Chapter 1026

Jeremy glanced at her calmly. “There’s nothing to be afraid of if you’re innocent.”

“Of course I am!” Lana exclaimed, then turned to glare at Eve.

She merely rolled her eyes when another pair of handcuffs were brought to her wrists.

She was dazed. “Why are you arresting me, officers? I already told you everything I know. Why are you still arresting me?”

“Who else would they arrest, then? Me?” Madeline smiled and fired back. “You say you’re innocent, Eve, and that you’ve been used. But none of this would’ve happened tonight if you didn’t have the heart to harm me in the first place.”

“…”

Speechless, Eve stared at Madeline’s tranquil expression. Not only was she feeling like an idiot for being used, but she had also completely lost to Madeline.

With Lana and Eve brought away, Naomi was left to stomp her feet in infuriation.

She watched with eyes reddened by envy as Ryan defended Madeline.

Everyone who spoke ill of and suspected Madeline went up to give their sincere apologies.

The person in charge who had given Madeline the biggest earful flushed in embarrassment. “I’m really sorry, Ms. Montgomery. I should’ve investigated everything clearly before I accused you of anything.

I’m really sorry.”

Madeline merely curled her lips into a shadow of a smile. “It’s alright, I’m used to being framed anyway.”

She smiled and looked down for a while. When she raised her gaze, it was much brighter than before.

“My parents may have left me and I may not have people who’ll defend me with everything they have in this world anymore, but that doesn’t mean I’m free game for those who want to hurt and bully me.”

Jeremy’s heart bled as he heard Madeline speak in the crowd, but he took the feeling in a stride.

He watched Ryan walk up to Madeline and hold her hand gently in his. “You’ll have me from now on, Eveline. Let me wholly protect and love you in place of your parents.”

Jeremy felt his heart aching. Forcing his reluctant gaze away from Madeline, he left without a trace.

Faced with Ryan’s blatant confession in front of everyone, Madeline did not know how to reject him.

She did not want Ryan to lose his dignity in front of so many people.

Thinking back to her past, she could not imagine being worthy of such a perfect man.

Seeing Madeline’s conflicted gaze, Ryan smiled and changed the subject. He turned everyone’s focus back on the charity gala.

Madeline took the opportunity to walk outside to take a breather.

The early autumn wind had grown cold without her realizing, and Madeline could not help the sneeze that came up as she stared dazedly at the starry sky.

Jeremy exited the doors and took his jacket off, approaching her reflexively when he saw Madeline sneezing by the flowerbeds. Just as he turned to walk, Ryan appeared beside Madeline and placed his jacket over her shoulders.

Jeremy’s hand slowly fell as his gaze dimmed.

‘The warmth that I can no longer give, Linnie, I’m glad someone can give it to you instead.

‘I won’t be here for much longer and you won’t need to see me either, nor will you see me and think of your parents’ tragic deaths.

‘For the years to come, I hope you find true happiness.’

Madeline was about to remove and return the jacket to Ryan when she turned to find Jeremy staring at both of them not too far away.

Jeremy gave a nonchalant smile and walked over.

Seeing him approach, Madeline turned to face Ryan. “You’re right, Rye. I really should give myself a chance to start over. You’re my boyfriend now, okay? I’ll be in your care.”

She reached out to hold Ryan’s hand.