Chapter 18

Since Sullivan had entered the Emerson residence, Isabel refused to be left behind. She followed him. The panicked maid tried to stop them, but failed.

The living room door flew open, and Adeline looked up to see Sullivan and Isabel.

The moment Isabel saw Adeline’s face, she exclaimed in shock, “You’re not dead!”

Immediately, rage filled her. She knew it! This was Madeleine’s real goal, wasn’t it? She’d pretended to set her up with Sullivan to appease her, then faked her death to secure her place in his heart. She’d merely waited for the right opportunity to return and steal Sullivan for good.

Isabel’s vicious resentment was evident as she glowered at Adeline. Frank and Cynthia noticed and frowned.

The maid finally caught up, panting. She apologized, “Sir, ma’am, they barged in before I could stop them…”

Cynthia dismissed the maid with a wave.

Exhaling in relief, the maid left.

As the door closed, Adeline eyed Sullivan and Isabel. “My, my. You two sure know how to make a grand entrance! May I know why you’re trespassing, Mr. Carter and Ms. Koch?”

Sullivan knew he was being rude, but if he waited for the maid to seek permission, he wouldn’t see Adeline. He apologized, “I’m sorry, Maddie. I just wanted to talk to you. I didn’t mean anything else by it.”

Remembering Isabel, who’d tailed him, he rubbed his forehead in frustration. He never realized how hard it was to get rid of her. She clung to him everywhere!

Turning to Isabel with an annoyed expression, he snapped, “Why do you keep following me around? Don’t you have anything better to do?”

Isabel felt hurt that he was pushing her aside again. She loved him too much and feared losing him. Why wouldn’t he let her follow him? They’d known each other since childhood! Plus, hadn’t he always had feelings for her?

To avoid his further displeasure, she left the living room, but not the residence. She paced by the door, waiting for him to finish talking with the Emersons, watching for his appearance.

Inside, Frank and Cynthia exchanged looks before eyeing Adeline and Sullivan, who stared at each other. Silence reigned. Frank cleared his throat. “We have things to do upstairs. You two should sit down and have a conversation. Don’t just fight.” Without waiting for a response, Frank and Cynthia went upstairs, leaving Adeline and Sullivan alone.

Following a prolonged silence, Sullivan said, “Maddie.”

Adeline cut him off. “Whatever you have to say, say it. I paid you to be my boyfriend, and you always treated me coldly. The agreement is over, and we’re no longer in a relationship. I don’t think you can address me by my nickname. Moreover, Madeleine Emerson is dead. I am Adeline Monroe, the Emersons’ adopted daughter.”