Chapter 268

Madeline deserved this, but the Jean family owed her too much. Considering Ross and Shermaine, Janice couldn’t simply hand Madeline’s position to Jameson’s mistress. If Madeline wanted to keep the marriage despite being swindled, Janice might just back her this once.

Lost in thought, Janice studied Madeline until Shermaine’s arrival cut the tension.

“Sheary, you’re back?” Janice’s anger cooled at the sight of Shermaine.

Shermaine said, “I heard someone got conned out of money and dignity, even sold her shares. So I came to see the spectacle.”

Janice sighed.

“Ross will be here soon,” Shermaine added.

“Good.” Janice nodded. “We’ll handle this together when he arrives.”

Madeline’s face flushed beet red. Being mocked outright by Shermaine made her wish the floor would swallow her whole.

Then a thought struck Madeline: ‘Shermaine is sharp. Maybe she can recover that ten billion dollars for me. As for the shares? It’s too late now. Anyway, they didn’t go to Jameson and that mistress.’

Ten minutes later, a car pulled up outside the residence.

Danielle nudged Ross in the passenger seat. “We’re here.”

Ross opened his eyes, held her hand, and murmured, “Mm.”

Danielle had been repaying her “debt” by taking care of Ross through his fever since yesterday. When he didn’t let her go, she yanked her hand back. “Your fever just broke. Remember to take your meds tonight.”

“I will.” Ross nodded.

“Go inside,” she urged. “Don’t keep Sheary waiting.”

Ross watched Danielle, this handsome man with his striking features, his gaze simmering with quiet intensity. A sudden urge surged within him.

He missed Danielle, the one who had teased him in that sweet, playful voice. If she flirted with him now, he couldn’t resist. But ever since she had broken up with him, her warmth had vanished.

Lowering his gaze to hide his disappointment, Ross asked, “Aren’t you coming in to see Sheary?”

Danielle shook her head. “It’s a family matter. Wouldn’t my presence be awkward?”

Ross said, “We wouldn’t mind.”

“No. Janice might read too much into us arriving together.” Danielle stayed firm.

Frustrated, Ross got out of the car. Inside the house, he greeted Shermaine and Janice, while pointedly ignoring Madeline as if she didn’t even exist.

Janice studied him. “Ross, how’s the fever?”

Ross replied, “Mostly recovered.”

The healthy flush on his face told Shermaine everything. Danielle had taken excellent care of him last night.

Seizing the moment, Madeline shamelessly pleaded, “Sheary, I was wrong. I’m your mother. You’re so capable. Can you track down that scammer and get my money back?” Just thinking about the lost billions made her feel heartbroken.

Shermaine’s gaze turned glacial. Her voice, though soft, struck like a blade. “My mother wasn’t this stupid. She was brilliant. And that money was never yours to begin with. Even if I find it, you won’t see a cent.”

Janice stiffened. She thought, ‘What does Sheary mean? This woman isn’t Ruth?’

Ross pressed his lips into a thin line, silent.

Madeline’s face drained of color.

Janice stammered, “Sheary, you… Are you saying she’s…”

Shermaine nodded. “Grandma, she’s not my mother. She's Madeline Guston.”