Chapter 20

Chapter 20:

Waylon’s tone was tinged with protectiveness. After all, he had just been reunited with his sister, and the last thing he wanted was for her to be taken away by another man. Madisyn hesitated briefly, catching Waylon’s attention, prompting an increase in his watchfulness. She glanced at Andrew, who gave a reassuring nod, and she confessed, “I’m having lunch with Andrew.”

“How did that come about?” Waylon asked.

“We bumped into each other on the street, and he invited me to join him,” Madisyn explained.

Waylon’s anxiety eased slightly with this information. Andrew was reliable and honorable—a far safer company for Madisyn than most. Considering his ongoing film shoot would keep him occupied for a while, Waylon recognized the importance of Madisyn having someone trustworthy by her side. Pondering this, Waylon suggested, “You should hang out more with Andrew. If you need anything and I can’t be there, he’s the one you should turn to.”

“Okay,” Madisyn replied.

After a bit more casual conversation, Waylon ended the call to return to his filming duties. Simultaneously, Andrew’s phone vibrated with a new message from Waylon. “Keep an eye on my sister. Make sure no other guys mess around near her!” Andrew promptly responded, “Absolutely!”

Waylon’s reply came quick. “You’re a true friend. You know what? I owe you a dinner when I’m back.”

As Madisyn savored her meal, a strand of her long hair slipped from behind her ear. She reached up to tuck it back but was met by Andrew’s hand gently helping her. After assisting her, he signaled for a waiter and requested a hair tie for her.

“Thank you very much!” Madisyn expressed her gratitude as she secured her hair with the hair tie.

The meal left Madisyn feeling fully content, and upon finishing, Andrew had the leftovers neatly packaged. He handed her a card, saying, “Next time you’re here, use this card so you can dine in this room.”

Grateful for the gesture and the promise of more delightful meals, Madisyn said, “Thanks!”

“Where are you headed next?” Andrew inquired.

Madisyn pondered for a moment before responding, “To meet with my friend.”

Andrew then dropped her off at Susan’s workplace before proceeding to the Gemond branch office of his company.

“Back so soon?” his close friend remarked, surprised by the items in his hands. “Did you bring me some food?”

“Yeah,” Andrew responded simply.

“I knew you cared about me,” his friend said, delighted by the unexpected treat, yet overwhelmed by the quantity. “Whoa! This is too much. How am I going to finish it all?”

Andrew brushed off the comment and said instead, “Make arrangements to open a shelter for stray dogs.”

“Huh?” His friend looked puzzled. “Why start that now? Haven’t you done enough charity work already?”

“Just make it happen,” Andrew replied, his tone resolute.

Okay… Although perplexed by the request, Andrew’s friend acquiesced.

Meanwhile, Madisyn spent a pleasant afternoon with Susan, followed by dinner, before returning to the grandeur of the Johns family’s residence. Upon her arrival, she was warmly greeted by Elaine, who took her hand with evident joy. “Madisyn, you’re back.”

Glenn was home too, giving Madisyn a welcoming look. “Madisyn, we’re setting a date for your welcome banquet. Any preferences on your end?”

“No preferences. I’ll go along with your arrangements,” Madisyn murmured softly.

“Alright then!” Glenn nodded before Elaine, with a soft smile, asked, “Did you enjoy your day?”

Madisyn shared her day candidly, soaking in the cozy atmosphere of the living room.

Upstairs, Kristine watched quietly from the hallway. After some light conversation downstairs, Madisyn ascended the stairs, meeting Kristine’s initially chilly look that quickly warmed into a smile. “Madisyn, you’re back,” she said.

“Yeah,” Madisyn replied, keeping the exchange short as Kristine went downstairs.

Approaching Glenn and Elaine, Kristine inquired, “Mom, Dad, I’m planning to watch the dance competition the day after tomorrow. Would you like to join me?”

“I have to work, Kristine, so I won’t be able to,” Glenn regretfully informed her.

“And I already have plans with a friend that day,” Elaine said. “If I’d known sooner, perhaps…”

Kristine acknowledged with a nod and a gracious smile, “Okay, no worries.” As she turned away, her fingers subtly tightened into a fist, betraying her disappointment before she headed off to practice dancing. Kristine felt a pressing need to better herself swiftly.

While Kristine was immersed in her dance practice, she noticed a figure at the doorway. “Auntie,” she said, pausing her movements.

Lynda observed her with concern. “Why are you practicing at such a late hour?”

“Well, now that Madisyn is back, I need to step up. I can’t become a burden to the family,” Kristine replied, her eyes reddening, giving the appearance of someone who had suffered greatly.

Lynda’s expression softened. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Madisyn… I feel she doesn’t like me. And even Mom and Dad seem different,” Kristine confessed, her voice shaky. “I’m starting to wonder if I should just move out.”

“But your parents have always adored you. Why would they change just because Madisyn is back?” Lynda questioned, her brow furrowed.

Kristine sighed, “I don’t know. Today, after Madisyn returned from her outing, she chatted with Mom and Dad in the living room. When I walked in, it felt like they didn’t want to include me. I invited Dad and Mom to watch the dance competition with me, but they both said they were busy.”

Lynda’s view of Madisyn shifted, her tone turning a bit bitter. “Madisyn must be trying to get their attention since she’s insecure after returning. But to push you aside? That speaks poorly of her character. Kristine, don’t let this get to you. You are worth so much more. Just focus on your own path. I’ve already discussed with everyone about applying for the position of planning director for you. Your talents make you a perfect fit.”

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