Chapter 5

Madeleine turned off the tap and pulled a few tissues to dry her hands. As she tossed the used tissues into the bin, she told herself to set aside the memories that had stirred up her emotions.

When she returned to her seat, she noticed Teresa's eyes were red, as if she had been crying. She flinched and asked worriedly, "Tessa, what's the matter? Do your knees still hurt?"

Teresa shook her head, her mood visibly low as she leaned against Alec's chest.

"She misses her mother," Alec explained.

Madeleine remembered that Alec had a twin sister named Sierra Chamberlain. Sierra was strikingly beautiful and looked almost identical to Alec. Every time they met, she would affectionately call Madeleine "Maddie".

That explained why Teresa had felt oddly familiar to Madeleine from the moment they met, and why she had warmed to the little girl so naturally.

"Is Tessa's mother not around?" Madeleine asked.

Alec placed his hands gently over Teresa's ears. His eyes held traces of grief. "Tessa's parents died in a car accident about a year ago. She lives with me now."

Madeleine was taken aback. Her gaze softened as she looked at the little girl, who resembled a fragile doll. "I'm sorry. I didn't know…"

"It's alright." Alec lowered his hands. His dark eyes were unreadable. "Tessa likes you a lot. If it's not too much trouble, I hope you won't mind if she asks to see you again."

"Of course not. I like Tessa a lot too." Madeleine smiled at Teresa.

"Ms. Smith, I want a hug."

Teresa reached toward her with both hands. It reminded Madeleine of Sawyer when he was younger, seeking her affection in the same innocent way. She pushed down the emotions that surfaced and lifted Teresa onto her lap.

"Tessa, what do you want to eat? I'll get it for you."

"I want that one."

"Alright."

Madeleine took some food and placed it on Teresa's plate.

Under the soft lights, her features seemed to glow, her every movement gentle and thoughtful.

Alec's lips curved slightly as he watched her profile.

…

Meanwhile, in the other room, Bradley was troubled by Jonathan's request. Directors like him hated it when sponsors insisted on inserting their people into the cast or crew.

But even a renowned director became just another employee when facing a sponsor who controlled the funding. Bradley had no choice but to yield when money was involved.

Jonathan had offered an additional 50 million dollars to the production budget just to secure Allison as the female lead of Transcendent.

It was an all-too-common situation in the entertainment industry. Talent was plentiful, but strong backing was not. Those with wealthy sponsors could become famous easily, even if their acting was mediocre.

Despite his reluctance, Bradley eventually agreed after considering the money.

Allison was over the moon when Bradley accepted their request, her eyes practically glowing with adoration as she looked at Jonathan.

After a satisfying meal, Bradley excused himself, saying he needed to discuss the matter with the producer and the rest of the team.

Jonathan and Allison walked him out of the restaurant. They were about to leave when a car drove out of the parking lot.

Allison suddenly spotted a familiar face behind the wheel. "Jon, isn't that Madeleine? Why is she here?"

Jonathan looked up and immediately recognized the license plate. His brows furrowed.

"Jon, do you think Madeleine was tailing us?"

Allison intentionally poisoned the perception of Madeleine with her suggestion.

She continued, "She's asking for a divorce, but what if she's trying to get photos of us together to use against you? If you don't listen to her, she might do something to ruin your reputation."

Jonathan's face darkened. He pulled out his phone and called Madeleine. The moment she answered, he exploded.

"Madeleine Smith, were you following me? Instead of enjoying the comfortable life you had, you chose to do something so pointless and ridiculous? As expected, a country bumpkin like you is foolish and unsophisticated!"

After hearing Jonathan's brazen remarks, Madeleine let out a disbelieving laugh. Instead of justifying herself, she snapped back sharply.

"Yes, I'm foolish, shallow, and unsophisticated. I'm not like you, the wise and cultured Mr. Hartley, who takes his mistress everywhere despite still being married."

"Why you…"

"Jonathan, I'm serious about the divorce. Let me know when you're free for the procedures."

With that, she ended the call, leaving him no chance to respond.

Jonathan's face darkened instantly as the dial tone cut off the conversation. He had always believed Madeleine to be meek and obedient. This was the first time she had spoken to him so bluntly. For a moment, he wondered if she truly meant to divorce him.

Lowering her eyes slightly after having caught the gist of the conversation, Allison murmured sweetly, "Calm down, Jon. I'll be worried if you get too upset. Madeleine is probably still hurt by what Sawyer did the other day. Everything will be fine if you just talk to her gently and calm her down."

The thought of him appeasing Madeleine's anger completely obliterated the doubt Jonathan had just felt. This, he realized, must be her ultimate goal—for him to give in and meet her demands.

"There's no way I'm dancing to her tune. Let's go."

A flash of triumph crossed Allison's eyes before she followed him.

…

In the car, Madeleine tossed her phone aside, her expression already composed.

If not for the need to communicate about the divorce, she would have blocked Jonathan's number immediately.

When she returned to her apartment, her phone rang.

Her lips curved when she saw the caller ID. "What is it? Calling to check if I'm backing out? Relax. I'm not giving you anything to hold over me."

Kristopher clicked his tongue. "That's not why I called. If you insist on staying with the Hartleys like some loyal servant, I can only feel betrayed and deeply disappointed."

Madeleine beamed. "Then why did you call?"

"I called to tell you that dear husband of yours has no qualms spending a fortune on Allison Smith." He sighed. "He added another 50 million dollars to Transcendent's budget so she could be the female lead. She's a professional dancer who's never acted a day in her life, yet she wants to lead a drama. Is she not afraid of embarrassing herself?"

Madeleine's smile faded slightly. She had already guessed as much when she saw Jonathan and Allison meeting with Bradley at the restaurant.

"Kris, I'm the author and screenwriter. Do I have any authority over casting decisions?"

"Technically, yes. But since your husband's company is the main sponsor, they're effectively calling the shots. Replacing Allison will be very difficult. Unless…"

"Unless what?"

"Unless the other sponsors object as well."

Transcendent was co-sponsored and produced by Sudston TV, Galaxy Pictures, Scardifield Pictures, and Hurst Media.

Among them, Galaxy Pictures—owned by the Hartley Group—had invested the most. As the biggest backer, Jonathan had the most influence and could effectively decide the leads.

"How about this? I'll arrange a meeting with the other sponsors. Come with me when I meet them."

"Alright," Madeleine agreed. She couldn't let the product of her heart and soul be ruined just so Jonathan could advance his mistress' agenda.

Night fell.

After washing up, Madeleine joined an online meeting with Bradley and Kristopher to discuss casting for several major supporting roles. In the middle of it, a call came in from the villa at Clearwater Bay.

"Mrs. Hartley, please come home as soon as possible. Mr. Sawyer is running a fever."