Maxwell was somewhat surprised. "Are you saying Madison ruined your gown? Why would she do something like that? There must be some kind of misunderstanding."Madison had always seemed so shy and quiet—barely able to lift her head. Could she really be capable of something like that?Jennifer glanced at him and replied, "Maybe you should ask your mother. Find out why she brought Madison here in the first place. What's she really up to?"Maxwell went quiet for a moment. He thought it over before finally nodding. "If Madison really has bad intentions, there's no way she can stay."With that, he patted Jennifer on the shoulder. "I'll talk to my mom and make sure she sends Madison away."His response caught Jennifer off guard, and warmth spread through her as she asked, "You believe me? You're really going to take my side?""You're my wife. Of course, I'm on your side. Who else would I be with?" Maxwell responded gently. "Don't read too much into this. Madison probably acted out of her
Maxwell calmly listened as Camila vented her frustrations. Moments later, his gaze fell on Madison, who had kept her head down and remained silent the entire time.He approached her slowly, casting a condescending glare. "Everything happened because of you. I can't tolerate anyone who brings trouble into this house. I don't care why you did that, but you need to leave by tomorrow. Otherwise, we'll have to call the police.""No, Mr. Lance! It really wasn't me! I didn't do anything!" Madison dropped to her knees, and her face twisted in distress.Her voice broke with sobs as she continued, "I don't understand why Mrs. Lance would accuse me. I swear, I didn't do anything! You and Mrs. Lance have been so good to me. How could I ever do something like that?"Maxwell felt a surge of irritation as her cries filled the air.Right then, Camila stepped in to defend Madison. Her finger trembled as she pointed at them. "Now I see what it's like to be pushed aside after getting married!"You
As he listened, the weight of guilt pressed down on Maxwell. He then lowered his head to kiss Jennifer. "You should have told me sooner. The truth is, I've stayed in this villa all this time because it was a gift from my grandfather when I turned 18. I've been living alone ever since. Before I met you, this place felt like just a house, but now it feels like a home for both of us."The thought of Robert brought tears to Jennifer's eyes, leaving her engulfed in sadness.She wondered how different things might have been if Robert were still alive. Would Camila still have the audacity to make things difficult for her at every turn?Maxwell wiped away Jennifer's tears and said softly, "You're right. There are too many painful memories here. Let's move to a new place. As long as you're happy, I'm all in. But…""But what?" Jennifer asked with curiosity.Maxwell playfully pinched her cheek before replying, "I've been waiting a long time for our marriage certificate. Honey, we must take
Camila stood rooted to the spot, stunned for a moment, before responding with sharp sarcasm. "Well, you've all had your say, so what's left for me to add? "I'm not blind. I know someone here doesn't want to live with me, let alone take care of me!"Maxwell massaged his temples and replied, "Mom, how can you say that? Just because Jennifer and I move out doesn't mean we won't come visit. It's normal for married couples to have their own places these days. And, let's be real, you've never really liked Jennifer, have you?"At that moment, Madison quietly interjected, "It's just a misunderstanding between Madam Camila and Mrs. Lance. She really does like her. Now that Madam Camila has finally reunited with you, Mr. Lance, I'm sure she doesn't want to go through the pain of losing you again."But instead of calming the situation, her words only drew a sharp look from Maxwell."Did anyone ask for your input? Madison, know your place!" he chided.Her face flushed bright red. In the nex
"We're moving into a new home?" Cassidy exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. She blinked and then asked, "But why?""It's because our new house is near the amusement park. Once we settle in, we can take you there often!" Jennifer responded with a smile, intent on sparing the little girl from any negative views about relationships with one's mother-in-law. "Really?" Cassidy was overjoyed upon hearing that. She then cheered and clapped her hands in delight.At that moment, Maxwell descended the stairs alone.Jennifer approached him and asked, "Does Mom still not want to come with us?"Maxwell nodded. "Every time I ask her to join us, she shuts it down. It feels like it's more than just about us moving.""I've noticed that too," Jennifer replied. She, too, found it odd. "It's as if she's afraid to step outside at all. But she can't stay cooped up at home forever, can she? That's practically like being in prison."Maxwell sighed. "Do you think it's because she was kidnapped be
Maxwell savored Jennifer's kiss while wrapping his arms around her waist. "Alright, when you return, we'll move into the new house with the kids."And so, Jennifer set off for the neighboring city that afternoon.After seeing her off, Maxwell had a business dinner and didn't return home until well past 11:00 pm.He peeked into the children's room and saw that both Caleb and Cassidy were fast asleep. The smell of alcohol lingered on him, so he decided to skip his usual goodnight kisses and head straight to his room.From a distance, Maxwell noticed a figure bending over the bed. Having had a bit too much to drink, he forgot that Jennifer wouldn't be back and assumed it was her.Without a second thought, he wrapped his arms around the woman's slender waist from behind, just as he often did.It wasn't until Madison gasped in surprise that Maxwell jolted back to reality.Panic surged through him as he quickly released her, the fog of alcohol lifting to expose his irritation.Madiso
Camila's expression turned as dark as it could get. However, there was no stopping Maxwell and Jennifer, even if she had wanted to intervene. After dinner, Caleb and Cassidy retreated to their room to read, while Maxwell headed to his study to work.Jennifer returned to the bedroom, indulging in a long, hot bath. Once she came out, she went about making the bed, as usual.But as she shook the duvet, a silver earring fell out.Her pulse quickened as she picked it up. It wasn't hers. She had never owned anything like this. Still, it looked unsettlingly familiar. Suddenly, Madison came to mind. Jennifer was certain the earring belonged to her. Ever since Madison had set foot in the Lance residence, she had always worn that particular pair.Jennifer's heart plummeted. Why was Madison's earring on their bed?She hadn't been home last night. Could it be that Maxwell and Madison…Jennifer couldn't bear to finish the thought. Maxwell had promised her, and she refused to believe he
Jennifer flung the door open, startling Maxwell, who was in the middle of a video conference. He quickly informed the employees on the call and ended the meeting. Fortunately, they had already covered most of the agenda.Noticing Jennifer's troubled look, Maxwell quickly approached her. "What's wrong? You look pale."With red-rimmed eyes, she glared at him, demanding, "What did you do with Madison?"Maxwell's confusion was palpable. Suddenly, he recalled that he had accidentally hugged Madison the night before. Had she told Jennifer about it?He hurriedly explained, "You've misunderstood. I had a bit too much to drink at a business dinner last night and mistook her for you. I just hugged her by mistake."The moment those words left his lips, a sharp slap landed on his cheek.Maxwell stood frozen, stunned by the blow. Annoyance flickered within him, but it quickly faded when he saw tears streaming down Jennifer's face."You're shameless! You thought she was me? How could you sa