Chapter 6

All along, Isabel assumed Madeleine had an ulterior motive for everything she’d done—sending those photos to make her reveal her true colors. Thus, Madeleine’s pleasant response left her confused.

Isabel typed and retyped her message countless times before finally asking, “You were serious about what you said yesterday? You really do plan on setting me up with Sally?”

This time, Madeleine’s response was immediate. “Yes.”

“From now onward, Sullivan is yours,” Madeleine thought to herself.

Madeleine assumed Sullivan would be in a good mood when he returned that night. Yet, when he came in, his expression was as cold as ever.

In fact, an unusual hint of anger laced his words as he questioned, “What’s the meaning of this, Madeleine? What are you up to this time?”

Startled, Madeleine couldn’t figure out why he was reacting this way, but she explained, “Are you asking about the amusement park? Something came up; I gave my ticket to Isabel. Did you guys have fun? Did you two ride the Ferris wheel? What about the haunted house? If you didn’t get to do everything you wanted, I still have two more tickets. You can go with her again tomorrow.”

Sullivan couldn’t figure out Madeleine’s motives. He stared at her for the longest time, but her expression seemed completely sincere. It was as though she genuinely gave Isabel the ticket because she was busy.

In the end, Sullivan ended the stalemate and headed to his room.

Since the first attempt had been a success, Madeleine kept at it, creating all kinds of opportunities for Sullivan and Isabel to spend more time together.

On one occasion, she invited Sullivan to dinner at a romantic restaurant. However, as soon as they sat down, Isabel approached with a look of delight.

“What a coincidence, Sully!”

Before Sullivan could say anything, the waiter said, “Sir, miss, the restaurant is having an anniversary event. As you two are the fiftieth couple to dine here today, we are honored to present you with a set of rings. We will also take a photo to commemorate the event.”

The moment the waiter finished speaking, Madeleine stood up and said, “I don’t feel well, so I’ll head off first.”

Sullivan got up to follow Madeleine, but as if the idea had just struck her, she turned to him and said, “It’d be a shame to let the prize go to waste. You can share it…”

Without waiting for Sullivan’s reply, she hurried out of the restaurant and drove off. Sullivan was still in a daze as the bashful Isabel eagerly urged him to collect the rings and take the photo with her.

Another opportunity arose during their university’s alumni event. Madeleine insisted on dragging Sullivan along, but when they arrived, Isabel was there.

Once the event ended, Madeleine took the initiative, pushing Isabel toward Sullivan, saying, “It’s not safe for a young woman to head back alone at this hour of the night. You can drive her home. I’ll take a cab.”

“Oh, and you don’t need to rush back, either. She’s had a bit too much to drink. You can stay at her place to take care of her.”

Madeleine slipped the car keys into Sullivan’s hand before hailing a cab.

After several times, Sullivan finally sensed that something was afoot. In recent days, he kept running into Isabel in all sorts of situations, at all hours of the day, and every single time, Madeleine would step away first, leaving him alone with Isabel.

It was as if she wanted to set him up with Isabel.