Chapter 396

Chapter 396:

She Had To Get Rid Of Milly

“I guess so,” Andrew murmured.

Madisyn’s expression darkened further. She realized that she had to get rid of Milly.

“I’ll go find Milly—” she started, but she was interrupted by a familiar voice from behind her. “Madisyn, are you looking for Milly?”

Speak of the devil—Madisyn looked up, and there they were: Howard and Milly, walking toward her. Howard, dressed in a crisp white shirt, looked radiant and gentle. His handsome features glowed with happiness as he tenderly held Milly’s hand. Milly, looking as elegant as ever, wore a wide-brimmed hat that shielded her delicate features. With her growing fan base, disguising had become necessary whenever she ventured out.

“Howard, you’re having dinner here?” Madisyn asked calmly.

“Small world, am I right?” Howard replied with a smile, his voice warm and inviting. “Why don’t we all have dinner together?”

“Sure.” Madisyn agreed readily.

The two couples sat across from each other, the table between them a chasm filled with unspoken words. Howard, eager to fill the silence, leaned forward. “I heard you mention Milly earlier. Was there something you wanted to talk to her about?”

Milly’s gaze, still stoic, flickered toward Madisyn, her thoughts impossible to read.

But seeing how happy Howard was with Milly, Madisyn hesitated, her words catching in her throat before she finally replied, “No, nothing really—I just wanted to check in on you both.”

“We’re doing really well. Thank you,” Howard responded, his voice brimming with affection as he turned to Milly, his gaze tender. “I’m so glad I talked to you last time. It made me realize where my heart truly lies.”

Andrew leaned in, curiosity alight in his eyes. “Howard, have you had feelings for Milly for a long time?”

Howard was momentarily taken aback by the question but decided to reveal the truth. “Yes, I have. I’ve always been a bit slow when it comes to matters of the heart. But after I talked with you, everything became clear. Life is too short, and I want to be with someone who truly loves me. We’re really happy together now.”

Milly stayed silent, her gaze softening as she looked at Howard, her eyes filled with unspoken tenderness.

Madisyn understood why Howard was so captivated by Milly. There was something about the way Milly leaned on him, her trust in him, that drew him in like a moth to a flame. Howard had wrestled with the weight of his disability for years, the fear of being a burden gnawing at him constantly. Even surrounded by family, he often felt like he had been holding them back. Milly made him feel valued, as though his presence was a gift rather than a weight.

And who could blame him for being drawn to her? Milly was a vision of beauty and unwavering loyalty, the kind of woman who could capture anyone’s heart with just a smile.

If Madisyn were in Howard’s shoes, she wouldn’t be able to resist Milly’s charm either.

“As long as you’re happy,” Madisyn said, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Shall we order?”

They moved on to lighter topics, with Madisyn steering the dialogue while Milly remained quiet as usual. Howard, ever the attentive companion, made sure Milly’s plate was never empty, yet he didn’t neglect Madisyn either, his kindness stretching to both women.

At one point, Milly excused herself, slipping away to the restroom. Sensing an opportunity, Madisyn quickly followed.

She didn’t enter but waited just outside, her gaze fixed on the door. When Milly emerged, she seemed unsurprised to find Madisyn standing there, greeting her with a brief nod.

“Milly…” Madisyn’s voice was low, carrying an edge. Her eyes narrowing into thin slits, she changed her tune. “That’s not your real name, is it?”

A barely perceptible flinch ran through Milly, her back stiffening for just a heartbeat. But it was enough; Madisyn’s suspicions crystallized in that fleeting moment.

In one fluid motion, Madisyn’s hand shot out, aiming to grasp Milly’s wrist. But Milly was faster, twisting away with dancer’s grace. The air crackled with tension as they traded blows, each movement a calculated test of strength and skill. Madisyn’s mind raced. This wasn’t just any ordinary assassin—Milly was something else entirely, a finely honed weapon hidden beneath a delicate facade.

“You’re with the Serpentine Players, aren’t you?” Madisyn’s voice was as cold as steel as she locked eyes with Milly.

Milly met her gaze, unflinching. “Miss Johns, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Drop the act,” Madisyn spat. “Howard saved you out of kindness, and this is how you repay him? Where’s your conscience?”

“You’ve got it all wrong,” Milly responded, her tone calm, almost scathing. “I really don’t know what you’re accusing me of.”

Madisyn’s eyes narrowed, her voice a deadly whisper. “Leave Howard. I won’t let you hurt him.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Milly replied without missing a beat.

“Do you want me to tell Howard what I know?” Madisyn shot back, her frustration bubbling to the surface. She had laid everything plainly, yet Milly continued to play innocent.

“Go ahead,” Milly said coolly, her expression unwavering.

Madisyn inhaled sharply, trying to steady herself. A storm of emotions churned inside her, more intense than she had felt in years.

Milly was playing this all too well—she knew that Howard’s trust in her was unshakable, and that he’d likely believe her over his own sister. Madisyn’s expression darkened. How could she have been so blind to Milly’s deception?

“He trusts you, but if I expose your true colors, do you really think he’ll turn a deaf ear to me?”

Milly’s eyes narrowed, but she said nothing.

“I know you’re worried,” Milly continued, her tone softening, almost tender. “But I won’t hurt him.”

“And why should I trust you?” Madisyn demanded, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Milly replied, “Just wait and see.”

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, her posture as poised and unyielding as ever.

As Madisyn watched Milly’s silhouette disappear from her sight, she pressed her lips together, unease settling deep in her chest.

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