Semua Bab The Love Triangle: Bab 321 - Bab 330

However, the cut never came.In the pitch-black room, the intruder's hand was gently stopped. Before he knew it, his scissors were wrested from his grip, and he was kicked to the side and restrained.Then, the lights flickered on.Madeline, Yash, and a few others filed in.Chandler gripped the knife with the blade facing backward and stepped up to the intruder for a closer look. "Talk. Who are you, and why are you trying to wreck this painting?"Madeline had already spotted the intruder when the lights came on. "He's one of Rocky's bodyguards. I caught a glimpse of him in the crowd on the first day."The man shot Madeline with a look of astonishment. He had only made a brief appearance that day, and yet Madeline had taken note of him.Yash snorted. "Just as I thought, it's connected to that punk. Take him away for now. We'll settle the score with Rocky later."Chandler nodded and signaled for the man to be escorted out.Yash turned to Madeline. "You've had a long day, and ther

Edith's laughter filled the room as the live stream came to an end. "See? What did I tell you? She pulled it off."Felicia, who had been watching intently, could not contain her excitement. "Your judgment is spot-on, as always. I've been a nervous wreck, barely able to catch a wink of sleep."She had grilled Ryan about the consequences. If things went south, Madeline would be on the hook for a whopping 75 million dollars.Riley would have a field day with Madeline if that happened.Felicia's worry had her losing her appetite, tossing and turning at night, even resorting to midnight prayers.Dabbing the tears from her eyes, Felicia said, "Madam Gibson, you stay here. I'm going to whip up a hearty soup for Mrs. Gibson. She's been at it for three days straight and looks like a ghost. She needs a good meal."With a dismissive wave, Edith turned her gaze to Riley, who seemed lost in thought. "Feeling better now?"Riley forced a smile, though it did not quite reach his eyes. "She just

Madeline finally settled into the car Chandler arranged for her and made her way to the Gibson family estate.Halfway there, her phone rang. It was Caleb."Madeline, everything okay?"He had planned to pick her up but got tied up. When he arrived at Redenbaugh University, he had learned Madeline was in some kind of trouble but did not have the details.Her face softened into a smile at the sound of his voice. "Caleb, I'm fine. I'm heading to the Gibson estate now. Grandma wants me home for dinner."Caleb's worry eased, replaced by a faint sadness. "Glad to hear it."Madeline hummed softly in response. "Thanks for checking in. Don't fret, I'll swing by the hospital after I eat.""Okay."They hung up.Madeline checked her phone for messages or calls—nothing from Trevon. He had been away on business for three days, radio silent. The memory of his distant expression before leaving lingered.Madeline could not quite pin down her feelings—just a profound weariness. She rested a

"Madeline! Madeline!"Suddenly, Skylar's voice, tinged with urgency, pierced the quiet from the entrance.With the sound of footsteps, Skylar and Cilix made their way inside.Edith's stern look softened, replaced by her usual calm demeanor.Riley took a gulp of water, trying to wash away the sting of Edith's rebuke, and shot a mocking glance at the newcomers.For three years, whenever the Sanders family showed up, they were after something.Madeline's gaze dropped, a flicker of irritation passing through her. Skylar was clueless to her mood, rushing over to her. "Why would you give away the painting without a peep?"Skylar looked as though she was the one who had lost something precious.Madeline recoiled from her touch, her frown deepening as she moved closer to Edith, not even bothering to give Skylar a second glance."What's it to you?" Madeline asked sharply.Skylar sputtered, her face a mix of awkwardness and shame."Kid, why can't you ever think things through? This

Madeline was feeling down.Skylar might brush it off, but Riley? She was all about keeping up appearances.However, they were all hung up on those tens of millions.Blame it on the allure of wealth.They just did not get art.Madeline could not make plans with those who were walking a different path.Madeline shook her head to herself and quickly reassured Hugo, "Really, I just did what anyone would do. Getting named an honorary academician? I'm thrilled. Thanks for this honor."Hugo had his doubts, but Madeline's gratitude brought a relieved smile to his face."You've earned it. You've got the talent, and we'll be counting on you more in the future."Madeline's eyes sparkled at that.She could not help but feel a rush of excitement. She wondered, what would Bella think when she heard the news?However, Bella could never bring herself to scold her.She was, after all, the mother who loved her more than anyone else in the world.…The air was tense in the Gibson household,