Chapter 438

Chapter 438:

Everyone wore puzzled expressions. In their hearts, Jada had always been someone innocent and kind. “Madisyn, stop talking. I have nothing to do with Ecstasy,” Jada forced a smile, which looked strained. “Madisyn, has Susan been talking to you? Are you still in contact with her?”

“No, ever since I met you, I’ve cut ties with her.” Madisyn gazed at Jada earnestly.

Why did her statement sound so acid?

Their conversation left everyone around them bewildered. Jada felt a sting in her heart, considering how careless Madisyn’s remark was.

“It’s okay, my sister. She tends to be over the top. If you’re friends with me and still talk to her, it would upset her. Let’s drop it. I’m about to launch my own company this month, and I could really use your support!” Jada swiftly shifted the conversation, eager to steer away from any more awkwardness with Madisyn. “I hope you all can invest. I promise it’ll be worth your while.”

“Absolutely, Jada, just let us know what you need!”

The group was quick to offer their support.

“I don’t ask for much, just whatever you think is reasonable,” Jada responded graciously.

“Okay, I’ll put in five million,” Wesley immediately said, pledging his entire allowance to Jada.

Norton pondered briefly before saying, “I’ll contribute three million! If I can spare more in the future, I’ll increase it.”

Wesley elbowed Norton. “Norton, you’re being tightfisted! I’m giving five million, and you’re only putting in three? Don’t you want to support Jada’s first business venture?”

“Of course, I support her. I just had some big expenses recently,” Norton replied, scratching his head and suddenly seeming embarrassed. “I recently got a girlfriend.”

“You got a girlfriend, and now you’re neglecting Jada?” The others playfully ribbed him.

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Norton smiled but remained silent, his eyes soft with affection, clearly smitten with his new girlfriend.

Jada’s expression darkened as she noticed Norton’s enamored look. Although he seemed like a playboy, Norton was actually quite devoted. He hadn’t been involved with anyone for years, and Jada had always assumed he harbored feelings for her. But now, he had a girlfriend. Could this really be happening? Jada was overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

While Norton excused himself to the restroom, Jada discreetly followed.

Upon exiting, Norton found Jada gazing sadly into the mirror.

“Jada, what’s wrong?” Norton was taken aback. Jada was usually so resilient and seldom displayed such vulnerability.

“I’m okay, Norton.” Jada inhaled deeply, striving for composure, though her reddened eyes betrayed her fragility.

“Jada, if you’re troubled, just tell me. You know I’ve always seen you as a sister!” Norton expressed his concern.

Jada was rarely emotional in front of their group. This was why everyone admired her, believing she was genuinely kind-hearted.

Jada met Norton’s gaze, her eyes tinged with sadness. “Norton, please don’t ask…”

“Is it because Andrew has a girlfriend?” Norton ventured a guess.

Jada exhaled slowly. “I’ve moved on after spending so much time abroad. I’ve come to terms with it. I’ve liked him for years to no avail, so perhaps it wasn’t meant to be. He has a girlfriend now, and since Madisyn and I are friends, I won’t be upset with them.”

Norton admired Jada’s level-headedness. “Then why do you seem so upset, Jada?”

“After letting go of Andrew, I realized my feelings for him were not that deep. Even being abroad, I didn’t feel much pain. But when I heard that piece of news just now, there was a sudden ache in my heart,” Jada said, clutching her chest, her distress evident.

“What news?” Norton asked, completely at a loss.

Jada looked at him with tears in her eyes but remained silent.

Norton was usually not very perceptive, but the look on Jada’s face made him pause. Could it be that Jada was upset because he was now taken?

Surely not, right?

Jada was highly regarded by everyone in their group. Any family she chose to marry into would accept her, including the Santos family. But now—he was in a relationship!

He had harbored feelings for Jada in the past, and had he known her feelings, he might have chosen her. But now, he was committed to someone else.

Norton felt compelled to speak. “Jada, I don’t mean to assume, but are you upset because I’m seeing someone?” Norton hoped Jada would say no.

How could Jada miss that Norton looked more worried than pleased? Her return from abroad really showed her how much had changed!

Jada stayed quiet, her tears flowing silently. After a few moments, she finally said, “Let’s just forget I said anything. I’ll go ahead.”

“Jada,” Norton called out as she walked away, but she didn’t turn around. His emotions were conflicted.

They both re-entered the private dining room one after the other. Jada appeared as calm and composed as ever, as if nothing had occurred. In contrast, Norton seemed distracted, his responses to Wesley absent-minded and sporadic.

“Norton, what’s the matter with you?” Wesley was perplexed.

Norton responded, “I’m fine. Let’s just eat.”

“You don’t look fine. Did you break up with your girlfriend?” Wesley joked.

Norton shot him a sharp look. “I will not break up with her!”

Wesley touched his nose in embarrassment. Yet, it was obvious Norton loved his girlfriend very much.

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