Chapter 10

The sound of the disconnected call made Madison stomp her feet in frustration. Cameron had actually hung up on her! Still upset, she dialed his number again. He answered quickly, but his tone was clearly irritated.

“Are you done?” he asked.

“Watch your attitude, Cameron!” Madison yelled, her face flushed with rage. “First you stole my mother’s bracelet, then you hurt my brother, and now you dare hang up on me?”

“I stole your mother’s bracelet? That bracelet was a gift from my mother, intended for my future wife. There’s nothing wrong with retrieving it after our divorce.”

“You’re such a miser, demanding a stupid bracelet back after giving it away!” she retorted.

“Yeah, I’m the poorest of the poor,” Cameron drawled, wanting to avoid further argument.

“So you admit it? My mother told me you visited my house in a Maybach. Do you seriously think renting a Maybach would change my mind about getting back together? In your dreams, Cameron Morgan!”

“Me? Rent a Maybach? For you?” Cameron snickered. “Please, don’t be so vain.”

“Then why did you rent the car?” Madison asked sarcastically.

“How is that any of your business?” Cameron replied flatly.

“You!” Madison scowled. “Alright, I won’t argue about that. Now tell me what you plan to do about hurting my brother!”

“He deserved it,” Cameron said coldly.

“You—how dare you? He’s the only male in my family!” Madison yelled.

“So your brother is worth caring about, but not me? I deserve to be insulted and have a vase thrown at me without complaint, is that it?” Cameron retorted angrily.

“Exactly right!” Madison said sternly.

“How barbaric,” Cameron sneered. “Since you’re all so obstinate, consider this a warning—tell your mother and brother to back off, or next time it won’t just be broken arms.”

Cameron hung up.

“Jackass!” Madison cursed angrily.

When she called a third time, the call failed. Cameron had blocked her. Madison was so angry she almost smashed her phone. Not only had he threatened her, he’d blocked her?

“Just you wait, Cameron Morgan!” she ground out. She took a deep breath before returning to the ward.

“How’d it go, Madison?” Pia asked, concerned.

“That bastard hung up on me! But he said you guys insulted him and that Skyler tried to hit him with a vase. Is that true?”

Pia felt a pang of guilt but quickly said, “Don’t believe his lies. We didn’t do anything! He barged into the house. Skyler was only defending us!”

“Heh, I knew that bastard was lying. Does he really think renting a car would win me back?” Madison scoffed.

“The car was a rental?” Pia’s eyes widened. She sighed. “I knew it. That kid couldn’t have gotten so rich so quickly!”

“Mom, how could he be rich if he’s trying to get back a crusty old bracelet he gave me?” Madison scowled.

“C-can we get that bracelet back, Madison?” Pia asked.

“It’s just a lousy old bracelet, Mom. I can get you a new one. Here, there’s a million dollars on this card. The passcode is my birthday. Buy yourself a nicer bracelet and some nice food for Skyler,” Madison said, handing Pia a bank card.

“You’re too kind, Madison!” Pia immediately forgot about the bracelet.

What was more important than money?

“We’re family, after all,” Madison said kindly.

“Oh,” Pia sighed dramatically. “I don’t really mind losing the bracelet. What I’m concerned about is you.”

“Concerned about me?” Madison was surprised.

“Yes. I’m worried Cameron will continue bothering you,” Pia said, acting concerned. “Besides demanding his things, he said he’d keep bothering you until you remarry him or pay him ten million dollars!”

“How dare that bastard say that?” Madison was infuriated.

“What won’t he do at this point, Madison? He threatened me and hurt your brother. That’s why you should hurry up and settle down with Mr. Price. Only then will Cameron give up,” Pia said, seizing the opportunity. Archie happened to be present.

“Yeah, Maddy,” Skyler chimed in. Marrying into the Price family would be great bragging rights!

“Mom, don’t say that in front of Mr. Price…” Madison said shyly.

“I’m just worried about you, dear. I don’t want you to pass up a fine young man like Mr. Price,” Pia said earnestly, glancing at Archie. “Thank you for taking care of Maddy, Mr. Price. I apologize for this embarrassing scene.”

“Nonsense, ma’am. It’s that Cameron fella who’s the problem,” Archie replied politely.

“What do you think about Maddy, Mr. Price?” Pia asked.

“I think Madison is very gentle and capable,” Archie praised.

“Hehe, then why don’t you consider getting married soon, Mr. Price? That way Cameron will give up sooner,” Pia suggested with a grin.

Archie inwardly scoffed. He knew Pia was using his family for power and wealth. But he was attracted to Madison’s sensuality and potential. Her five-year-old billion-dollar company and place in Yrando’s top ten businessmen showed strength. Her partnerships with major companies were even more advantageous. He intended to leverage her success to expand his family's power, then discard her once he'd achieved his goals, which included marrying a Leving heiress. Madison was merely a stepping stone.