Chapter 2015

Mildred, a whirlwind of fury, continued cursing even after leaving the guest room. In the living room, she glared at her husband, exclaiming, "You're siding with that woman! Why did you stop me from hitting her? She deserves to suffer! How dare she slap me!"

Norton replied grimly, "Mildred, have we forgotten our objective? Failing to become in-laws with the Cheevers means Southern Star Group will crumble under our debts. Everything will be lost!"

Mildred fell silent. She wouldn't care about this illegitimate child's marriage if Southern Star Group weren't teetering on the brink of collapse. It was none of her business, otherwise.

"But you saw how uncooperative Lorraine was! What other methods do you plan to use?"

Norton fell into deep thought. A moment later, the housekeeper announced, "Mr. Sheffield, dinner is ready."

"Take it to our guest and ensure she eats. Refusal means you're fired!" Norton instructed, waving a dismissive hand.

The startled housekeeper nodded repeatedly and took the food upstairs. After knocking, she entered the guest room. Lorraine, impressed by the meal, began eating immediately, without waiting for the housekeeper to speak. The housekeeper was surprised; she'd expected a struggle.

Lorraine was changed. She understood that self-starvation would only weaken her, leaving her vulnerable. Eating well would give her an advantage should she confront Mildred again. Besides, she didn't want Madilyn to worry. She'd learned what was truly beneficial.

Madilyn awoke at the hotel around one in the afternoon. She and Jonathan had arrived the previous night. After showering, she'd anticipated spending time with Jonathan. However, finding him asleep on the couch from exhaustion, she covered him with a blanket and returned to her room, disappointed.

"Maddy, are you awake?" Jonathan called from outside. Despite their official relationship, Jonathan maintained boundaries, refraining from entering without permission.

"Come in!" Madilyn replied, getting dressed before washing up. Jonathan entered. "Lunch is ready. I didn't wake you to let you rest."

He caught a glimpse of Madilyn's figure, even under her robe, and couldn't help but notice her exposed legs. Madilyn smiled at his gaze. After washing, she casually threw herself into his arms. Jonathan, though flustered, instinctively embraced her, but hesitated when his hand touched her bare skin.

Amusing herself at his restraint, Madilyn kissed his cheek. Startled, he quickly recovered. "Let's go to the Sheffield residence after lunch to collect Mrs. Xander. I doubt Norton would harm her before seeing you."

Madilyn nodded. "All right. Give me a moment to change." She began searching through her luggage.

At the mention of her changing, Jonathan left immediately. Madilyn sighed, muttering, "I didn't expect him to be so conservative. Or… is he inexperienced?"