Lydia's eyes sparkled with determination. "Now that we're having a baby, you can leave Madeline and marry me. That would solve everything! Yes! Exactly!"A shadow passed over Trevon's eyes.In theory, yes, but he could not divorce Madeline.He did not even want to.The one thing he was sure of was that he did not want a divorce.He regained his composure and replied, "Child or no child, it doesn't change the fact that we've split up. Thinking of the company and the Gibson family, I'd prefer it if you terminated the pregnancy. You can name your terms."Madeline's face crossed his mind, along with the way she looked at children with such tenderness, not annoyance, but genuine concern when they cried.He added, "However, if you're set on having this baby, I'll provide child support. That's all I can offer. I'll spell it out in my will."His tone was calm, but his resolve was clear. That was his last offer.Lydia realized Trevon had made his decision, and it was final.She had no
Lydia's eyes sparkled with realization. How could she have forgotten Riley?Riley's longing for a grandson was well-known.In the world of the elite, that was hardly a scandal. Spoiling grandkids was what they lived for.With a baby on the way, even a disapproving Riley would not just stand by and let her end the pregnancy.With a strategy in mind, Lydia felt a wave of relief wash over her, and at last, she drifted off to sleep.The only one left tossing and turning was Madeline.The following morning, Madeline rose from the cot, dark circles betraying her restless night.The doctor had checked Trevon's wounds and announced, "He's healing nicely. He's ready to go home."After a lengthy list of do's and don'ts, Madeline made sure to get a written copy before sorting out Trevon's discharge.All the while, she did not exchange a single word with Trevon.Trevon, feeling the tension, could not help but ask, "What's wrong? Why are you giving me the silent treatment?"Madeline scof
Riley's eyes widened in shock.What did she just hear? A baby?Was Lydia pregnant with Trevon's baby?Wait, ending? Ending the pregnancy?Over her dead body!Riley strode over quickly, seizing Lydia's arm. "Are you pregnant?"Lydia, looking like a deer caught in headlights, tried to back away from Riley."Out with it!"Lydia shot Trevon a timid look before murmuring, "Yes. I'm pregnant with Trevon's baby."Riley paused, a flicker of shock crossing her face, quickly replaced by sheer elation. "For real? That's amazing!"She had been fretting over the possibility that Trevon might never give her a grandchild. However, life had a funny way of surprising her—Lydia was expecting!Dropping her usual coolness, Riley warmly grasped Lydia's hands. "How far along are you? Have you seen a doctor?" Don't bother with those other places; they're not up to par. Go straight to the Sunshine Medical Center. I've got a VIP card there. It's yours to use."Lydia squirmed. "Mrs. Table; please...
Madeline was silent during the car ride to the company, the sting of Riley's impulsive words still fresh.For three years, she had done her best as a daughter-in-law. However, when Lydia's pregnancy came to light, Riley did not hesitate to push for Trevon to divorce her.It seemed a daughter-in-law was just an outsider, easily exchanged.Trevon cut off that line of thinking immediately."Mom, what nonsense are you spouting?! The incident just happened. If I divorce Madeline now, wouldn't it turn the Gibson family into a joke? The shareholders would be up in arms!"His refusal was firm, but his motives were all for the Gibson Group.Their relationship had thawed in recent days, and Madeline sensed Trevon's reluctance to part ways. She was torn about whether to push for the divorce.However, when Trevon mentioned the Gibson Group could not afford a divorce, she snapped back to reality.Madeline could not bear a lifetime with a man who did not love her.It was too bitter a pill,
It took a moment for the weight of Tracy's words to sink in.Bernadette was 16 and savvy. Having been raised by the Lewis family, innocence was not her thing anymore.Understanding that Jazzy was Alden's adopted daughter brought a lot of things into focus, including the air of despair that seemed to cling to Jazzy from the start.She felt foolish for ever thinking Jazzy was just naturally gloomy."With dad... with that man in jail, what's going to happen to Jazzy?" Bernadette asked with concerned.Tracy's heart warmed at the question. Her daughter had not picked up any of the Quigg family's less admirable traits, after all."Alden's in jail, so the adoption's not valid anymore. I'm thinking of adopting her myself. Are you okay with that?" Tracy proposed.Bernadette nodded, her response firm and immediate.Later, when they shared the news with Jazzy, she was utterly taken aback.They were not upset with her. Instead, they wanted to make her part of their family.Jazzy felt a s
Trevon's mood soured instantly at the sight of the pair.Lydia sat quietly next to Riley and whispered, "Trevon."Riley beamed, "Today's a day for triple celebrations, and we've got to mark the occasion. If you're not up for a home-cooked meal, I've booked us a table at Luxuria Supper House."Triple celebrations? What was there to celebrate?Trevon let out a derisive laugh, "Embezzlement and sham fundraisers in the company. What's there to celebrate about such things?"Riley's smile did not waver. "You're too blunt, son. Is the scam what matters? No, it's about putting the second wife in her place. Plus, I want to give Lydia a treat."Trevon felt a headache brewing. Not even the ruthless business world gave him such trouble.He loosened his tie and dismissed them with a frosty command. "The company's swamped, so you should head out."He turned to Lydia and added, "I meant what I said. Think about it."Lydia's complexion paled, and she looked away, unable to meet Trevon's gaze.
"So, what's the plan for the missing fifteen million dollars?" Madeline questioned.Riley's complexion turned a shade paler. "More than fifteen million dollars? You think you deserve it? Three years and nothing to show for it, yet you dare bring up money?"Madeline responded with a crisp edge to her voice, "Why should I feel ashamed? Mom, you haven't produced anything for decades, but that hasn't stopped you from spending, has it?"Daniel nearly burst out laughing at the exchange. 'Mrs. Gibson is truly his absolute favorite!' he mused.Riley's face contorted with rage. "Are you out of your mind? How dare you talk back to me like that?!"Madeline cocked her head."Am I wrong? Isn't that your own logic, Mother dearest? Well, it's not quite right since you're off on the timing. I'm curious, how much did you spend each month before you had Trevon?" Madeline asked earnestly.Daniel chimed in, "Mrs. Gibson, that's not a fair comparison. The value of money was a hundredfold what it is
Madeline's eyes clung to him a moment longer before she turned away, her voice shaky. "W-why did you take off your top instead?"Trevon saw the hint of red on her ears and raised an eyebrow. He let his pants drop to the floor and stepped behind her, his voice low and husky in her ear. "How was I to know you'd be so eager?" His breath tickled her ear, sending her heart into a flutter. Instinctively, Madeline turned her head, trying to dodge him. Trevon, however, wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close as if to hug her. Goosebumps spread across Madeline's skin, and she tried to slap him without a second thought. Trevon caught her hand and drew it to him. His other hand snaked around her waist, drawing her into his embrace. "What's the matter?" he asked. The heat from his hand on her waist felt like a burning flame, and Madeline squirmed to get free. However, she was trapped, their bodies pressed together, and any movement from her only intensified the contact with Trevon,
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