Chapter 308: A Public Embarrassment

“I might not be able to do that, though. If I take over the company in the future, I’ll have male assistants and many male clients. How am I supposed to maintain distance?” Madelyn asked, feigning seriousness.

Sebastian’s expression turned increasingly grim. She’s doing this on purpose, isn’t she?

Upon seeing his reaction, Madelyn continued with a smile. “Of course, it’s strictly professional. I swear I won’t have any feelings for them!” She solemnly raised her palm.

Sebastian scoffed. His anger seemed to have subsided. Their car gradually disappeared into the distance.

At that moment, Janessa emerged from the shadows. She watched the car disappear with a venomous gaze. Originally, she had hoped to see Madelyn humiliated. However, to her surprise, Madelyn had stolen the show and won the Blume family’s favor.

Damn it! Why is she so lucky? Why do good things always fall into her lap? She’s just a nobody! Janessa teetered on the brink of madness, consumed by jealousy. She needed to devise a plan quickly.

Just as she was lost in thought, she heard a car door slam behind her. Immediately, a car alarm blared. Turning around, she saw Hayden.

He was consumed by wrath, repeatedly kicking his car door and cursing, “A good-for-nothing will always be a good-for-nothing, no matter what!” Remembering his humiliation at the banquet, he cursed Madelyn and Josiah repeatedly in his heart.

Observing his fury, an idea struck Janessa. Josiah, accustomed to a life of leisure, would likely struggle in the military. Hayden, however, was a major, rapidly rising through the ranks. He clearly hated Josiah and wouldn’t stand by while Josiah climbed the military ladder. Janessa decided to cultivate a relationship with Hayden, leveraging his influence to her advantage.

Having reached this conclusion, she subtly moved closer to Hayden. He was still cursing under his breath, “That old fart always favored Josiah, and he even humiliated me today! If I ever become head of the Blume family, he’ll be the first to suffer!”

His henchmen remained silent, fearful of incurring his wrath.

“Mr. Hayden, why are you so worked up? In my opinion, you’re countless times better than that good-for-nothing Josiah.” A fairly attractive woman approached with a beaming smile.

It was Janessa. “Who are you?” Hayden cast her a wary glance.

“My name is Janessa, daughter of the Sherritt family. Nice to meet you,” she said with a charming smile. She spoke softly, “I confess, Mr. Hayden, I was captivated by your elegance at the banquet. I wonder if I have the honor of becoming your friend?”

Few men could resist a beautiful woman’s admiration. Hayden, his confidence restored, immediately agreed with a laugh, “Of course!”

“As a friend, may I invite you to sit with me? I have much to share,” Janessa said with a gentle smile. Hayden paused, assuming she was captivated by his charm, and agreed, “No problem. Let’s go.”

The following day, Madelyn entered the classroom and heard Tristan exclaim, “Oh my god! Madelyn, you were absolutely handsome last night! I’m almost becoming a fan!”

“Come on, it’s nothing,” Madelyn laughed it off. Josiah entered the classroom, textbook in hand.

Madelyn recalled the previous night’s events and asked, “Josiah, didn’t you mention enlisting? What are your family’s plans?”

“My family decided I should finish this semester, then join the military. We’ll only be able to meet on leave,” Josiah sighed, disappointed.

Madelyn was delighted. “That’s great! Strive hard. We’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet! Besides, I’m waiting for you to become a high-ranking official and look out for me!”

Her friends chuckled. Josiah grinned and nodded seriously. “All right, I’ll definitely work hard, Madelyn. You must wait for me.” His tone was inexplicably solemn, like a promise.

The atmosphere turned slightly awkward. Madelyn was taken aback before bursting into laughter. “Do you think this is a stage play? Why must I wait for you? Do you want me to wait for you to get married and have children, then invite me to the wedding?”

They all snickered.

After classes, Madelyn planned to head to the combat training center. Much had happened, and she had been resting, but she hadn’t forgotten Lindsay’s bullying. She was itching for revenge; her principle was an eye for an eye. It was time to settle the score.

When Madelyn, with Josiah, Jillian, and others, reached the campus entrance, a well-dressed woman rushed up to them. It was Madelyn’s stepmother, Regina.

“Why are you here?” Madelyn’s mood soured.

Regina dropped to her knees, clutching Madelyn’s clothes, and cried, “Madelyn, please forgive me! I understand my mistake. Please help me persuade your father not to divorce me!”

Madelyn frowned. Does she have a loose screw? Disdainfully, she spat, “Get up now. Don’t embarrass yourself.”

Regina wailed, “No! If you don’t forgive me, I won’t get up!”