Chapter 2012: Destined

“Maddy, I need a few days off from Roxanne. I’ll go with you to Xandenia. We must bring Madam Xander back.” Jonathan decided, immediately calling his assistant to book plane tickets.

Madilyn nodded and contacted her best friend, Roxanne, who readily agreed to her request for leave. However, Roxanne, concerned, pressed, “Madilyn, why are you going back? Is Jonathan wanting to discuss the wedding with your father? I don’t think that’s necessary. He’s disregarded you for so long; just pretend he doesn’t exist. Don’t stir up trouble.”

Feeling desperate, Madilyn invented an excuse to reassure her pregnant friend. “It’s not about him,” she stammered. “Why would I care about his opinion? We’re paying respects to our ancestors and having a short vacation. Don't worry; I have no intention of dealing with him.”

“Good. Don’t contact them. Let me know if anything happens,” Roxanne advised.

After the call, Madilyn felt a surge of warmth. She wasn't alone; she had the man she loved and her best friend. She had nothing to fear.

To ensure a safe trip, Jonathan arranged for twelve bodyguards. Norton’s influence in Xandenia necessitated caution.

Their plane departed from Horington Airport in the early morning, bound for Xandenia’s largest city. After a three-hour flight, they arrived, greeted by a line of bodyguards and Farwell Group representatives.

“Greetings, Mr. Queen. Your hotel is reserved. Please let us know if you require anything further.”

Jonathan nodded, removing his coat to drape it over Madilyn. Xandenia’s cold weather was already biting.

A convoy sped them to the city’s finest five-star hotel—also a Farwell Group property—which was on high alert, anticipating a surprise inspection from headquarters.

Madilyn, sleepy, bathed while Jonathan researched the Cheever family’s business interests in Xandenia, as Norton had indicated. He discovered their monopoly on traditional, resource-based industries, built on networking rather than individual merit. He had no interest in dealing with them, regarding their wealth as inherited rather than earned.

He pondered his approach to Norton: would forcibly taking Madam Xander provoke a violent response?

Madilyn enjoyed a long, relaxing bath, her skin glowing. The trip’s security and happiness filled her with an inexplicable ease, prompting a gentle smile.

Suddenly, a startling thought struck her, reddening her already flushed cheeks. Her body temperature spiked.

“Norton, I will never follow your plans! I am destined to be Jonathan’s woman!”