Chapter 274

Madeline's head turned slowly, her eyes darting between Skylar and Riley. One bore a grudge deep enough to chill bones, the other scorned her for abandonment. Words of defense would be like shouting into the wind—pointless. Why bother playing their game? One was dead set on snagging a spot in the Gibson family, the other obsessed with the dream of a grandchild. She might as well wish them luck—they would need it.

"Mr. Security Guard, that's quite the grip you've got," Madeline said coolly, pulling her gaze away. The guards flinched and loosened their hold. "Our apologies, Mrs. Gibson." Now that they'd let up, they couldn't very well keep pinning her down. They let go and even took a couple of steps back, almost sheepishly.

Madeline didn't waste a second. She bolted upright and took off. "She's making a break for it! Grab her!" Skylar's voice pierced the air. The guards hesitated, their reluctance giving Madeline her chance to slip away.

Riley's voice cut through the commotion, icy a