The offer was just too tempting. Madeline felt her heart skip a beat with excitement."My mom's funeral is over, but there's a bunch of stuff I still need to sort out, so I might have to join Oralia a bit later."She had accepted the offer.Stephen let out a sigh of relief. "That's totally fine. Take your time, Madeline, and come over when you're ready."Madeline gave a small nod. With everything going on, she was not in a sorrowful mood and stood up to leave.Stephen quickly offered his hand. "Careful now."He glanced at Madeline's stomach. The black dress she wore hid her pregnancy well, making her just seem a little round in the middle.However, the medical report made it clear. Madeline was three months pregnant, and soon enough, there would be no hiding her baby bump.The real mystery was the father's identity.Stephen struggled to believe that Madeline would cheat on her husband. However, the thought of Trevon being the father irked him.He would much prefer Caleb to be
Stephen glanced at Madeline, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.He knew his cousin had a soft heart. Sure, she had been ticked off at the Sanders family before, but her usual approach was a stern slap or a sharp tongue-lashing, nothing more.Her quick pivot to wanting to throw a knockout punch was unexpected, but he was all for it and quite pleased.Stephen gave Chandler a nod to go ahead and spill the beans.Chandler laid it out."Here's the list of everyone who showed up at the hospital yesterday looking for a payout, complete with their digits. I've got eyes on them. Ms. Sanders, so you can reel them in whenever you're ready."Madeline's eyebrows shot up in surprise.Chandler cracked a smile. "Things went sideways fast yesterday, and I figured you were swamped, so I jumped in. Hope that's cool with you."Madeline was far from miffed—she was thankful."This info's a goldmine. Thanks a bunch, Mr. Ferguson."She remembered Chandler mentioning that Stephen had sent him to lend
Madeline clapped a hand over her mouth as her stomach did somersaults. She could not stand it anymore and bolted for the bathroom.Yeneth was right on her heels, ready to help."I handed over the Sanders family when they asked, and Trevon too. However, why can't they just leave me alone? Why are they so set on taking down my mom?"After Madeline was done throwing up, she looked at Yeneth, drained, hoping for some kind of answer.Yeneth gritted her teeth. "Some folks just have a mean streak a mile wide. You can't measure them by normal standards. Not one of them is worth a darn."Madeline did not say a word.Together, they helped Madeline back to her feet.Stephen watched as Madeline's face grew even more pale and thin, his own expression turning to ice.He never used to give women like Lydia a second thought. However, after they messed with Bella and Madeline, piling up a list of wrongs, he knew he had to settle the score, bit by bit."Chandler, show me what you've dug up.""
In that moment, Trevon felt a wave of inevitability wash over him, like he had known all along that it was coming.Madeline had only one word on her mind when it came to him.Divorce.Trevon felt a pang of bitterness, but managed to keep his composure, his expression darkening just a touch. "Today's not the day to talk about divorce."Madeline simply gazed at him, her voice steady. "Any day's as good as the next. Plus, look at this weather—clear skies and sunshine. It's perfect for signing those papers."The morning was gloomy, threatening snow. However, the clouds had scattered, leaving behind a hint of blue and a touch of gold in the sky.For a Redenbaugh City winter, it was a rare treat.'Good weather for a divorce, huh? She must really want to be free.'Trevon's confusion was written all over his face, his forehead veins popping. "Stop joking around!"Madeline insisted, "I'm dead serious. Remember, Trevon, you're the one who brought up the divorce. You told me not to get g
Madeline was unfazed. "Agreed."With Bella gone, Madeline felt no need to hold onto money when under financial strain. She would simply pay Trevon back.Trevon's grip tightened. He straightened up a bit and said icily, "I'll see you at the County Clerk's Office."Yahir, fuming over Caleb's acknowledgment, did not bother to intervene.Daniel quickly interjected, "Mr. Gibson, please think this through."Trevon ignored him and commanded, "Let's go!"He slammed the car door with a resounding bang.Madeline barely reacted but grew even paler. "Come on. Let's head back to the County Clerk's Office."Yeneth, holding Madeline's arm, noticed her ghostly pallor and suggested, "Maybe we should do this tomorrow. You on't look so good."Madeline shook her head. "I'm fine, just a bit queasy. The sooner we get this done, the better."With that, Madeline gave her a reassuring smile despite the worry in her eyes."Relax. It's just a bit of morning sickness. No big deal. Plus, I've got all my
Two security guards entered, looking just as bewildered as everyone else.The staff member motioned for them to stand behind Trevon and addressed Madeline."If you're under any kind of pressure, now's the time to tell us. We'll make sure you're safe, no matter what."Madeline and Trevon were speechless.Madeline could not help but let out a wry chuckle at the staff member's concern."No one's forcing me," she assured him."I didn't bring a dowry when I got married. His family provided everything. I haven't worked or earned anything in these three years. There's really nothing for me to claim."The staff member's frown deepened. "That doesn't seem fair to you. Maybe you should think it over a bit more before deciding.""There's nothing to think over," Madeline replied with unwavering resolve.It finally dawned on the staff member that Madeline was the one seeking the divorce and the one choosing to walk away empty-handed. He was taken aback but handed over the divorce papers.
Trevon would have bet his life on never knowing what morning sickness felt like. However, what did he get?The random bouts of queasiness Madeline suffered from was all because she was pregnant!He had had his doubts when she brushed it off as a cold.'Seriously, a cold that lasts for months?'The realization drove Trevon up the wall. Him, a big guy, empathizing with pregnancy symptoms.Even Trevon had to ask himself whether it was some cosmic prank.Madeline shot him a look that could kill. "Why are you still in my way?"They were divorced.Done. No more ties.Trevon had a ton of questions, but all he managed to get out was, "Where's my nine hundred thousand dollars?"Madeline was speechless.She whipped out her phone, the screen with the frozen bank account practically smashing into his face. "Thaw it out!"Trevon winced, lips tight. "I'll take care of it. You'll have your money in twenty-four hours. If not, I'll freeze your account again."Madeline was a hair's breadth
"Caleb, maybe we should swing by the pharmacy and pick up some ointment," she suggested.She felt a pang of guilt. After all, she felt like she was the one who should have taken the hit for him.Caleb shook his head. "No worries, I've iced it. We've got better stuff for it at home."Madeline had to let it go. "Sorry for dragging you into this mess."Caleb shook his head again. "It's okay. I'm just glad I could help. You've been through a lot lately. You holding up okay?"Madeline shook her head lightly. "The little one's been an angel, hasn't fussed at all."Caleb still looked concerned. "You should still get an ultrasound, just to check everything's alright."Madeline nodded, making a mental note. They both fell quiet for a bit.Madeline was not clueless. She knew Caleb felt differently about her than about Yeneth, but he had not said anything. She wanted to talk about it, but she was scared of ruining their long-standing friendship.Her heart had been shattered by Trevon, an