Chapter 310: Taking Care of You

“That’s a relief,” Jillian sighed.

“Still, you should be careful, Madelyn,” Tristan warned. “Given that woman’s petty nature, it would be surprising if she didn’t seek revenge.”

Madelyn smirked disdainfully. “Bring it on. I’m not afraid of her.”

“Of course. You’re strong and can strike back. There’s no one you’re afraid of, Madelyn.” After he finished speaking, everyone giggled.

At that moment, Lindsay was having a meltdown in the underground parking lot. Resentfully, she turned in the direction Madelyn had left, exclaiming through gritted teeth, “Madelyn, how dare you lay a hand on me! I swear you will pay for this!”

Lindsay pulled out her phone and made a call. The man on the other end spoke in a deep, affectionate voice. “Lindsay, what’s wrong?”

Upon hearing his voice, Lindsay choked up. “Eric, I’ve been bullied. You must teach her a lesson.”

“Who dares to bully you? Give me their name!” The man’s rage ignited. To think someone dared bully her. They must be sick of living!

Having been in the underworld for many years, the man had seen it all. Even death wouldn’t faze him. Yet, his sister was the only one he cherished.

Lindsay then told him about Madelyn and her usual training time. The man nodded. “All right, I’ll take care of her. You can rest easy now.”

Lindsay nodded and ended the call. Gradually, her expression turned sinister. Eric was a formidable figure in the underworld, and he loved her dearly. When the time came, he’d surely avenge her! Just you wait, Madelyn!

After taking care of everything, Lindsay was ready to leave when Maxton arrived at the parking lot. Seeing her swollen face, he was taken aback. “What happened to you, Coach York?”

Lindsay’s expression subtly shifted. Immediately, she adopted a pained, pitiful look. Covering her face, she said, “It’s all because of Madelyn. I don’t know what happened. She suddenly showed up with a few people, blocked my path, and they started bullying me. Maxton, she’s so mean.”

“What?” Maxton was clearly shocked. He hadn’t expected Lindsay to be assaulted so badly by Madelyn.

He coughed. “You should go to the hospital. Or, once you’re…”

Lindsay nodded, then suddenly adopted a helpless demeanor. “Maxton, my face really hurts. Could you take me home?”

Maxton’s expression shifted. He thought refusing would be inappropriate, so he nodded.

Upon seeing Lindsay’s swollen face, Maxton was amused and wanted to snicker. Madelyn was quite formidable; clearly, she’d demand an eye for an eye, considering how ruthlessly she’d slapped Lindsay. This was good; at least she knew how to protect herself. Still, she shouldn’t have done this; it was too dangerous. Lindsay was not to be underestimated, and he’d heard rumors that her brother was no ordinary person, involved with the underworld. It seemed Madelyn might be in trouble in the future.

After Madelyn’s group left, they had dinner at a random pasta restaurant. As they dined, they chatted and laughed. After finishing their meal, the group said their goodbyes and went home.

When Madelyn returned to Lockhart Villa, her hand throbbed. Without delay, she went to the kitchen and got an ice cube, finding some relief. When she left the kitchen, she bumped into Sebastian.

Sebastian, feeling thirsty while working upstairs, had come downstairs for a drink. He hadn’t expected her return. He was about to speak when he noticed Madelyn’s reddened palm.

Sebastian frowned. “What happened?”

Madelyn shook her head, smiling. “I accidentally fell and hurt my palm. It’s just a bit swollen. I’m fine.”

“Really?” Sebastian asked skeptically.

He didn’t press further, instead changing the subject. “Did your stepmother cause a scene at school today?”

“How did you find out?” Madelyn was surprised. Had the matter blown up that much?

Sebastian snorted. “Don’t think just because I’m not at your campus that I don’t know what’s happening to you. I’m well aware of everything.”

Madelyn felt embarrassed. Under his constant surveillance? Oh well. She shrugged casually. “It’s nothing. Just ignore my stepmother. She can’t cause any real trouble.”

Sebastian responded calmly, “Just take care of yourself. Let me know if you encounter any problems.”

Madelyn nodded cheerfully. “Of course. If anything comes up, you’d be the first person I turn to, darling. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Darling…” Sebastian nodded silently, then fetched water, his ears inexplicably turning red.

Despite what Madelyn said, she checked on the situation at the Thornton residence the next day. Seeing her father on the couch, she asked, “Dad, are you really planning to get a divorce? You two have spent so many years together. There should be some affection. Are you ready to just cut ties like this?”

Madelyn was concerned; she didn’t want her father to sacrifice the family for her sake. In fact, she’d rather suffer than let her father end up alone because of her.

Derek sighed deeply. He lifted his hand, gently touching his daughter’s face. “Maddie, over the years, I’ve always wanted to apologize to you and your mother. If it weren’t for my momentary foolishness, your mother wouldn’t have left, and you wouldn’t have grown up without a mother’s love. Truth be told, I’ve been aware of your stepmother’s actions. I turned a blind eye, hoping she’d regret them. However, she’s exhausted my patience and affection. Maddie, don’t blame yourself. My divorce has nothing to do with you. I simply can’t bear to stay with someone unfaithful. From now on, I’ll be by your side, protecting you. I’m content to just live out the rest of my life.”