Chapter 52

Madison stopped just as her knee hit Alison’s abdomen.

Alison was pale with fright and pressed against the wall, trembling uncontrollably.

A trace of disdain appeared in Madison’s eyes. Typically, when a pregnant woman faced harm, she would instinctively protect her child. However, Alison did not. It seemed she was selfish, only treating the child as a tool.

Alison, realizing Madison hadn’t intended to harm her, covered her abdomen. Her reaction was both embarrassing and infuriating. “Madison, you are truly malicious. You’ve been Mrs. Preston for three years, yet couldn’t bear a child. And now you’re attempting to harm the child Neville and I are expecting!”

Madison raised an eyebrow and said, “How long have you been pregnant?”

Alison bit her lips and said, “Three months.”

Madison chuckled. “Three months ago, Neville and I hadn’t got a divorce. This child is evidence of Neville’s infidelity, proving that you’re a homewrecker. I could sue in court, demand a property division from Neville, and- you would become the target of public criticism. Your unborn child would naturally be labeled as illegitimate. So, what makes you so arrogant?”

Hearing that Madison wanted to take the property, Alison said through her clenched teeth, “You’re dreaming!!

Despite Madison’s beautiful smile, her eyes held a chilling edge. “This only benefits me. Moreover, it will and Neville in the limelight, facing public condemnation. Why not do it?”

put you Alison trembled. According to her original plan, after the competition, she would use the media to stir up rumors, revealing her relationship with Neville. If Madison acted out like this, she and Neville would end up with tarnished reputations.

Trying to salvage the situation, Alison gently clasped Madison’s wrist. “Madison, you loved Neville, right? You wouldn’t ruin him. Besides, you and Neville can part on good terms, can’t you?”

Madison coldly flung her hand away. “What dealings you and Neville have are no longer my concern. I warned you before. If you want to marry into the Preston family with dignity, behave yourself.”

Madison walked away like a proud queen, leaving Alison dissatisfied.

T Despite being in a winning position and attempting to use stolen glory to suppress Madison, Alison ended up humiliated.

For some reason, a hint of jealousy arose in Alison towards Madison. When she realized this, she chuckled.

Perhaps she lost grace just because she was too angry. Alison didn’t think she should envy a woman with no power, no influence, and no ability.

The only thing worth mentioning might be Madison’s face. However, that face would only attract scorn from women, and men would see her as just a plaything. A man of status would never marry eye candy.

The competition was about to begin. Ross, watching Madison calmly adjust her black velvet, was feeling anxious. “Shall we just concede? Losing is not embarrassing.”

Even if Alison won, the glory didn’t belong to her. The four sets of wedding dresses were crafted by Madison.

Madison said lightly, “From childhood to now, I’ve only lost once. I will never admit defeat before I even try.”

The only person she had ever lost to was Neville, and she had learned the lesson. So, she didn’t allow herself to lose a second time.

Ross, having been with her for many years, knew that Madison would not easily give up.

“Alright, anything else I can do for you?”

Madison thought for a moment. A sly glint appeared in her eyes as she said, “Help me get some accessories from Miss Conner’s dressing room.

Ross raised an eyebrow and said, “Are you sure she’d help you?”

Madison smiled. “She just said she would give me some accessories in public. She wouldn’t embarrass herself.”

LA Meanwhile, Alison’s dressing room was crowded with flatterers. With everyone watching, Alison couldn’t go back on her words.

Ross gave her a thumbs-up and, after a while, returned with two boxes filled with accessories.

“Miss Conner seems a bit off.”

Madison checked the boxes, satisfied with the contents. “Express my gratitude to her. After all, she has contributed a bit to my work.”

Before going on stage, Madison changed into a white one-shoulder evening gown, tying her hair loosely and revealing her graceful neck. She put on a mask and walked towards the backstage with the staff.

Ross walked through the corridor, intending to return to the audience area, but a man blocked his way.

Neville was leaning against the wall, playing with a lighter. The flickering light highlighted his stern face, making others fear.

Ross wanted to turn around, but this path was the only way to the audience area. Moreover, if he did so, it would seem like he was afraid and would invite ridicule.

He bravely walked over. Neville unexpectedly handed him a cigarette. “Mr. Castro, accompany me to the smoking room for a smoke.”

Neville’s tone was commanding, making refusal impossible.

Ross felt like he was under a spell and followed Neville into the smoking room.

Although he had scolded Neville many times in front of Madison, being in close proximity to him made Ross unnerved.

“Mr. Preston, if there’s something to say, just say it directly.”

Neville puffed smoke, which enveloped his handsome face. His eyes were stern as he said, “My pet dog ran away I wonder if Mr. Castro found her.”

Ross immediately understood what Neville meant. He was mocking Madison.

Despite facing this cold and stern figure, Ross was not afraid. Madison was his best friend, and he would not allow anyone to insult her.

In a fit of anger, Ross retorted, “Mr. Preston, don’t go too far. Madison is an independent person, not anyone’s pet. Moreover, you’re already divorced. Don’t you think it’s tasteless to scheme against your ex-wife at this time?”

Neville narrowed his eyes. “Even if I don’t want something, it won’t be your turn to take it.”

“Madison is outstanding. Numerous people want to pursue her. To her, you’re just a scar peeled off, a wound scraped away,” said Ross.

Neville suddenly threw a punch at Ross.

Ross, clearly not Neville’s match, was quickly knocked to the ground. He spat out a mouthful of blood, glaring at Neville with red eyes.

Neville wiped the blood off his fingers and said with a mocking smile on his lips, “If I don’t loosen the leash, do you think she can escape?”