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
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