Chapter 58

Chapter 58:

Madisyn froze, her eyes wide as Andrew’s firm “no” echoed in her mind. For a moment, she was speechless, overwhelmed by the weight of his words. She had been trying to keep things casual, to brush aside the possibility of any deeper feelings between them, but his reaction made it clear that there was more beneath the surface.

The hallway around them seemed to close in as an awkward silence lingered. The familiar scent of Andrew’s cologne mixed with the air-conditioning, stirring emotions in Madisyn she hadn’t fully confronted before. His intense gaze, his silent gestures, and the warmth of his touch—all of it painted a picture she had been hesitant to see.

Just as the atmosphere grew too heavy, voices from the dining room drifted toward them, breaking the tension. Madisyn and Andrew walked back inside, but the mood between them had irrevocably shifted. Every glance from her employees felt loaded with curiosity, and Madisyn couldn’t help but feel like their relationship was under a microscope. She focused on her meal, trying to stay composed.

Once dinner was over, Madisyn insisted her employees take taxis home, reassuring them that the company would cover the expenses. Brenda, still in awe of Madisyn’s generosity, couldn’t help but share her gratitude online, posting about her wonderful boss.

As they stepped outside, the familiar figures of Michelle and her group caught their eye. The rival group, laughing amongst themselves, didn’t notice them at first. When they did, their smugness faded into disbelief.

“Were they dining at New Moon Restaurant?” one of Michelle’s friends whispered.

Michelle rolled her eyes, dismissing the possibility. “No way. Madisyn would never treat her staff to such an expensive place. Brenda’s just posting fake photos to make herself look good.”

Her words filled the group with doubt, but a few glances at Brenda’s social media post showed the truth: they really had dined at the luxurious New Moon Restaurant. The idea that Brenda and her team could have had a more lavish experience than them left Michelle bitter.

Meanwhile, back at the Johns family home, the tension was palpable. As soon as Madisyn walked in, Kristine’s eyes locked on her.

“Who just dropped you off?” Kristine asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

“Andrew,” Madisyn replied, keeping her tone neutral.

Kristine’s face briefly faltered, her forced smile not quite hiding the unease she felt. “It’s… good to see you getting along so well with him.”

Her words, though polite, were loaded with a deeper meaning. Kristine’s discomfort was clear—she had always seen Andrew in a different light, one that didn’t involve him being close to Madisyn.

Dane, seated nearby, perked up. “Wait, you and Andrew? Are you two close?”

Madisyn shrugged, downplaying the situation. “Waylon asked him to look out for me, that’s all.”

Dane, though relieved, couldn’t shake his protective instincts. “Just be careful, Madisyn. Andrew… he can be dangerous.”

Madisyn raised an eyebrow, confused. “Dangerous? What do you mean?”

Before Dane could explain, Andrew’s voice cut through the room. “I didn’t realize I had such a reputation.”

Everyone turned to see Andrew standing in the doorway, his presence commanding the space. Kristine’s face lit up, momentarily forgetting her earlier discomfort.

“Andre, it’s good to see you!” Kristine said eagerly, trying to capture his attention.

But Andrew’s focus was on Madisyn. He stepped forward and handed her a small, delicate diamond earring. “You dropped this earlier,” he said softly.

Madisyn blinked, only just realizing her earring had been missing. “Thank you,” she murmured, taking it from him.

Andrew’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he added gently, “You should rest. Don’t stay up too late.”

Kristine’s hopeful expression faltered as she watched the exchange, feeling like an outsider in a conversation that didn’t involve her. Her heart sank, realizing that Andrew’s attention wasn’t on her.

Once Andrew finished speaking to Madisyn, his attention shifted to Dane. His eyes sharpened, his tone growing colder. “I overheard what you said earlier. Are you really warning her about me?”

Dane didn’t flinch, meeting Andrew’s piercing gaze head-on. “I’m just looking out for my sister. I can’t let her fall for someone who might not be right for her.”

Andrew’s lips curved into a slight smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I understand your concern. But Madisyn’s like family to me. I would never let anything happen to her.”

Dane’s jaw tightened, not liking the way Andrew claimed closeness with his sister. “Madisyn already has enough brothers. She doesn’t need another.”

Andrew’s expression hardened, his voice growing colder. “Have you asked Madisyn what she wants? Maybe your overprotectiveness is more of a burden than you think.”

Before Dane could respond, Madisyn, feeling overwhelmed by the tension, stood abruptly. “I’m going to bed,” she muttered, heading upstairs without waiting for a reply.

Kristine, sensing an opportunity, turned to Andrew with a soft smile. “Andre, why don’t you stay for a bit? I could make you some tea.”

But the warmth Andrew had shown earlier vanished. “No, thank you,” he said curtly, his voice distant. “I’ve got other matters to attend to.”

Without another word, he left, leaving Kristine standing alone, her heart sinking as she watched him walk away. She couldn’t help but wonder why no matter how much she tried, everyone’s attention always seemed to land on Madisyn.

Upstairs, Madisyn stepped out of the shower, feeling exhausted from the day’s events. As she settled into bed, she couldn’t stop thinking about Andrew’s cryptic behavior. Checking her phone, she caught up on social media, but her mind kept drifting back to the unsettling tension that had unfolded downstairs.

Something had shifted between her and Andrew, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready to confront it.

.

.

.