Chapter 54

Chapter 54:

“We’re all family; we value everyone here,” Dane reassured Kristine, his voice calm and measured.

Kristine, however, remained silent, her mind swirling with frustration. As her phone vibrated again, she glanced at the screen—a message from Josie complaining about Andrew’s collaboration with Madisyn. Kristine’s grip tightened around her phone, her knuckles whitening with anger.

She had never held a grudge against Madisyn before. In fact, she had initially felt pity for her, assuming that a girl from the countryside would struggle to integrate into the elite circles of the Johns family. Kristine had even considered helping Madisyn navigate the intricacies of high society. But to her shock, Madisyn seemed to fit in seamlessly. Not only that, but she was also charming everyone around her.

Dane noticed the change in Kristine’s expression. “Is something wrong?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Startled, Kristine quickly put on a smile. “Oh, it’s nothing.”

Dane didn’t push further, but he gave her a lingering look before returning his attention to the conversation at the dinner table.

After the meal, Elaine invited Madisyn for a stroll through the garden. As they walked together under the soft glow of the garden lights, the atmosphere felt serene. Meanwhile, Kristine decided to head to the dance studio for practice. She poured her frustration into her movements, perfecting her routine until she noticed Dane enter the room.

“Dane? Did you come to watch me practice?” Kristine asked, her spirits momentarily lifting at his presence.

Dane nodded, offering her a gentle smile. “You’re doing great, Kristine. You’ve really improved.”

Her heart swelled at the compliment. “Thank you! Auntie Lynda has been giving me extra coaching, and she even recommended me for a director position at the National Dance Association.”

Dane’s brows rose slightly, impressed. “That’s incredible! You must be the youngest director ever.”

Kristine nodded proudly but couldn’t help adding, “I wonder if Madisyn enjoys dancing. I could teach her a few moves, though growing up in the countryside, she probably didn’t have the chance to pick up any skills.”

Her tone was laced with faux compassion, but Dane’s expression remained thoughtful.

“Kristine, Madisyn has her own strengths. You don’t need to compare yourself to her. We’re all family, and there’s no competition between you two,” Dane said, his voice gentle but firm.

Kristine bit her lip, nervousness creeping in. Had Dane noticed her underlying resentment? “I know, Dane. I truly admire Madisyn. I want us to get along.”

Dane looked at her for a moment before sighing softly. “Just remember, Mom and Dad will always value you both equally. There’s no need to worry.”

As Dane left, Kristine felt a surge of unease. Why did it feel like he was warning her? She hadn’t done anything to wrong Madisyn, had she? Yet, Dane’s words made her feel as though she had crossed some invisible line.

Her phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was Josie.

“Kristine, you won’t believe it! I’ve been planning my product launch, and I want you to come,” Josie said excitedly, though she quickly sensed something was amiss. “What’s wrong, Kristine?”

With a heavy heart, Kristine relayed her conversation with Dane, the growing tension she felt toward Madisyn becoming too much to bear.

Josie’s voice was filled with anger. “It’s clear that Madisyn is manipulating everyone around her, especially Dane. She’s trying to turn him against you, Kristine! That girl is cunning, and you, being so kind-hearted, just can’t compete with her scheming ways.”

Kristine, overwhelmed with emotion, broke down in tears. “I just want peace in my family. Why can’t she leave things as they are? Do I really have to leave the Johns family?”

“No, Kristine, don’t even think about that! The Johns family needs you—you’re their shining star. You’re the talented one, the vice president of the company, and the acclaimed dancer. What would they do without you? As for Madisyn, she’s nothing more than an interloper. Come to my launch. We’ll make sure she knows her place.”

Kristine hesitated but eventually agreed. “Okay, I’ll come.”

Meanwhile, the garden at the Johns mansion was peaceful, the soft lights casting a warm glow along the paths. As Madisyn walked alongside Elaine, she noticed a familiar figure approaching.

Dane had appeared, his steps quiet but steady. He smiled at her, his tone playful. “I didn’t think you’d notice me.”

“You startled me!” Elaine exclaimed, playfully swatting at Dane. “Shouldn’t you be busy with work?”

Dane chuckled. “I just wanted to join you for a walk.”

As they continued strolling, Madisyn suddenly asked, “So, when is Howard coming back?”

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