Chapter 202

Madeline smiled casually. “Did you see it with your own two eyes, Mrs. Montgomery? How are you so certain that Madeline Crawford is the shameless woman you claim her to be?”

“Of course, I’m certain! I watched with my own eyes how shameless and merciless Madeline Crawford is! Time and time again she hurt my precious daughter and grandson. Death is the lightest punishment for a woman like her!”

Eloise clenched her jaw, spitting out word after word that dripped with the hatred and disgust she felt for Madeline. It was almost as if death was not enough to relieve the hatred in her heart.

Seconds later, Madeline heard a mocking scoff from Eloise.

“While you may share Madeline Crawford’s appearance, Miss Vera, I do hope that you’d refrain from acting as shamelessly as that woman!”

With a condescending look, Eloise left Madeline’s side and walked back to Meredith.

The ‘mother-daughter’ duo held each other’s hands, looking closer than ever.

Madeline pursed her lips gently as she stared at the sickening sight.

‘Oh, Mother.

‘My dearest mother.

‘I wonder whatever you would do the day you find out that the very ‘shameless woman’ is your biological daughter.

‘Would you continue to believe the lies Meredith fed you and continue to call your own daughter a wretched b*tch, or… would you hold me tightly in your arms and call me ‘dear’… ‘

Madeline’s heart was suddenly overwhelmed with pain.

Her lips pulled into a self-deprecating smirk. Raising the glass to her lips again, she felt a small tug at the skirt of her gown.

“Big Sis Vera.” Jackson’s clear voice sounded in the air.

Looking down at his small handsome face, Madeline felt the wound in her heart suddenly heal a substantial amount.

“Good evening, Jack.” She reached out to ruffle Jack’s hair.

“Lillian didn’t come with you, Big Sis Vera?” Jackson blinked in expectancy.

She parted her lips to answer, but before she could, she heard Jeremy’s attractive baritone voice drift over from the stage.

Mrs. Whitman who was supposed to announce the wedding had been ushered off the stage, while Jeremy stood in her place now to give a formal opening speech.

In his tailored suit under the spotlight, Jeremy oozed with power and nobility. Charisma was flowing from every gesture he made.

A man like him was probably the subject of most women’s admiration and dreams.

Yet admiration was all it could be, for it was too easy for one to lose themselves, burned by the searing light that made him so blinding…

Madeline chuckled. She had realized it too late, and for it, she had almost given her life.

Swirling the liquid in the glass, she caught a figure from her peripheral vision. She shot Jackson a warm smile. “Big Sis Vera needs to take a trip to the bathroom, Jack. I’ll see you in a bit, okay?”

“Okay, Big Sis Vera. I’ll wait for you.” Jackson nodded seriously, his promise reminding her of the one Jeremy made her years ago.

‘He’s your son, down to the point of making promises.

‘Although, Jeremy, I must say, you have not the innocence of your child.’

Smiling, Madeline followed the figure from the corridor to the bathroom, hearing the carefree and familiar hum of a tune.

Calmly, she waited by the door. It was only when she heard footsteps approaching from inside did she slowly turn on the tap and pretend to wash her hands.

Seconds after, a man walked out of the male bathroom. Humming a tune, he walked over to the sink and began to sweep his intoxicated eyes over Madeline’s above-average physique.

His eyes squinted as they made their way up before finally settling on Madeline’s face.

The man’s eyes were blown wide the instant they made contact with Madeline’s appearance.

Staggering backward, his back knocked against the door. “I-It’s you…”