Yeneth blurted out an excuse and bolted for the front desk.Madeline, feeling uneasy, gave Sherah a heads-up before dashing back to the office.Meanwhile, Yeneth was halfway down the stairs when Carmen's voice cut through the air."Where's Yeneth? Get her out here! She needs to cough up my son's cash! After four years together, that girl blew through a hundred and fifty grand of my son's cash! Now that she realizes the well's run dry, she's kicked him to the curb!"That hundred and fifty thousand dollars was scraped together by my husband and I, penny-pinching every step of the way!"The bystanders could not help but chime in with their two cents."Four years, and only a hundred and fifty grand? That doesn't seem too steep. It's not a fortune.""I'd say it's pretty measly."Those folks were all office workers, pulling in decent paychecks. To them, 150 thousand dollars over four years was barely anything.Not everyone agreed."Check out the way that lady's dressed. She's clear
"You're charging me for taxi fares too? What about the utilities? Water, electricity, internet? You're hitting me up for those as well?"Yeneth laid out every memory in detail, and with each revelation, the crowd's sneers at York intensified.York's face turned a shade darker with each accusation. "Isn't this how it's supposed to be? We lived together, so we split everything down the middle. It's only fair!"Yeneth let out a cold snicker. "Oh, it's fair, all right. If you hadn't shown me this receipt book, I'd never have guessed that every single 'gift' you gave me was just another tube of lipstick. York, you're pretty smart, huh?"The guys in the crowd were clueless about her sarcasm, but the girls caught on immediately.Why lipsticks, of all things? What was a couple hundred bucks for a lipstick compared to the thousands they could drop on skincare or designer bags?"Ugh. No wonder you've only spent a measly hundred and fifty grand over four years. Such a tightwad!""One hundr
The security team was at a loss, their eyes fixed on Yeneth.One of the older guards tried to reason with her, "Look, the money's not going to break your bank. Just pay her and end this drama. If the company gets involved, you'll be in trouble. Trust me, it's not worth it."Carmen's grip tightened at those words.The guards were just trying to smooth things over. They could not escape the blame for letting the chaos drag on.Yeneth was torn, her heart a mix of hurt and anger. Why did she ever fall for York's charms?Alone, with no one to turn to, Yeneth resigned herself to the unfairness of the situation.She was about to reluctantly transfer the money when Madeline's voice cut through the tension."Hold on."Madeline had fought her way through the onlookers. Seeing Yeneth trapped in Carmen's hold, her expression turned stormy.She gave Yeneth a reassuring nod, signaling her to stay calm. Then, she confronted York.York, sheepish and avoiding eye contact, was about to speak w
York tried to soften the tension, looking at Madeline earnestly. "I'm here on personal business, it's got nothing to do with work."Madeline let out a mocking laugh. "Oh, so you know it's personal? Then, why did you storm into the Gibson Group during office hours? Let me guess, you're trying to pressure Yeneth into coughing up some cash? What's the matter? Can't I play the same games you do?"York's mouth opened and snapped shut without a word.He struggled for a moment before coming up with an apology."Look, Madeline, we go way back to our school days. There's no need to make a scene and embarrass each other."I was out of line today, showing up during business hours. I'm sorry for that, but you can't just cancel my deal. I earned that fair and square."Madeline's response was frosty. "Well, earn it back the same way."Madeline was in no mood to be pushed around. Did they really think they could just toy with Yeneth like she was some naive kid?Madeline gave the receipts a c
It was for a family recognition party Tracy was throwing for Jazzy, asking Madeline to join them for a meal in three days.Yahir turned to Trevon. "She says you're invited too."Trevon nodded, which counted as a yes.Then, Yahir sidled up to Yeneth. "Hey, could you do me a favor? In return, I'll help you sort out York. Deal?"Yeneth felt a stir of interest.She was pretty ticked off at York. She did not want to ruin his life, but she was not against him getting a taste of his own medicine."Sure, let's chat on the phone."Madeline's brow furrowed in concern. "What exactly do you want from Yeneth?"Yahir gave a reassuring nod as he accepted Yeneth's friend request with a casual swipe. "Chill. She's your buddy, so I won't give her a hard time."Madeline's gaze flickered to Trevon, searching for reassurance.Trevon's voice was steady and calm. "Relax, he's got it under control."With that, Madeline let the matter go.That day was a mess, and Yeneth was not exactly up for headi
With just one sentence, all eyes in the room turned in anticipation.Stephen quirked an eyebrow. "Oh? Mrs. Gibson, do you know any masters of art restoration?"Madeline, having spoken, immediately regretted her words and chuckled awkwardly. "There are plenty of geniuses out there. I'm sure Mr. Ferguson will find someone capable of fixing the painting.""Here's hoping," Stephen replied with a hint of earnestness. "If the painting can be restored, I'd be happy to give it to her outright."Madeline felt a twitch in her forehead, a silent reminder to herself not to get too eager.Trevon cut in. "Let's check out the items first, shall we?"Stephen let out a quiet sigh of disappointment and gestured for them to take a seat off to the side."I've acquired some pretty interesting pieces just yesterday, and that's why I've called you here to have a look."As he spoke, he had someone bring in the items.Madeline's attention was instantly captured by a painting that had just been brought
Trevon's frown deepened. The mega-deal they had been hashing out since Stephen's return was worth billions. Stephen had always been dissatisfied with the profit-sharing ratio, demanding an additional five percentage points., and now he was suddenly willing to give up three?Why would he bend over backward just for a painting?His eyes narrowed, studying Stephen's casual demeanor.Stephen, aware of the scrutiny, offered a light smile and turned to Madeline, "So, Mrs. Gibson, what do you say? Will you take a shot at it?"Madeline's gaze drifted to Trevon, seeking an unspoken counsel.Trevon cleared his throat and said, "You decide."Stephen was as sly as they come.The deal between the two families had been dragging on forever, but it was bound to be sealed sooner or later.Now Stephen was dangling this in front of Madeline to get her to bite, and Trevon was not in a position to comment.Madeline was at a loss for words. How was she supposed to decide? Did she even have a clue h
Trevon narrowed his eyes. "Why do I get the feeling you're a little too interested in my wife?"Stephen’s lips curled into a sly smile. “You know what they say—behind every great man is an even greater woman. Your wife’s got both brains and beauty. I have to say, I’m impressed.”No guy could just brush off that kind of jab.Trevon's hand clenched on his knee, but he managed to keep his cool."Your parents would never be cool with you marrying someone who's been down the aisle before."Stephen burst out laughing. "Mr. Gibson, you've got us Fergusons all wrong. With your wife's status, it wouldn't matter if she was in her second marriage or even if she brought a kid into the picture. She'd be welcomed into the Ferguson family with open arms."Trevon's expression turned to ice. "So that's why you've been testing her, to see what she's capable of? What's it to you if you know more about her? She's married to me. She's my wife for life."He said it like he was trying to convince Step
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