Chapter 475

Chapter 475:

“Okay,” Jared said, then added in mockery, “Your love rival approached me a few days ago, trying to butter me up. Can you believe it? Does she think we’re all blind?”

Madisyn rolled her eyes, shaking her head. Of course, this was something Jada would do. “Just ignore her,” she said with a dismissive wave. “If you get any news about Milly, let me know.”

“I’ll check with our spies,” Jared replied.

About half an hour later, Andrew walked in, carrying lunch. The aroma of freshly grilled fish filled the room, instantly drawing Madisyn’s attention. The fish, sprinkled with millet, spices, and green onions, looked irresistibly appetizing.

“Wow, that looks amazing.”

“Try it,” Andrew said, offering her a plate and a fork. Madisyn took a bite, her eyes lighting up instantly. The fish was perfectly tender, with a spicy kick that danced on her tongue.

“This is delicious,” she exclaimed, savoring the flavors. “You can’t possibly break up with me because you are such a good cook.”

Andrew’s face fell. “Are you thinking about breaking up with me?”

“Just kidding,” Madisyn reassured him quickly. As they ate, she thought of Howard and decided to share her concerns with Andrew.

“I believe Milly is fine. She must have staged her car accident to fool the organization,” Andrew said.

“I agree. But Howard doesn’t know, and it’s heartbreaking to see him so devastated,” Madisyn sighed, her thoughts heavy with concern.

“Let’s visit Howard tomorrow,” Andrew suggested, his voice warm. He always thought of Howard as a brother. “I’ll give him a few days off.”

Updates loaded now at gαℓησνeℓs․com

“That’s ideal,” Madisyn agreed, feeling content after the satisfying meal. She leaned back in her chair, squinting her eyes in pleasure like a well-fed kitten.

Andrew smiled and ran his fingers through her soft, long hair but quickly pulled his hand away. “What happened to your hand?”

“It’s nothing. Just rest. I’ll clean up,” Andrew said, quickly collecting the plates and forks. Madisyn watched him with a suspicious squint.

When he returned, she grabbed his hand and noticed the scald marks on his slender, smooth fingers, making her heart twinge. “You burned yourself! Did you even treat this?”

“It’s just a small burn,” Andrew dismissed it casually, as if it were nothing.

“Even small injuries can scar!” Madisyn frowned, upset that Andrew hadn’t taken better care of himself—and even more so that he’d hidden his injury from her. She retrieved some ointment and applied a stern expression.

Noticing her displeasure, Andrew remained silent.

After a moment, she glared at him, and he quickly said, “Really, it’s nothing serious, but I’ll take better care of myself next time, I promise.”

“The real issue is, why did you hide this from me?” Madisyn was visibly upset. “Aren’t we supposed to share everything, in good times and bad? You shouldn’t have kept this from me.”

“I just didn’t want to worry you,” Andrew explained.

“But hiding things makes me worry more!” Madisyn said, her expression serious.

Faced with her stern gaze, Andrew didn’t know what to do. He might have been scolded, but deep down, her concern warmed him. With a soft smile, he said, “Alright, I’ll tell you everything, I promise.”

“Why are you still smiling when I’m this upset?” Madisyn’s irritation grew.

Andrew’s smile persisted, which only annoyed her further. In a playful huff, she pinched his arm gently and then lay down on the bed, closing her eyes to calm down. Andrew immediately moved closer and embraced her. “I’m truly sorry, love.”

“Who’s your love?” Madisyn blushed and pushed him slightly.

“Just give me a hug,” Andrew pleaded, clinging to her like an affectionate puppy. Gradually, Madisyn’s anger ebbed, and she gave in, wrapping her arms around him.

The next day, Howard hadn’t called. Unable to wait any longer, Madisyn set out to find him.

She checked his office and dormitory but found no trace of him. A rising sense of dread crept into her chest as she realized she had no idea where he might be. Then a thought struck her—the hospital.

If someone had a car accident, they would surely be taken there for rescue.

Sure enough, she found Howard in the nearest hospital to where the car accident had occurred, though she barely recognized him.

He sat in a chair beside the hospital garden, looking utterly haggard. The vibrancy and vigor that usually characterized him were gone, replaced by a cloak of sadness and pain. A beard seemed to have sprouted overnight.

“Howard,” Madisyn called out softly as she approached, her voice laden with sorrow. At the sound of her voice, he looked up, rasping, “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been worried about you,” Madisyn replied, taking his hand gently. “Howard, remember how strong Milly is. She’ll be okay. You must believe that.”

Howard’s eyes glistened with fresh tears as he shook his head, his voice breaking. “She is strong… but now she is lying there. And I can’t do anything.”

Madisyn’s heart ached at the sight of his despair.

Oh, Milly, if she were still out there, she should come back soon to see what had become of Howard because of her.

.

.

.