Chapter 37

Chapter 37

The contracts were announced during the break at the fashion show, and those in the VIP lounge saw the crowd’s reactions through live stream. Of course, Leo, who left midway, was included.

“Have you decided not to renew the contract with the Palmer Group, Jessica? Do you need to reconsider?” Caius analyzed the situation rationally and thought cooperating with the Palmer Group was still feasible. After all, Leo didn’t even know that Sylvia, whom he was trying to negotiate with, was his wife whom he sent abroad on purpose. From a businessman’s perspective, continuing to cooperate with the Palmer Group would be beneficial. He also believed that as long as M&L Studio was willing to renew the contract and the conditions were not too demanding, Leo would agree.

Madison shook her head firmly. “I understand your point, Caius, but I can’t separate my personal and professional lives. I will love and support my family, and I will also punish those who hurt me. So, even if the Palmer Group offered 10 times the previous price, I don’t want to continue cooperating with them.”

She didn’t want any association with Leo, even though he had no idea that she was the one supporting him from behind the scenes. She wasn’t that forgiving. She didn’t even want to earn money with Leo.

Caius nodded after hearing her. “That’s okay. It’s your decision, and I’m just giving

advice.”

Fan ny snorted disapprovingly at Caius’ suggestion. “Why should we make money with that bas ta rd? We have our resources. Do we have to cooperate with him? In my opinion, he should finalize the divorce proceedings quickly so that Jessica can leave the Palmer family and return to the Daves family!”

Caius tried to placate her. “You’re right, Mrs. Smith! It’s my oversight, and I apologize.”

The public display of affection from Fan ny and Caius made the three younger ones feel nvious. Even Samuel, who had grown up watching it, found it hard to stand. He stood ip, saying to Madison, “Jessica, I brought something for you. Want to come with me?”

‘anny immediately saw through Samuel’s intentions. “You don’t want to stay with us. It’s ne. And now you want to take Jessica with you?”

Mom, I’m just speaking the truth,” Samuel helplessly responded.

ladison laughed and got up from the sofa. “I think you might have to wait a little ›nger, Samuel. I got to go to the restroom first. Can you wait for me for a while? You in have a chat with Fan ny.”

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Chapter 37

Fa nny sighed lightly. “Jessica is so considerate, unlike the rest of you, who want to leave the moment you see us.”

Madison, who had left the lounge, was oblivious to all this. She just wanted to find the restroom quickly, as the dull ache in her lower abdomen made her feel like her period might be coming. She had felt this way on the way to the gala, but her menstrual cycle was always irregular. It was often delayed by several days, so she didn’t keep track of the dates.

It was a struggle to find the restroom, and before she could even feel lucky for finding it, she became wary of the person following her. Her gaze darkened, and her steps slowed down. When the shadow appeared behind her, she made a move!

But unlike the last time at Opal Heights Bar, where she had thrown Cullen over her shoulder, this time she was the one who was pinned against the wall, her back stiff with the chill. As she saw the man before her, a mocking voice escaped from her l*ps. “Mr. Palmer, this is the ladies’ room. Isn’t it inappropriate for you to be here?”

Leo did not loosen his grip in response to her words. He noticed the caution in Madison’s eyes, and with furrowed brows, unnamed anger surged through him. “You haven’t formally divorced me, yet you’re cozying up to other men. Is that appropriate?”

Saying this, he thought, ‘And there’s not just one man! You’ve even agreed to dance with Cullen, but you avoid me every time you see me!’

Madison seemed to hear something amusing, the sarcasm in her eyes thickening. She didn’t even want to maintain a shred of dignity anymore.

“Leo, what right do you have to say such things? You’re the one who wanted to end this marriage. You treated our marriage as a joke, so what right do you have to judge me? In these three years, have I ever said a word to you about your relationship with Sally?”

“So, are you admitting to having a relationship with Joe?” Leo suddenly tightened his grip on her wrist. ‘I knew your relationship was not just a business partnership!’ he thought. ‘What kind of collaboration could you have with Joe? Are you going to be a star artist at XR Entertainment? Even if you are, you didn’t need to discuss it with the CEO!’

Madison didn’t want to argue with him. She struggled to pull her hand away. “Leo, you’re hurting me. Let go!”

She was already uncomfortable, and now her stomach hurts even more. Especially with her back against the icy wall, the hollow design of her dress made her feel like she was in cold storage.

But Leo seemed to be oblivious to her discomfort. Not only did he not let go, but he also took a step forward, almost encircling Madison in his arms. “Madison, answer my question,” he said in a low, h oa rse voice, demanding an answer.

Chapter 37

His tall figure loomed over her, and she stared at him with red eyes, ready to cry. “So what if I am? Is that what you want? Does it concern you? You can do as you please, but I can’t even find a new lover? Let me tell you, Leo, Joe and I…”

Before she could finish her sentence, his k*ss forcefully silenced her.

Madison’s mind went blank. Without thinking, she moved, and her hand landed a hard slap on Leo’s face.

Smack!

The crisp sound echoed in the space, lingering for a long time. Madison didn’t know how she had managed to break free from his restraint. ‘Serves you right!’ she thought, looking at the side of his face she had slapped.

Leo also seemed stunned as if he hadn’t recovered from the slap, or perhaps he was thinking about the k*ss. He raised his hand to wipe his mouth, which left a few traces of blood on his fingertip. Then, his deep gaze fell on her. “I don’t care how you get involved with the Daves family. Come home with me. From now on, treat them as strangers, and I’ll pretend nothing has happened.”

Regardless of what she planned to do to the Palmer Group, as long as she turned back, he wouldn’t pursue the matter.

Madison looked up at him and felt it was ridiculous. “Leo Palmer, you’re being too overbearing. Who do you think you are?”

‘Go home with you? Humph… Madison snorted. She had fantasized about it before, but there was no need for such behavior after she gave up on him. She raised her hand and poked his chest. “Put away your false pity. I don’t need your pathetic charity. Go home with you? And be sent to a foreign country because of your beloved woman? How many more years do you plan to make me live alone out there?”

Her contemptuous mockery stung Leo’s heart. When he sent her abroad, he never thought she would have a hard time there, but…

Leo pursed his l*ps. “It was my oversight to send you abroad. I apologize for that. But, Madison, you can’t…”

Leo’s words abruptly stopped when he saw a trace of blood trickling down her leg. Madison followed his gaze and froze completely.

Chapter 37

SEND GIFT