Chapter 49


    Chapter 0049


    Fresh off a divorce and already the target of a corporate president’s courtship?


    Isn’t that kind of fantasy best left to the pages of a novel?


    Madison was at a loss for words, unable to respond in the heat of the moment. Thankfully, Ethan,


    ever the empathetic man, didn’t press her for an answer. He was simply conveying his feelings, and


    he knew she understood.


    Their car was parked on the street, with other vehicles keeping a respectful distance-not due to


    anything, except for the astronomical repair costs if they so much as scratched Ethan’s expensive


    ride.


    As they crossed the intersection, Ethan said, “I’m taking you home.”


    Those four words wereden with an indescribable promise.


    Madison didn’t overthink it. Once the car stopped, she prepared


    enter the mansion.


    No sooner had she stepped inside, than a series of handheld fireworks burst into life, showering her


    with a cascade of sparks and


    confetti.


    Stunned, she watched familiar faces emerge.


    Michael and William, and… Jessica.


    It had been years since she’d seen Jessica, who had changed quite a


    bit.


    She didn’t particrly resemble Ethan, except for their shared tall


    stature.


    1/0


    Jessica, nearly Madison’s height, exhibited a sereneposure, whereas Madison was the


    embodiment of vivacity and cheer.


    Jessica’s greeting was loud and enthusiastic as she hugged the dazed Madison, “My goddess,


    congrattions on your joyful divorce!”


    She’d heard about Madison’s situation from her big brother but had never pried.


    Personal matters should stay private, and anyway, it’s not usually a cheerful topic, so it’s best left


    alone.


    But from today, no more need for secrecy!


    Stunned, Madison asked, “Jessica, you’re back? Didn’t you say…


    “Surprise! Are you surprised or what?” Jessica cradled her face.


    “Surprised.”


    As emotions welled up, Madison finally hugged Jessica back.


    They met at the flight academy, enduring the toughest times together. Even though their paths


    diverged, they never cut ties.


    And now, they reconnected in such an extraordinary way. Mad was both surprised and grateful.


    Jessica pulled Madison inside, “I’ve been waiting here for Happy to be single again, right?”


    you.


    Any lingering gloom instantly dissipated, and Madison nodded with a smile, “Happy.”


    “By the way, big bro, can I fly with Madison’s air…” Jessica blurted out before realizing her slip-up,


    but it was already toote..


    Ethan’s gaze settled pensively upon her.


    Madison’s eyes moved back and forth between Jessica and Ethan.


    2/0


    +25 BONUS


    Big brother?


    The cigarette Ethan was holding seemed to tremble like Jessica under scrutiny.


    He pinched it lightly, and it broke.


    Jessica inhaled deeply, “Um…”


    “Are you siblings?” Madison asked first.


    Jessica had mentioned being ‘particrly acquainted’ with someone from Mukino International, and


    they both shared thest name Jiang.


    Ethan knew he couldn’t hide it any longer, and frankly admitted, “Yes, she’s my sister.”


    As he confessed, the living room fell silent.


    They expected Madison to be upset.


    After all, keeping this from her could suggest ack of trust.


    To their surprise, Madison turned to Jessica, “Why did you pret to be poor when you were at


    school?”


    Jessica: “…”


    Aren’t you supposed to be questioning my brother???


    Goddess, why are you asking me?!


    Ethan hadn’t expected that, but seeing his sister’s expression, he


    exined, “She was afraid of being targeted for her wealth, so she kept it a secret.”


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Madison nodded in understanding.


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at herck of further questions.


    The lunch table was alreadyden with a bountiful spread.


    3/6


    +25 BONUS


    Madison sat next to Jessica, with Ethan naturally pairing up with Michael, and William sat alone.


    At the table, Jessica chatted nonstop, filling Madison in on the recent years. Madison listened


    intently,ughing and nodding along.


    Jessica coaxed her into drinking too.


    The three men frowned as the two women downed ss after ss.


    “Howe I didn’t know you could drink like this?” Ethan frowned.


    Jessica’s cheeks flushed, “I’m a product of the flight academy! Did you know we had alcohol


    tolerance tests? If you didn’t have a good capacity, you had to build it up! It’s to ensure nobody’s


    incapacitated by a single drink in case of emergencies.”


    So Madison can hold her liquor too?


    More than just that!


    Jessica was tipsy, yet Madison, seated beside her, remained asposed as when she first sat


    down, resting her chin in her always appearing deeply engaged in the conversation.


    Madison excused herself to the restroom midway.


    With Jessica slightly inebriated, her speech became disjointed, “Le me tell you, don’t underestimate


    my goddess. She looks gentle and reserved, but she’s fearless. All of youbined couldn’t


    outdrink her! Hic…”


    The men she pointed at didn’t respond but exchanged knowing nces.


    Jessica probably wasn’t boasting about the drinking.


    As for the other ims, well, that remained to be seen.


    The group enjoyed a rxed meal, but all the while, Madison felt an


    intense gaze fixed on her. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t escape it.


    She even covered her face with her hand, but still, she couldn’t block that persistent stare.


    Finally, a tipsy Jessica challenged Michael and William to a game of poker, and the two employees


    couldn’t possibly decline their boss’s daughter.


    Madison wasn’t immune to the alcohol, but she hadn’t reached the point of babble. She was bold


    enough now to lean against the sofa arm, her long legs d in jeans, elegantly crossed, and her


    hand cupped around her chin as she watched Jessica’s cards from afar.


    Pilots never had poor eyesight; even from three meters away, she saw Jessica’s hand clearly.


    At that moment, someone sat down beside her.


    A cup of clear tea followed, its steam curling up into her gaze, apanied by a hand with distinct


    knuckles.


    But the hand was marred.


    Across the second joint of the ring finger was a scar, not de


    noticeable.


    Madison epted the cup, “Thank you, President Grant.”


    She’d reverted to calling him President Grant.


    Ethan noted the change.


    He tilted his head slightly, the smile on his face not fading.


    Seizing a quiet moment from the boisterous card game, Ethan asked, “Are you angry?”


    Madison met his gaze, “Why would I be angry?”


    -5/6


    +25 BONUS


    “You’re angry with me,” Ethan stated with certainty


    Madison smiled but remained silent, holding her tea as she ascended the stairs.


    Watching her leave, Ethan furrowed his brow, trailing her to the second floor.


    They reached the second floor, and just as Madison set the hot tea on a nearby cab, Ethan


    followed suit.


    He intended to rify things, but suddenly felt himself being pushed against the wall.


    This version of Madison was starkly different; even the light in her eyes was dark and perilous.


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