The news was a ray of hope for Madeline, but the looming concern was the cost. Don't stress about the money. You can pay me back whenever you're able to."Madeline winced inwardly, thirty thousand dollars for the medicine was way beyond her means."However, there's something I'd like to ask you," Caleb said, changing the subject."My mentor is really interested in your mom's condition and wants to examine it closely. The hospital records I've seen are only recent. Is there any chance you could dig up her older medical records?"Madeline paused, recalling the stack of papers tucked away in Bella's belongings."I'll get them sorted out and to you today," she promised.Caleb nodded, his gratitude evident.Madeline softly shook her head. "The thanks should really come from me. I don't know who your mentor is, but they must be something special. Having such an amazing doctor look after my mom's condition is a true gift."She blushed slightly. "You've done so much for me, and I feel
Madeline paused, at a loss for words, and could only offer a smile.Edith caught the awkwardness of her previous comment and quickly corrected herself, addressing Yanick, "You better stick around this time. Your mom's lined up a bunch of dates for you. Time to meet some ladies and settle down."Yanick's skin crawled at the thought, but he leaned in with a cheeky smile, "Not a fan of those girls. I think Madeline's pretty great."His eyes flicked over Madeline as he spoke.Madeline tensed up. What kind of nonsense was he spouting? Before she could gather her thoughts, Yanick went on, "Grandma even had the tarot cards read to find me the right one."So that's what he was getting at? Madeline let out a relieved breath.Edith chuckled. "You're okay with that? Then I might just find the perfect day to trek up the mountain and see what the tarot cards say."Yanick leaped to his feet. "After seeing the Northern Lights, Grandma claims she's old but now she's more spry than ever, ready t
Madeline shook her head with conviction. "How could I ever resent you, Grandma? You were there for me when I felt so alone. Without you, my mom and I would be lost. She wouldn't have the care she needs, Sanders wouldn't cover her medical bills, and I wouldn't have the life I have now."She would not have spent those three years close to Trevon. Even though she was upset with Trevon, she never thought he owed her anything. It was just hard to accept his favoritism."After three years, Trevon and I never grew close, his heart was always with Lydia. I've accepted that, and moved on. That's why I'm asking you, Grandma, to give us your blessing, for Trevon and me."Edith's hand shook ever so slightly. "Are you sure this is what you want?"Madeline gave a nod, her smile a blend of warmth and determination. She was set on getting a divorce. Edith felt a sharp twinge in her heart as she noticed that, her eyes misting over. "Madeline..."She was such a wonderful person, Edith hated to see
With a casual authority in his voice, Trevon replaced the juice with a cup of warm water, a thoughtful gesture that was all too uncommon.Madeline eyed the warm water in her hands and let out a soft laugh. Why not indulge him that once? She took a sip of the bland water, giving him that much.Madeline pulled out her ID and handed it over to Trevon with deliberate slowness. "Grandma's already given me the papers. It's time we get divorced."Trevon froze, caught off guard. She had cleaned up the house and even fixed him a glass of juice. He had thought maybe she was softening up, ready to back down. Their marriage was beyond saving, but Madeline had been there for him for three years. He did not want their last moments to be a bitter battle.It was a relief that Madeline seemed to be the one conceding. He could use that as a chance to bow out gracefully, to treat her well before they parted ways. However, then, Madeline brought out her ID again, mentioning divorce. What was she getti
On Sunday morning, Madeline woke to darkness. She assumed it was dawn until her phone read nine o'clock—it was a downpour. Yesterday had been so sunny. With the rain, Madeline wavered on visiting Bella in the hospital. She was doing better, but early pregnancy was risky, and a fall could be disastrous.Caleb's message popped up. "Madeline, you up? It's nasty out. Stay home. I've got your mom covered."Nobody could outdo Caleb in thoughtfulness. "Thanks, I owe you one, Caleb.""Another treat to say thanks?" Caleb asked."Ha, definitely. However, no more Luxuria Supper House.""Yeah, not the best. You're moving, right? Why not cook at your new place?""I could do that! I'm pretty handy in the kitchen.""We'll see about that."After a good chat with Caleb, Madeline felt a whole lot better. She could not help but share a thought with Yeneth: "Caleb is such a gem. The girl who ends up with him is going to be one lucky lady."Yeneth shot back with a teasing emoji. "Well, if he's suc
The final day's breakfast was bound to be anything but enjoyable.Madeline stepped back, arms folded, her voice icy. "So you take Lydia's word for everything? Trevon, I never took you for a fool. However, to think you would be so blinded by love. Around Lydia, it's like your brain checks out. Lydia having a tough time overseas? Why don't you check in with Cilix and see just how 'tough' it's been for Lydia these past three years? More like living the high life, if you ask me. And even if she's had it rough, what's that got to do with me? Did I make her life difficult? Why should I be the one to wise up?"Trevon's brow creased with concern. "Why are you thinking this way? I thought you getting your papers meant you'd done some soul-searching?"Soul-searching about her past tantrums and irrational behavior. Madeline could not hold back and scoffed. "Me, soul-search? What on earth is it? Trevon, let me tell you why I really went for those documents. I'm sick of you two jerks, flitting a
Madeline's hand, which had been reaching out, froze in place. Chilled by the rain, she slowly pulled back. She had noticed the troubling online chatter and wanted to ask Trevon about his plans—did he need her help? The thought was almost comical. When trouble struck, her instinct was to offer assistance. However, what could she possibly do for him?Despite that, Madeline turned and headed for the elevator. Her path was blocked by an onlooker. "That was Mr. Gibson who just left, wasn't it? Do you know him?""You look so familiar. Are you acquainted with Mr. Gibson, are you his wife?""That's her, that's her. I've seen them return together many times."While talking, someone whipped out a camera and started snapping photos. The flash was blinding. Madeline raised her hand to shield her eyes. "You're mistaken. Please, let me through."The woman who recognized Madeline chuckled. "No mistake here. It's definitely you. Don't be upset, it's not like you're the only one with a cheating hu
The Sanders family, too, found themselves caught in the storm. Scandalous headlines about the elder Sanders sister's betrayal of her younger sibling hit the newsstands. Reporters, not content with just circling The Gibson Group, had laid siege to The Sanders Group's building as well, a testament to the scandal's grip on the public's attention.Cilix was slow to react and ended up stuck at his own front door, unable to leave for work.Inside, Skylar was pacing the room, wringing her hands. "I can't reach Lydia at all. What on earth could be happening?"Lydia lived a solitary life in Trevon's Galloway Villa, a secret known to only a handful. Her phone had been ringing off the hook, and she was too scared to even power it up.Skylar was in the dark about Lydia's plight, fretting over what to do.Cilix's face was a mask of ice as he ordered in a low growl, "Sit down."Skylar's pacing was driving him mad. Feeling a mix of fear and frustration, Skylar reluctantly took a seat beside Cil