The mention of dinner made Daniel nearly lose it. He glanced at the pile of paperwork on his desk. Were they not swamped with work for the day, with no time for breaks?Daniel had been cracking the whip, getting everyone to pull together the reports, all set for a night of overtime.Then, the boss decided to call it quits at seven. Where was the fairness in that?Trevon's brow creased just a bit. "If you're up for overtime, I won't stop you."To Trevon, it was just a matter of finding another driver.Daniel masked his irritation. "Mr. Gibson, any preference for where we eat? I'll book us a spot."Trevon fiddled with his tie, which felt like a noose. "Madeline, fix this for me, will you?"Madeline, mid-rant to Yeneth on her phone, got up with a huff. "Why bother with a tie after hours?"Trevon quirked an eyebrow. "Then, help me get it off. Dinner's on me."That was what saved him from a Madeline-style execution.Daniel chimed in quickly, "Mrs. Gibson, what are you in the mood
"Did York take it well?" Madeline inquired.Yeneth could not help but smirk as she showed Madeline the text from York.[You're breaking up with me because I asked you to look after my grandfather? That's who you are? Alright, then. Enough drama, just get to the hospital and help my mom after work.][Yeneth, what's this? Are we really done?][Done is done. Let me tell you, living together is no different from a second marriage in my book. Don't even think about coming back to me!][Mom says if you can't be bothered to help, then at least cough up some cash. Pay for my grandfather's medical bills, and all is forgiven. You'll still have a shot with the Lawsons.]Madeline looked confused. "Are the Lawsons loaded or something?"Yeneth just scoffed.They had been close to tying the knot, so of course, she had been to York's place.The Lawsons were just a typical family out in the sticks. The only thing they had going for them was that York had made it to college.Madeline wondered
Madeline was too slow to stop him.She was not serious about following the streamer. It was all for a laugh, to lighten Yeneth's mood.However, Trevon had overreacted."Hand it over," Madeline demanded.Trevon gave her a look. "So you can spend my money on tips? Do I look like a sucker?"Madeline was taken aback. "Your money? That's mine," she shot back.Trevon scoffed and turned to Yeneth. "You waste time on this at work?"He called out to Daniel. "Daniel, tell Camden to crack down on discipline at Skylandia. No more phones on the clock. About that overtime schedule he mentioned? I'm on board."Yeneth and Madeline were speechless as they exchanged looks. Yeneth looked desperately at Madeline, silently pleading for her to intervene.However, before Madeline could say a word, Trevon cut in. "Thinking of joining the Skylandia project?"Madeline bit her lip and stayed quiet.All the way to the Luxuria Supper House, Yeneth begged Trevon to reconsider his decision. However, Trevo
"Trevon, try a shrimp."Lydia, noticing Trevon's gaze fixed on Madeline, interrupted with a hint of annoyance to snap him out of his reverie.Trevon gave the shrimp a cursory glance, his frown barely noticeable.It hit him that Lydia really did not get him.They had been together for over two years, and even though they were not always side by side, they had shared plenty of meals. However, Lydia still had not picked up on the fact that he was not into shrimp.It was not that he did not like them—he just could not be bothered to peel them.However, Madeline always knew to peel the shrimp and pass them to him, ready to eat. She had an uncanny knack for nailing his likes and dislikes, never missing a beat.How had he never picked up on that before?Lydia's shoulders drooped in a silent show of defeat. Sadly for her, no one around the table seemed to notice.Riley, the only one who would have cared, was too busy doting on Sadie."Dad and Mom are still globetrotting, and they'll
Trevon's frown deepened as he declined. "Art isn't my thing. You Fergusons are the experts here."Was that not the truth?Even Stephen thought it was pointless to drag Trevon into that.However, Riley would not drop it, constantly nudging the topic back to Trevon.The room was a mix of reactions.Trevon looked like he was about to lose his cool, but he kept his composure for the sake of manners.Lydia's face was a storm of emotions. She had hoped that her pregnancy would soften Riley's view of her, and it did, but only for a day.With Sadie around, did Riley even remember Lydia was carrying her grandchild?Madeline, seemingly detached, helped herself to another serving of rice.Trevon was speechless as he thought, 'Since when was she such a hearty eater?'Lydia's complexion shifted out of nowhere, and despite her best efforts to hold back, she let out a sharp yelp."Ah!"Trevon frowned."What's the matter?"Lydia shot him a look, her eyes brimming with unspoken torment. "It
Sadie clung to Stephen's hand and pleaded, "Stephen, you've got it all wrong. I wasn't... It's just that Mrs. Yagle, well, there's something about her. Come on, Trevon's taken. Why would I want to marry him?"She gritted her teeth in denial, her voice a mix of defiance and charm. "I'm not crazy enough to sell myself short."Stephen's stern look softened, and he playfully flicked her forehead. "For a second there, I thought you'd lost your head over Trevon.""As if! You're way hotter than Trevon!"Stephen was not swayed by her sweet talk. He warned her again, "Keep your distance from Trevon. Grandpa and the others have plans for your future, and you're not to mess things up, got it?"Sadie made a face but nodded in agreement.Seeing Stephen relax a bit, she ventured a quieter question. "So, why are you so chummy with Madeline, huh?"Stephen's face took on a thoughtful cast. He remembered asking Caleb after the auction if he had really stopped bidding on that painting just to let
Yeneth's face brightened at the suggestion.The house was not close to the office, but with the subway nearby, it was a breeze to commute. She had been swamped and did not have time to house-hunt, so it was a lucky break."I'll cover the rent," Yeneth insisted.Madeline dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. "Don't worry about it. I might need to bunk there myself someday. Did you get all your stuff out, though?"Yeneth grimaced. "Not exactly."She had dashed out with just the bare essentials.Madeline's expression turned thoughtful. She wondered if Yeneth had left things behind because she was too busy or if she was holding out hope of patching things up with York.However, best friends were supposed to push her to move on, right?"Perfect timing. Our friend here can help us move your stuff tonight!"Yeneth blinked in surprise. "Tonight?""You're not seriously considering getting back together, are you?" Madeline asked, skeptical."Of course not! I just didn't want to
As soon as Carmen heard the call to the police, she leaped forward."What are you playing at, you little troublemaker? You know filing a false report can land you in jail, right?"Madeline smirked, eyebrow cocked. "Well, look at you, not as clueless as I thought. Do you have any idea how long they lock you up for stealing a coat?""Stealing? Please! This is my son's place. You're the real thieves here!"Madeline waved her phone. "It doesn't matter if you don't recognize it. The police will sort it out when they get here. This outfit cost three thousand six hundred dollars. That's considered grand theft, which is enough to land you in jail for three years!"Carmen was so shocked by the mention of 3,600 dollars that she lunged at Yeneth with a furious howl."You waste space! Is this your idea of spending money? I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget!" Carmen yelled.Caleb quickly stepped in front of her. "Lady, please behave yourself!"With a venomous spit, Carmen collapsed ont
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