Reborn to My Engagement Night
Chapter 24: Afraid You Have Been Wronged
Over the years, Janessa mostly felt jealous of Madelyn. From a young age, Madelyn was born into affluence, living a life of luxury and high regard. Everything she desired, she could effortlessly obtain. Janessa, on the other hand, although her father was from a wealthy family, was merely an illegitimate daughter who was kept in the shadows and scorned since childhood. From an early age, her father had kept her and her mother hidden from the world. He was terrified that outsiders would discover them and look down upon their family’s lack of honor. Therefore, from a young age, Janessa had to endure countless hardships alongside her mother. Eventually, unable to bear the hardships of life, her mother passed away. It was only then that her father reluctantly brought her back to the Sherritt family to raise her.
Yet, being an illegitimate child was still a fact she couldn’t escape. Even after returning to the Sherritt family, Janessa was subjected to daily torment. Her father’s first wife not only exploited her allowance but also constantly made things difficult for her, forcing her to do all the exhausting chores. Over the years, Janessa felt that she had been living a life even worse than that of a servant. Had she not been silently enduring all this while, she would have likely been driven out secretly long ago. Her background was tragic as such, let alone having any family inheritance.
Based on what Janessa knew, the Thornton family’s wealth was largely destined to be inherited by Madelyn. Usually, it didn’t bother her much, but the moment she started comparing, Janessa’s dissatisfaction grew even stronger. Her resentment toward Madelyn also intensified. Why is it that Madelyn, who already has so much, is also bestowed by the heavens with an outstanding man like Sebastian? Why has Lady Luck not favored me in the slightest, considering how tragic my life has been? This is so unfair! Unbeknownst to her, Janessa found herself lost in thought, remaining in a daze until Madelyn lightly nudged her, snapping her back to reality.
“What are you thinking about?” Madelyn asked Janessa, curiosity evident in her gaze.
“Oh, it’s nothing…” Janessa gave a somewhat dazed smile, then put on a pretense of understanding. “Madelyn, I actually understand your difficulties. What I said earlier was just out of concern for you. I’m just afraid that you’ve been wronged. Please don’t misunderstand.”
Madelyn smiled faintly. “I know, Janessa. You were, of course, just looking out for me.” So much so that you want to cause my demise personally. How could I ever forget your “kindness?”
“All right, you should go now. Remember, no matter what happens, you have to tell me,” Janessa added.
Madelyn nodded. “Yes, I will.”
Then, Madelyn left to meet up with Yadiel as planned.
Chapter 24: Afraid You Have Been Wronged
The agreed-upon meeting place was a four-star restaurant. When Madelyn arrived, Yadiel was already seated, and the table was laden with a variety of extravagant dishes. That was the first time Madelyn saw Yadiel after her rebirth, and she felt an unparalleled warmth in her heart. She couldn’t help but recall Yadiel being the only one who persistently visited her while she was behind bars in her past life and even attempted to rescue her. Later on, the Fuller family was implicated and driven to bankruptcy, leading to a massive tragedy. An overwhelming sense of sorrow at those thoughts. She couldn’t stop the tears from welling up in her eyes. “Yadiel!”
Upon seeing Madelyn, Yadiel gave a gentle smile, which gave Madelyn a deeply comforting feeling.
“Have a seat. I’ve ordered a lot of your favorite dishes.”
After Madelyn took her seat, she was deeply moved by the array of dishes laid out before her. “Yadiel, you’re so kind to me.”
Yadiel was still smiling. “You’re my childhood friend. Isn’t it only right that I treat you well?”
Madelyn also laughed, albeit with a touch of confusion. “By the way, Yadiel, why did you ask me out?”
“Is there a rule that I can’t invite you to dinner without reason? Or is it that now you’re the lady of the Lockhart family, a woman of importance, I’m too much of a disturbance for you?” Yadiel responded with a nonchalant counter-question, his tone devoid of reprimand but rather full of mirth.
Upon hearing that, Madelyn couldn’t help but chuckle. “Yadiel, that’s not what I meant. Please don’t tease me.”
Yadiel chuckled, then straightened up, clearing his throat before saying, “Today, your department’s Professor Pierson told me that your thesis scored very high, claiming the top spot in the class. However, she mentioned that you seemed to have…” Considering her feelings, Yadiel chose not to continue what he was saying.
“So, you want to meet me because of this matter.” Madelyn was doing just fine until that topic came up.
“Ruth must have complained to you, right?” Madelyn asked languidly.
Yadiel nodded gently. “Professor Pierson said your high score on this paper was because you hired someone to write it for you.”
Upon hearing those words, Madelyn was instantly enraged. “How can she, as a professor, speak so recklessly? She’s baselessly tarnishing my reputation.”
As the conversation went on, Madelyn, the young lady, couldn’t help but let her fiery temper show, inevitably becoming somewhat agitated. “Yadiel, I swear. I wrote every single word of that paper. There was no plagiarism, and I certainly didn’t hire anyone to write it for me. You have to believe me!”
Seeing her heightened emotions, Yadiel quickly comforted her, “Madelyn, don’t be hasty. I believe you’re not that kind of person.”
At least Yadiel is still willing to trust me. Only then did Madelyn finally breathe a sigh of relief. However, she still felt aggrieved. “When did she see me hire someone to write the thesis for me? How could she just make a groundless accusation?”
Yadiel had known Madelyn since they were children, so he was well aware of her character. She was the type who would never engage in deceit or pretense. Yet, Yadiel still held some doubts. “Madelyn, I know you’re an upright person. You would never engage in such activities. However, your sudden surge in academic performance might inevitably raise suspicions…”
Madelyn had no choice but to come clean. “Actually, I sought help from the top student in our department. Also, after going home, Sebastian taught me a lot, which led to my significant improvement. Besides, I never thought I would score this high. I was surprised too!” Madelyn spoke with a hint of helplessness. “But it seems like my classmates would rather believe that I’m just an unlearned and incompetent underachiever.”
Upon discovering the truth of the matter, Yadiel suddenly felt that Ruth had gone a bit too far. He said, “Madelyn, don’t worry. I’ll definitely explain everything to Professor Pierson, ensuring your innocence is restored.”
Madelyn immediately shook her head, interrupting, “No, Yadiel. I can handle this matter myself. Since Ruth wants me to rewrite it, I’ll do it. It’s just that…” Madelyn looked at Yadiel with a troubled expression. “Yadiel, could you do me a favor?”
“How do you want me to help you?” Yadiel asked.
“Actually, it’s quite simple,” Madelyn said earnestly. “When the time comes, I’d like you to arrange a public setting for me. I want everyone to witness it. Only in this way can I clear my name.”
After some thought, Yadiel felt that this was actually a good thing. It perfectly demonstrated Madelyn’s capabilities, leaving no room for others to criticize.
And so, Yadiel gave a nod. “All right. I’ll help you.”