Chapter 28
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Before I could even say no, Rose was already on her way.
The spare apartment she mentioned was in the city center, just a ten–minute walk from Madden Group. It wasn’t huge, but it had everything I needed, and all the furniture and appliances were top of the line.
Rose, being the thoughtful person she was, said, “This place has been empty for a while, and I have someone come clean it every month. If you don’t mind, you can move in. The rent is out ine, but you’ll need to cover the utilities and maintenance. What do you think?”
I knew she was just trying to help, and honestly, I was desperate for a place. I didn’t hesitate and accepted her offer, silently making a note to return the favor later.
That same day. I moved out of the hotel and into the apartment.
During my time off, I spent a few days at the care home with Benedict.
On my last day. I headed to the mall to pick out a small thank–you gift for Rose. From what I’d picked up about her recently. she seemed to have a real thing for coffee.
I was browsing in a coffee cup store when someone called out behind me. “Natalia, fancy running into you!”
I turned around and saw Skylar standing there, her smirk full of malice. Beside her was another woman–Diana
What was Skylar doing with Diana?
Diana’s eyes locked on mine, and a faint, cold smile played at her lips.
I frowned, unease creeping in
“Natalia, Mom and Dad are heartbroken at home over you, and here you are shopping?” Skylar snapped, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She’d dropped her usual sweet act, the one she reserved for our parents.
It was obvious they were here to cause trouble.
“Well, if they’re so heartbroken, shouldn’t their perfect little daughter be at home comforting them?” I shot back with a cold
smile.
Skylar was left speechless by my retort. Beside her, Diana shot her a subtle look. Skylar caught on immediately, giving a
small nod.
By the time I realized something was up, it was too late. Skylar showed me hard
I wasn’t ready for it. I stumbled backward, losing my balance, and crashed into a display case.
A loud smash filled the store as the display shattered. Expensive coffee cups scattered across the flour, breaking into pieces.
The manager came rushing out, grabbed my arm, and wouldn’t let me go. “Do you have any idea what you just did? That display case was filled with rare, one–of–a–kind pieces!” he shouted, then turned to an employee. “Call the police!”
Skylar, smug and arrogant, sneered at them. “What’s wrong with your eyes? My sister is–well, was–Mrs. Madden of the famous Madden family. They’re divorced now, sure, but she walked away with a fat chunk of their fortune. Even if she smashed up your little store, she can afford to pay for it!”
Diana glared at me with a smug look before feigning concern. She gently pulled Skylar back, pretending to scold her for going too far, and the two of them left the scene.
Chapter 28
I was furious, seething as I realized how clueless Skylar was–just a pawn in Diana’s little game.
The store called the police, and the damage was tallied up at a jaw–dropping 250,000 dollars. I couldn’t pay it, so I was taken
to the station.
Two hours later, the officer handling my case approached me, “Your husband has paid the damages. You’re free to go.
Outside the station, Finn was already waiting. He opened the car door for me and gestured for me to get in. “Mrs. Madden, Mr. Madden would like to see you” he said curtly before starting the car without delay.
I assumed we were heading to the office, but to my surprise, the car pulled into Quinn’s estate instead.
Quinn was sitting on the couch when I walked in, his eyes dark and unreadable.
I bit my lip, quietly saying. Thank you. I’ll pay you back for the money..
“Take a look at this, he interrupted, tossing a tablet at me.
The screen displayed a stock trading board. In just a couple of hours that afternoon, Madden Group’s stock price had dropped by 10%
What happened?” I asked, stunned.
Quinn narrowed his eyes, his face turning dark. He sneered, “Isn’t it all thanks to your sweet little sister?”
My stomach dropped, and I quickly pulled out my phone to check the news. The headline on the front page was about me and Quinn secretly divorcing,
As the head of a publicly traded company, any hint of scandal–no matter how small–could send the stock price into a nosedive.
But it wasn’t entirely my fault
I swallowed the bitterness and looked up. “Thanks to my sister. I said. “But surely your girlfriend played a part, Mr. Madden?
Quinn wasn’t blind. I knew he could see that Skylar had been manipulated by Diana. He just wasn’t willing to admit it. He had always let Diana get away with anything.
The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. Without thinking I snapped, “Anyway, we’re already divorced. The news will come out sooner or later. Why not just let it happen now? Madden Group’s PR team is great at handling these things. They can spin a story, put out a press release, and by tomorrow, everyone will be praising how smoothly you handled the divorce.”
“Natalia, is this your solution?” Quinn stood up, his face hardening, his mood darkening instantly,
His brow furrowed, and I felt a chill run through the room. I instinctively took a step back, expecting him to snap like before. That suffocating moment from last time had left a mark, and my body reacted before I could stop it.
Quinn’s dark eyes flickered as he studied me, but he didn’t move toward me like he usually did.
After a brief silence, he spoke coldly. “The day after tomorrow, you’re coming with me to a charity gala.”
“Me? In what role asked, instinctively wondering if he meant as his employee.
“My wife Quinn replied, frowning in slight irritation. “We’re not announcing the divorce just yet.”
“Why?” I asked, genuinely puzzled Was he really that concerned Was it just about Madden Croup’s stock?
“When and how we make it public is up to me, not you,” he said, his tone sharp and dismissive. “As a confidentiality fee. I’l
22:38 Thu, Dec 12
Chapter 28
give you ä mullion dollars.
I blinked, momentarily stunned by the offer. 3 million would cover the debt I owed to my foster parents.
“Deal,” I said, agreeing without hesitation.
“Anything else?” I asked flatly. If not, I’m leaving”
I turned to leave, but Quim stopped me, his voice low and commanding. “You’re staying here for now.”
With the media frenzy at its peak, there were probably reporters lurking around the villa. If they found out we were separated, the divorce rumors would be completely confirmed.
For 3 million dollars, I could endure a little inconvenience.
Later that night. I tried to head for the guest room, but Quinn blocked me again. His voice, as usual, was firm and commanding. ‘Sleep in the master bedroom?
“Are the reporters really going to break into the villa?” I asked, confused.
“Finn will pick me up tomorrow morning,” he replied seriously, without a hint of humor.
1 paused. “Finn will only wait in the living room. He won’t barge into the bedroom…
Quinn paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing. “What if he does?” he said coldly.
SEND GIFT
