"I don't believe I did anything wrong this morning," Madeline replied, her smile unwavering, her stance firm.Aria snorted with a mix of laughter and rage."Clearly, you have no clue who I am. My husband is Milton, the general manager of the Winchester Group. We're here at the Gibson Group president's invitation to talk shop."Judging by your plain-Jane getup, I'd say your husband isn't much of a big shot, so do yourself a favor and apologize. Otherwise, I'll have Mr. Gibson toss you and your hubby out on your ears. He might even blacklist you from the Gibson Group for good."Madeline was once again taken aback by Aria's audacity.She had expected Aria to tone it down for such a high-stakes gathering.Everyone has their pride, after all.Madeline had hoped that would be the moment to mend fences with Aria, but she was as unyielding as ever.Madeline offered a slight smile. "What would you like me to do to apologize?"Aria tilted her head up, her eyes dripping with disdain. "Bo
Madeline was without a hint of fear, her eyes as serene as a calm lake.She had seen it coming—Trevon was going to dump all the blame and pressure on her.Why did it matter though?She did not think she had done anything wrong.Aria smirked at her gleefully, as if she could not wait to see Madeline crumble and kneel right there and then.Trevon spoke up, his voice cool and detached. "My wife is the kindest soul. I can't imagine what Aria did to earn such a harsh word from her."Aria's eyes widened in shock. "Mr. Gibson, what are you talking about? She's your wife?"They had walked in one after the other, looking like total strangers.She had been so sure Madeline and Trevon had nothing to do with each other. It was, after all, common sense that couples always walked together.Trevon, unfazed, beckoned Madeline over.When Madeline just stood there, looking lost, he went to her and took her hand. "Yes, she's my wife. What exactly did you do to upset her, Aria? She's gone all qu
Aria was just sobbing, not saying a word for a long time.Milton got it right away that Aria had definitely screwed up and instantly lost some of his steam.With Aria unable to get her story straight, Madeline stepped in, albeit reluctantly, to clear things up."Your son chucked a Lego model from the second floor last night, and it hit Mr. Gibson. The property management called me in this morning to figure out what to do, but Aria gave me an attitude and was totally uncooperative. She even had the nerve to demand I compensate her. I really think people who don't care about public decency need to improve themselves."Madeline squirmed, trying to shake off the heavy hand on her waist.Trevon seemed clueless, having placed his hand there, giving her awkward rubs, which was driving her nuts.She was dying to shoot Trevon a look that would get him to back off, but she knew it was not the time.Trevon did not take the hint, instead giving Madeline a woeful puppy-dog look. "My back's k
"It's not every day we get to see you, Mrs. Gibson. Please have a drink," said a woman with a touch of affluence, a stranger to Madeline. She held out a glass of wine.Catching the puzzled look in Madeline's eyes, the woman introduced herself."I'm Sarah Lundy. My husband is Carlsen Lundy, manager of the Gibson Group's Smart Home Business Department."Madeline understood that she was the evening's hostess. She offered a friendly smile but did not take the wine glass from Sarah.Catching Trevon's eye and seeing he was not going to step in, Madeline said apologetically, "I can't drink alcohol, but I'll gladly toast with some other drink."Sarah could not hide her surprise.At a dinner party, it was almost unheard of not to partake in a toast.She could not really do anything about it though. Trevon was several ranks above her husband in the corporate ladder, which pretty much made Madeline several ranks above herself. She was in no position to force Madeline to accept the toast.S
That line was a carbon copy of 'A little drink's fine, just drive slower afterward'.Both were equally dismissive of the value of life.Madeline finally understood why Aria and her son shrugged off the danger of tossing stuff from skyscrapers like it was nothing.It was their family's way.Sarah's expression darkened.She pieced it together. Aria was aiming for Madeline, using that moment to put her on the spot.Of all times to stir up trouble, she had to pick the moment Sarah was toasting Madeline. It was as if she was the one helping Aria stir up trouble.Sarah had no clue what Madeline was like, but she was crossing her fingers she was not the vindictive type.Otherwise, what would happen to her husband's prospects at the Gibson Group?Sarah was kicking herself for toasting to Madeline.Madeline shot Trevon a withering look.If he had not been so set on the dinner, she would not have been in that mess.All eyes were on Madeline, waiting to see her make a fool of herself.
Milton was no stranger to the power plays at social gatherings. The pressure to drink was just part of the game. At first, it had taken him some time to adjust.Aria had explained to him that in those circles, pushing someone to drink was all about asserting dominance. Eventually, he joined in, using his status to coax drinks out of others.Given his position, even someone like Madeline, or even Edith, could not easily refuse him. So, when Madeline turned her down and pulled out that pill, he saw it as a sign of disrespect.Milton spoke up, giving Trevon an easy out—a small gesture of goodwill. Deep down, he was testing Trevon, trying to gauge just how far their partnership could really go.Trevon shot Milton a look.He was still acting all high and mighty.Did that guy really think he was untouchable, clueless about the situation at Winchester?Milton should have known better after their last run-in. The deal was not about the Gibson Group groveling to Winchester. It was Winche
Milton left as quickly as he had appeared, not leaving Madeline any room to reject the gift.Aria was fuming in the car. "I went through so much trouble to get that makeup from France. It's a one-of-a-kind, limited edition! How could you just give it to Madeline?"It was not the makeup itself that was a big deal. It was the packaging. Crafted into a unique angel shape with pink crystals, it was the only set of its kind in the world.Aria had not even had the chance to brag about it to her friends.Milton's expression turned stern. If that set could curry favor with the Gibson Group, he would give away ten, a hundred sets without a second thought."Come on. No tears now. Remember that diamond ring you liked? We'll go pick it up soon."There it was, a dazzling 3-carat pear-shaped ring. It was a beauty, and a rare one at that.Aria had been eyeing it forever, but Milton had always played it cool, never giving in. When he finally caved, Aria's tears of frustration turned into tears
As Trevon's words hung in the air, Daniel felt his heart skip a beat as he drove the couple.He had gotten to know Madeline's ways recently.She was a kind soul if left alone.If she was crossed, she would not make a fuss. At most, she would throw a sharp word or two, mainly if it was about Trevon.One thing was for sure. Nobody could ever bring up the Sanders family, especially Lydia. That was a surefire way to see her turn frosty in a heartbeat.Sure enough, Madeline's expression chilled in an instant. "Of course we have much in common. How else could she have any excuse to swipe my stuff?"Trevon could sense a deep misunderstanding brewing between Madeline and Lydia."Lydia isn't like that."The Lydia he knew was always generous. Even when she butted heads with someone, she was the first to step back.How could she ever snatch something from Madeline?Madeline snickered coldly. "Looks like you don't really get Lydia."She waved the item in her hand. "Think Lydia's into pi
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