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
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