Chapter 116

Chapter 116:

Madisyn stood transfixed by the vibrant colors and lifelike forms on Howard’s canvas.

“Madisyn?”

Howard’s voice broke the silence. He turned, his expression shifting to surprise upon seeing her. “What brings you here?”

“Howard, is this your work?” Madisyn asked, stepping closer to get a better look at the intricate artwork.

“Yeah,” Howard responded, his voice gentle. “When I find some spare time, I like to draw. It helps me unwind.”

His talent was undeniable, each stroke on the canvas speaking of a deep, innate skill. Madisyn’s admiration for Howard deepened as she observed the passion and precision evident in his work.

“You’re really good at this,” Madisyn said. “I think you could excel at anything you put your mind to.”

Howard offered a gentle smile, a hint of modesty in his response. “You’re saying that because you’re family.”

Madisyn realized she knew little about Howard’s professional background, prompting her curiosity. “What did you do before the accident?”

“I was in research and development,” Howard replied, his tone reflecting a mix of pride and nostalgia. “I spent some time at the National Science and Technology Bureau.”

Madisyn was taken aback by his revelation. Her brothers were indeed exceptional; working at the National Science and Technology Bureau was a distinction reserved for the top minds in the country. If not for his injuries, he might have reached even greater heights by now.

Howard, touching his face, shifted the topic to a more personal concern. “By the way, my skin feels quite warm after I took the medicine you gave me.”

“That’s completely normal,” Madisyn reassured him with a smile. “It won’t be long before your skin starts to heal.”

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Howard looked surprised. “Really?”

“Yes,” Madisyn affirmed confidently. The pills she gave Howard had only been created by her team recently. If Howard weren’t her brother, Madisyn wouldn’t have given them to him.

Their conversation continued a bit longer before Madisyn decided to return downstairs. As she re-entered the living room, she noticed a woman leaning in close to Andrew, their arms nearly touching in what seemed like an intimate gesture.

Just then, Susan appeared beside her, a look of concern etched on her face. “Madisyn, bad news!”

“What happened?” Madisyn inquired, sensing the urgency in Susan’s voice.

“That woman over there! I think she’s taken a liking to Mr. Klein. I’ve been observing them while you were upstairs. She’s been making quite an effort to flirt with him,” Susan reported with a serious tone. As Madisyn’s devoted friend, Susan was protective and alert, keen on safeguarding her friend’s interests.

Madisyn’s gaze turned frosty as she observed the duo. They indeed seemed too close for comfort, stirring an unexpected surge of bitterness and anger within her.

Without hesitation, Madisyn approached them and asked, “Mind if I join you?”

“Of course, you can! Here, take my seat,” Waylon responded instantly, offering her his seat.

Dane turned to Susan. “What about you? Would you like to join us as well?”

Susan hesitated, her eyes flicking between Madisyn and the table. For her friend’s sake, she decided to stay and agreed. Together, Madisyn and Susan joined the game.

The woman fixed Madisyn with a smile that was both mysterious and calculating. “Miss Johns, you must be quite good at this. Please, go easy on me.”

“Not at all,” Madisyn responded, her expression cool and composed, her features as striking and refined as a figure from a classical oil painting.

As the next round commenced, it became evident that the woman was singling out Madisyn, perhaps trying to unsettle her. Yet, Madisyn remained stoic, unaffected by the challenge, and soon claimed victory with grace.

The woman’s frustration was palpable as she clenched her teeth, masking her irritation with a strained smile. “Miss Johns, you seem to carry quite a bit of luck.”

Without pause, another round began, and the woman’s tactics grew more aggressive. However, Madisyn, adept and perceptive, continued to dominate the game, reading the table like an open book and securing another win effortlessly.

Leaning closer to Andrew, the woman adopted a sweet tone of grievance. “Mr. Klein, did you see that? Miss Johns is so good, I simply can’t compare.”

Madisyn’s grip tightened around her cards, bending them sharply as she observed the flirtatious exchange. Andrew, typically distant and reserved with women, unexpectedly responded with a smile. “Indeed, a bit more practice might do you good.”

“Mr. Klein, will you help me practice more in the future?” the woman asked, her voice dripping with suggestion.

“I’ll think about it,” he replied noncommittally.

A wave of anger surged through Madisyn at the interaction, her emotions roiling as she had never seen Andrew be nice to another woman like that. Why was he displaying such kindness toward this particular woman, especially in her presence?

A sharp ache pierced Madisyn’s chest as she watched him interact with the woman. Her emotions, a tangled mesh of disappointment and confusion, prompted a cold declaration. “I’m done,” she announced abruptly, her tone icy as she dropped her cards and exited the room.

Susan, always attentive to her friend’s moods, quickly excused herself and followed Madisyn, concerned.

Waylon remained at the table, a frown creasing his brow as he watched Madisyn leave. “What’s gotten into her? Why is she mad—she won, didn’t she?”

Dane, who had been observing quietly, stood up sharply, his voice firm and resolute. “Keep playing if you like. I need to sort something out.”

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