Chapter 117: I Must Cherish It Well

“Really? Well, I truly appreciate it, then,” Madelyn said with a feigned smile.

Regina’s expression softened considerably. “No need for thanks. We’re all family after all. Loving and caring for each other is a given.”

Madelyn was at a loss for words. All she could do was scoff in disbelief.

These two sure know how to put on a show! Anyone who didn’t know better would really think they considered me as family.

Unfortunately, Madelyn was not one to be fooled. She found their insincere displays of affection particularly irksome.

“But I don’t recall asking any of you to visit me, did I? Especially you, Eunice. You’re wearing such a strong perfume that I almost thought you were trying to poison me,” Madelyn said emotionlessly.

“Madelyn, you’ve crossed the line!” Eunice was instantly enraged. She wished she could choke her to death.

Madelyn simply laughed it off and said heartlessly, “Why the anger? Did I say something wrong? You and your mother showed up uninvited. Did you even get my approval?”

Regina could almost have a heart attack from the anger. She scolded, “Madelyn, how can you talk like that? It’s utterly impolite and uncultured!”

Madelyn was not someone to be trifled with. She retorted without any hesitation, “Well, why don’t you all take a moment to reflect? Do you truly believe people like you deserve to be treated politely by me?”

“You!” Regina was on the verge of losing her mind.

At that moment, Derek bellowed, “Enough! This is a hospital. You’re here to visit a patient, not to pick a fight. So, stop it!”

The mother and daughter clearly weren’t satisfied. “But—”

“But what? Maddie is a patient! Do you really need to pick a fight with a patient in the hospital?” Derek asked in a fit of rage.

Although the mother and daughter were filled with resentment, they could not say anything else.

Madelyn wore a smug expression, playfully sticking her tongue out at them.

They grew even more furious.

Madelyn, you are simply detestable!

Though they were upset, they dared not raise their voices again.

They could only curse her inwardly.

Sebastian, on the other hand, was off to the side, calmly taking in everything around him. He had been worried that Madelyn, facing them alone, would be bullied. But it seemed he had truly underestimated her fighting spirit. Nevertheless, he was relieved.

Derek turned his head, looking at Madelyn with concern.

“Maddie, I’ve heard about what happened. That woman, Ruth, although she’s been apprehended for now, she’s not one to give up easily. She certainly won’t let you off the hook just like that. So for now, focus on recovering. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

Upon hearing these words, Madelyn initially wanted to retort. She had always been a free spirit, unable to tolerate any form of discipline. In her past life, every time Derek disciplined her, she would respond with a sour expression. Back then, she had constantly felt that Derek had abandoned Grace, which fueled her rebelliousness and led her to oppose him at every turn. Derek, who already had high blood pressure, was so angry with her that he was hospitalized. For this very reason, the mother and daughter seized the opportunity to sow discord. Later on, despite Derek’s unwavering kindness and meticulous care, the rift between them grew deeper due to persistent misunderstandings, so much so that until his death, they never resolved those conflicts.

Just thinking about this made Madelyn’s heart ache. Derek had obviously loved her deeply, yet in her previous life, she had been completely oblivious to it. Not only did she squander Derek’s affection, but she also inflicted deep wounds on him.

No! I don’t want to go through this again! In this life, I will never repeat the same mistake! There may have been another reason why Mom and Dad separated in the first place. Emotions aren’t toys. How can they be discarded so easily? After Mom left, I was wholeheartedly consumed by a sense of injustice on her behalf. I have overlooked the fact that Dad has been the one who genuinely cherishes and pampers me over these past two decades.

In this life, I must cherish it well!

And so, instead of talking back, she moved closer, affectionately wrapping her arms around Derek’s.

“Dad, don’t worry. I promise I’ll behave myself from now on and won’t cause any more trouble.”

Derek froze for a moment. Madelyn’s untamed spirit, combined with her mother’s situation, fueled her rebellious nature. She would often maintain a distance from me.

But now she has transformed into a sweetheart.

Derek wasn’t quite used to it.

Madelyn, on the other hand, was quite at ease. She hugged Derek and said proudly, “By the way, Dad, I made it into the top hundred in my department in this exam!”

Derek was surprised. “Really?”

Madelyn had consistently ranked at the lowest end of the Department of Finance in terms of her grades. For this matter, the professor had often called Derek to talk about it. Upon hearing her claim that she had made it into the top hundred, Derek couldn’t help but be filled with doubt.

“If you don’t believe me, just ask Sebastian,” Madelyn said.

Derek, in disbelief, turned his gaze toward Sebastian. “Sebastian, is it true?”

Sebastian casually nodded. “It’s true. She has been studying diligently recently, and her grades have naturally improved.”

“Of course.” Madelyn smiled smugly. Then, she cast a somewhat flirtatious glance at Sebastian and said to Derek, “Dad, think about it. Sebastian was the top student in both his majors back at Mysonna Institute of Technology. With such a great tutor like him helping me every day, it’s nearly impossible for my grades not to improve.”

Derek was filled with immense joy.

Sebastian calmly added, “Dad, I can’t take all the credit, Madelyn has always been intelligent. She grasps whatever she learns quickly, which is why her progress is so remarkable.”

Derek became even happier. Unable to contain his pride, he patted Madelyn’s hand. “Well done. You truly are my daughter. Since that’s the case, keep working hard! Once you’ve finished your studies, I’ll hand over our family business to you. That will put my mind at ease.”

The expressions of Regina and Eunice changed dramatically.

What does he mean? Is he planning to pass on all his assets to Madelyn?

A sinister glint flickered across Regina’s eyes.

Eunice was also so annoyed that she pressed her lips tightly together.

Although they didn’t say anything, their expressions of resentment didn’t escape Madelyn’s observant eyes.

Following that, they exchanged a few more pleasantries. Derek mentioned he needed to return to the office to handle some business, so he left with the mother and daughter. Before leaving, he kept reminding Sebastian to take good care of Madelyn.

Sebastian nodded lightly in response.