Chapter 3

"I was looking out for the Sanders family too," Cilix said as he sipped his water.

"The Sanders-Gibson family alliance is crucial. Three years by Trevon's side, and what? No kids, no hold on his heart, no benefits for the Sanders family. Now that Lydia's back, along with her bond with Trevon, these issues will vanish. I can even afford better care for your mother."

Cilix's duplicity struck Madeline once more.

Madeline countered, "Did you forget why Lydia left the country? Or do you think the Gibsons have forgotten too?"

"That's why we're asking you to initiate the divorce with Trevon," Cilix replied.

Madeline saw right through their plot.

She would step aside, letting Lydia take the lead, and the Sanders family would reap all the rewards.

After a tense silence, Madeline broke the ice. "I'm willing to divorce Trevon, but on one condition. I want my mom's shares—the ones she's entitled to."

Cilix instantly became furious.

Once upon a time, the Sanders family was a picture of unity.

Cilix, who came from nothing, married Bella Ziegler—Madeline's mother—and quickly turned his fortune around with a garment factory. However, Bella paid a steep price, severing ties with her own family.

It was not until Skylar—previously 'Jolene', with her kids in tow—showed up that Bella realized the magnitude of her mistake.

She battled depression for years, and the strain of the revelation only deepened her illness. That was when Cilix dropped the divorce bomb. He played the bankruptcy card during the split, claiming all assets were tied up.

Bella was left with scraps.

However, once the divorce papers were signed, Cilix's business miraculously bounced back. Ever the opportunist, Cilix kept footing Bella's medical bills, basking in the glow of his newfound reputation.

Madeline only pieced it all together as she grew up—her mother had been played. She had been nursing a plan to set things right ever since.

The meeting ended with frosty treatment all around.

Madeline shut the door behind them, collapsed onto the couch, and lost herself in the darkness outside the window.

…

Dawn's light crept into the room. Madeline shielded her eyes and took a moment to adjust before getting up reluctantly.

Nausea washed over her in an unforgiving wave.

Trevon had not come home all night. Madeline's emotions were a mess—resignation laced with a hint of disappointment. However, above all, there was relief. It was as if her decision to let go the day before had freed her from hope.

Madeline sank back into the pillows.

The click of the electronic lock signaled an arrival at the door.

Madeline glanced up, and there was Lydia, swathed in designer elegance, striding in with a smile that could light up the room.

"Madeline, it's been ages."

Rising slowly, Madeline perched on the edge of the couch, her eyes a storm of loathing. "Who said you could come in? Leave!"

Lydia's smile only grew. "Trevon sent me, of course. He spent last night at the hospital with me, then dashed off to work at dawn. He asked me to pick up a suit for him."

A shadow crossed Madeline's face.

So, Trevon was with Lydia last night.

She had waited like a fool on that couch all night long, clinging to his promise.

'We'll talk when I get back.'

"You're just like your mother, always the homewrecker," Madeline spat.

Lydia's laughter rang out. "Who's the real homewrecker? It's the unloved one. Even the lock's code is my birthday. Trevon's heart is still with me. Madeline, you've been using my birthday to open this door for the past three years. That must sting, doesn't it?"

Madeline's eyes flickered, her grip tightening on the blanket. She inhaled sharply before smiling mockingly.

"Is technology that archaic where you come from? We've moved on to facial recognition, or fingerprints at the very least. Key codes are a thing of the past."

Lydia's smile faltered, her composure slipping for a split second. "Outdated or not, Trevon's word is law."

Madeline could not be bothered with petty squabble. Her nausea was getting worse.

She gestured toward Trevon's bedroom. "His stuff's in there. Help yourself."

With a smug grin, Lydia disappeared into the room and emerged moments later, a bundle of clothes in her arms.

Before she took off, she sauntered over to Madeline, flashed her hand, and there it was—a dazzling diamond ring.

There was also that cutesy pink bandage on her finger.

"My mom says you're dragging your feet on the divorce—kinda funny, don't you think? Trevon's put a ring on it, so why embarrass yourself? Time to get a clue."

She leaned in, whispering to Madeline, "Face it, you've never been able to outdo me in anything since we were kids."

Old memories came rushing back.

Her favorite things, her mentors, her dad, her very home—Lydia had snatched them all away with just a few words.

Madeline squinted and swiftly yanked the bandage off Lydia's hand. "You've always been into taking my stuff, huh?"

She eyed Lydia's pristine hand and tossed the bandage into the bin with a look of disgust.

"Bandages are disposable. Get a new one, and it's as good as ever. However, you know what's really scary about a guy who's been down the aisle twice?"

Madeline rose to her feet, locking eyes with Lydia as she smiled slyly. "It's the lingering lessons from his ex. His style, habits, tastes, thoughts—they're all tinged with the ghost of the woman before you. Chew on that. Good luck."

"Madeline!"

Ignoring her, Madeline grabbed a bag of clothes and thrust it into Lydia's arms. "So long, no need for goodbyes!"

Behind the wheel on her way to work, Lydia smacked the steering wheel, Madeline's parting shot replaying in her head.

The phone buzzed.

Lydia answered with a huff. "What's up with the wake-up call?"

Wren Naylor, Lydia's assistant, hesitated before speaking up with caution. "Ms. Sanders, the planning team wants to add an illustrator to the project. They've already picked someone out."

"They've what now? Since when does planning get to call the shots on art hires? They really need to stay in their lane."

Wren stayed quiet.

Lydia bit back her frustration. "Alright, I'm heading to the office soon. I'll sort it out with them."

Instead of going to her department when she arrived at the office, Lydia went to the top floor to drop off some clothes for Trevon.

Trevon accepted the clothes, but his brow creased in confusion.

Lydia felt a twinge of worry. "Something wrong with the clothes?"

They were definitely not his usual brand. Madeline would not slip up like that.

"Madeline wasn't there when you picked these up?"

Realizing the brand mismatch, Lydia understood her mistake. Madeline's earlier words echoed in her head.

Lydia bit her lip, looking hurt. "Madeline just handed me these and shooed me out when I arrived. You know she's never been fond of me."

She sighed resignedly and continued, "Typical Madeline, knowing you're in a rush and still acting petty with me. Should I run to the store and grab you a new set?"

Trevon cut her off. "Don't bother. You've got work to do."

Lydia clammed up, stepping back into silence.

Trevon let out a quiet sigh. "Don't sweat it. It's not your fault. Clothes are the least of our worries. We've got the Skylandia project to focus on."

In just a week, Skylandia would unveil its magical realms to eager eyes, with artistry at its heart. Lydia, fresh from her hiatus, was steering that ship—the crown jewel of the year for Xystos Tech. She knew the drill, but duty called, and she stepped out with a promise to return for lunch.

Madeline, alone then, rinsed a handful of cherry tomatoes, trying to quell the unease bubbling inside her. She scrolled through her phone, the barrage of prenatal check-ups looming large and daunting. Midway through her meticulous note-taking, the doorbell chimed.

She opened the door to find Simon pulling a long face.