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'
As Madeline arrived at the Luxuria Supper House with Stephen, they bumped into Yahir who was just leaving.Yahir's eyes lit up when he saw her. "Mrs. Gibson."Madeline frowned slightly. "Mr. Lewis, just Madeline is fine."It hit Yahir that she was no longer Trevon's wife. He should not be calling her Mrs. Gibson anymore.He sheepishly scratched his head. "I'm sorry. Old habits die hard."His eyes flicked between Madeline and Stephen, and with a teasing lift of his eyebrow, he asked: "Madeline, out for dinner?"Madeline nodded. "I should head in."Yahir nodded back quickly, flashed a grin at Stephen, and watched them head into the Luxuria Supper House.As soon as they were inside, Yahir whipped out his phone. "Trevon, you won't believe who I just saw."Trevon was also eating, though the meal his secretary picked out was doing nothing for him.He was just pushing his food around his plate. "Who?"Yahir blurted out. "Mrs. Gibson! Man! She's with Stephen. Looks like he's moving
Stephen quickly got up to grab some tissues.However, Andrew beat him to it, gently dabbing away Sophia's tears with a sigh. "It's just a sweet treat. If you like it that much, we'll get more. Look, you've gone and scared Madeline."Sophia hastily wiped her eyes. "I just got caught up in the moment. Madeline, don't mind me."Madeline just shook her head with a gentle smile, lips pressed together.Yash looked on, a bit lost, his eyes flitting from one person to the next, but he kept his thoughts to himself.Sophia finally took a deep breath and chuckled, "Oh, look at me getting all worked up. I almost forgot about dinner. Madeline, check out the menu, will you? Pick whatever you like, let's order some more."The table was already heaped with Madeline's favorites.Madeline smiled gently and whispered, "No need. This is more than enough, and I love everything here."Sophia's eyes crinkled with a smile. "Great! Pregnant ladies having cravings is totally normal, so don't hold back,
Trevon sat so close to Madeline it was like he was trying to share her shadow, even though there was a ton of room on the other side.Madeline rolled her eyes. Was he seriously going to bring up the kid talk there?If he tried, she was ready to launch her soup at him like a catapult.Stephen frowned in annoyance.Missing Madeline only when the divorce ink was dry? Where was all that concern before?Stephen made sure Madeline was comfortable, acting like Trevon was invisible.Andrew and Sophia caught the vibe but kept mum, just encouraging Madeline to dig in.Yash sensed the weird tension but did not have the backstory, so he just sipped his coffee on the down-low.Trevon, never one to sweat what others thought, was piling food on Madeline's plate like he was hosting his own dinner party.Before long, Madeline's plate looked like a food mountain.Madeline eyed the mountain on her plate and figured it would take her a week to scale it.Yash was starting to get the picture.Wa
Yash had thought long and hard about that.He had planned to choose a private disciple from among the many students.Ever since he got a glimpse of Madeline's incredible knack for art, he just could not see anyone else's work in the same light. Everyone else's stuff just seemed kind of plain compared to hers.He even ended up telling Andrew and Sophia about how awesome he thought she was.Andrew and Sophia were already fans of Madeline, especially after she swooped in to save the day during a live stream. They gave her props for that.The lunch was supposed to be about more than just grabbing a bite to eat. They wanted to chat about Madeline's art restoration.However, Madeline was not having any of it."Mr. Yash Ferguson, I really appreciate you wanting to help me out, but my mom's been my art coach since I was little. She always says our art might not be top-notch, but we've got this whole teaching tradition thing going on. I've already got a mentor, so I can't really take on
Even as she stepped out of the car, the driver's smile was still tinged with awkwardness. "Look, it's not easy driving around all day. Could you give me a good review?"Madeline was not really mad at him, and after showing him the five-star review screen, she exited the car.The driver rolled down the window and shouted after her, "Thanks a lot! Don't worry, I'll keep my mouth shut from now on."He even mimed zipping his lips shut. Madeline rolled her eyes, then noticed Trevon had followed her out, trailing behind."You're not leaving?"Trevon replied, "I've heard Oralia has a lot to offer. Thought I'd check it out."She did not have a good reason to send him away.Inside Oralia, she told the receptionist, "Mr. Calnan, Mr. Gibson is here, looking to buy something. Could you help him out?"Nash Calnan nodded eagerly and approached.While they chatted, Madeline headed to the back.Seeing that Trevon had not followed, she let out a sigh of relief.Willa was already hard at work
After making sure Sophia was settled, Stephen drove to Oralia.The moment he stepped in, the delicious smell of food hit him. Nash filled him in that Trevon had treated everyone, all for the sake of getting on Madeline's good side.Stephen could not help but laugh, though he was slightly irked. He had heard Trevon was still there, so he pushed the door open and walked in.Trevon saw him, slowly set down the painting he was holding, and stayed silent.Stephen scoffed, "Mr. Gibson, you were the high roller at the auction just yesterday, snapping up paintings left and right. What brings you back for more? Can't seem to burn through your cash fast enough?"The others in the room caught the tension and shared a quick, knowing look before slipping out quietly.Trevon glared at Stephen. "Oralia's doors are open for business. Since when do we turn away customers?"Stephen could not help but reveal Trevon's true colors. "Look, Mr. Gibson, if you're just a customer, then keep your nose ou
Madeline slipped away to the backyard, Trevon's declaration of "She will always be my wife" lost to the wind.If she had heard it, she might have lost it and sent him flying.She had wanted Trevon gone, and Stephen had saved her the trouble. No need to deal with him herself.Willa was so spooked thatshe could not even sip her boba tea without feeling like she was committing a crime, stealing glances at Madeline.Madeline's glare was fierce enough to make her think she was plotting a murder."Keep your head in the game. Fix this bit, and you're golden."Madeline's voice cut through the silence, catching Willa off guard. She was about to ruin the whole painting with a single stroke—a mistake that selling herself would not make up for.Willa dabbed at the sweat on her brow and stammered out an apology. "I'm so sorry. I'll watch myself, promise no repeats."Madeline gave a subtle shake of her head, a silent signal that she was not on board with the idea.It was not until the offi