CHAPTER 003
780 Words
Madison took a taxi while her thoughts raced uncontrollably. She spent multiple years trusting every kind word that came from Brandon's mouth. The moment had arrived to correct her previous error.
She entered her apartment and immediately reached for her phone to contact Ms. Sullivan.
I require you to create an equity transfer agreement immediately. I need to recover the company shares I previously transferred to Brandon.
Ms. Sullivan remained quiet for a brief period. "Madison... Are you serious?"
"More than ever. I needed to take this step much earlier. I allowed him to deceive me until I finally decided to reclaim my rightful ownership.
She moved to the mirror to look at her reflection in the glass. She had spent multiple years being his loyal partner while he received her support, and she surrendered the company shares her mother had given her. Brandon entered Blake Enterprises as an unknown entity, but she helped him gain control of the company.
And what had he done with it? He formed strategic partnerships with his father to shift company control toward their advantage without revealing anything to her.
Not anymore.
Brandon arrived at the party with his new girlfriend, Brielle. Madison showed no attempt to conceal her amusement.
Brandon looked uneasy. "Brielle was worried about you. She demanded to visit you to make sure you were okay.
Brielle nodded. "How are you feeling, Madison?"
Madison took a deep breath while placing her hand on her abdomen. I'm dealing with normal stomach issues, nothing unusual. Nothing new."
Brandon frowned. You took a flight during the previous night, correct? The flight intrigue bothered Brandon because you have another flight scheduled for tonight.
She nodded. "Yeah, why?"
"Just wondering."
Liar. She understood the real reason behind his inquiry.
Madison observed the pair with intense scrutiny. The two exchanged stealthy glances. There was a subtle shift in Brandon's stance. Brielle feigned a genuine concern. The couple waited for her departure because they wanted to spend time alone in the house. The house had already experienced this pattern multiple times before and would continue to do so in the future.
She forced a smile. I ought to consider spending tonight at home by myself instead. Stay home and rest."
Brandon tensed. "You... already asked for leave?"
"Mhm." She took a seat on the sofa while crossing her arms.
Brielle shifted uncomfortably. "Well... I suppose I need to start my day now.
Brandon quickly followed. "I'll walk her out."
Madison watched them go. How predictable.
Outside, Brielle pouted. I specifically said we would have an overnight stay together.
Brandon sighed. "Something came up."
"I don’t care! Figure it out!"
He hesitated. Have you detected any unusual aspects about the Empire Rose Champagne served at the Grand Manhattan Hotel? I think Madison is onto us."
Brielle scoffed. The hotel provided that champagne, which came from their establishment rather than from Madison. You maintain your feelings for her, right? Don’t lie to me, Brandon."
He softened his voice. She maintains ownership of Blake Enterprises shares. The company requires her support during the upcoming shareholders' meeting. The situation will improve if you can just wait a bit longer.
Brielle sighed dramatically. You need to obtain those shares from her immediately.
"That’s the plan. My purpose for keeping Madison close to me is that my plan depends upon it.
Brandon needed twenty minutes to eliminate Brielle from his presence. A smirk appeared on Madison's face when he returned to the building.
"Took you long enough."
Brandon sighed. "Taxis took forever."
"Sure. The wedding planning company delivered three theme options to us, : fairy tale, modern, and traditional. Which do you like best?"
"Whichever."
She glanced at his phone. The phone screen showed Brielle's messages.
Brandon forced a smile. "I mean, it’s up to you."
"But it’s our wedding. The wedding decision should make both of us content.
He paid no attention to her description of the wedding themes. His eyes showed increasing signs of annoyance.
Finally, he snapped. "Jess... My father requires my presence at his business meeting. I have to go."
Of course, he did. He made no effort to show interest for that single evening.
She rose to her feet and displayed the papers in front of him. "Fine. We should choose the fairy tale theme for the wedding.
"Whatever you want."
The representative asked him to sign the document to initiate the wedding preparations.
Brandon quickly signed the document without giving it any attention.
Madison observed him execute the document that relinquished his rights to her stock shares.
She devoted her love to him throughout multiple years while pursuing an illusion that never existed.
But it was over now.
- Writer
