzy. However, as time went on, the girls, close in age, naturally bonded.Jazzy's smile had grown wider, and even Bernadette seemed to lighten up a little.Tracy could not resist telling Madeline, "I'm so glad you brought her here."Madeline was feeling a bit anxious.She had not been upfront about Jazzy's background, and she was worried about the reaction if Tracy and Bernadette found out that Jazzy was Alden's foster child.Was she doing the right thing? Jazzy was in a tough spot, and Madeline just wanted to help.However, Tracy's next comment eased her worries."What a shame for such a sweet girl to be wasted as Alden's foster child."Madeline was taken aback. "Tracy, you knew?"Tracy shot her a knowing glance. "You think I'd let some mystery