Jennifer’s eyes flickered at Sarah’s words.
Madilyn sat rigidly on the sofa, her expression thunderous. Hearing Arthur’s arrival, she glanced toward the entrance. The moment she saw him stumbling in, supported and clearly intoxicated, her face darkened further.
“How could you let yourself get like this? You’re the CEO of Myers Group – this is utterly undignified. If this gets out, what will people think?” Madilyn stood abruptly. “Go prepare something to sober him up. Now!”
Sarah helped Arthur onto the sofa before hurrying to the kitchen to make hangover soup.
“Arthur, are you feeling any better?” Jennifer remained by his side, though exhaustion weighed heavily on her. Supporting him all the way inside had drained her energy – if not for maintaining appearances before Madilyn, she wouldn’t have bothered.
Madilyn’s gaze hardened as she observed Jennifer and the child beside her.
“Arthur, you just signed the divorce papers and immediately transferred 180 million to that greedy woman Chloe. You clearly weren’t thinking straight.” Madilyn pointed an accusing finger, furious at the thought of such a substantial sum being handed over so easily.
“Mom, that’s enough. That money always belonged to Chloe. Now that we’re divorced, there’s nothing left between us. The money is rightfully hers, so of course I returned it.” Arthur frowned, forcing the words through his haze.
Madilyn slammed her hand on the table.
“What do you mean it’s rightfully hers? She’s nothing but a country girl. Even the Lewis family doesn’t want her back. With 180 million in her hands, she’ll squander it in no time. She has no financial sense – she’ll probably be cheated out of it immediately.”
Seeing Arthur still defending Chloe even in his drunken state fueled Madilyn’s anger further.
“I’ll have the family lawyers find a way to recover those funds,” Madilyn declared. “A girl like Chloe suddenly becoming a millionaire? She should take a good look at herself in the mirror. I won’t allow her to benefit from this.”
“Mom, stay out of Chloe’s affairs. She was my wife – ” Arthur attempted to stand and argue but lost his balance, collapsing back onto the sofa.
The impact knocked the remaining consciousness from him, and he passed out completely.
Madilyn was so furious she could barely catch her breath.
“They’re divorced, and he’s still hung up on that worthless girl. It’s disgusting. All these years, everything Chloe consumed – food, clothing, everything – came from our family. She never contributed anything – just a parasite. After the divorce, she should have left empty-handed. If not for Charles protecting her, I would have thrown her out right after she gave birth.” Madilyn’s voice sharpened. “Arthur, listen to me. You cannot let Chloe keep custody of Robert. Let the lawyers handle this – she probably can’t even afford legal representation!
“Letting a woman like Chloe raise the child? He’d grow up ungrateful for sure. She’s just a nobody from the countryside – she’ll never achieve anything worthwhile. I’m telling everyone in the family – Chloe is never setting foot in this house again!”
While Madilyn raged, Arthur remained unconscious, completely unresponsive.
“Arthur, are you alright?” Jennifer rushed to his side, feigning concern. Internally, however, seeing Arthur defend Chloe even in his incapacitated state filled her with silent fury.
Chloe – that nobody from the countryside, that insignificant girl with neither status nor influence – had just walked away with 180 million dollars. How absurd! Should she call her naive or just plain foolish?
The title of Mrs. Myers, wife of the CEO, was worth billions, yet she settled for a mere 180 million. Perhaps for someone like Chloe, that amount seemed like unimaginable wealth!
But then again, how much money had a country girl like her ever seen? 180 million was probably beyond anything she’d ever dreamed of – no wonder she made sure to specify it so clearly in the divorce agreement.
Madilyn instructed the staff to help the still-drowsy Arthur back to his room to rest.
She remained seated on the sofa, her anger simmering, unable to settle.
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers, please don’t be upset. Have some coffee.” Jennifer personally prepared a cup and handed it to Madilyn.
Madilyn looked up at Jennifer, her expression unreadable. She didn’t refuse the coffee, simply accepting it without comment.
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers, Arthur wasn’t himself today. He spoke carelessly and upset you. I apologize on his behalf.” Jennifer’s voice was gentle. “Chloe and Arthur are divorced now. Despite all the drama Chloe caused, Arthur still feels responsible and wants to ensure she’s provided for.”
“He actually wants to secure that country girl’s future?” Madilyn’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Jennifer, couldn’t you stop him?”
Jennifer froze, caught off guard. “Mrs. Madilyn Myers, I…”
Madilyn realized she had spoken too harshly. She cleared her throat and tried again. “Jennifer, we’re both women. Don’t tell me you don’t have your own ambitions?”
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers, I’m not sure what you mean.” Jennifer lowered her head, feigning shyness and nervousness.
Madilyn studied her, her tone firm. “You’re in love with Arthur.”
“Arthur is remarkable and so considerate. Honestly… any woman would be drawn to him.” Jennifer’s cheeks flushed deeper as she spoke.
Observing the seemingly modest Jennifer, Madilyn couldn’t help but compare her to Chloe. Jennifer was clearly the superior choice. The only thing Chloe had going for her was her appearance, but how long could looks last? Beauty didn’t pay the bills. A woman needed to have cleverness and strategy, especially when dealing with exceptional men.
Chloe, that uncultured country girl, couldn’t possibly compare to a world-renowned pianist.
Jennifer had a child in tow and was using her past act of saving Arthur’s life to get closer to him. Her intentions were transparent.
Still, compared to Chloe’s lowly status, Jennifer was undoubtedly an upgrade. Even if she wasn’t Madilyn’s ideal daughter-in-law, as long as she could help eliminate Chloe’s influence, Madilyn was willing to tolerate her presence in Myers Manor for now.
“So I’ll take that as confirmation of your feelings for Arthur.” Madilyn lowered her voice, concealing her own emotions.
Jennifer looked up at Madilyn, feigning confusion. “Mrs. Madilyn Myers, what are you implying?”
“Since we’re being candid, I’ll speak plainly.” Madilyn’s tone grew more authoritative. “Ms. Williams, since you have feelings for Arthur, you should understand the history between him and Chloe. I cannot stand that woman. Even though they’re divorced, Robert remains their child – meaning there will always be some connection.”
“I want you to keep a close watch on Arthur. Ensure they don’t reconcile under any circumstances.” Madilyn’s voice was resolute, the disgust in her eyes unmistakable.
Jennifer appeared shocked.
Internally, however, she felt a thrill of triumph. This old woman was essentially inviting her to form an alliance. For now, at least, Madilyn was on her side.
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers, to be honest, I do care for Arthur. But I’ve always kept my feelings to myself. I’ve never confessed to him. Now that he’s freshly divorced and hurting, if I insert myself into this situation…”
Jennifer’s voice trembled delicately. “I nearly died once, but fate gave me a second chance. I’m alive and was fortunate enough to meet Arthur. That alone feels like more than I deserve. When you’ve faced death, you realize all the money in the world means nothing.”
Madilyn’s eyes darkened, and she muttered under her breath.
“Sometimes, a woman must be strategic – especially when it comes to matters of the heart.” Madilyn snorted, gave Jennifer a swift appraisal, and stood to leave, her displeasure evident.
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers!” Jennifer quickly reached for Madilyn’s hand.
Madilyn turned back, her gaze fixed on Jennifer.
“Mrs. Madilyn Myers, I will do everything in my power to become the woman most worthy of standing by Arthur’s side,” Jennifer spoke with solemn determination, each word weighted with resolve.
Madilyn stared at Jennifer, a cold light flickering in her eyes – clearly dissatisfied with the declaration.
Jennifer met her gaze steadily, calm and unyielding, her determination unwavering.
Tension hung thick in the luxurious villa, the silence so profound one could almost hear the rhythm of breathing.
Just as Jennifer began to doubt her gamble, Madilyn’s lips curved into a smile.
“Very well then, demonstrate your capabilities.” Madilyn raised her hand, her cool fingertips gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind Jennifer’s ear. “I’ll be watching with interest…”
Jennifer remained motionless, observing Madilyn’s retreating figure.
“Mom, are you certain she’s truly aligned with us?” Jenarth approached and whispered.
Jennifer kept her gaze fixed on the empty doorway where Madilyn had disappeared. A soft smile touched her lips, the corners curling with the confidence of one who already held the winning hand.
“Whether she desires it or not, she has no choice but to stand with us. There is no alternative path for her.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.