Chapter 344

Chapter 344:

The internet was abuzz with chatter, and most netizens sided with Courtney, labeling Andrew as despicable and demanding he provide an explanation. The stock of Klein Group took a hit.

After browsing through the news, Madisyn turned off her phone. Courtney’s ambitions were quite clear. “Madisyn, how about we go shopping this afternoon? I’m free, and I think you could use a distraction,” Evie suggested with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting concern. She could sense that beneath Madisyn’s composed exterior, there might be lingering distress.

Around the same time, a message from Susan popped up. “Madisyn, let’s hang out!”

Both of her friends were clearly worried about her, but Madisyn felt fine. Observing Evie’s concerned expression, Madisyn hesitated, then adjusted her response. “I’m really fine, but we can go out for a walk. I actually know a great spot. Why don’t we head there together?”

“Great!” Evie responded enthusiastically, relieved yet still slightly worried about her friend’s mood.

After lunch, Madisyn led her two friends to the secluded park where Andrew had taken her. Tucked away in a remote part of the city, the park was a haven of peace, quiet, and beauty. The expansive green fields stretched into the distance, where deer grazed lazily among patches of sunlight that filtered through the trees.

Evie gasped in awe, her eyes sweeping over the idyllic landscape. “Madisyn, this place is stunning! I’ve lived in Ansport for so long, and I’ve never even heard of this park. How did you find it?”

“Andrew brought me to this place,” Madisyn said with a gentle smile.

“Andrew?” Evie repeated, her tone instantly shifting. A small frown creased her forehead as she snorted lightly in disapproval.

Susan pursed her lips, clearly annoyed.

Madisyn immediately regretted bringing Andrew up. The air had grown tense, and she could sense the shift in her friends’ moods. “Let’s not dwell on that. This place is really beautiful. We can lie on the grass and relax. It feels wonderful!”

“That’s a great idea!” Evie exclaimed, eager to escape the bustling city center. Surrounded by skyscrapers all day, they hadn’t experienced such tranquility in ages.

They sprawled out on the lawn, the crisp grass tickling their clothes. Looking up, they admired the clear blue sky. The area was serene, with only the occasional birdsong piercing the silence. They relaxed instantly.

“It’s so beautiful here,” Evie sighed, a small smile playing on her lips.

“And so peaceful,” Susan added. “I wonder why there’s no one else here.”

Madisyn shrugged. “It’s probably because it’s still quite new. Not many people know about it yet.”

“That makes sense,” Susan replied, closing her eyes and basking in the tranquility of the moment.

As they continued to enjoy the serene environment, someone approached the park. Josie seemed puzzled and frustrated when she was stopped by the guards. “Why am I not allowed to enter the park?” she demanded.

“This is a private park,” one of the guards informed Josie bluntly.

“A private park?” Josie was taken aback, having never encountered such a restriction. She noticed a capital emblem emblazoned on the blue railing beside her. Could it be the Johns family’s property? She wondered, squinting her eyes in thought.

After a moment, she scoffed dismissively. “Fine, I won’t go in. I’m not here for this.”

She had come to Ansport to find Dane, who she had expected to return to Gemond shortly. Yet, he hadn’t. With the city teeming with beautiful young ladies, Josie feared one of them might catch his eye. Sure, Evie claimed that Dane had feelings for her, but Josie didn’t take her seriously.

How could someone without any notable family background possibly compete for Dane’s attention? Annoyed and upset, Josie drove away.

Madisyn, Susan, and Evie spent the entire afternoon relaxing in the park. They reveled in the quiet beauty of the place, enjoying the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere. By the time they decided to head back to the city center, they were in much better spirits.

To show her gratitude for their company, Madisyn treated them to dinner at a high-end restaurant.

Susan looked composed and at ease. She was clearly accustomed to such settings—she had likely dined here often during her time in Ansport. Meanwhile, Evie appeared comfortable but excited. “It’s been ages since I last had dinner here!”

“Did you use to come here often?” Madisyn inquired.

Evie smiled warmly. “Sort of. The food here is incredible.”

Since Evie was a celebrity, they were dining in a private room.

During dinner, Susan excused herself to use the restroom. As she exited, she unexpectedly came across a familiar face. She immediately lowered her gaze and tried to slip by unnoticed.

However, Esteban’s eyes brightened when he saw her, then quickly brimmed with anger when she made no effort to acknowledge him.

“Don’t you even greet me when you see me?” Esteban demanded, his expression stern.

“We have severed all ties,” Susan replied coldly without looking up.

Esteban’s anger surged. “Blood ties can’t be severed so easily, Susan! And let’s not forget—everything you have today came from the Riggs family. Do you think you’d even survive in Ansport without us?”

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