Chapter 37

Chapter 37:

Josie was taken aback by Andrew’s words. “But aren’t you two planning to get married? Kristine has always said so.”

Andrew’s expression hardened as he turned his cold gaze toward Kristine. “Is that what you’ve been telling people, Kristine?”

The tension in his voice made Kristine’s heart sink. She had always known deep down that Andrew never saw her as a potential wife, but hearing him say it so coldly, in front of so many people, was unbearable.

“Our families have always wished for us to marry,” Kristine murmured, her voice trembling with desperation.

Andrew’s voice cut through the air, sharper than before. “I told you before—it’s not going to happen!” He paused, softening only slightly as he added, “And even if there were talks of marriage between our families, it wouldn’t involve you.”

His words shattered any illusion Kristine had clung to. With that, Andrew turned his back on her, walking straight toward Madisyn, leaving Kristine to process the stares and whispers of the onlookers.

Josie, stunned, clutched Kristine’s arm. “Even Andrew has fallen under Madisyn’s spell! She’s dangerous!”

Kristine’s heart ached with a mixture of frustration, anger, and helplessness. She whispered through gritted teeth, “I warned you—ordinary people can’t compete with her. You’d be wise to stay away before she hurts you too.”

gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs﹒𝚌o𝗺 is where stories live

Josie nodded, her defiance still simmering beneath her loyalty. “A country girl? I’m not afraid of her. Let’s see what she’s really capable of. You, Kristine, have true value, not her.”

“Thank you, Josie. Your support means a lot,” Kristine said quietly, her gaze hardening as she tried to maintain control over the situation.

Across the room, Dane, who had been entertaining guests, remained unaware of the confrontation until after it had passed. As he made his way to Madisyn, his usually gentle demeanor carried a hint of irritation, though he spoke to her warmly. “Kristine might be having a hard time adjusting to your return, but you’re the rightful member of this family. If she ever causes trouble again, let me know. I’ll handle it.”

Dane had always been fond of Kristine, but Madisyn was his biological sister. He had to protect her, even if it meant confronting Kristine.

Madisyn offered him a small, appreciative smile. “Thank you, Dane.”

Dane’s eyes softened as he looked at her. There was something undeniably endearing about Madisyn, and he found himself drawn to her in a way that made his protectiveness even stronger. Clearing his throat, he pulled out his phone and tried to appear casual. “We haven’t exchanged numbers yet. Let’s do that now.”

“Of course!” Madisyn agreed, pulling out her phone as well.

Dane’s face lit up with a smile as he added her contact. He then discreetly transferred a large sum to her through Venmo.

$1,000,000.

Madisyn’s eyes widened as she saw the figure. “Dane… this is a lot!”

“It’s a welcome-back gift,” Dane said with a warm smile. “It’s a family tradition.”

Madisyn smiled gratefully, appreciating his gesture.

Unbeknownst to her, Dane added Madisyn’s contact to the Johns family group chat, where he sent a message to Waylon, their other brother. Guess what? I just exchanged numbers with our sister!

Waylon’s quick response came with a playful tone: Took you long enough. Right now, she and I are the closest, and I even got Andrew involved to look out for her!

Andrew? Dane thought, surprised, but before he could react, Andrew appeared beside him, tall and striking as always.

“You’re back,” Andrew said, acknowledging Dane with a nod.

“Yes, I had to be here for the banquet,” Dane replied, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between Andrew and Madisyn.

“Why haven’t you gone back to Ansport?” Dane asked, curious.

Andrew’s expression remained calm. “I have some things to take care of here.”

As the two men stood side by side, their commanding presence immediately drew the attention of many women in the room, who whispered in admiration.

“They’re both so handsome! How could anyone choose between Mr. Johns and Mr. Klein?”

“They’re way out of our league, but it’s fun to watch!”

“Madisyn seems to have captured both of their attention. She’s so lucky.”

Josie also watched them, her eyes filled with admiration for Dane. But her thoughts quickly returned to Kristine, whose face had gone pale. Kristine used to be the one standing beside the two most admired men in the room, but now… it was Madisyn.

How had everything changed so drastically?

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