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
The next morning, Madeline was jolted awake by a phone call, still half-lost in her dreams."Hello, Mrs. Gibson. Your order has arrived."Madeline blinked in surprise. She had not ordered anything lately.Who delivered packages at the crack of dawn?With a frown, Madeline opened the door and was greeted by a small mountain of boxes, each one had a label that read 'For Madeline'.Trevon sauntered up, leaning against the doorframe with a casual air. "Check them out," he said coolly.Madeline eyed him, puzzled. "You got these for me?"Trevon just gave a noncommittal shrug, as if to say 'maybe'.Still confused, Madeline grabbed a pair of scissors and went to work on the boxes.The first one revealed a pink laptop, complete with a matching mouse.The second held a pink long dress, adorned with delicate flowers, reminiscent of the trendy styles from Tracy's boutique.One by one, Madeline tore through the boxes.Everything was pink.Skincare, clothes, household items—it was like
Trevon spent a long time that day just standing by the window, lost in thought.Madeline's rejection was both a shock and not. Deep down, he saw it coming.Trevon had hoped she would at least think it over, but she had turned him down flat, without hesitation. He pursed his lips together, a silent admission that winning her over would not be easy.When Madeline stepped out and saw him still rooted to that spot, she did not have much to say. She just mentioned she had to take care of something and would not be going to work."What's up?" Trevon asked, almost reflexively."Just a trip to the countryside," Madeline replied calmly.Madeline's brother had been kidnapped while they were visiting relatives with Cilix, and most of the clues were back at the village police station.She was determined to check things out and retrieve some documents.With a single nod, she brushed past him, leaving his words hanging in the air.Trevon's hands balled into fists.Daniel's knock on the doo
The 'files' turned out to be pretty scant. It was just an old photo of her brother and some investigation reports from the area, bus, and train stations on the day he disappeared.Asher sighed heavily. "I've kept an eye out for any similar missing persons cases around here over the years, but no luck."For years, there was nothing but silence. Either the kid was gone for good, or he was whisked off to who knew where.Back in the day, the police did not have the technology or the know-how, so anything could have happened.Deep down, Asher had a hunch the kid was still out there.A three-year-old boy who was easy to raise and with no past to remember was just the kind of kid that buyers would line up for.The problem was that finding him was like looking for a needle in a haystack.However, Madeline was determined to search for him no matter what."Asher, I need a copy of these files."Asher looked like he wanted to say something, maybe talk her out of it. "Madeline, it's been e
East Jasperia was a sprawling chain of mountains with tiny villages tucked away in its folds, elusive and tricky to find.The moment Madeline heard that, she was up on her feet, determination in her eyes. "Let's go!"She quickly looked up the village's location and decided to rent a car to get there as fast as possible.Asher, worried about her heading out alone, took time-off from the police station to join her on the journey.The mountains rose and fell in a majestic rhythm.Madeline watched as they passed peak after peak, fighting to stay cool and collected.Ever since Bella was hospitalized, the responsibility of searching for her brother rested heavily on her shoulders.She had been through that kind of search for family before. It was not really a search, more like catching a glimpse from a distance.Whether she could spot him or not, she felt compelled to go.A clap of thunder rumbled in the distance. The further they ventured into the mountains, the more ominous the sk
Madeline and Asher's journey came to an abrupt halt.A massive tree sprawled across the road, blocking their path.If Asher had not been so alert, they would have crashed right into it.Asher stepped out to check. "It's no use. The tree's too big to move."Madeline's frown deepened as she checked her phone and saw no signal whatsoever.She bit her lip and declared, "We're walking down!"Turning back was not an option. The road was blocked by a mountain of boulders.They were lucky to have just passed before getting trapped.The storm's fury was relentless.Guilt gnawed at Madeline. Her stubbornness had led to both of them being stranded on the mountain.Staying put was a death sentence.Without a moment's hesitation, Asher agreed.They donned their raincoats and began the descent.Halfway down, they came across two more fallen trees and a stopped car. Clearly, they were not the only ones opting to trek down the mountain.Madeline and Asher shared a look and pressed on.T