Chapter 14---Save Me or Him?
684 Words
Madeline noticed the crowd growing and worried Wendy might go viral tomorrow and get roasted, so she gently tugged her arm. "It's nothing. Let's go."
Wendy scoffed at Elena Peterson before following Madeline out of the exhibition hall.
Grace Cook had been humiliated twice tonight and couldn't take it anymore. "Wendy, do you even know how scheming and gold-digging the woman beside you is? Everyone in Avenis knows she married my brother for our family's money!"
Wendy was about to explode. Madeline shot her a warning look and whispered, "Stay quiet. Wait for me here."
Then she turned and walked back to Grace. "One question, Miss Cook."
Grace glared at her with disdain. "Such a clumsy way to change the subject!"
Madeline arched an eyebrow. "How close are you to your brother?"
Grace froze. Madeline didn't wait. Calmly, she said, "If you were close, you'd know—I didn't take a single penny from your brother when we divorced."
She looked at Grace, her warm smile fading. Her almond eyes turned icy as she enunciated each word—softly, yet clearly enough for everyone around to hear.
Then she turned and walked away.
Everyone knew that although Grace and Xavier Cook shared the same parents, when Xavier was three, Heather Cook had taken a settlement from the Cook family and divorced his father. Later, she had an affair with him and gave birth to Grace and Tyler.
So there was no real sibling bond between Xavier and Grace.
With just a few light words, Madeline had cleared her name and subtly mocked Grace.
She left without a word—undeniably flawless.
"Maddie, you were incredible!" Wendy said as Madeline approached, discreetly giving her a thumbs-up.
She led Madeline to the outdoor area, nearly empty. She showered her with praise.
Just as she was about to speak again, Serena Halberg called. Wendy instantly deflated. "Sis. Serena's looking for me. The brand's backer has arrived. I've got to work the room. If you're bored, just head back!"
Besides, her mission of bringing Madeline here to humiliate someone had already succeeded. She wouldn't let the beauty sit out here alone, lonely and cold.
The brand's backer couldn't be offended. Though Wendy was a bit reckless, she knew where her priorities lay.
Waving, she lifted her dress and returned inside.
Watching her go, Madeline smiled.
Few people were out here, but drinks and snacks were available. Madeline glanced at the sun loungers by the pool, raised an eyebrow, and walked over.
She wore strappy high heels and had been standing for nearly an hour—her feet ached. With almost no one outside, it was the perfect place to rest.
Inside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the hall glowed with light. Madeline sat on a sun lounger, staring blankly at the rippling surface of the pool.
"Ms. Jenkins."
Elena Peterson had appeared silently. Madeline looked up and stood. "What is it, Miss Peterson?"
"Ms. Jenkins is truly impressive. When I sent you those photos, I thought you didn't care. I never expected you'd save such a powerful move for later."
Madeline raised an eyebrow. "So, are you here to confront me, Miss Peterson?"
"Of course not."
Elena looked at Madeline, recalling the words of Mr. Cook's secretary that day. Her smile slowly faded.
"Oh? If that's all, I'll be going." She gave a faint smile and turned toward the hall.
"Wait!"
Madeline looked down at her wrist—clutched tightly. She frowned. Her voice, when she spoke, was calm. "Something else?"
"How about a bet, Madeline?"
"A bet? What about?"
"Let's say we both fall into the water. Will Xavier Cook save you… or me?"
Madeline followed Elena's gaze and saw Xavier standing by the window, watching them.
"That's not appropriate. I'm divorced from Xavier. Miss Peterson, you don't need to treat me as your rival."
From that angle, Xavier couldn't see her expression. Elena sneered, tightened her grip, and tried to yank Madeline into the pool. "You don't get to decide, Madeline. I—ah—"
Before she could finish, Madeline lifted her leg and kicked Elena hard.
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