Chapter 322
Before going to bed that night, Madeline made a trip to Caleb’s study.
Seeing him busy with paperwork, she knocked on the door and asked, “Caleb, can I interrupt you for a moment?”
“Come in, Caleb replied, glancing up at her with a stern look. “Have a seat.”
He put down his pen, his eyes dark as the night and piercing.
Madeline sat down on the chair, blinking at Caleb,
She said. Tve been abroad for two months, and during that time, the Williams family probably didn’t just sit idly by. They made such a big fuss before, determined to come after me, even joining forces with several powerful families. They’ve put you all in a difficult position with their formidable power…”
Madeline paused. “So, what’s the situation now? Gavvy hasn’t told me anything about what’s going o
two months.”
back home for the past
The alliance of several powerful families was no small matter, and their combined strength could shake half of Clusia. Given their deep–seated enmity, their efforts must have been fierce.
Madeline’s brothers had arranged for Gavin to take her abroad, partly to ensure her safety and partly to avoid her becoming burden to them, given that their attention might falter if things went wrong.
With her out of the country, their operations would be smoother.
But that meant she was left completely in the dark.
“If we had lost, you wouldn’t be here talking to me now,” Caleb said, his gaze cold. He tapped the desk twice with his fingers. “The Williams family did retaliate against us once and lost quite thoroughly. So their so–called alliance has collapsed. But since they have the backing of the Martial Arts Alliance, completely eradicate them.”
Caleb interlaced his fingers on the table and said casually. “The Williams family surely still resents us, but it will be hard for them to strike back in the near future. With this defeat, they should now realize the disparity in our strength.”
Leaning back in his black leather chair, Caleb looked a bit arrogant. He wasn’t boasting; the Phantom Organization was a formidable force, unmatched by the Williams family and its temporary allies.
Its members were all professionals, much better at being hunters. If anyone wanted to try and crush them, they were welcome to try and see who the real prey was.
your Caleb’s expression softened slightly, and he gave a slight smile. Tve always said that with me around, I would ensure you safety
“I know you’re someone who keeps your promises. Madeline sighed with relief and smiled. “At least for now, I can be at ease. I’m sorry that the conflicts between me and the Williams family have caused you so much trouble.” Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“It’s their fault for messing with you. Since they crossed the line, there was no reason to tolerate it,” Caleb said with a smirk. “It’s not your fault, you’re innocent. Some people, after living in comfort for too long, start to find their lives too easy and end up seeking out their own downfall.”
Madeline pressed her lips together, recognizing from Caleb’s demeanor and words that the matter was no longer a major issue
for them.
The heavy burden in her heart was lifted.
“You can go back to your work. I’ll head back to rest,” Madeline said.
Caleb nodded. “Get some rest. You’ve lost a lot of weight and need to recuperate.”
Madeline left the study and went straight to bed. The calming medication from Nolan worked wonders; she slept deeply and peacefully through the night without any dreams and woke up at ten the next morning, feeling refreshed and full of energy
11:11 AM &
Sunlight streamed into the room through the window. It was spring, and the trees outside were budding with vibrant green
shoots, full of life.
After a shower, Madeline opened her laptop and accessed the draft outline she had prepared.
Before school started, she had already previewed all her textbooks and completed the draft of her paper.
Although Gavin’s work was unrelated to her major, his extensive experience in publishing papers had been a great help.
Since Madeline would need to take time off for filming and other activities, she thought being well–prepared and on track with her studies would prevent any issues with her teachers.
At that moment, she murmured to herself, “I need to start refining the draft. I aim to get it published in the first half of the
year…
After a few days of rest, Madeline went outside and unexpectedly ran into some familiar faces.
While she was reading the menu in a coffee house, someone took a seat beside her.
She turned her head and saw a pretty face with a slightly ingratiating smile–it was Vanessa.
“Are you here for a drink too? What a coincidence. I didn’t expect to run into you here. I didn’t know you were back. When did you return?” Vanessa asked, her smile a bit stiff.
Now she was terrified to her very core of Madeline. If not for her grandmother’s order, she would rather face anything else than deal with Madeline,
She awkwardly rubbed her hands together and said, “I also ordered a drink. It’s a bit cold, so something warm makes me feel. better.
Madeline gave her a casual glance and stayed silent.
Vanessa had expected this situation. She cleared her throat and said, “You weren’t in Japrium during the New Year. We were planning a family reunion, but unfortunately, you weren’t here.
“The elders have prepared valuable gifts for you, I brought them with me today. See, everyone still thinks of you and considers you part of the family.”
“Didn’t you come here for a drink? And you brought these gifts with you?” Madeline interrupted impatiently. “If you have something to say, just say it. I don’t like beating around the bush with people I’m not close with.”
Vanessa was co
completely at ease and smiled brightly despite the cold shoulder. She said. “It’s just that the family misses you and wants to know when you’re available to come home for a meal. During the New Year, the company’s dividends are distributed. Only your share hasn’t been collected yet.
“Actually, giving the money to your parents could work too, but Grandma insisted that since it was meant for you, it should be given to you personally to avoid it being spent by someone else. After all, it’s quite a substantial amount.”
Madeline responded, “You can keep it for yourselves. I don’t need it.”
“Maddie, I know you’re unhappy with us, but we haven’t colluded with the Williams family. For your sake, we even offended them, Vanessa said with a furrowed brow. “We genuinely hope you’ll come home with us.
“Look, my parents are waiting outside for you. They came specifically to pick you up. They were afraid that you wouldn’t want to talk to them, so they asked me to come in first.
smiles.
Madeline glanced outside and sure enough, saw Conner and his wife. When they met her gaze, they gave warm, reassuring
Madeline snorted, “Aren’t you resentful of me?”
“Resentful? Why would I be?” asked Vanessa
“Your best friend wouldn’t have died if she hadn’t offended me,” said Madeline.
11:11 AM ·
Vanessa’s smile froze, and she shivered as she thought of Monica.