Chapter 43

Chapter 43:

Kristine froze in her tracks, overhearing her parents’ decision to offer Madisyn a company. They’re giving her a company just like that?

A mix of frustration and anxiety bubbled inside her. She had poured years of effort into the family business, climbing her way up. And now, with Madisyn’s return, their parents were suddenly ready to hand her a company? Was it because Madisyn was their biological daughter while she wasn’t?

Hadn’t they promised to treat me as their own daughter?

Determined not to be outdone, Kristine steeled herself. She would prove that Madisyn, despite being their blood, couldn’t match her skills and dedication.

Meanwhile, Madisyn and Susan were strolling through the estate gardens, enjoying the early morning air. Susan marveled at the sprawling grounds, realizing just how wealthy the Johns family truly was. Owning such vast property in Gemond, where space was a luxury, was a clear sign of incredible wealth.

As they walked, Madisyn absentmindedly fiddled with the car key Andrew had gifted her. “A car as a gift… that’s a bit much,” she muttered.

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Susan raised her brows. “A bit much? That’s a whole new level of generosity! I told you, Andrew definitely has feelings for you. Who else gives away cars so casually?”

“Maybe he’s just overly generous because he’s wealthy.”

Susan shook her head, adamant. “Trust me, wealthy people are usually stingy when it comes to gifts like that. This means something.”

Before Madisyn could respond, Kristine approached them with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Madisyn,” she called out sweetly.

“Yes?” Madisyn asked, her tone calm and neutral.

Kristine’s smile widened. “Congratulations. I heard that our parents are planning to give you one of the companies. Have you thought about which one you might want to manage?”

Madisyn blinked, caught off guard by the news.

“We have several branches,” Kristine continued. “Real estate, pharmaceuticals, even a skincare company. Since you’re a woman, maybe the skincare company would suit you best. I’m sure our parents will assign a good manager to assist you.”

“I’ll think about it,” Madisyn replied.

With a satisfied nod, Kristine turned and walked away, leaving Susan glaring after her.

“I don’t trust her,” Susan hissed. “Why would she suggest the skincare company? There’s probably something wrong with it!”

“Let’s find out,” Madisyn said, pulling out her phone. After a quick search, they discovered that the Johns Group’s skincare division was struggling. It was a small branch that had faced early challenges and hadn’t grown much over the years.

“That sneaky… She knows the company is failing! She’s trying to set you up to fail,” Susan said, her voice tense. “You should talk to your parents. Kristine’s clearly planning something.”

But Madisyn merely smiled, her eyes sharp with determination. “There’s no need. If she wants to play games, I’m ready. Let’s see who wins.”

Later, during breakfast, Glenn brought up the topic. “Madisyn, have you decided which company you’d like to take over?”

Kristine, though seemingly focused on her food, listened intently, eager to see if Madisyn would fall into her trap.

“I’m interested in the skincare company,” Madisyn replied smoothly.

Kristine suppressed a smirk, while Josie, seated nearby, couldn’t help but let a smug smile creep onto her face. Madisyn had taken the bait. They were sure she would fail.

“Are you sure?” Glenn asked, frowning. He barely remembered that the skincare company existed.

Dane, ever the protective brother, chimed in, “Madisyn, that company has faced quite a few challenges. Maybe you’d prefer something more stable, like the gaming or jewelry division?”

But Madisyn stood firm. “I’ll stick with the skincare company.”

Kristine seized the opportunity, her voice bright and supportive. “Dad, girls love skincare products. It’s a natural choice for Madisyn. We should honor her decision.”

After a brief pause, Glenn nodded. “Alright, Madisyn. I’ll arrange for a capable manager to assist you.”

But Madisyn shook her head. “No need, Dad. I’d like to manage it on my own.”

Glenn looked like he wanted to protest, but seeing the determination in her eyes, he relented. “Very well.”

Kristine’s smugness was barely contained. Naive girl. Running a company was far more complex than Madisyn seemed to realize. When the skincare branch inevitably failed, Kristine planned to make sure everyone knew that the real Miss Johns wasn’t up to the challenge.

After breakfast, Susan left for work, while Dane offered to take Madisyn to the skincare company. Throughout the drive, he kept warning her about its small size and troubled history.

Madisyn wasn’t discouraged. She had already accepted that the company was a minor branch.

When they arrived at a towering building, Madisyn looked out the window. “Which part of this is the skincare division?”

Dane pointed. “The bottom half of the building.”

Madisyn stepped out of the car, her eyes scanning the sleek building with a sense of quiet resolve. She wasn’t just going to take over the company. She was going to turn it around, no matter what it took.

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