Chapter 359

Stephen had made the trek back up the mountain with one goal in mind—to clear the air with Madeline about where they stood with each other.

He was not looking to make her feel indebted to him or the Fergusons. He just wanted her to trust him, to lean on him, especially when things were looking pretty complicated.

However, after he arrived and overheard her chat with Bella, he was at a loss for words.

Madeline looked up, surprised to see Stephen. "Mr. Ferguson, you came back?"

He held up the bottle of water. "Thought you could use a drink."

She paused, and a smile broke through. "Thanks," she said, accepting the water.

Stephen sat down next to her, nodding toward the horizon. "You know, your mom would hate to see you beating yourself up like this."

Madeline looked down, her voice neutral. "Didn't peg you as the type to eavesdrop."

Stephen winced, coughing awkwardly. He had not meant to listen in.

"So, what's your next move, Mrs. Gibson?"

She quickly corrected him. "Just Madeli