"Xoan's still got some tricks up his sleeve," Bennet remarked, pulling out another file."Tell her the story."Xoan's eyes lit up at that, and he eagerly spread out the papers in front of Madeline."The Sanders Group owns a bunch of factories, right? They all make fabric and clothes, but this one, Jasperia Textiles, it's got orders through the roof."Madeline knew all about Jasperia Textiles. Before the Sanders family had made their big move into fashion, Bella had poured her savings into that factory, even putting off school to make it happen. All the while, it was Cilix's name on the deed.Xoan continued, "I've been digging into their order books and shipping logs, but the numbers just don't add up. The orders claim double the stock that's actually hitting the factory floor.Xoan could barely contain his excitement. "Get this, the raw materials they're getting—cotton, silk, you name it—they're bottom-barrel stuff. They're nowhere near what they're supposed to be getting."Made
The Sanders Group was on a roll, its financing a breeze and its stock soaring after going public. At the year-end shareholders' meeting, grins were plastered on every face. Who would not be thrilled with a windfall?However, Hoyt was over the moon. With the company's stellar performance, he was already dreaming of orders doubling the next day. The thought alone was enough to make him chuckle.The ever-stoic Cilix cast a sidelong glance at Hoyt before addressing the room. "The Sanders Group's triumph wouldn't be possible without your backing. Next year, let's aim even higher together!"As he finished, Hoyt led a thunderous round of applause. Even Cilix, a man sparing with his smiles, let a rare one slip through.As the last echoes of applause died down, one person's clapping continued, slow and deliberate. Cilix turned to find Madeline standing at the conference room door, her hands coming together in a steady rhythm, her face unreadable.Cilix's brow creased with annoyance. "What
Madeline had made sure to print out all the documents, and everyone had a copy in their hands.Hoyt's face turned pale the second he caught sight of the papers, and he shot a panicked look at Cilix.Cilix ignored him, his expression stern as he locked eyes with Madeline. "He may not be your biological uncle, but that's no excuse to drag his name through the mud."Hoyt, seeing Cilix was not buying it, felt a wave of relief.He slammed his hand on the table and said, "That's right! Cilix, she's just got it out for my sister, and that's why she's coming after me! You've got to believe me!"Cilix responded in a soothing tone, "I get it. You've been a rock for the Sanders Group all these years, and I haven't forgotten your dedication. I won't let you be treated unfairly."Madeline just watched, unimpressed.Her dad always had a way with words that never quite matched up to his actions.There was Hoyt, eating it up, looking all touched.Madeline spoke up, her voice calm and detached
Once Madeline was gone, Cilix's expression turned stormy.He looked down at the papers in his hand and, in a fit of frustration, hurled them across the room.Yancy entered quietly at the sound, calmly picking up the scattered documents. "Mr. Sanders, some shareholders called. They're expecting a callback. Here's the list."Cilix ignored the list, massaging his temples as he closed his eyes and leaned back. Yancy stepped behind him and started to work on his tense shoulders.After a moment, Cilix asked quietly, "What's your take on this mess?"Yancy hesitated, then replied, "The shareholders are curious about what's going on between you and Miss Madeline. They seem ready to follow her lead. If she pulls out, they're likely to do the same."Cilix clenched his fists in frustration, then slowly let go. "Fair-weather friends, all of them."Yancy smiled. "The whole divorce saga between Miss Madeline and Mr. Gibson has been hush-hush, you know. Keeping up appearances for the Gibson Gro
"I'm broke!" Hoyt exclaimed.Cilix replied calmly, "Then, brace yourself for a stint in the slammer. The millions you've skimmed should land you a ten-year vacation."In a rage, Hoyt kicked a chair flying.Cilix just glanced down, unbothered. "Losing your cool with me won't help. If you're looking for someone to blame, Madeline's your best bet. She didn't cut me any slack today either."Hoyt spat, "That little troublemaker! Look, I'm not trying to rag on you, Cilix, but you've been way too soft on Madeline. She's a girl, sure, but she's practically walking all over us."In my opinion, we should handle it old-school, like back in the sticks. Drag her home and give her a good whooping. End of story."If you can't bring yourself to do it, I'll step in on your behalf. Those two nieces of yours, do you think either of them would dare to raise their voices at home? If they did, I'd have beaten them!"Cilix could not help but laugh, though he was clearly ticked off. "You missed the sho
As the year was winding down, Yarden Ferguson and his wife Joanna Wheeler wrapped up their globe-trotting adventure and headed back to Redenbaugh City.No sooner had they landed than Yarden called Stephen into his home office."Stephen, I've heard some talk about Grandma shifting some money from Hector's trust. What's the story?" Yarden asked.Stephen sighed, a bit at a loss. "Uh... Dad, maybe you should just ask Grandma about it."Yarden just stared at him, waiting.Stephen gave a wry smile. "It's not the end of the world. Grandma just lost her cool with him. Hector's been kind of a mess lately, burning through cash with his business ventures."Yarden pressed, "Cut the act. What's going on with this Madeline girl?"Stephen was even more cornered then.He had hoped to keep Madeline's identity under wraps, but it was tricky to explain.Before he could come up with a response, Yarden guessed, "She's your aunt's daughter, isn't she?"The money that was once Hector's had been red
Madeline had tossed the Sanders Group's file to Cilix and left it at that. She had given him a week to come up with a good answer.With no art to restore in Oralia, Madeline had turned to her canvas, letting her brush dance across it.Yash had not mentioned mentoring again, but he made sure Madeline got the same assignments as his students. She knew he was rooting for her, so she poured her heart into every task.Her challenge was a bird and flower scene.Madeline had to admit, it was tough. Bella had always called her work in that area 'dull'. However, for the life of her, Madeline could not figure out what Bella meant by 'interesting'.Madeline chewed on the end of her pen, unsure how to kick off her story, when Willa breezed in. "Hey, the Sanders family sent over a painting. They're hoping you can take a look."Madeline glanced up just as Willa and Nash shuffled in, struggling with a large painting between them. Trailing behind was a man who had a striking resemblance to Steph
Madeline strolled into the lobby, her eyes like frost as they landed on the man who spoke.It was Hoyt.Hoyt smirked upon seeing Madeline. "Well, if it isn't my favorite niece! Been ages, kiddo. I've been missing something fierce."The words had barely left his mouth when Hoyt felt a piercing stare drilling into him.He scowled and traced the line of sight.Standing next to Madeline was a man in a pricey suit who oozed class. He was smirking at Hoyt.A shiver ran down Hoyt's back from that look.However, the sensation vanished as quickly as it came, as if it was never there.It must have been his imagination.Hoyt shrugged it off and gave Madeline another eyebrow raise.Madeline's voice was a frosty blade. "Your 'favorite niece' is in the psych ward. If you're missing her that much, why don't you go and keep her company?""Madeline, you're really pushing it," Hoyt snapped, slapping his hand down and pointing accusingly at her.Madeline was not in the mood for his nonsense.