Chapter 15: How Could She Betray You Like This

She wore a look of exasperation as she pulled her hand away from Christopher. “I’ve told you, I really don’t have an appetite. I’m just getting some food to go. If you’re so keen on a joyride, find someone else. I’m sure a popular guy like you wouldn’t have trouble finding company, right?”

As Madelyn spoke, she was completely unaware that, not far off in a corner, Janessa was holding her phone, zooming in with her camera and capturing everything clearly. In the scene, Madelyn and Christopher looked like they were holding hands tenderly, while Christopher’s gaze was filled with affection.

Tsk. tsk tsk… Witnessing this scene, Janessa thought to herself that the trip was indeed not in vain. Actually, Janessa had noticed recently that Madelyn was acting quite strange. Compared to the past, it was as if her personality had completely changed.

In the past, Madelyn was completely obedient to Janessa. Whatever Janessa said, Madelyn would believe without question. If Janessa instructed Madelyn to do something, the latter would comply naively, following her every word. Yet now, Madelyn had repeatedly turned down her invitations, and even Christopher, whom she used to be smitten with, seemed to not concern her anymore.

On this matter, no matter how Janessa thought about it, something felt off. It kept gnawing at her, lingering in her mind. So, after class that day, she discreetly followed Madelyn and Jillian during their meal, then silently trailed behind their car all the way to Lockhart Group.

As noon was drawing near, Janessa was deep in thought. She was certain they would come down for lunch, and she was calculating if she could orchestrate a chance encounter. She even called Christopher to join her for a meal, figuring that if she could arrange for them to meet, she could seize the opportunity to stir up some misunderstanding.

As it turned out, after waiting for a while, Janessa couldn’t hold on any longer and had to make a trip to the restroom. Unexpectedly, as soon as she stepped out, she was met with such a sensational scene. It seemed like Lady Luck was smiling at her, handing her a reward on a silver platter. With a triumphant grin, the elated Janessa sent the photo to Sebastian’s phone via WhatsApp.

Feigning innocence, she added, “Mr. Lockhart, I came here to dine today, and unexpectedly bumped into Madelyn. I initially thought she was alone, but to my surprise, Christopher was also there… and they seemed quite intimate. What’s going on? Sebastian, aren’t you engaged to Madelyn? Why is she with Christopher? How could she betray you like this? She’s really thoughtless. But don’t worry, no matter what, I’ll definitely speak to her on your behalf and persuade her to mend her ways.”

The indignation in her words seemed as if she was standing up for Sebastian while still being a caring friend of Madelyn’s. It was her attempt at killing two birds with one stone.

Meanwhile, Sebastian was in a meeting inside the conference room, when suddenly, he heard the sound of an incoming message. Upon seeing the photo sent by Janessa, Sebastian’s face immediately darkened. Upon witnessing the situation, the board members exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what had transpired.

Overcome with rage, Sebastian lost all interest in the meeting. He abruptly closed his notebook, stood up, and declared, “This meeting is over. You’re dismissed!” After finishing his speech, he turned around and left the conference room. Malcolm trailed behind him, holding his breath anxiously.

When he returned to the office, radiating an aura of gloom, he opened the door. As expected, there was no sign of Madelyn. In an icy tone, Sebastian turned to ask Malcolm, “Where is she?”

Malcolm suddenly shivered in fear, responding honestly, “Mr. Lockhart, Mrs. Lockhart said she was hungry, so she went out to get some food.” “Does it really take this long just to get some food? The meeting was nearly forty minutes. Even if she went down to eat, she should have been back by now.”

At that moment, thinking of the photo sent by Janessa, Sebastian’s fist tightened slightly, a ferocious glint flashing across his eyes. At the restaurant downstairs, Madelyn originally thought that Christopher would take the hint. However, to her surprise, after she had brushed him off, he dared to approach her again. “Even if there are countless others willing to be with me,” he said, “none of them can compare to you.”

As he spoke, Christopher reached out, once again tightly clasping Madelyn’s delicate hand. He marveled at how soft and comforting her hand felt. Madelyn simply couldn’t take it anymore. She abruptly shook off Christopher’s hand and turned to him with a stern look. “Christopher, can’t you just speak properly? Stop getting handsy with me!”

Upon hearing these words, Christopher merely chuckled, seemingly unconcerned. “Madelyn, quit your act,” he said. “I know you. Don’t you just love it when I treat you like this? I bet even in your dreams, you wish for me to be close to you. Isn’t what I’m doing simply fulfilling your dreams?”

At that moment, Madelyn felt as if she’d heard the biggest joke in the world, and she couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief. “Oh my God, Christopher, can you stop being so full of yourself? When did I ever say I liked you? I suggest you get your ears checked.”

Madelyn was genuinely at a loss for words. How could I possibly have feelings for Christopher? Not to mention the fact that I have someone like Sebastian at home, who is truly one of a kind. Following that, Madelyn paid no attention to anyone else. She simply stood up and headed straight for the restroom.

Upon entering, she didn’t use the restroom as expected. Instead, she placed her delicate, immaculate hand under the faucet. She then turned the water on full blast, dabbed a bit of hand soap, and began to vigorously wash her hands. The mere thought of her hand being touched by Christopher and the warmth of his palm stirred a wave of nausea within Madelyn. Consequently, without any hesitation, Madelyn repeatedly washed the hand that Christopher had touched.

As she washed, she seethed in her thoughts. Christopher’s arrogance is beyond belief. Does he really think he’s that hot? As if all the women in the world would throw themselves at him? It was only when her skin was scrubbed raw that Madelyn finally stopped. By the time she emerged, Christopher was still there, but the staff had already packed up her meal.

Without further delay, Madelyn picked up her things and left, not even sparing Christopher a second glance. Christopher couldn’t help but scowl. Who does Madelyn think she is? She should count herself lucky that I am interested in her. Yet she has the audacity to publicly humiliate me?

At that moment, once Janessa saw that Madelyn had left, she emerged. Feigning an apologetic tone, she said, “I’m sorry, Christopher, for making you wait. My stomach wasn’t feeling well earlier.” Janessa made it look like nothing had happened, but deep down, she was waiting with anticipation for what was to come next. She refused to believe that after receiving such a photo, Sebastian could gloss over Madelyn’s actions. Misunderstandings between the two were inevitable. The thought of this brought a sense of satisfaction to Janessa.

Meanwhile, Madelyn, carrying the hefty lunchbox, returned to Lockhart Group. Since she didn’t know what Sebastian liked, she ordered a wide array of dishes. There were meat and vegetarian options, sweet and spicy dishes, as well as local Citraine cuisine. She made sure to include something from every category.

Though the lunchbox was quite heavy, Madelyn was brimming with joy. She couldn’t help but wonder if Sebastian would be pleasantly surprised when he saw that she had prepared lunch. After much difficulty, she finally arrived at the office, and as expected, Sebastian was already sitting inside.

Upon catching sight of him, Madelyn’s spirits lifted. In her eagerness, she quickened her pace, hastily placing the meal box she was carrying onto the table. “Sebastian, can you guess what delicious treat I’ve bought for you?”

After saying that, Madelyn, treating her takeout boxes like cherished treasures, began to open them one by one, absorbed in her own world. “Look, we have smoked pork shank, honey-glazed ribs, baked salmon, clam chowder, chili con carne… There are also plenty of vegetarian dishes. I bet there’s something you’d love to eat!”

Madelyn was brimming with joy, her excitement was palpable. It was just a lunch, yet her happiness exceeded that of any joyous occasion. However, she failed to notice that Sebastian’s face had turned incredibly grim. Sebastian had no interest in seeing what was bought; his somber gaze was solely focused on Madelyn’s radiant face.

After hauling up so many items in one go, Madelyn inevitably felt a bit heated, her face flushed with a rosy hue, but nothing could dampen her high spirits. Her smile bloomed like a flower, one that was incredibly sweet. The look in Sebastian’s eyes grew even colder.

So, is this how happy she becomes after going on a date with Christopher! Indeed, I should never have trusted her so easily. For several days, she hasn’t stirred up any trouble, almost leading me to believe she has truly changed. However, reality proved otherwise—she hasn’t changed at all!

Thinking back, he felt that it was almost comical. After all, she was a notorious, stubborn heiress, known for her assertiveness and recklessness. She was the type who wouldn’t stop until she hit a brick wall, so how could she possibly have changed her ways so easily? Moreover, Madelyn had once declared that in this lifetime, she would only harbor feelings for Christopher. Recalling this, Sebastian felt a simmering rage intensify within him.

Why, then? What could possibly be her reason for deceiving me? Time and again, she has treated me well and even made the first move. Is she toying with my emotions?

At that moment, Madelyn neatly laid out the food and cutlery, placing them before Sebastian. Her voice was exceptionally gentle. “You must be hungry after such a long meeting, right? Come on, let’s try this together. I heard the food here is delicious.”

After speaking, Madelyn raised her eyes to look at Sebastian, and her heart suddenly skipped a beat. Why does Sebastian look so upset? Could there have been an issue during the meeting just now? “Sebastian, are you alright?”

Madelyn was somewhat worried, instinctively reaching out to touch his face. But before her hand could make contact, it was forcefully swept away by an immense force! “Madelyn, I don’t need your insincere attentions. Get out!” Sebastian suddenly yelled, a vein subtly throbbing in his neck.

Madelyn found herself suddenly pushed to the ground, a feeling of confusion enveloping her. Before she could gather her thoughts, Sebastian, in another swift move, cleared all the food from the table with a violent sweep. The dishes had just been prepared, with hot soup splattering out and scalding Madelyn’s skin. Her delicate hand instantly turned a shade of red.

Yet Madelyn seemed oblivious, her gaze fixed blankly on Sebastian. “What’s wrong? Why are you acting like this all of a sudden? Did I do something to upset you?” she asked. Sebastian’s gaze was filled with resentment. “Stop pretending,” he said. “Don’t you know what you’ve been up to?”

“What… What did I do?” Madelyn asked, her face the picture of innocence. “Using the excuse of buying me food to secretly meet your lover downstairs? Hah,” Sebastian said, his voice filled with biting sarcasm. “Madelyn, you’ve certainly played your diversion well.”