Skylar's smile vanished. "Don't spout nonsense. Kidnapping is a serious crime. However, if you're dying to know where your brother is, I might have a clue. It all depends on what you're willing to do for that info."Madeline fixed her with a steely gaze, weighing her words for any shred of truth.Back then, child abductions were rampant, and it was hard to tell friend from foe. The Sanders family had blocked Bella from searching for help. Even if they were not directly involved, they could not have been completely oblivious. Yet, all those years, not a peep from any of them.Madeline's expression turned frosty. "Your threats won't work on me. Lydia's in deep for a crime, and it's not up to me to let her off. She'll face the music in court, no matter what."However, I can promise you this much: once she's locked up, I won't let her suffer.""Ugh!" Skylar spat out with disgust. "You're the reason she's behind bars, and now you're plotting more trouble for her in there? Madeline, you
Lacee walked back into the Sanders household to find Skylar sprawled on the couch, tears streaming down her face.Between sobs, she hurled insults. "That heartless jerk! Doesn't even bother with his own daughter! Always disappearing!"Jerk! Tramp! She's definitely the one who stole him away! No shame at all! Flirting with a married man? She's not scared of being cursed!"Lacee knew she was talking about Cilix and his secretary.Cilix had just returned from the Southern Archipelago, and upon hearing that Lydia would be sentenced, he disowned her on the spot. He also strictly prohibited Skylar from using the Sanders family name to help Lydia.That day, Skylar and Cilix had a massive blowout, nearly wrecking the house. Lacee hid in the pantry, too scared to come out. By the time she emerged, Cilix was gone, rumored to have been whisked away by his secretary.Skylar was left alone, weeping in the living room, yet she still ordered Lacee to tidy up the chaos.Mid-cleanup, Yale stumbl
Skylar, with Gabriel Roberts in tow, went to see Lydia. It turned out Cilix had not completely washed his hands of them, he had even sent a lawyer. However, that did not make up for the bitterness that had settled in the hearts of mother and daughter, and they were not exactly warm to Gabriel.Gabriel did not seem to take it personally, just focused on doing his job.However, even he could not do much in the face of hard evidence.When Skylar mentioned insanity as a defense, Gabriel shot her a surprised look but kept quiet.Lydia, on the other hand, seemed to spark with a flicker of hope. Locked up in the station, haunted by tales of prison's terrors, she was worn to the bone.Her voice trembled with a mix of fear and excitement, "Mom, remember the Lowes have that crazy aunt? She's been locked up in that old straw hut forever."Skylar nodded in agreement. "Exactly! It's common knowledge in the village. She even thought about going out in a blaze of glory."Both turned their hope
By the time Madeline got back to her gig in Oralia, Lydia had been shipped off to a mental health hospital out in the sticks.Lydia had slipped into the scratchy hospital gown, her hair a tangled mess, and her face was marked with scratches she could not even remember getting. However, there was a defiant glint in her eyes that refused to be dimmed.She had pulled it off—she was free! No grim prison walls to hold her, no endless days of torment to endure!Skylar, bless him, had sworn he would hatch a plan to spring her from that place soon enough.She would not have to skulk around in the shadows, she could strut right up to Madeline and watch her jaw drop. Oh, she was itching to see the look on Madeline's face—it was going to be epic!The guard behind her nudged her forward, clearly out of patience. "Let's go, move it!"Lydia stumbled from the shove but quickly regained her balance and made her way toward the hospital.Behind her, the heavy iron gate clanged shut with a resound
Lydia groggily woke up on the hospital bed, relieved to find the two crazies gone from her side.A single tear rolled down her cheek.That was too much. It was only day one, and she felt half-dead from the ordeal. She could not bear the thought of staying any longer."I have to get out of here!"She bolted upright. "I need to call my mom."She was determined to have Skylar pick her up today! She could not stand the thought of staying another minute.The nurse, hearing the noise, peeked in and then called out, "She's up, come get her."Lydia felt a wave of dread: "Where are you taking me? No, I can't go! I'm hurt! I won't go.I'll be killed if I go back to them."The nurse gave her a steely look and said flatly, "You won't be. We've talked to them, they won't lay a hand on you again."However, Lydia could not believe her. They were maniacs!"No, no! I'm not going! I need to see my mom! I want to see her now!"The nurse chuckled. "Every patient here is a bit off their rocker.
"It's you!"Skylar's eyes went wide as she spotted Madeline, hand on her stomach, stepping out from the director's office.Madeline simply arched an eyebrow and flashed a small smile, not bothering with a greeting.The security guard posted at the door saw Madeline emerge and quickly moved to shield her, just in case Skylar tried anything. It was better to be safe, Skylar was known for being quick to throw a punch.Skylar's heart inexplicably leaped, and she demanded, "What are you doing here?"Principal, witnessing Skylar's hostile demeanor toward Madeline, was not pleased. "Ms. Sanders is my guest. Do you have an issue with that?"Skylar snapped to her senses. "You two know each other?!"Impossible. The sense of foreboding in her heart only intensified as Madeline's smile grew.Madeline was not supposed to be smiling! When Madeline saw Lydia, not behind bars but in the hospital, the last thing she did was smile. She should have been livid, completely losing it!However, Made
Madeline cast her eyes down and spoke in a cool tone. "Did you come to see Lydia too?"Trevon paused, clearly caught off guard, then replied, "I came to pick you up."Madeline glanced toward the hospital and said, "If you want to visit her, I won't stop you. Grandma would understand."Trevon let out a quiet sigh. "Look, I'm here to get you. Are you done with everything?"Madeline bit her lip slightly. "Yes, I'm done.""Alright, let's head out. It's getting late, and it's the perfect time for dinner."With that, he opened the car door, signaling Madeline to hop in.Today marked her first day in the new house.Edith had insisted that the first day in a new home should be celebrated with friends and family, sharing a meal to bring warmth and joy. She even brought over the first housewarming gift from the Gibson family estate herself.Madeline appreciated the gesture and felt she could not turn it down. So, despite her initial reluctance, she ended up revealing the location of her
Outside, the world was a frozen wonderland, but stepping inside was like walking into springtime.Madeline swung the door open and was enveloped by a cozy, warm scent that made her feel like she was wrapped in sunshine. She laughed, unable to resist the charm.Felicia hurried over, relieving Madeline and Trevon of their bags. "Madam Gibson was fretting over you two, scared the snow would trap you out there. I told her not to worry, Mr. Gibson went out for you himself. However, you know her—still fretting."Madeline's smile did not waver.Edith was already beckoning her over. "Come and sit, dear. You never used to wander off, but now you're gone every other day."Madeline settled next to her, replying with a playful roll of her eyes, "Grandma, you're forgetting—I've got a job now."Trevon had a knack for timing. Just when Madeline thought she could catch a break, he dropped a new project in her lap: a painting of Skylandia. As if she was not swamped already.Edith, ever the mothe