Madeline's day-long hunger was finally quelled after her meal with Karter.She was careful not to overeat, especially since she had researched all the dietary rules for her pregnancy. She had taken note of everything to avoid and had subsisted mainly on sour fruits to get by.Madeline reasoned that a little indulgence once in a while was not a big deal. She had a good sense of moderation.Madeline had thought that laying low would keep her out of trouble. However, trouble flared up again right after dinner when everyone wanted the apple pie.Edith had left the table early, too upset to deal with the family's nosy questions about Lydia's identity. She sought solace in her room.That left Riley to fend for herself. She was seething, and the absence of the homemade apple pie was the last straw.Madeline's sister had shown up instead, turning the Gibson household into a joke. Madeline had conveniently disappeared, leaving Riley in the line of fire."Where's Madeline? Get her out her
Edith entered the dining hall, her cane tapping the floor, her expression as frigid as ice. "You seem to have a problem with the granddaughter-in-law I've chosen," she observed.Riley squirmed with a twinge of guilt. "Mom, it's not like that. I was just trying to teach her how to be a proper daughter-in-law.""Is that some outdated idea of yours? Maybe I should school you on daughter-in-law duties too."Edith had never mistreated Riley, even when she was not fond of her as a daughter-in-law. She wondered where Riley had picked up such behavior.Riley rushed to explain. "Mom... Don't make the kids mock me."Riley cleared her throat and turned to Madeline. "Okay, okay. I was just giving you a little fright. You got all worked up for nothing."Madeline's eyes were glued to her phone. Riley muttered a curse under her breath and dialed another number.Finally, Madeline breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Grandma."Edith's gaze fell on the red mark staining Madeline's cheek, her hear
Trevon stole a glance at Madeline, who seemed oblivious. Her eyes were already closed.He suddenly realized he might be too preoccupied with Madeline's reactions. It was that strange connection that had him worried about how Madeline might get to him.He was losing it."You can stay at the Galloway Villa. It's empty," he told Lydia."But..."Catching Lydia's eye in the rearview mirror, he saw her mouth shut tight.Madeline had only been faking sleep at first, but she soon drifted off for real. When she woke up, she found herself in the parking lot of the Angelic Garden Residence, snug under Trevon's jacket.Trevon leaned against the car, smoke curling from his lips. His striking features were partially illuminated, and he was utterly captivating.However, Madeline scrunched her nose in distaste. She could not bear the secondhand smoke.The moment she stirred, Trevon saw her and teased, "Wow, you can really catch some Z's."Madeline snapped, "Why didn't you wake me up?"She c
The moment Madeline woke up the next morning, she was on the phone with Cilix. Her anger from the previous day had nearly made her forget the Sanders family issue."Did you give any thought to what I asked you last time?"Cilix was silent on the other end, pausing before finally speaking up. "Madeline, come home. We need to talk this out in person.""No way. I got lucky last time, not ending up hurt. I may not be so lucky next time."Silence fell again before Cilix asked, "So, what do you propose?""Meet me at my mom's place."It took a while, but Cilix finally agreed. "Alright."As she stepped outside, Trevon emerged as well.Back to his usual stoic self, he spoke up, "The lawyer will have the divorce agreement ready by noon. You don't have to worry about your mom's situation. Grandma took care of it, and the house is still yours."Madeline looked down. "Just make sure it's written the way I said.""Madeline!"Trevon's voice was edged with a warning.Madeline replied, "I d
Skylar's voice pierced the air. "You're dreaming! Sanders Fashions was your dad's business, acquired after the wedding. If shares are up for grabs, they're mine to claim. Not your mom's."Cilix stayed silent.Madeline had long understood her father's ways—he always had Skylar do his dirty work.Skylar's presence was only making things worse."This is a hospital, not a place for your drama. Get out."However, Skylar would not budge.With a nod from Madeline, the nurse showed her the door.As Skylar was ushered out, nobody caught the fleeting look of loathing in Bella's eyes.The room settled into silence before Cilix finally spoke."Madeline, I know it's been tough for you and your mom, and I get why you're fixated on the money. I don't blame you, but what you're asking for… It's not legal, and let's be real. No daughter who's left home comes back asking for a thirty million dollar handout."Madeline's stomach churned, likely her morning sickness, as she struggled to keep from
Cilix had no choice but to sign the document."If you were a boy, with your current talents, I wouldn't hesitate to give you everything, not just half."Madeline tucked away the notarized papers and replied coldly, "Don't bother. It repulses me."However, the shares meant for her mother was a different story.…Skylar chatted with a nurse in the garden when she saw the door swing open and quickly went to meet them. "Cilix, don't mind her. She's just a kid—""Home, now!"Cilix commanded with a firm voice and marched off.Skylar managed a sharp look at Madeline before chasing after him in her heels."Cilix, wait up."Back in the car, Cilix was still seething.He dialed a number and spat, "Cut off Bella's medical funds from this month.""The finance department has already done the accounts," the person in charge responded."Then, give it away. Anywhere will do!"He ended the call, his mood heavy.Skylar pressed, "Did you actually give her money? How much?"Cilix remained s
At lunchtime, Madeline and Caleb went out of their way to pick up Yeneth and headed to the Luxuria Supper House.It was the fancy restaurant Yeneth had been dreaming about but had always been put off by the steep prices.Madeline was feeling great, having received 30 million dollars from the Sanders family, and buoyed by some good news from Caleb.They arrived without a reservation and were late, so they had to settle for a table in the bustling main hall.Yeneth was over the moon. "Madeline, did you hit the jackpot or something?"Madeline just laughed it off. "Something like that."Caleb served them coffee and presented two elegantly wrapped gift boxes. "I brought these back for you from my trip overseas."Inside were two designer purses.Yeneth could not contain her excitement. "Wow, you're the best, Caleb! Look at this yellow—it's gorgeous. What color did you get, Madeline?"Madeline was going to decline, but seeing Yeneth's joy and figuring the bags were no big deal to Cal
Madeline looked at him, puzzled."My granddad's birthday is in a couple of weeks. He really likes your painting. Would you be willing to whip something up for him as a birthday present?"Madeline was quick to dismiss the idea.Madeline figured that Caleb's granddad, Wasyl Jabs, was just being nice. She could not take that kind of stuff at face value.However, Caleb just chuckled in response. "No, really. He's a fan. If 'Rainy Night' was up for grabs, he'd have snapped it up in a heartbeat."Madeline was not convinced. "It's not the same. If you're gifting art, it should be something by a big-name artist."That was when Yeneth cut in. "Come on! Mr. Jabs has seen it all when it comes to famous art. It's fresh talent like you, Madeline, that brings something new to the table."Caleb agreed with a nod. "That's the truth."Madeline could not help but burst into laughter.She was not taken in by their flattery, standing her ground. "You know, painting's all about the vibe, and I jus