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'
Madeline barely sat down at her desk when Daniel summoned her to Trevon's office.Trevon, lounging behind his grand desk, sounded detached as he asked, "All this time for a minor issue with property management?"It was unusual for him to bother with such details, but Madeline did not keep him in the dark."They were rude and had the nerve to ask me for compensation. I've left it with property management for now. Oh, and does our company have a lawyer? We might end up in court with the way they're acting."Trevon's interest did not last. "Talk to Daniel. He'll set you up with a lawyer."Madeline nodded and prepared to leave.Trevon could not hold back his frustration and called out to her. "You still haven't told me why it took you so long."What was she doing with Caleb?Madeline thought his question was odd, but she shrugged it off. "I had to visit my mom in the hospital."Did Caleb go out of his way to take her?He was like a bad omen, always turning up.Trevon looked upse
'What was all that about?'Madeline checked her phone and was floored by the stats. Her 'little treat' had racked up nearly a million views in no time, with comments and shares through the roof.[Ah, ah, ah! Honey!][One 'holy moly' and you rule the world!][It's been ages since we've seen such a steamy piece from Lily Mora.][Those abs! Totally drool-worthy.][I'm officially on the hunt for a new hubby starting today!][Lily Mora, please add some color fast. I'm about to start licking my screen.][Poser alert above! I've been screen-licking for ages.]Madeline could not help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation at the comments about screen-licking and swooning over her 'husband'.Was it really necessary to be so over the top?However, she could not deny the warm buzz of pride knowing her latest creation was a hit.Then, Yeneth dropped a bombshell that left her reeling.[Doesn't this guy look a bit like Mr. Gibson?]Madeline's mind raced. 'No way! Impossible! Stop
Madeline suspected that Trevon's request was just because he did not like seeing her with nothing to do.It was not that she had any downtime.However, since he had put the task in her hands, she would decide how the afternoon tea would go.Still, she was not about to make any decisions without knowing the ropes at the Gibson Group.After pondering a bit, she reached out to Aurora, the one person she knew in the secretarial office.Aurora filled her in on the usual afternoon tea routine. "It's typically some freshly sliced fruit and a cup of tea with milk for each person."Madeline got the gist. "If I wanted to extend the afternoon tea to the entire company, what would I need to do?"Aurora's eyes widened in shock. She had heard Trevon's instructions clearly. It was supposed to be just for the secretarial staff.Madeline was daring enough to consider the whole company.Madeline's eyebrows arched playfully. "What's the matter? Can't a boss's wife host a little party?"Aurora c
Lydia was back at the office.Her injury, her pregnancy—those were her tactics to reclaim Trevon's heart.She knew she could not let her professional life slide.Trevon was the type to keep work and personal life in their own lanes.She had landed the art director gig because she had the resume and the chops to back it up.She assumed her position was safe, but she had not expected that in such a short span, Skylandia had already filled her spot.She became just another artist. Her responsibilities were handed off to Lily Mora, the newcomer who seemed to come out of nowhere.Lydia was seething inside.The sight of the afternoon tea spread Madeline laid out made her want to chuck it all in the bin. However, everyone around her was busy singing Madeline's praises, calling her a generous and big-hearted boss.A cup of tea with milk, a piece of fried chicken, a bit of fruit. Was that all it took to win them over?"Lydia, aren't you going to have some?"Lydia smiled faintly. "I'm
"I'll have a new dress sent over right away." Daniel said.The stakes were high at the dinner party.The Quigg family's scandal had shaken things up, leaving Qasim sidelined for the time being. However, the deals on the table, especially the AI upgrade for the Gibson Group's smart homes, could not wait. Trevon had set up a crucial meeting with a top dog in the AI world—Winchester. If they nailed that, the Gibson Group could dominate the market for decades.Madeline could not just rock up in jeans and a tee, especially not that night.However, when she and Daniel stepped out, there she was, Madeline, storming back in with a shopping bag and a scowl. She caught their eyes, huffed, and looked away. Daniel almost spilled about the dress not being Trevon's idea, but one look at Trevon's face and he zipped it."Give me a minute," Madeline snapped, brandishing the bag.Daniel peeked inside, spotting a gown. "Mrs. Gibson, where'd you get that dress?"Madeline was not one to flake, esp