Chapter 30

Chapter 30:

Ten million? That was quite the sum!

Madisyn, who hadn’t been making money lately and was feeling a bit strapped for cash, seized the opportunity. After all, she couldn’t always rely on her family’s money.

Over the next several days, she holed herself up at home, fully engrossed in her design work. Just three days later, her creation was ready. She had it crafted and promptly sent it off to the eager buyer.

With the project behind her, Madisyn turned her attention to her upcoming welcome banquet. Glenn, ever supportive, had procured a variety of dresses for her to consider.

After a thoughtful selection process, she chose a long, elegant blue gown that radiated sophistication.

“Madisyn, are there any friends you’d like to invite to the banquet?” Glenn asked.

Madisyn pondered briefly. “I only have two friends I’d like to invite.”

“Alright, here are their invitations,” Glenn said, handing her two elegant invitations. “I’ve kept the guest list limited to some families close to us. It’ll be intimate, so you can relax.”

Glenn’s thoughtful arrangement ensured Madisyn wouldn’t feel overwhelmed.

“Okay,” Madisyn said, appreciating the gesture. But, in truth, she was indifferent to the size of the event.

When Kristine returned home, her eyes widened at the array of dresses spread out. Glenn’s choice of the season’s latest designs showcased his generosity.

Yet, even these paled in comparison to the limited-edition dress Kristine had secured for herself—a true gem among gowns. With a relieved sigh, she eagerly anticipated the banquet.

Madisyn visited Susan, handing her an invitation.

“Your biological parents must be loaded,” Susan said, surprised by the formality of the invitation. “They’re even throwing a welcome banquet for you!”

“They’re doing alright,” Madisyn replied modestly.

Susan’s happiness for her friend was evident. She had worried about Madisyn’s adjustment to her biological parents’ home, but it seemed they were quite well-off.

“Have you told Giana about this?” Susan asked.

“Not yet. I’ll give her a call now.”

Madisyn dialed Giana Hicks’ number, but received no response.

“She might be tied up with something. Try again later,” Susan suggested, reading the situation with a friend’s intuition.

True to Susan’s prediction, Giana returned the call not long after.

“I’ve been swamped at work. What’s up?” Giana’s voice carried a note of distance.

Madisyn noticed the subtle shift in Giana’s tone but proceeded, “I’ve reunited with my biological parents, and they’re throwing a welcome banquet for me. Would you like to come?”

“When is it?” Giana asked.

“Tomorrow evening.”

Giana’s voice carried regret, though it felt distant. “Oh, I have plans tomorrow night, so I probably can’t make it. But I’ll definitely send you a gift.”

“Got it,” Madisyn replied.

Susan frowned as the call ended, clearly overhearing the exchange. She was displeased by Giana’s attitude.

“She spoke to you like that? That’s unacceptable! If it weren’t for your songwriting for her and your family’s company boosting her debut, she wouldn’t even be a singer now! And now that she’s made it big, she just ignores us!” Susan’s voice bristled with frustration.

Madisyn tightened her lips. It was disheartening to witness how success could alter relationships and cool old friendships.

Susan wrapped an arm around Madisyn, her stance protective. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there with you!”

“Awesome!” Madisyn responded, a faint smile returning to her lips.

Meanwhile, after Giana ended her call with Madisyn, she remained indifferent. Her assistant inquired, “Giana, do you have plans for tomorrow night?”

“I’ve already agreed to attend Jenna’s welcome banquet,” Giana replied, her focus on her nails.

Giana, Madisyn, and Susan had been a trio since middle school, but her relationship with Jenna only solidified after Jenna’s reunion with the Chapmans. Given Jenna’s new position as the heiress of the Chapman Group, Giana saw a strategic benefit in keeping her close.

“Well, it’s not that I don’t want to go to Madisyn’s welcome banquet, but she’s in the countryside. Is there really a need to hold such a banquet there?” She scoffed lightly. “Has she gotten so used to life with the Chapmans that she thinks she’s still Miss Chapman? I bet the place is nothing fancy. Yet, she insists on having a banquet, without considering the financial strain on her parents.”

“Exactly,” her assistant said, nodding in understanding. “She’s not part of a wealthy family anymore. Welcome banquets are typically for those with prestige.”

“Just pick out a gift to send her,” Giana said dismissively.

“Sure thing,” the assistant responded.

As they spoke, Giana’s phone buzzed again. It was Jenna.

Giana answered in a markedly sweeter tone, “Jenna, how’s it going?”

“I just wanted to confirm if you’re coming to my banquet,” Jenna said.

“Of course! I wouldn’t miss it for the world! I’ve even picked out a gift for you,” Giana replied with feigned enthusiasm.

“That’s great. What about Madisyn? Why don’t you bring her along?” Jenna asked, her voice casual but edged with curiosity.

Giana’s features tightened. “She has her own welcome banquet to host.”

“Really?” Jenna’s sharp tone sent a jolt through the phone. “A welcome banquet? For her? That’s ridiculous. Where is she hosting it? At some rural inn?”

“I’m not sure of the specifics, but she really is too concerned about keeping up appearances,” Giana said, her voice laced with disdain.

Jenna fell silent, digesting the information. The thought of Madisyn trying to maintain an image of prestige surprised her.

Yet, this realization brought Jenna a twisted sense of satisfaction. It would show everyone the clear distinction between her and Madisyn’s current statuses.

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