Chapter 6

Before Skylar could answer, a sharp snap echoed from the side.

"Madeline, watch how you talk to my mom!"

It was Yale Sanders, Lydia's little brother. With his shoulder-length purple hair and arms sleeved in tattoos, he looked every bit the wannabe gangster.

He had been coddled by Skylar all his life, and with the Sanders' wealth, he had gathered a gang of street toughs to back him up. Madeline did not expect him to be there but gave him a cool look and brushed him off.

Just then, Cilix descended the stairs, his voice cutting through the air. "Yale!"

Yale sulked, his lips puckered as he flopped onto the sofa, clearly annoyed.

Cilix motioned for Madeline to take a seat at the dining table.

"It's not every day we get your sister back home. I figured a family dinner was in order. Have a seat, will you? I had Mom whip up your favorite fish tacos."

Skylar quickly dished some out for her.

The oily sheen and the subtle fishy scent made Madeline wrinkle her nose and push the plate away.

"I caught a cold and lost my appetite. I'm just here to grab a few things, and I'll be out."

Cilix squinted, and Skylar, unable to contain herself, plopped down next to Madeline.

"When are you planning on divorcing Trevon, huh? Your dad and I have already scoped out a new guy for you. He's ready to tie the knot and won't wait forever."

A resigned feeling washed over Madeline.

With a mocking smile, she murmured, "Really? Who's this wonderful match?"

Skylar perked up and replied, "He's from a solid family. One of your dad's business partners. The guy owns a string of factories. Marry him, and you'll be the boss. They wouldn't even look twice at a divorcee if it wasn't for your dad's connections."

She made it sound like a fairy tale.

Madeline cut to the chase. "The owner of these factories? How old?"

Skylar hesitated, then chuckled. "Not too old. He's just a bit over forty and in the prime of his life. It'll be your second marriage, so you can't afford to be choosy. Plus, they've promised to cut your dad a deal if you marry in. Consider it a tribute to your mom."

Three years had passed, and Madeline's disdain for her family's ways was as strong as ever.

She glared at Cilix. "Over forty? You're okay with this, being not much older yourself?"

Cilix looked pained as he spoke, "Skylar's just trying to do what's best for you. Remarrying and bringing your mom into the mix, finding someone okay with that wasn't easy. Skylar really went out of her way for you."

Skylar nodded earnestly. It had indeed been a challenge. Madeline needed to be married off and kept far away to avoid causing Lydia any more headaches.

"Don't worry, the guy doesn't have kids. Everything in the future will be yours and your children's. It's a real stroke of luck."

Madeline suddenly chimed in, "It's true. These kinds of terms are hard to come by. You've really outdone yourself, but…"

Breaking from her usual composure, Madeline locked eyes with Cilix. "I was clear yesterday. I just want what my mom is entitled to—her shares. Those shares are peanuts compared to being Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family."

Cilix remained expressionless, but his eyes were calculative. "Your mom's shares?"

Thinking she had swayed Cilix, Skylar piped up in a shrill tone. "What shares does her mother have? The Sanders family fortune is all thanks to me and Cilix. It's got nothing to do with your loony mom."

Madeline's glare whipped towards Skylar, sharp enough to shut her up. "Apologize."

"Why should I? Your mom's the crazy one."

Without warning, a cup of scalding water splashed across Skylar's face, and she let out a scream. However, before Madeline could react, she was yanked back forcefully. A second later, she was punched in the face.

"You damn well owe her an apology!"