bChapter /bb517 /b

    Miguel’s face paled when he spotted Sean. Releasing his girlfriend’s hand, he strode forward and threw an arm around Sean’s shoulders, steering him away. “Sean, what a surprise. You should’ve called. I’d have

    picked you up.”

    Sean wasn’t having it. He drove an elbow into Miguel’s abdomen. “Cut the crap. Where’s Madeline? Hand

    her over or I’ll—”

    +15

    Miguel didn’t let him finish. Wrenching open the door, he shoved Sean inside. Turning to his bewildered girlfriend, he said, “Sorry, Candice. I need to handle something urgent. Let’s do this another time, okay? I’ll treat you to dinner. I promise.”

    Without waiting for a response, he pulled her into a passionate kiss, sessfully distracting her long enough to send her on her way.

    The moment Candice was out of sight, Miguel’s smile vanished. He wiped his face and walked into the house, already mentally cursing Madeline from wherever she had vanished.

    Inside, Sean was pacing like a caged tiger. “Your apologies mean nothing! I want Madeline. Now. Are you trying to pull a fast one on me or what?” With that, he swung his fist straight at Miguel’s face.

    Miguel took this punch square in the face. He lowered his tone even further, practically begging now, “It’s

    not like that, I swear. I’ll make sure my parents bring Madeline to you as soon as possible. Just trust me one

    more time!”

    With that, he bowed, barely stopping himself from dropping to his knees.

    Sean wasn’t ready to cool off yet. Hended two more brutal punches before pausing. “You’ve got one

    week, or you’ll regret ever crossing me.” His eyes shot daggers at Miguel, filled with raw anger.

    Miguel shuddered but kept nodding furiously, swearing up and down until he managed to get Sean out the door with a small pile iof /iexpensive gifts.

    The door mmed shut. Miguel kicked the chair in front of him with full force. His face was already bruised

    and swollen. He immediately pulled out his phone and called Grace.

    He roared, “What the hell are you doing? It’s been ages, and you still haven’t found Madeline? Do you even

    care if I get married or not?”

    Grace was taken aback by his outburst. “What happened?” she asked.

    “Sean just ambushed me, and Candice almost knew the truth. You’re ruining my life!” Miguel ranted, his voice dripping with anger.

    Grace gasped, “Did he hurt you? Your father and I are trying, but we can’t find Madeline anywhere.”

    b1/3 /b

    12:54 Mon, 1 Sept A

    ~

    8 x 57%b0 /b

    “Sean beat the shit out of me! Why aren’t you staking out herpany? Didn’t you say you tracked her

    there?” Miguel snapped.

    “We did, but they said she was fired months ago,” Grace said, frustration evident.

    “And you just believed them? They’re covering for her. Figure it out. Get Madeline to Sean now. If Candice dumps me over this, I swear I’m done!” With that final threat, Miguel hung up.

    Grace was terrified by Miguel’s threat. She immediately rushed to find Peter, phone still clutched in her trembling hands.

    After hearing what happened, Peter cursed both Sean and Madeline. He didn’t dare confront Sean, so he redirected his fury toward finding Madeline.

    “We’ll camp outside the Atkinson Group. Madeline has to show up eventually.” Peter snarled.

    Grace nodded eagerly. “Even if we don’t catch her, we can corner that CEO. He owes us. My daughter didn’t sleep with him for nothing.”

    United in their mission, they hurried to Atkinson Group, parking themselves outside like unwanted

    shadows.

    The security guard recognized them. Seeing that they weren’t causing any disturbance, he simply ignored

    them.

    The receptionist had reported their previous appearances, but after receiving instructions not to respond or engage, no one paid them any more attention. After all, Madeline had been fired. No matter how long they stayed, it wouldn’t change anything.

    Still, out of caution, the receptionist reported their presence to upper management.

    Brian was preparing dinner for Jessica when Jackson delivered the update. Without missing a beat, Brian dismissed it. “Ignore them. If they cause a scene, have security remove them.”

    His disdain for Madeline had reached its peak. He was restraining himself from taking harsher action only because he respected thew.

    Jackson wasn’t surprised by the response. He moved on to the next report. “Five more brands sent Jessica free samples today, iming it’s for holiday promotions. They reiterated they’re not asking for endorsements, just her feedback.”

    This had be routine for Atkinson Group’s receptionists. After realizing Brian and Jessica wouldn’t endorse their products, brands had pivoted—sending gifts under the guise of holiday promotions, product testing, or simply appreciation.

    12:54 Mon, 1 Sept A

    Truth be told, they hoped Jessica would use their items and spark trends. That way, they could ride the wave of her poprity without officially involving her.

    “Handle it like before,” Brian said dismissively.

    15

    “Understood.” Jackson nodded. As usual, they wouldn’t bother Jessica, just stash everything in a dedicated

    storage room.

    Recalling that half–filled space, Jackson mused that even if Atkinson Group copsed, Brian and Jessica could easily rebuild their fortune through influencer marketing alone.

    “Continue,” Brian said, multitasking between cooking and work. Though officially on leave, he still handled

    criticalpany matters.

    Jackson snapped back to focus, resuming his report.

    In the living room, Jessica reviewed Inkspire Studio’s quarterly statements. After her return from the ident, Gabri had taken over most operations to let her rest, but Jessica refused to be idle. This was their brand, and she wouldn’t let pregnancy be an excuse to ck.

    Jacob sat beside her, quietly doing homework.

    The aroma of Brian’s cooking filled the air, making Jessica’s stomach growl. She was about to ask what smelled so delicious when the doorbell rang.

    C