Chapter 157
Madison spoke with an unyielding frankness.
“I have never considered Joe’s crowd to be shady. Why anyone wouldbel a group as unsavory?
What does that have to do with the innocents? Why did Sally end up in such a ce if it’s as corrupt as
he ims? He must believe he can shield Sally. But does he think he’s her savior? Does Sally even
need to seek anyone’s approval? Yet, he’s unaware that his betrothed has already been ensnared by a
trap. He appears to have a solid backup, wanting to have his cake and eat it too! Madison thought.
As soon as she thought of some photos she had seen before, Madison felt disgusted, and Leo also
looked unpleasant.
But Madison also knew that not everyone was like Sally.
In his brother’s circle, these troubles would never-arise. And his sister, nche, would never be like
Sally.
Her sister, nche, had already had a difficult time in the Malone family, but she had not given up on
some bottom lines because of her difficult life. Even if she was criticized by the entire inte, she
silently endured those insults that did not belong
to her.
Fortunately, there were always more good things in this world.
Post-storm, nche seemed to be finding her stride, slowly but surely improving her
lot.
As for these troubles, there was no need to worry about them.
Madison didn’t want to continue talking with Leo, she held Joe’s hand and shook it, saying, “I’m hungry,
let’s go to eat.”
Joe felt the fatigue creeping in as well.
Men understood each other’s thoughts the best. Leo couldn’t really figure out what he was doing or if it
was because of other thoughts, but he understood it clearly.
Yet Madison wasn’t curious about Leo’s denial, despite the obvious situation with his sister. All Madison
wanted was to extricate his family’s Jessica from this mess.
This desire had prompted Madison to insist on an early departure from the Rose Garden, not
anticipating the cascade of events it would trigger.
He unwittingly entangled himself in the web he’d spun.
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Joe mulled over whether Madison’s actions were intentional.
However, he wouldn’t dwell on what seemed an inevitable oue.
Both of them hurried to have a meal, showing no interest in the person behind them, Leo. However, it
seemed that Leo was unwilling to give up.
Leo’s stride was quick, intercepting them once more, blocking their path with his imposing frame.
Leo fixed his gaze on Madison, ignoring Joe’s irritation. “If you want to cherish another, that’s your
prerogative. But is Madison truly worth the trouble?*
Joe’s simmering frustration boiled over. “Speak inly, kid. Who’s unworthy?”
“Why am I not worth it? I am handsome, wealthy, and have a good physique. I also know how to take
care of my wife. Take a look at how sessful my future wife has be in mypany now. And
how about Leo, who kicked his ex-wife out of the country and divorced her, but now doesn’t care about
his current fiancée? He’s starting to show concern for his ex-wife. What a sc umbag. Joe thought.
Leo faced Joe squarely, his voice edged with contempt. “If you truly care for Madison, how could you
stand by and let her tears fall? Don’t you see her grief?”
Joe’s frustration boiled over, but Leo’s rebuke was directed at Madison. “And you, a single rose is
enough to win you over. Have you no self-respect? It’s because my family, the Palmer family, didn’t
expose you to enough things that all it takes is a bouquet for you to chase after someone. Is this how
you pursue men, Madison?”
Madison was momentarily taken aback, pondering Leo’s insinuation.
‘In other words, when I was crying over there not long ago, did Leo see it all? Really?’ Madison
thought.
Madison couldn’t even bear to imagine her at her most vulnerable, recalling her tears. and the trace of
a sniffle.
She assumed Leo had only caught a glimpse, not the full spectacle of her breakdown.
After all, looking at the appearance of Leo, if he was enough, he should have already seen and heard
about her rtionship with Joe. But the current situation indicated that he probably saw everything but
didn’t hear anything. Due to the distance, he probably didn’t see the ugly scene.
However, when Madison thought of the possibility of being seen, she still felt angry. She widened her
eyes and red at Leo.
“What’s the harm if I’m won over by a bouquet? I find it charming. Besides, any future
07:19 Fri, 2 Feb BR.
rtionship is bound to be an upgrade from my first marriage.” Madison said.
The first marriage. Leo’s mind raced at that term, thinking of himself instinctively.
She’d been smitten with him since her youth, a tender memory from her past.
Somehow, she didn’t seem as forlorn as before, considering her words.
But the full implication of Madison’s statement hit Leo hard, casting a shadow over his spirits.
‘Could she possibly outshine me in her future endeavors? And where does that leave mepared to
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Joe?’ Leo thought.
Just as he was about to question Madison, a voice suddenly came from beside them, breaking their
confrontation.
“Why does everyone gather here when I’m away? Cullen made an unexpected. entrance, focusing on
Madison before turning his scrutiny to Leo. “You’re all not here for Jessica, are you? Didn’t you say she
wasn’t your concern?”
In the car, Cullen had glimpsed the tension between Madison and Joe. He’d intended to offer his
support to Madison, but instead, he saw her rush into another’s embrace.
It was clear to Cullen that they were just entangled in a lovers’ spat.
Breakups weremonce among the youth, and Cullen wasn’t in the mood for revelry. He had his
concerns.
Cullen, thoroughly captivated by Madison’s enchanting allure and her fiery, spirited. nature, found
himself deeply drawn to her. However, he was not the type to pursue his desires with relentless
determination, preferring a more measured and thoughtful approach in matters of the heart.
There were plenty of beautiful women in the world, and he was willing to give up the entire forest for a
tree, but unfortunately, he did not possess the qualities of that tree, so there was no need to hang
himself on it.
Cullen swiftly moved past it.
After greeting Leo, Cullen’s gaze fell on Joe again.
At Opal Heights Bar, nobody gave a second thought to Madison. Now, upon closer. inspection, she
didn’t seem too shabby, akin to a rose among thorns.
Although Joe was not as good-looking as him, he was still pretty decent and matched. well with
Madison.
Cullen extended a weing hand to Jow. “You must be Mr. Daves from XR Entertainment, right? I’ve
heard quite a bit about you.”
Joe was well aware of Cullen’s reputation and couldn’t help but be impressed.
Not only was given a shoulder throw in Opal Heights Bar by Madison, but he also had a nickname for
Jessica.
The Daves family’s private affairs were not for public consumption, yet here they were, exposed to an
outsider. It was a bitter pill to swallow,
Leo couldn’t hide his displeasure upon Cullen’s untimely arrival, shooting him a frosty look.
“It turns out that Mr. Palmer didn’t intend to care about my Jessica at first. Why did he secretlye to
look for my Jessica when his good friend went to the washroom? Is it something shameful?” Joe asked.
Leo felt that Cullen had appeared at the wrong time. He nced at him coldly.
Cullen met Joe’s queries with a dismissive shrug, his words sharp. “Seems like my buddy’s got a screw
loose. Save your breath, Mr. Daves, no point in arguing with him.”
Joe’s expression shifted to one of surprise at Cullen’s blunt remark, not having anticipated such a direct
jab.
The pieces started to fall into ce for Joe, understanding now why Madison chose to apany
Cullen, knowing full well he was Leo’s friend.
Joe found this development rather intriguing.