Chapter 4---Don't Ever Mention Him Again
1013 Words
"Ms. Jenkins."
Hudson still found the new title jarring and had nearly slipped up more than once.
At the sound of her name, Madeline forcefully pulled away the arm draped over her head. As she lifted her face from Xavier's embrace, she spotted Hudson—Mr. Cook's secretary—somehow squeezed into the heart of the commotion.
"Secretary Hudson, what is it?"
A shove from a reporter sent Hudson stumbling. He barely regained his balance, standing awkwardly for a few seconds. "Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Cook would like a word."
At his words, Madeline arched an eyebrow, her gaze sliding past Hudson toward the black sedan ten meters away.
Tinted windows obscured the interior, but she could feel eyes on her.
A faint smirk tugged at her lips. "Tell your Mr. Cook this: for appearances' sake, it's best we act as strangers from now on."
Surrounded by reporters firing questions, Xavier, wary of his fans, tugged her gently. "Let's get in."
Madeline had nothing more to say. She nodded and let Xavier guide her into the car.
Just as she clicked her seatbelt, a wave of fans surged forward—pure chaos. She was grateful she'd made it inside; otherwise, she might've been torn apart by his fangirls.
The Maserati merged into traffic, leaving the chasing reporters and fans behind.
"Sis. Jenkins, you okay?"
She shot him a look. "You're spending too much time with Wendy."
She'd expected a surprise—instead, she got this circus.
Now she'd be splashed across the internet as Xavier's rumored lover. The thought gave her a headache.
Xavier raised an eyebrow. "I think Sis. Wendy's idea was brilliant."
Madeline laughed dryly. "Has she corrupted you that much?"
"Don't blame me. I just hate seeing you mistreated. No one gets to do that—not even Mr. Cook."
At a red light, Xavier turned to her, his expression sincere. "Promise."
A warmth bloomed in her chest. She smiled. "Don't worry. No one's pushing me around anymore."
What could the Cooks do?
She'd let them walk over her only because she'd foolishly believed one day, Mr. Cook might come to her with his heart in hand.
Now she saw through it. She wouldn't let them step on her again.
Hudson watched the blue Maserati vanish into traffic before snapping back to reality. The reporters who'd swarmed him moments ago had stampeded after the main event.
He stood there, glancing at the distant black sedan, unsure how to face Mr. Cook.
"Mr. Cook."
Back in the car, Hudson met Mr. Cook's gaze. "Ms. Jenkins declined to come."
Mr. Cook's face was stone. "I saw."
He'd watched from inside as Madeline climbed into the celebrity's car.
Hudson hesitated. "She asked me to relay a message."
Mr. Cook's expression softened slightly. "And?"
At least she wasn't completely dismissive.
"Ms. Jenkins said: for appearances' sake, it's best you treat her as a stranger from now on."
Mr. Cook's face darkened. A cold laugh escaped him. "Fine. Never mention her to me again."
"Yes, Mr. Cook."
Hudson replied, careful not to add a word.
After years with Mr. Cook, he could feel the storm brewing.
"Drive."
The command jolted the driver, who fumbled an apology.
Mr. Cook said nothing, his gaze fixed on the lingering crowd outside.
The Maserati parked in the last free spot. Madeline glanced out. "Another of Wendy's masterpieces?"
Xavier unbuckled, turning with a smile so innocent it was suspicious. "Sis. Wendy just cares."
That smile—bright as spring sunshine—was impossible to resist. "Xavier, don't push it. I just got divorced, and you're already giving me that 'come hither' look. Do you think I'm too old for young love, or afraid to date someone so close by?"
Xavier clicked his tongue. "Sis. Jenkins, if you want this piece of grass, I'll wash up and lie on your bed myself."
"..."
I surrender, I surrender.
They stepped out and walked into the building.
Nimbus Entertainment had existed for only five years, yet in the past two, it had launched several top young stars.
Xavier was one.
Wendy had just wrapped a film last month and was in downtime—bored. The moment Madeline escaped her marriage, Wendy pounced.
Madeline rarely visited. Most staff didn't know she was the real power behind the company. But seeing Xavier escort her, every employee they passed greeted them with respect.
They reached Wendy's office. Xavier paused. "Sis. Jenkins, she's waiting. I'll have food sent up."
Madeline gave him a look. "So bold when causing trouble, but now you're fleeing accountability?"
They'd staged this circus for her. Now, staying out of the spotlight would be impossible.
Xavier grinned, pushing the door open. "The mastermind stands revealed—Sis. Wendy."
Madeline smirked. "Go rest. It's your day off. The company won't hand you a 'Worker of the Month' award."
"As long as you're not mad."
With that, Xavier wisely retreated.
Madeline closed the door and walked in. Rounding the corner, she found Wendy sprawled on the sofa in her signature lazy pose. "Do your fans know you sit like a movie star on vacation?"
Wendy ignored the jab, waving her tablet. "Maddie, come quick—you're trending!"
"Trending because of your stunt?"
Wendy yanked her down. "Look! How do the headlines feel? Let's see who dares call you desperate now!"
She shoved the tablet at her. "Relax—I've got it all planned. Today it's Xavier. Once Hayden Loxley returns from his ad shoot, he's next!"
Still reeling from being labeled "Xavier's longtime secret crush," Madeline was momentarily speechless.
But Wendy wasn't done. She believed Madeline had suffered enough under the Cooks. Now free, it was time to rise—and slap back everyone who'd mocked her.
"Of course, now that you're divorced, a single queen celebration is mandatory! I've booked The Noctis Club—full takeover—to showcase Maddie's glamorous, high-society aura!"
"...Are you paying?"
Wendy's smile froze. "Well, if I pay, it won't feel sincere!"
Madeline snorted. "No money? Then don't play rich."
"I don't have money—you do!"
"..."
Terrible friend.
- Writer
