Chapter 107

Chapter 107:

When Glenn heard what Kristine said, his stern demeanor softened a little bit. Kristine showed genuine concern for Madisyn, hinting that she might still have some redeeming qualities.

“Madisyn will be fine.”

“But it’s been so long without any word. I’m genuinely worried. I thought you might be distressed, so I came back to see how you’re holding up,” Kristine spoke in a thoughtful tone, as she settled beside her parents.

Elaine cast a brief glance at Kristine but remained silent.

Since they hadn’t sent her packing, Kristine sensed she still had a shot.

Madisyn might have died. If she were still alive, they wouldn’t be sitting here—they’d be out searching for her. Perfect! With Madisyn out of the picture, I’d reclaim my title as the only cherished princess of the Johns family, she thought.

Inside, Kristine was brimming with joy, yet she kept a mask of concern on her face. “Mom, Dad, don’t worry. I’m sure Madisyn will be alright. I’ll stay here with you…”

“We’re back!” A booming voice cut through the air.

It was the first time Kristine had ever heard Lynda’s voice brimming with such unrestrained joy.

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Elaine’s eyes sparkled with delight at the sight of Lynda, and she sprang to her feet without a moment’s hesitation.

Trailing behind Lynda, Madisyn and Andrew entered the living room.

“You’re back!” Elaine rushed over with palpable excitement, her eyes roaming over Madisyn from head to toe. “You truly had me worried sick.”

Glenn and Dane also hurried over to check on Madisyn.

Madisyn felt as though she were a rare animal on display. When everyone saw that Madisyn was unharmed, a wave of relief swept over them—except for Kristine, who was stunned and speechless.

Madisyn had returned unscathed? Wasn’t she supposed to be dead?

“Madisyn, you’re really alright? You should’ve let us know sooner. We were all beside ourselves with worry,” Kristine’s words dripped with concern, yet her tone carried an edge of accusation. “You had everyone fretting over nothing. Whether you made it to the final or won the championship doesn’t matter. What does is that you shouldn’t have made everyone worry like this.”

Kristine figured this could become the talk of the town, giving Madisyn a taste of what it felt like to be ridiculed.

Lynda’s expression darkened abruptly, her voice turning icy. “Why do I get the feeling that you’re not entirely pleased?”

Taken aback by the unexpected reprimand, Kristine blushed with embarrassment. “Aunt Lynda, how could I possibly be displeased? I’m simply overjoyed! But I can’t help but worry about how it might look if netizens find out. Everyone was genuinely concerned about Madisyn. Since she was alright, she should have let everyone know right away.”

“Really? If she had informed everyone immediately, you’d have had nothing left to wish for, wouldn’t you?” Lynda remarked with a touch of indifference.

Kristine felt very aggrieved. Why was Lynda targeting her now?

Dismissing Kristine entirely, Lynda beamed at Elaine and Glenn. “Madisyn clinched first place, bringing great honor to our country.”

As Lynda’s words sank in, Kristine’s mind felt like it had just exploded. She swayed on her feet, overwhelmed with disbelief.

Elaine was just as stunned. After a moment of astonishment, she erupted with joy, enveloping Madisyn in a heartfelt embrace. “My daughter is truly incredible!”

Though Glenn’s enthusiasm didn’t match Elaine’s, his gaze was brimming with admiration. “You really are something special, Madisyn.”

Dane also chimed in, “Madisyn, you’re absolutely extraordinary.”

“Indeed, darling, you’re simply remarkable. What kind of reward do you want?” Elaine gazed at Madisyn, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy.

Madisyn, nearly breathless from Elaine’s tight embrace, finally managed to gasp out, “I don’t need anything. Bringing honor to our country is reward enough for me.”

“Well said, darling.” Elaine’s joy knew no bounds.

Kristine was utterly forgotten.

She stared vacantly at Madisyn, a familiar pang of envy stirring within her. Since Madisyn’s return, Kristine had lingered on the sidelines, watching wistfully as their family enjoyed happy moments.

Once, Kristine had convinced herself that she still had a chance to shine, dismissing Madisyn as merely a rural upstart with no real worth.

Yet now, with Madisyn having clinched the international championship, she couldn’t help but wonder if there was still any place left for her in this family.

Kristine felt her vision blur and darken, as she fought the urge to faint.

Why? Why did the world deal her such an unfair hand?

Elaine suggested they all go out for a meal, and everyone eagerly agreed, bustling out the door without a second glance at Kristine.

Kristine stayed at home, her gaze fixed on their departing figures, feeling that fate was too unfair to her.

At a hotel.

Madisyn’s phone buzzed with a call from Waylon.

Waylon had also heard the news of Madisyn’s victory, and he greeted her with such exuberance that his voice nearly shattered everyone’s eardrums. “My dear sister, you’re nothing short of a goddess!”

Madisyn held the phone at arm’s length, her ears still ringing from Waylon’s enthusiastic shout.

Waylon was a movie star. Yet, he seemed utterly lacking in composure.

Madisyn still smiled. “Thank you, Waylon.”

“Madisyn, you’re absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to boast about you to everyone I know.” Waylon’s pride beamed through his words. “Oh, by the way, Madisyn, tell me what you want. It’s on me.”

“I don’t really need anything.”

“I’m going to buy you some new clothes. It seems like your wardrobe could use a little boost. Just wait—I’ll pick out the most stunning outfits for you.”

Madisyn smiled.

After Waylon hung up, Elaine began mulling over the perfect gift for Madisyn. Despite Madisyn’s persistent refusals, Elaine decided to give her a stunning set of jewelry.

Determined not to be outshone, Glenn promptly gifted Madisyn a house.

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