Chapter 50: A Cooked Meal

They hadn't yet earned the privilege of approaching Dominic directly. Unexpectedly, Alfred ushered in Madeline, much to everyone's surprise. It was nighttime, so the entire Quirk family was present, their gazes fixed on the newcomer.

Madeline was pretty and possessed a polite demeanor, appearing entirely suitable to be around children. The Quirks had previously treated her well, often giving her gifts. However, since Dominic began dating Rosalie, their attitude shifted.

Standing awkwardly in the grand hall, Madeline endured unfriendly stares. One gaze, in particular, from Rosalie's sister-in-law (whom Madeline didn't recognize), seemed oddly unfocused. Selena attempted to speak, but Rosalie interrupted.

"Maddie!"

"Rosie!"

Their close bond was evident. [The website plug has been removed]

Christopher sneered, "The girlfriend's fighting for the relationship, but the boyfriend's too cowardly to show his face. He sent his sister instead! How despicable!"

Rosalie retorted, "I told him not to come. I don't want to put him in a difficult position."

Madeline explained, "I just came to see Rosie. Dominic's worried, but he feared upsetting you all. He regrets not informing the family about Rosie moving in. He really likes Rosie, and I apologize on his behalf." She bowed respectfully.

The Quirks didn't press the matter, and Rosalie immediately took Madeline to her room. In the living room, Christopher continued to mock Dominic's evasiveness, having been the only one to encounter him accidentally. He described Dominic as respectable in appearance but roguish in nature. He mused on the attraction between "good girls" and "bad boys."

The Quirks sighed, troubled and unsure how to proceed. Isabella remained silent until Alexander brought her yogurt, noticing her furrowed brow.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Isabella's lips twitched. "Nothing." But her expression betrayed her words. Her unease was palpable. What's going on? she wondered. Should I tell them? Maybe I should just increase home security.

The Quirks were puzzled. Security? What's happening? They felt a growing unease. Isabella's thoughts intensified. The depravity of human nature… she mused. I thought the hooligan was brainwashing Rosalie; it seems her deceptive best friend is the real problem.

The Quirks were stunned. Is Madeline worse than Dominic? Alexander's expression shifted.

A stir from upstairs announced Madeline's departure. The family's gazes intensified, making Madeline uncomfortable. Just as she was about to leave, Alexander said, "Rosalie gave up her spot in the international exchange student program. I hear it's been offered to you."

Isabella was impressed. Alexander had quickly identified the key issue. The family glared at Madeline.

Madeline, almost losing her composure under Alexander's imposing presence, explained, "I was next on the list. I advised Rosie against it…" This subtly suggested Rosalie willingly relinquished the spot.

Christopher scoffed, "A coincidence? You two planned this—one playing with my sister's emotions, the other scheming for her position!"

Isabella agreed mentally: It was planned, deceiving Rosalie. The Quirks grew even more anxious.

Madeline's eyes welled up. She clung to Rosalie, but Rosalie's expression was evasive. Regaining her composure, Rosalie quickly said, "My decision had nothing to do with Maddie. Alex, Chris, please don't make things difficult for her."

Isabella thought, Rosalie's defending her! Rosalie, glancing at Isabella, questioned the family's immediate acceptance of Isabella's conclusions. She chose to trust Madeline, pretending not to hear.

Madeline, noticing Rosalie's steadfastness, clarified, "The exchange student thing was a coincidence. I know you're wary because of Dominic, and he may not be perfect, but his feelings are genuine. He wants to treat her well. Please give them a chance."

Christopher exploded, "Genuine feelings? Where's the sincerity? You're all liars! The Quirk family will never accept him!"

Rosalie froze. Christopher's outburst reflected the family's collective sentiment. Madeline smiled subtly at Rosalie. Have you decided?

Rosalie cried, "Why are you so ruthless? Give us a chance!" Madeline offered silent comfort.

Rosalie continued, "I didn't want to worry you, but you've gone too far. There's something you don't know! Dominic saved me abroad! I could have been in serious trouble!"

David and Selena were shocked. Rosalie explained that she was often engrossed in her art, neglecting to eat. One evening, she fainted from hunger in her studio. Dominic found her and brought her back to her dorm. She woke to the aroma of food he had prepared – something he'd never done before. He subsequently ensured she ate regularly.

Christopher scoffed, "Our housekeepers can make seven dishes and soup!"

Rosalie countered, "It's different. Those dishes were filled with care and love. I never tasted…"

Evian interrupted, "Rosie, you forgot! Mom's cooking made you sick when we were kids. What care and love are you talking about?"

The family's accusatory gazes overwhelmed Rosalie. Isabella laughed inwardly. Rosalie's so easily swayed! She's planning to elope without her family's knowledge. She doesn't know it was a delivery service he simply re-plated!

The novel will continue tomorrow.