The slap left everyone dumbfounded, Trevon included, who stood frozen for a heartbeat.His gaze settled heavily on Madeline. "You're upset. I get it."Madeline exploded, her voice a mix of anger and disbelief. "Shut up! You get it? How could you possibly 'get it'? Because you got Lydia a lawyer, bribed witnesses for her?"Trevon's frown deepened. "I never—""You're so full of it, it's nauseating." Madeline cut him off, her voice laced with bitterness. "Why did I have to be so unlucky to cross paths with you two in this life?"Her laugh was bitter and mocking.It was as if the universe was laughing at Trevon's fakeness, still putting on an act in front of her even then.It was as if it was laughing at her own gullibility for ever thinking Trevon would care about her.She gave Trevon one long, deep look.With that one look, she turned and walked away, not looking back.Everyone around exchanged puzzled glances, too scared to even ask what had just happened.From her spot on th
In the dimly lit room of their modest rental, Yeneth worriedly watched over Madeline."Madeline, are you okay?"Madeline may have been too emotional, her stomach feeling queasy the entire way back. She lay in bed, and her complexion started to improve a little."I'm okay," Madeline assured her. Noticing Yeneth's reluctance to speak, Madeline offered a comforting smile. "Really, don't fret over me. I wouldn't risk my health. I've got a little one on the way, after all." That seemed to ease Yeneth's mind, and they finally shared a meal together. While they ate, Yeneth broached the subject of their legal battle. "There's no verdict yet, but Mr. Sawyer said we can keep gathering evidence for the appeal."Madeline nodded in agreement. "I know." They needed to address the witnesses who had backtracked on their statements. Yeneth could not help but lash out at Lydia once more, calling her 'utterly shameless'.Madeline quirked a smile. "I've been thinking, there might be a way t
Yeneth stared at Madeline, completely flabbergasted. "Madeline, you're not even in the rat race, and yet you've got it all figured out. If you ever decided to dive in, you'd totally kill it."Madeline just gave her a wry look. "No, working isn't for me."Madeline had only been at the Gibson Group a hot minute and had already seen enough backstabbing to last a lifetime.The thought of grinding it out day in, day out, year after year spelled total burnout.That was exactly why she took Stephen up on his offer to head to Oralia.Oralia was a breath of fresh air—nice and simple.If she wanted to, she could choose to not even see another soul.It was getting late, and she was due at Oralia for her shift.Yeneth let out a sigh. "You know, I'm really jealous of you. When will I ever get to skip the grind of working nine to nine?"Madeline offered a supportive smile. "Keep at it, then."Yeneth pumped herself up. "You're right. Off to work I go. All for that sweet, sweet financial fre
Madeline pieced it together in a flash.It had to be Lydia, trying to rile her up on purpose. Madeline fell for it, slapping Trevon right there for everyone to see.Madeline pressed her lips together, a wave of guilt washing over her.Lost in thought, she noticed Ashton had finished his work and was tidying up.They rushed over and asked, "Doctor, how's it looking?"Ashton ran a hand through his beard. "Well, it's complicated."A chill ran through Madeline's heart.Was it time to let go of Sherah?Ashton added, "I'll be back to continue treatments tomorrow. Let's monitor the situation for the next three days. We'll decide after that."Madeline felt adrift. Was there a glimmer of hope, or was it all slipping away?Ashton looked calm, which probably meant good news.Daniel quickly grabbed Ashton's suitcase. "Dr. Zapata, right this way."He glanced at Madeline. "Mrs. Gibson, Mr. Gibson's set up dinner to welcome Dr. Zapata. Would you like to join in?"Madeline, jolted from he
Despite the initial resistance, everyone ended up going for the spicy tom yum soup.Madeline's appetite had made a comeback after the early part of her pregnancy, and she found herself getting hungry more often than before. Actually, it was more like she was craving food all the time.However, she stuck to vegetarian options and steered clear of meat. Trevon did the same.Ashton, on the other hand, was in his element, enjoying every bite.Madeline quietly watched him, her gaze falling, choosing to keep her thoughts to herself.Post-dinner, Daniel escorted a very satisfied Ashton home.Madeline and Trevon stayed behind in the private room, a silent agreement between them that they had things to discuss.Madeline broke the silence. "Sorry for hitting you that day. I got carried away."Trevon replied, "Is it because Yardley works for me? I can clear that up."She shook her head. "There's no need. Daniel filled me in. Also, thanks for getting Dr. Zapata to see Mrs. Jeppesen."Whe
Madeline's eyes grew as wide as saucers.She never saw it coming, Trevon kissing her like that.It caught her so off guard that she forgot to push him away until he intensified the kiss, trying to coax her lips apart.Madeline jerked back, her teeth clenched, as she tried to escape.Trevon finally caught up to her.Madeline was trapped, he had her hand pinned down, leaving her no choice but to try and kick him away.However, Trevon was ready for her, leaning in just enough to dodge her foot.Madeline's frustration boiled over as she fought to break free.That time, Trevon let go of her hand with a hint of reluctance. "Since when do you start swinging the moment things get heated?"Madeline hissed back, "Who's the one getting physical here? Just so you know, this is harassment! I could take this to court."Trevon's laugh was light and taunting. "Go ahead, sue me. I'll pay whatever you ask."Madeline was speechless. "Disgusting! Get off me!"Trevon arched an eyebrow, not want
Beep!A car honked and pulled up beside Madeline.The window rolled down, and there was Stephen's face."Madeline?"She stopped walking. "Mr. Ferguson, running into you here?"Stephen grinned casually. "Yeah, funny how that happens."Stephen was supposed to be in court but got tied up with some auction stuff. He was worried about Madeline ever since he heard about the appeal and had been meaning to call her.However, there she was, in the flesh.Stephen gave her a concerned once-over. "Don't stress about the case. Crime doesn't stand a chance against justice."Madeline managed a smile. "I know."'Why do you still look like the world's on your shoulders?'He bit back the question and said, "It's chilly out. Hop in, I'll drive you home."Madeline waved him off. "I can catch a taxi.""Get in, I've got something to discuss with you anyway," Stephen insisted.Left with little choice, Madeline climbed into the car.With a friendly smile, Stephen said, "We've had our deal for a
Xoan nearly leaped out of his skin. "Hey, you can't just throw accusations around."Madeline went quiet.In that era, in a society governed by law, the nation had been fighting and cleaning up for years, supposedly wiping out the underworld.Cimmerian Syndicate and hitmen. It all sounded like something out of a tall tale to Madeline.Xoan was at a loss for words. "Ever heard the saying? Where there's light, there's shadow."You're clueless not because they're non-existent, but because they're masters of hide and seek."Xoan only knew a little about them because he had been playing detective for ages.Madeline's expression soured.After a heavy sigh, she admitted, "I jumped to conclusions. You're spot on. Light casts shadows."However, with Lydia offering a reward, was she chummy with the mob or a hitman? Could that be another notch on her rap sheet?Madeline shook off the jumble in her head. "So, did you track down this 'Dark 153'?"A pause crackled through the phone. "What'