Chapter 157

Chapter 157

Madison spoke with an unyielding frankness.

“I have never considered Joe’s crowd to be shady. Why anyone would label a group as unsavory? What does that have to do with the innocents? Why did Sally end up in such a place if it’s as corrupt as he claims? He must believe he can shield Sally. But does he think he’s her savior? Does Sally even need to seek anyone’s approval? Yet, he’s unaware that his betrothed has already been ensnared by a trap. He appears to have a solid backup, wanting to have his cake and eat it too! Madison thought.

As soon as she thought of some photos she had seen before, Madison felt disgusted, and Leo also looked unpleasant.

But Madison also knew that not everyone was like Sally.

In his brother’s circle, these troubles would never-arise. And his sister, Blanche, would never be like Sally.

Her sister, Blanche, had already had a difficult time in the Malone family, but she had not given up on some bottom lines because of her difficult life. Even if she was criticized by the entire internet, she silently endured those insults that did not belong

to her.

Fortunately, there were always more good things in this world.

Post-storm, Blanche seemed to be finding her stride, slowly but surely improving her

lot.

As for these troubles, there was no need to worry about them.

Madison didn’t want to continue talking with Leo, she held Joe’s hand and shook it, saying, “I’m hungry, let’s go to eat.”

Joe felt the fatigue creeping in as well.

Men understood each other’s thoughts the best. Leo couldn’t really figure out what he was doing or if it was because of other thoughts, but he understood it clearly.

Yet Madison wasn’t curious about Leo’s denial, despite the obvious situation with his sister. All Madison wanted was to extricate his family’s Jessica from this mess.

This desire had prompted Madison to insist on an early departure from the Rose Garden, not anticipating the cascade of events it would trigger.

He unwittingly entangled himself in the web he’d spun.

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Chapter 157

Joe mulled over whether Madison’s actions were intentional.

However, he wouldn’t dwell on what seemed an inevitable outcome.

Both of them hurried to have a meal, showing no interest in the person behind them, Leo. However, it seemed that Leo was unwilling to give up.

Leo’s stride was quick, intercepting them once more, blocking their path with his imposing frame.

Leo fixed his gaze on Madison, ignoring Joe’s irritation. “If you want to cherish another, that’s your prerogative. But is Madison truly worth the trouble?*

Joe’s simmering frustration boiled over. “Speak plainly, kid. Who’s unworthy?”

“Why am I not worth it? I am handsome, wealthy, and have a good physique. I also know how to take care of my wife. Take a look at how successful my future wife has become in my company now. And how about Leo, who kicked his ex-wife out of the country and divorced her, but now doesn’t care about his current fiancée? He’s starting to show concern for his ex-wife. What a sc umbag. Joe thought.

Leo faced Joe squarely, his voice edged with contempt. “If you truly care for Madison, how could you stand by and let her tears fall? Don’t you see her grief?”

Joe’s frustration boiled over, but Leo’s rebuke was directed at Madison. “And you, a single rose is enough to win you over. Have you no self-respect? It’s because my family, the Palmer family, didn’t expose you to enough things that all it takes is a bouquet for you to chase after someone. Is this how you pursue men, Madison?”

Madison was momentarily taken aback, pondering Leo’s insinuation.

‘In other words, when I was crying over there not long ago, did Leo see it all? Really?’ Madison thought.

Madison couldn’t even bear to imagine her at her most vulnerable, recalling her tears. and the trace of a sniffle.

She assumed Leo had only caught a glimpse, not the full spectacle of her breakdown.

After all, looking at the appearance of Leo, if he was enough, he should have already seen and heard about her relationship with Joe. But the current situation indicated that he probably saw everything but didn’t hear anything. Due to the distance, he probably didn’t see the ugly scene.

However, when Madison thought of the possibility of being seen, she still felt angry. She widened her eyes and glared at Leo.

“What’s the harm if I’m won over by a bouquet? I find it charming. Besides, any future

07:19 Fri, 2 Feb BR.

Chapter 157

relationship is bound to be an upgrade from my first marriage.” Madison said.

The first marriage. Leo’s mind raced at that term, thinking of himself instinctively.

She’d been smitten with him since her youth, a tender memory from her past.

Somehow, she didn’t seem as forlorn as before, considering her words.

But the full implication of Madison’s statement hit Leo hard, casting a shadow over his spirits.

‘Could she possibly outshine me in her future endeavors? And where does that leave me compared to Joe?’ Leo thought.

Just as he was about to question Madison, a voice suddenly came from beside them, breaking their confrontation.

“Why does everyone gather here when I’m away? Cullen made an unexpected. entrance, focusing on Madison before turning his scrutiny to Leo. “You’re all not here for Jessica, are you? Didn’t you say she wasn’t your concern?”

In the car, Cullen had glimpsed the tension between Madison and Joe. He’d intended to offer his support to Madison, but instead, he saw her rush into another’s embrace.

It was clear to Cullen that they were just entangled in a lovers’ spat.

Breakups were commonplace among the youth, and Cullen wasn’t in the mood for revelry. He had his concerns.

Cullen, thoroughly captivated by Madison’s enchanting allure and her fiery, spirited. nature, found himself deeply drawn to her. However, he was not the type to pursue his desires with relentless determination, preferring a more measured and thoughtful approach in matters of the heart.

There were plenty of beautiful women in the world, and he was willing to give up the entire forest for a tree, but unfortunately, he did not possess the qualities of that tree, so there was no need to hang himself on it.

Cullen swiftly moved past it.

After greeting Leo, Cullen’s gaze fell on Joe again.

At Opal Heights Bar, nob*dy gave a second thought to Madison. Now, upon closer. inspection, she didn’t seem too shabby, akin to a rose among thorns.

Although Joe was not as good-looking as him, he was still pretty decent and matched. well with Madison.

Chapter 157

Cullen extended a welcoming hand to Jow. “You must be Mr. Daves from XR Entertainment, right? I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

Joe was well aware of Cullen’s reputation and couldn’t help but be impressed.

Not only was given a shoulder throw in Opal Heights Bar by Madison, but he also had a nickname for Jessica.

The Daves family’s private affairs were not for public consumption, yet here they were, exposed to an outsider. It was a bitter pill to swallow,

Leo couldn’t hide his displeasure upon Cullen’s untimely arrival, shooting him a frosty look.

“It turns out that Mr. Palmer didn’t intend to care about my Jessica at first. Why did he secretly come to look for my Jessica when his good friend went to the washroom? Is it something shameful?” Joe asked.

Leo felt that Cullen had appeared at the wrong time. He glanced at him coldly.

Cullen met Joe’s queries with a dismissive shrug, his words sharp. “Seems like my buddy’s got a screw loose. Save your breath, Mr. Daves, no point in arguing with him.”

Joe’s expression shifted to one of surprise at Cullen’s blunt remark, not having anticipated such a direct jab.

The pieces started to fall into place for Joe, understanding now why Madison chose to accompany Cullen, knowing full well he was Leo’s friend.

Joe found this development rather intriguing.

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