Chapter 5

"How could that be?" I turned to Jude, who still seemed confused, and shrugged. "Why haven't you helped Maddy up yet, Jude? What if she ends up with some lasting health problems?"

Seeing Madison nearly choke on her own words, I smiled to myself.

"If Maddy isn't feeling well, she should go back to her room and rest. You shouldn't keep hanging around outside my door."

Jude helped her to her feet, keeping a firm hold as he glanced at her pale face and nodded in agreement.

"Emma is right. These things can be left to the maids. There's no need to go out of your way."

Madison lowered her head and answered in a small, aggrieved voice, "I just wanted to know whether Emma had anything to do with Sophie leaving without a word. Oh, no! That's not what I meant. I'll stop talking…"

I cut her off coldly, my expression blank, "Then, keep your mouth shut."

As if she were frightened by me, Madison trembled and shrank into Jude's arms.

Jude was the typical domineering CEO, but he still comforted her in a low voice before refusing to entertain the subject any further.

Instead, he frowned and spoke up for me, "Emma doesn't know anything. What does it have to do with her? You're the same. Don't be so sensitive. The important thing is to focus on getting better."

I didn't miss the flash of coldness in Madison's eyes. I simply gave her a cold, insincere smile and said, "Maddy, don't make the family worry about you."

With that, I shut the door firmly and went to bed.

…

The next day, I left the house early and had the driver take me back to the place where I had lived for 20 years.

Sophie told me the image the Hendrickses projected was only a polished facade, with rot already spreading beneath the surface.

As for Madison, though she might look gentle and fragile, her actions didn't match the personality she paraded around.

When Madison was born, she nearly suffocated. Even after she finally made it out of the hospital, she was left with health problems. So, everyone around her went out of their way to take care of her, practically treating her like a princess.

Similarly, Sophie had been expected early on to take care of Madison. Whenever she didn't yield to Madison, she would be asked whether she was jealous of her.

Even the last time Madison was injured, it was because Sophie pushed her, causing her to hit her head.

Now, Sophie was furious, biting her lip as she said, "It's because she was being so passive-aggressive, saying she wanted to give me the birthday gift the family gave her 'for my own sake.' I didn't want it, but she wouldn't let go of me, so I pushed her."

She rubbed her head and winced in pain before continuing, "Besides, she fell on her own! I had nothing to do with it. I'm so pissed!"

I found it a little funny and surprising that Sophie, who had lived in a family like the Hendrickses, had this kind of personality.

After being pampered by her parents all day, Sophie looked healthier and more radiant than before. A happy smile lit up her face.

"Mom's cooking is amazing. The house isn't big, but it's so cozy. You're so lucky. Compared to you, I can't believe the miserable life I used to live!

"Don't worry. From now on, I'll make sure Mom and Dad live well. Come home whenever you have time. If you're busy, go out and do your thing. I've got your back!"

She patted her chest as she made the promise, looking happier than ever.

However, when I looked around, Dad was nowhere to be seen. Usually, the moment I came home, he would be right there by my side.

My heart tightened, and I quickly asked Sophie, "Where did Dad go? I haven't seen him at all."

Sophie's smile faded as she spoke, a hint of worry clouding her face, "I don't know what happened, but someone suddenly reported the company. It's still under investigation. Even Dad has been suspended."