Chapter 4

After washing the grapes, Madeleine and Sullivan returned to Naomi’s hospital room. They chatted for a while before leaving. As soon as they exited the hospital, Isabel suggested, “Sully, Ms. Emerson, it’s almost time to eat. Let’s have a meal together!”

Naturally, Sullivan didn’t decline. He even agreed on Madeleine’s behalf, as if to prevent her from making things difficult for Isabel.

Once they arrived at the restaurant, the waiter led them to a private room. Sullivan ordered for the table, but Madeleine realized he’d only ordered Isabel’s favorites.

Perhaps that was the difference love made. She had once asked him to note her likes and dislikes. But there was a great disparity between something one was forced to do and something one did willingly.

Fortunately, Madeleine had expected this, so she wasn’t disappointed. She ate in silence. They were halfway through their meal when Sullivan received an urgent call and stepped outside.

Madeleine froze when she saw Isabel’s ring. “Where did you get that ring?”

Isabel glanced at the ring on her thumb. Seemingly noticing nothing unusual, she smiled and replied, “From Sully, of course. I said it looked pretty, so he gave it to me.”

Madeleine’s expression darkened. She had carved that ring herself, injuring her hands in the process. She had given it to Sullivan on their anniversary. A sentence was carved inside: “Madeleine Emerson will love Sullivan Carter forever.”

The ring, a token of her genuine love, was given to Sullivan, but he’d given it to Isabel!

A surge of rage washed over Madeleine, but she recalled the novel’s plot.

Isabel was the one Sullivan loved. Was it surprising he didn’t care about Madeleine’s gift? He would only detest her further if she made a fuss.

Instantly, she calmed down, composed herself, and smiled faintly. “It’s very pretty. It suits you.”

Isabel had expected Madeleine to react. Her eyes flickered with surprise at Madeleine’s calm. Clenching her jaw, she stood and served Madeleine soup.

“You should try more, Ms. Emerson. Here, have some lobster bisque. It’s quite good.”

Madeleine was allergic to seafood. She was about to decline when she noticed Isabel wasn’t serving her. Isabel flicked her wrist, and the bowl crashed to the ground.

Isabel’s eyes filled with indignant tears. Before Madeleine could react, Sullivan rushed in, shielding Isabel and glaring at Madeleine.

“What did you do, Madeleine?” he asked.

Still red-eyed, Isabel clung to Sullivan. “It’s my fault, Sully. She threw the soup at me because I angered her. It’s just a burn. I’m fine. Please don’t blame her…”

Madeleine’s eyes widened at Isabel’s lies. “I didn’t do anything!”

She wanted to explain, but Sullivan ignored her. After a last icy glance, he snarled, “You’re out of line, Madeleine.”

He picked up Isabel and carried her away.

Staring at their retreating backs, Madeleine felt rooted to the spot. Her heart felt plunged into ice.

Isabel seemed to realize how effective this trick was. Over the next few days, she framed Madeleine repeatedly.

She claimed Madeleine cost her her job, forbade companies from hiring her, and vandalized her house.

Sullivan confronted Madeleine at the villa. “If you’re unhappy, Madeleine, come at me. Why are you making life difficult for Isabel?”

Throughout their five-year relationship, Sullivan had been curt and cold. This was the first time she saw him so emotional—but it was for Isabel.

“I didn’t do anything to her,” Madeleine refuted.

She tried to explain, but Sullivan didn’t believe her.

“Who else could it be?” Sullivan snarled. “You’d even pay me to date you! Is there anything you’re not capable of? This had better be the last of it. I’ve given you everything you asked for. So, why are you going after the people around me?”

Sullivan was so disappointed he didn’t want to talk to her. He went to the guest bedroom.

Madeleine quelled her sadness as she watched him leave. To him, she would never be worthy of his trust.

Besides sadness, she felt fear. She was leaving in a few days, but if things continued, Sullivan would kill her before she could fake her death.

Madeleine tossed and turned all night, then devised a solution. That night, she drove to Isabel’s place. As soon as the door opened, she said, “Let’s call a truce, Isabel. From now on, I’ll set you up with Sullivan.”