Two cars pulled up in the neighborhood where Madeline rented a place.Trevon had just found out that Madeline had been living on her own. "Why the heck did you go and rent a place?"Madeline shot him a look. "Mr. Gibson, have you forgotten we're getting a divorce?"Trevon's expression soured for a moment before he retorted, "Didn't I let you have the house?"Not in the mood for a pointless argument, Madeline stepped out of the car with Yeneth following her to unlock the door.Trevon frowned, turning to Daniel. "What's got her so fired up?"Daniel suppressed a chuckle. "Mrs. Gibson's been a bit different lately. Maybe you should try sweet-talking her?""Sweet-talk her?" Trevon let out a derisive laugh and got out of the car.Daniel adjusted his glasses and followed suit.Outside, a few bodyguards were ready and waiting."I appreciate you guys putting in the extra hours," Madeline said.The bodyguards grinned. "No trouble at all."They were just moving stuff. Since they were
Trevon kept his cool. "The cops called me."Madeline frowned. "Why would they call you?"She was not a kid. It was not like the police needed to call her parents every time she stepped foot in the station.Trevon shot her a look. "Had you even kept track of how many times you've dialed 911 lately? They were worried about you. Every time you called, they let me know."Was that so?Something did not sit right with Madeline, but she could not quite figure it out.Trevon let out a scoff. "What, you think I'm sitting around digging up your location? Do I look bored?"Madeline's eyes dropped.He had a point.He did not care about her, especially not when Lydia was in the picture. He probably found it a nuisance to get calls about her.If he had not been concerned she would stir up trouble, he would not have bothered with the police station.Madeline did not feel like talking anymore. She turned away, resting her head against the car door, and closed her eyes in silence.She was j
Despite her caution, Madeline insisted on taking Trevon for an X-ray. It was only after confirming there were no internal injuries that Madeline allowed herself to relax.Madeline finished bandaging his wounds and paused, her eyes sincere. "Mr. Gibson, you've saved my life this time. I can't thank you enough."Her words came straight from the heart. Without his protection, that accident could have been disastrous.She could have taken her chances, but her unborn child? That was another story. She was deeply grateful he had saved her, and more importantly, her baby."I'll do whatever it takes to keep our issues from affecting the Gibson Group. Even after we split, I'll be there if you need me" she promised.Trevon's brow creased in frustration. "I didn't save you just so you'd owe me something."It all happened so fast, and he did not have time to think. Before she knew it, he was there, shielding her with his own body.Madeline looked at him squarely. "No matter your reasons, yo
Madeline was actually cooking.Since the divorce came up, she had not touched anything in the kitchen.Her words from yesterday echoed in his mind, leaving Trevon with a faint sense of loss.She was just showing her gratitude—nothing more.Madeline, hearing him stir, glanced up with a soft smile. "You're up? How's your injury? Still hurting?"The morning sun kissed her cheeks, bathing her in a gentle glow.Trevon was momentarily lost in the sight, taking a few seconds to remember her question.He winced as a jolt of pain shot through his shoulder at the slightest movement.His face scrunched up, but he managed a weak response. "I'm fine."Madeline caught the grimace, her eyebrows lifting ever so slightly, but she chose not to comment."Go freshen up. Breakfast is ready."The table was simply set with two glasses of sweet corn juice, a sandwich, and a small bowl of fruit.It was a humble meal, yet it felt like a feast compared to Felicia's oatmeal and buns.Feeling better a
The moment Madeline stepped into the lobby, she spotted the woman standing there.Her hair was styled in big waves. She was attractive despite not being young, but her makeup was so thick that it was hard to see her real features.The kid next to her was tall for his age, completely absorbed in his video game, cursing to himself.He did not look the least bit worried or sorry.They did not seem like mother and son."Thirteen, huh? He's enough to know better. If he doesn't understand how dangerous it is to throw things from up high, it just shows his folks haven't taught him right."Madeline's voice was soft and sweet, and it drew the eyes of everyone in the room.The woman, Aria Reamy, glared at her. "Who do you think you are, bossing me around? I'd smarten up and get lost if I were you, or you'll be sorry."Madeline gave Roman a frosty glance. "It doesn't seem like she's in the mood to talk. I guess I'll just wait for my lawyer's letter."Roman quickly stepped in front of Mad
Caught off guard, Madeline stumbled forward a couple of steps before regaining her balance.Thank goodness she had stuck to flats those past few days, giving her a steady footing that saved her from a nasty fall.Madeline straightened up and shot a chilly look over her shoulder, gesturing to the security camera tucked away in the lobby's corner."Don't kid yourself into thinking that camera's just for decoration. If you're itching for a stint in jail, I'd be happy to oblige."Aria let out a derisive laugh. "You think you can lay a hand on me?"Madeline had no words for such blind arrogance and simply walked away.A whoosh of wind brushed past Madeline's ear, and she dodged reflexively. A shadowy blur whizzed by, and with a thud, it crashed to the ground. It was the video game console that the kid had been clutching just seconds ago. Madeline chuckled, examining the console. It was tough as nails, not even a scratch after the fall, and the screen displayed some gory, action-pack
Madeline's head snapped up, her eyes wide with shock as they met Bella's.Bella's eyes, brimming with unshed tears, were fixed on her daughter with a gentle smile. "My sweetie, look how you've grown.""Mom, you're awake!"Madeline's voice quivered with emotion. She scrambled to call for the doctor, but Bella's hand stopped her."Wait, let's talk first."Madeline reluctantly paused.Bella inquired about the time and how Madeline had been doing.Learning that six years had passed since her illness, that Madeline had married and was then on the brink of divorce, and was expecting a child, Bella sighed deeply."How quickly time passes!"Her gaze returned to Madeline, her hand shaking. "Any word from your brother?"Madeline's expression froze, and she bowed her head.A single tear escaped Bella's eye.Releasing Madeline's hand, she weakly slapped her own cheek. "This is all my fault! It's all my fault!"Madeline clasped her mother's hand. "No, Mom, it's not. It really isn't."
Caleb pondered the question for a moment."That could be the case. After reviewing her medical records, it's clear that your mom's episode was triggered by your brother's disappearance. If we can bring him back, it might just be the key to waking her up. It could certainly help steady her emotions."Madeline's brother had been missing for a while, a fact Caleb had been aware of since their college days.He had called in favors from the Jabs family to aid in the search, but they were empty-handed every time.Madeline gave a small nod, her resolve unwavering.She had been searching for years without a trace of her brother, but she was not about to give up. Then, more than ever, she was ready to pour her heart and soul into the search.With her decision firmly in place and Bella still lost in slumber, Madeline figured it was time to step out.At the ward's entrance, Sherah quickly stashed her phone away."Heading out, Ms. Sanders?" she inquired with a hint of curiosity.Madeline'