Chapter 53

Chapter 53:

“Mr. Johns! I must speak with you immediately!” Mina’s voice rang out, echoing in the hallway. Her tone was urgent, but the intensity in her eyes betrayed her true motive.

Madisyn turned to face her, her expression icy, her gaze sharp. “It appears you are quite eager to part ways with the company.”

“Regardless of my future here, Mr. Johns deserves to know this!” Mina shot back, casting a pointed look at Dane, who was inside his car. She approached closer and continued, “Mr. Johns, Madisyn has been cheating on you.”

Dane’s reaction was brief but noticeable—a flicker of surprise crossed his face before his composure returned. Mina, sensing victory, allowed a smug smile to creep across her face, certain she had successfully blindsided Dane.

Dane stepped out of his car, his towering figure drawing immediate attention. His voice was calm but carried a distinct edge. “What are you talking about?”

“I speak the truth,” Mina asserted confidently, pulling out her phone. “I saw Madisyn exiting a car that wasn’t hers, with another man!”

Madisyn, her face cold and composed, remained unfazed by Mina’s theatrics.

Dane took the phone, his expression darkening as he inspected the image. The air around him seemed to grow colder, tension hanging thickly between them.

Mina, basking in what she believed to be her moment of triumph, watched intently, expecting a furious response from Dane. Surely, this would be Madisyn’s downfall.

After a pause, Dane’s voice broke the silence, low and commanding. “Is this what you spend your time doing here? Spying on people?”

“Yes, precisely!” Mina said eagerly. “Madisyn is using her position here and at your company to betray you! She’s not loyal to you.”

Dane’s gaze hardened, and his voice dropped an octave, sending chills down Mina’s spine. “I was asking you, not her.”

Mina faltered, confused by the turn of events. “But Mr. Johns, I did this for you… She’s using you…”

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Dane cut her off, his tone icy and final. “Your job was to support her as vice president, not play detective. You can pack your things and leave—you won’t be needed tomorrow.”

Mina’s eyes widened in shock. “But—Mr. Johns—”

“I don’t need to hear anything more,” Dane stated, his gaze narrowing. “You’re fired.”

As Dane guided Madisyn into his car, Mina was left standing alone, her world spinning as the weight of her dismissal sank in. Everything she had worked for over the years—her position, her influence—had disappeared in the span of a few minutes. Her smug confidence evaporated, replaced by confusion and bitterness. Why had Dane chosen to fire her instead of Madisyn?

Her phone buzzed, breaking her daze. The HR department was calling, confirming her dismissal. All of her ambitions for climbing the corporate ladder were crumbling, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Just then, another message arrived—this time from Michelle at Migge Skincare.

“Ms. Atkins, Natural Beauty isn’t where you belong. Come join us at Migge Skincare, where your talents will be valued.”

In the car, Dane turned to Madisyn, his voice full of regret. “I’m truly sorry for what just happened, Madisyn. I didn’t expect Mina to behave like that.”

Madisyn shrugged it off, her calm demeanor intact. “It’s fine. She was never really a threat.”

“I’ll find someone more reliable to support you at work,” Dane offered, his protective instincts surfacing.

Madisyn considered for a moment before replying, “There’s no need. I already have someone in mind, and I’ve got things under control at the company.”

Dane nodded, not pressing the matter. After all, Natural Beauty was a small venture, and he trusted Madisyn’s judgment. She had proven herself capable time and again.

When they arrived home, the comforting aroma of dinner greeted them. Elaine hurried over, her motherly concern evident in the way she cupped Madisyn’s face. “My dear, why are you working yourself so hard? You’ve been coming home late for days,” Elaine scolded, her eyes brimming with worry.

Glenn, lounging on the sofa, joined in. “Dane, you should be more mindful. It’s your job as her older brother to take care of her, not overwork her.”

Dane, under the scrutiny of his parents, struggled to find a response. After a moment, he simply said, “I’ll be more attentive to her from now on.”

Madisyn quickly intervened. “Actually, Dane has been very supportive. It’s me who insisted on managing the company on my own.”

“Are you sure?” Elaine looked unconvinced, still eyeing Madisyn with concern. “You don’t need to push yourself so hard, dear. Our family’s wealth will sustain us for generations.”

Madisyn coughed awkwardly. Though she knew her family was well-off, Elaine’s statement about their vast legacy still left her slightly unsettled.

“Madisyn just wants to prove herself,” Kristine interjected softly, her voice barely heard amidst the chatter.

Her words, however, seemed to go unnoticed as the rest of the family continued focusing on Madisyn. Kristine’s fingers clenched slightly, frustration gnawing at her as she once again felt overshadowed.

At dinner, Kristine, hoping for some solidarity, sat next to Dane, offering him a bowl of soup. “Mom and Dad really dote on Madisyn, don’t they?” she remarked quietly.

Dane smiled gently, unfazed. “It took us a long time to reunite with Madisyn. It’s only natural they cherish her so much.”

Kristine bit her lip, her voice barely above a whisper. “It used to be you they cherished the most, Dane.”

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