Jazzy's voice quivered. "Maddie isn't like that."Alden scoffed. "Really?"His laugh was icy, tinged with a smugness that suggested he knew more than he let on."The Quiggs can't compare to the Gibsons. If the Gibsons wanted to adopt you, we Quiggs wouldn't have a say. Did Madeline ever bring this up? I didn't think so. I'm telling you, these people are just putting on an act. Deep down, they probably can't stand you. Only I truly care for you."The moment I laid eyes on you, I was smitten. You must've been my sweetheart in another life. How else could I feel such a strong desire to love you?"Jazzy's mind raced to a dark memory, her body shaking uncontrollably as tears streamed down unchecked.Silent in her anguish, she was the picture of vulnerability.Madeline could not stand by any longer and pulled Jazzy into her arms.She stayed quiet, not wanting to tip off Alden. If he got wind of their plan and destroyed the evidence, they would lose their chance to make him pay for hi
"The second file details years of the Quigg Group's tax dodges and fraud."The Quigg family struggled to keep it clean, especially with the Lewis family breathing down their necks, so they had taken some shady detours.Madeline could not make sense of it.However, she noticed a flicker of concern cross Trevon's face."Why would Qasim even think of teaming up with the Quiggs? They can't proceed with that villa project without a large cash flow."Was the Gibson Group really expected to cover the whole tab?He could not fathom why Qasim would team up with the Quiggs.Daniel gestured to the third file."The Quiggs have been in cahoots with numerous businesses, exploiting organizations like orphanages to pull off a massive fundraising scam. The total funds are just shy of a hundred and fifty million dollars, all invested back into their own companies.With that kind of cash, plus what the Gibson Group brings to the table, they'd have more than enough to keep things running."Trevo
Madeline's hospital visit was, of course, for a check-up.After a rough time recently, the little one in her womb was at risk, and the doctor had her come in weekly.After taking a blood test and an ultrasound, Madeline took her results to the doctor.With no signs of a threatened miscarriage and all tests coming back normal, the doctor beamed, "Your little one's a fighter. Everything looks good."Madeline finally breathed a sigh of relief. She had had a scare the night she was followed, feeling a sharp pain in her abdomen.The worry that it might harm her unborn child had been weighing on her.Thankfully, her baby proved to be tough."Keep up with the prenatal meds for one more week, then come back for a checkup at the twelve-week mark," the doctor instructed.Madeline gave a small nod.The twelve-week checkup was a laundry list of tests. Blood work, liver function, NT scan, screening for anemia, and the list went on.However, there was an upside to getting her medical recor
"Madeline!"Madeline was heading to the ward when she heard her name from behind. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Lydia.Without a moment's hesitation, she kept walking, ignoring Lydia completely.Lydia clenched her teeth in irritation. "Hey, wait up!"She hurried to catch up and managed to slip into the elevator alongside Madeline. They stood there, alone in the confined space. Madeline's expression was one of pure distaste.Lydia seemed oblivious to the tension. "What's the rush, sis?"Madeline gave her no response.Undeterred, Lydia prattled on. "I hear your mother's here too. What's the point, really? Let's be real, your mom's never waking up. Staying in this fancy room is just a waste, isn't it?"Madeline's eyes turned frosty. "I'd shut up if I were you."Lydia smirked, sensing she had struck a nerve. "What? I'm not wrong. I saw the bill. Your mom's care is costing the company an extra thirty grand a month."The thought of selling her house because of Madeline's ex
Trevon froze at her words. "What? You're pregnant?""Yes. It was a surprise to me too. I've spent the last few days in the hospital. The nurse sensed something was off and decided to run some tests, and well..."She handed Trevon the test results she had prepared. He could not make heads or tails of the numbers, but some words stood out like a sore thumb.'Early pregnancy. Recommend a follow-up ultrasound to confirm intrauterine pregnancy.'A jolt went through Trevon's heart, and he instinctively wanted to look at Madeline. However, he could not bring himself to do it.Pregnant? How could it be?He had only been with Lydia that one time during a business trip.Just that once, and then…How could that happen?He had made up his mind not to split from Madeline, he wanted to make their life together work, but why?His usually unflappable demeanor showed a crack.Lydia caught it and could not suppress a flicker of triumph.Her plan was effective!With that thought, she slumped
Lydia was adamant about not going to the doctor. The mere mention of it, and tears streamed down her face."I don't want to see a doctor. I'm scared they'll want to take my baby away."Trevon felt powerless and finally let the matter rest.Once he had collected himself, Trevon said, "You're not feeling well. You should rest."Was he about to leave her?Lydia's eyes brimmed with tears. "Are you mad at me, Trevon? Are you worried that my pregnancy will be a burden? Don't you want our child? Are you going to be like Madeline and pressure me to have an abortion?"Trevon massaged his temples, trying to soothe the throbbing pain. "That's not what I'm saying."The baby was unexpected, and he had not figured out how to handle the situation.He added, "Madeline wouldn't ask you to do that."Madeline had a good heart. She would not dream of hurting an innocent life.However, then again, she might. Madeline's words could cut deep when she was upset.He spoke firmly. "She's been ill and
"Why didn't you wake me?"Handing Caleb back his jacket, Madeline took in the view. A few scattered lights twinkled in the darkness, and a towering structure nearby had to be the aerial restaurant."We just got here," Caleb said with a grin.They exited the car and made their way to the restaurant.In the shadows behind them, Trevon's face was a mask of darkness, the chill in the air the only thing moving in the car.Caleb's car had been stationary for over thirty minutes. What had they been up to?If it had not been so quiet, Trevon might have been compelled to investigate.At last, they stepped out.Watching them head for the sky-high dining spot, Trevon's expression darkened once more."Go after them, see what they're doing," he ordered.The guard in front paused, then hurried out of the car.He had not understood Trevon's interest in that particular vehicle until he saw Madeline emerge.'Man, if Mr. Gibson is so bothered by Mrs. Gibson having dinner with another guy, wh
Madeline pondered the same mystery.They had shared the same campus for a year, yet their lives barely intersected. However, it was not entirely true.it was just that Trevon had been so wrapped up with Lydia back then, he barely noticed anyone else. His visits were fleeting, just ticking off the necessary boxes, never lingering.Once Madeline learned he was Lydia's man, she made it a point to steer clear.Their lack of interaction was not surprising after all. Their connection was just too superficial."Hey, Caleb, let's hit up the food street," she suggested with a casual smile.When Madeline heard Lydia announce her pregnancy, she felt the chapter of her life with Trevon closing for good.Compelled by a wave of nostalgia, she found herself wandering the school grounds, drawn to the spot where she and Trevon first crossed paths.She walked until she reached the shelter where it all began, taking a seat at the quaint shop across the way.The university was back in session, an