Chapter 521

Was Stephen hinting that the two items Sadie stumbled upon were part of a setup?

Madeline thought back to how Sadie had casually perused the market stalls and everything clicked. She had not really been choosing at all.

That explained it.

Madeline gave Hector a sly look. "Mr. Ferguson was a stand-up guy like the rest of us, but you, Hector Ferguson, I suppose... "

Hector's face flushed a deep red. "What's it to you? In battle, anything goes!"

Stephen's voice was icy. "You pulled out all the stops and still came up short."

Willa snorted with laughter, which only made Hector glare at her harder.

Scared, Willa bolted. "I'm off to make some coffee!"

Madeline's gaze remained focused on Hector. "Mr. Hector Ferguson, you've lost. You know the deal. Stay out of Lydia's life and you don't get to see her again."

So, that was the bet Madeline had made.

Trevon and Stephen both looked down, their faces clouded.

Hector was seething as he bit back his words.

Madeline raised an eyebrow. "W