Chapter 280 Trying To Set Me Up Again

“Madelyn, how did you get hurt?” Jillian asked, filled with concern.

“Actually, it isn’t a big deal. It happened yesterday at the combat training center,” Madelyn nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders, then briefly described the situation.

“D’mn! How dare that woman treat you like this? Does she have a death wish? Come on, I’ll go teach her a lesson for you.” Upon hearing this, Josiah was absolutely livid, rolling up his sleeves and ready to storm out.

Madelyn suddenly burst into laughter, “Josiah, give it a rest. That woman is a martial arts coach. She’s even won medals in national competitions. You would be lucky if she didn’t knock you out.”

Upon hearing this, Josiah immediately stiffened, his face flushed with embarrassment.

What Madelyn had said was indeed true. Given his current martial arts skills, he probably couldn’t even defeat the petite Madelyn, let alone seek out the female coach. He would only be inviting humiliation upon himself.

Frustrated, he ranted, “So, what’s your plan? You can’t possibly let her get away with treating you like this, can you?”

Madelyn puckered her lips. “Of course not. Do I look like the type to be easily bullied?”

Her friends immediately shook their heads vehemently.

From their extensive interactions over a lengthy period, they had come to understand that, while Madelyn was indeed cheerful, kind, and always willing to lend a hand, she was far from a pushover who would let others walk all over her.

“No matter what, I won’t let that woman off the hook. Once I’ve recovered from my injuries, I’ll settle the score with her,” Madelyn declared confidently.

Seeing her expression, Josiah, Tristan, Jillian, and the others felt relieved. They even felt a twinge of sympathy on behalf of the female coach in their hearts.

The days of that female coach are numbered…

At that moment, Janessa, who was nearby, noticed that Madelyn’s hand was bandaged up and immediately burst into laughter.

It seems like even the heavens are on my side. Naturally, the foolish Madelyn is no match for me. She’s just out of my league. Now that she’s injured, what difference would a little more damage make? It probably isn’t going to be a big deal, right?

Holding that thought, a malicious grin tugged at Janessa’s lips. Without delay, she whipped out her phone and sent a message to her subordinate, Javier: You may proceed with the matter regarding Madelyn. This time, make sure she suffers properly!

Two minutes later, Javier responded: No problem, Ms. Sherritt.

With that, Janessa’s laughter grew even more triumphant.

"...double the price!"

At that moment, Madelyn inexplicably shivered. Catching a glimpse from the corner of her eye, she saw Janessa’s malevolent gaze fixed on her. It was enough to send chills down her spine.

An alarm went off in her head, a subtle sense of impending danger overwhelming her mind.

Janessa must surely be up to something again! Could it be that she is plotting against me again?

The more Madelyn thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. No way. I absolutely cannot allow myself to fall into her traps.

So, when school was over, Madelyn purposefully pulled Jillian aside, and the two of them went to look for Janessa together.

“Janessa, a new Keprarian restaurant just opened up on Millennium Street recently. Jillian and I are planning to check it out tonight. Would you like to join us?” Madelyn invited with feigned enthusiasm.

Janessa was instantly taken aback. It had been quite a while since Madelyn had taken the initiative to ask her out for a meal. Why has she suddenly decided to do so today?

As if by reflex, she declined. “I have some things to do tonight. Maybe next time.”

As a result, Madelyn’s enthusiasm doubled. She grabbed Janessa’s hand and cooed, “Janessa, you’ve changed. You used to love going out to eat with me. Why won’t you go today? Do you even consider me a friend anymore?”

Immediately, Janessa felt awkward. Madelyn’s warmth makes it really hard to find a reason to reject her.

Just as she was about to make another excuse, Madelyn had already gently nudged Janessa toward the school gate. “Janessa, let’s not stand on ceremony with each other. Let’s go eat together. It’s been a while since we last caught up, hasn’t it?”

“Alright… Okay then.” Though Janessa was still somewhat puzzled, she agreed nonetheless.

She figured since Javier was going to make a move anyway, she might as well stay close to Madelyn. That way, she could report their location at any time, making it easier for Javier to act.

Following that, the trio headed to the restaurant together.

Millennium Street was a bustling high-end street within the city. Living up to its reputation, everything there was expensive, and it was predominantly frequented by the wealthy scions of rich families to splurge.

Of course, everything sold there was a case of “you get what you pay for.” The food and clothes were all top-notch in taste and quality. For instance, at that very moment, the delicacies that Madelyn and her two companions were eating were incredibly delicious, prompting them to sing their praises.

After savoring a few bites, Janessa suddenly let out a feigned laugh. “Madelyn, I didn’t expect you to actually invite me out for a meal. I’m just so happy. I thought there was a growing distance between us.”

Hehe, is that so?

Madelyn sneered to herself, yet her face bore an immaculate smile. “Don’t be ridiculous. How could there be any misunderstanding between us? Indeed, there have been some miscommunications recently, but they were all misunderstandings, weren’t they? Moreover, since they are all in the past, let’s just let bygones be bygones.”

“Mmm-hmm, Madelyn, you hit the nail on the head. So, we remain best friends, right?” Janessa said, her eyes filled with anticipation as she looked at Madelyn.

“Of course,” Madelyn replied with a nonchalant smile, feigning sincerity. “We’ve always been the best of friends. That’s never changed."

Suddenly, she put down her fork. “Ah, I drank quite a bit of juice earlier, and I really can’t hold it in any longer. I’m going to the restroom. You guys continue eating.”

After speaking, Madelyn got up and headed toward the restroom.

In reality, Madelyn was using the opportunity to observe the situation downstairs.

Just as expected, several black vans were already parked under the building. Madelyn recognized them—they were the same type she had been thrown into when she was last kidnapped.

A cold smirk involuntarily crept onto the corner of her lips. Madelyn shook her head helplessly. From the moment she spotted the sinister expression on Janessa’s face that afternoon, she knew trouble was brewing.

Janessa, oh Janessa, you pretend to be innocent, and I bet it is a convincing act. Yet, beneath that beautiful facade, you harbor a heart that is unbelievably wicked. Have you pulled out all the stops just to set me up again? Fine then. Seeing as you’ve gone to such great lengths for me, how could I possibly bear to let your efforts go to waste? Let’s settle our scores, old and new, once and for all.