Madeline had been talking in circles for what felt like forever before she finally pieced together that just a few days back, someone had been snooping around for info on Cooper, curious about his recent companions.Turns out, that nosy parker had been plotting to buy Cooper's freedom.However, Cooper was not having any of it.The guy kicked up a storm, but he got his comeuppance—a good thrashing and the boot, right out the door.Madeline's mouth hung open a touch.That was news.Jaxon chimed in, "I'd drop it if I were you. Cooper's pretty much royalty around here now. He's way out of your league."Madeline's expression darkened, her voice icing over. "That's none of your business. Can you just get him for me?"Jaxon's brow creased with concern. "Look, if you've got a crush on Cooper, I could set you up with someone else."She was known for splashing the cash, and not even a baby bump could dent her appeal.Madeline cut to the chase. "Just bring him to me, and I'll spring for
Madeline knew she was stepping out of line. She even toyed with the idea of telling Cooper about them being siblings, but she could not find the words. Cooper was not in the mood to play along and got up to leave. Madeline was desperate. "Don't get it twisted... The thing is, I—"She was cut off mid-sentence as the door to the booth flew open with a crash. Riley's eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw Madeline. "Madeline, it's you!"A whirlwind of thoughts raced through her mind. The first was that Madeline had found out about her and Cooper and was going to use it to blackmail her.The second bombshell was that Madeline and Cooper had been secretly seeing each other, and there was a chance that the baby Madeline was carrying belonged to Cooper.Riley's face turned to ice. "How did you two get together?"When Madeline caught sight of Riley, she could not hide her disdain.Even if they had not been at odds before, how could she look pleased knowing she was caught u
Riley's expression turned stormy in an instant. She was being disrespected right after she had extended a courtesy!"So, this is what you meant by 'don't get the wrong idea'?"Cooper rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. He had just managed to smooth things over with Riley, and he had not even reaped any rewards yet.Then, with Madeline stirring up trouble, he was at a loss as to how to calm the waters again.He briskly shook off Madeline's hand and said icily, "Ms. Sanders, please show some dignity. We're not acquainted, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't make my guest uncomfortable."Madeline's hand fell away, and even though she knew it was not Cooper's fault, a sharp pain still pierced her heart.Riley, sensing victory in her standoff with Madeline, lifted her chin with a smug air. "From now on, every time she shows up, kick her out! She's banned from the Meridian Club for good!"Madeline turned to Cooper, who just nonchalantly kicked at the ground, ignoring her
Madeline was baffled all over again.How could Trevon be so certain the baby was his? He was blackout drunk that night, and the next morning, he could not remember a thing.Riley's annoyance turned into a scowl. "You said nothing happened between you two, so how could it be your child?"Trevon did not waste his breath on an explanation, instead turning to Madeline with concern. "Are you okay? Can you walk?"Madeline was still reeling, but his voice snapped her back to reality.She noticed Trevon's hand was covered in blood, so mangled it was impossible to tell where the injury started.The floor was littered with the remnants of shattered glass cups—large shards and tiny fragments alike.He was ignoring the pain, the danger.The thought of an artery being sliced open sent a shiver down Madeline's spine, her voice trembling with tears. "Your hand... We can't wait, we need to get to a hospital right now."Madeline was beyond worrying about Cooper and Riley, urgently tugging Trev
Trevon's hand was cut deeply, with nearly twenty wounds from the glass shards. The hospital staff worked on them until late into the night, barely finishing the job, and he even got a tetanus shot.Madeline bit her lip, silent, her eyes brimming with unshed tears."The wound needs daily care, and to keep it dry. Stick to a light diet," the doctor advised.Without a word, Madeline took the medicine and walked out in silence.Trevon found her behavior odd, thinking she was upset from her encounter with Cooper, and asked quietly, "Weren't we waiting on the DNA test results? Why'd you go off to find someone today?"Madeline bit her lip, a clear sign she was holding back words.Trevon's brow creased with concern as he reached for her. "What's up?"Her gaze snapped up, eyes swirling with doubt. Could she put her trust in Trevon?Her mother had put that same trust in Cilix, leaving everything behind for him, a gamble that cost her dearly.Cilix, who once seemed to bear any pain, any
Daniel replied, "Yes. Cilix is pretty slick. He's got a bunch of media folks in his pocket, so when he wants to quiet things down, it's a piece of cake."Plus, with Christmas and New Year's Eve on the horizon and events popping up left and right, the Sanders Group could slip off the radar without lifting a finger.However, behind the scenes, it was the Gibson Group and the Fergusons pulling the strings, though they were keeping it on the down-low."Stephen's still wrapped up in this mess? No luck with Yvonne?" Trevon asked.Daniel explained, "Ms. Lloyd's concert is the night before New Year's. We sent over the tickets, but Mr. Ferguson turned them into some kind of New Year's giveaway."Trevon was at a loss for words."Yvonne's not his old flame, and he's this cold?"Daniel bit his lip, thinking, 'Lydia was your first love, and you're not exactly hung up on her either, are you?' However, it was clear Stephen had it bad for Madeline.Trevon flexed his good hand. "Let them know
The painting was a regular landscape, a bit aged but not an antique or a historical piece.All it needed was some standard care and restoration.Madeline turned to Willa and said, "Your turn."Willa was taken aback. She had not expected to be put on the spot like that.Madeline did not see what the big deal was. Noticing Willa's hesitation, she asked, "Something wrong?"Willa shook her head quickly, took Madeline's seat, and got to work on the painting.However, the mood in the live stream shifted as some viewers started to grumble.[Why's the sidekick doing the work? Can't the main act handle it? What's she even doing here?][What's her role? To look pretty? That face is just here to reel us in, isn't it?][This is the provincial museum's stream, right? Are they really stooping to such cheap tricks to get views?][We came here for a glimpse of genuine artifact restoration, not to stare at a pretty face!][Seriously, has the state museum run out of staff? Why use a pretty fa
The director flashed a cue card that said 'Introduce the painting'.Madeline's eyes lit up with understanding as she turned to the painting and said softly, "This piece is a Renaissance Primavera. Primavera paintings, part of the flora and fauna genre, were pretty common during the Renaissance. Looking at it now—""How can you be so sure it's from the Renaissance? You're just making that up without any proof, aren't you?"A voice interrupted her.Madeline glanced up to find Hector leaning casually against the doorframe, an eyebrow cocked and a look of disdain on his face.Madeline was at a loss for words, puzzled about why Hector was even there. However, from the tone of his voice, it was clear he was there to stir up trouble.She turned to the director, only to see his eyes gleam as he quickly aimed the camera at Hector.Their live streams were usually so peaceful, lacking a bit of spice.Hector's challenge was perfectly timed.The moment Hector's face hit the live stream, a