Chapter 16
When Jason got married, only Paul was there to witness it. Fred had heard that, beyond her beauty, Jason’s wife had the patience of a saint, especially when it came to Jason, who always seemed to have the upper hand in their relationship.
Ever the provocateur, Paul flashed a mischievous grin and remarked, “Funny, just a few days ago, she was avoiding him like the plague. Wouldn’t even spare him a glance, talking as if she couldn’t wait to sever ties for good.”
“Shut it,” Jason snapped, his voice as cold as ice.
Paul rolled his eyes, unbothered since there wasn’t much Jason could do to him from across the ocean anyway. “Funny how some people act all high and mighty, but the second they get dumped, they fall apart.”
Jason immediately regretted making the video call.
Fred gave Paul a firm clap on the back, signaling him to ease up. Paul quickly read the room and changed the subject without missing a beat. “Anyway, the Skyline Trade Plaza’s his turf. Let him check out that girl for you.”
“What girl?” Jason lit a cigarette, his voice flat.
Paul recounted the story he’d heard in vivid detail. Jason raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised by Fred’s interest, and played along. “Any distinguishing features?”
“She’s hot,” Paul said.
Fred chuckled, adding, “Not in the obvious way. She’s got guts. It’s a different vibe, kind of fearless.”
Jason took another puff of his cigarette, narrowing his eyes. “Details. Height? Work uniform? Long hair, short hair?”
“I’d leave it alone,” Fred replied, shaking his head. “She’s the vengeful type. If she finds out I’m checking up on her, I might get blacklisted. Let fate run its course.”
Paul scoffed. “You’ve exchanged two words with her and already know her character?”
Fred shrugged. “Most people would call the cops if they saw a robbery. She walked right up and confronted the situation. That tells you something.”
Jason leaned back, thoughtful. “Yes, way too aggressive. Almost like she staged it.”
“You wouldn’t do it yourself, but you sure as hell don’t let any of us get involved either,” Paul said, irritation creeping into his voice. “Don’t take advice from someone whose marriage is falling apart. If he knew anything about women, his wife wouldn’t be filing for divorce.”
Jason ended the call abruptly.
Fred tossed the phone back to Paul. “You’re not exactly marriage material yourself.”
Chloe informed Abby that her mother had been hospitalized and suggested she pay a visit, assuring her that Madge wouldn’t be too harsh in the face of such a considerate gesture.
But to Abby’s surprise, Madge showed no gratitude. Instead, she was met with thinly veiled sarcasm and a string of biting remarks, forcing her to make an awkward exit.
Chloe had received a bag as a gift from Abby, so it was time for her to do something. Just as she stopped the car, she saw Leigh coming out with a large bag.
“What, is Mom being discharged?” she asked.
“No,” Leigh replied, “these are supplements from your sister–in–law’s family. I’m taking them home.”
“These?” Chloe snatched the bag and hurled it to the ground. “They’re trash. “She stomped on it without hesitation.
“She keeps sending this junk to curry favor, but the more Mom takes them, the worse her condition gets,” Chloe snapped,
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stomping on the bag. “Who knows what she’s mixed into these so–called supplements?”
“Ms. Black, you can’t-” Leigh tried to intervene, but there was no stopping Chloe, the family’s famously spoiled princess.
Chloe ground the contents into dust with her heel, then casually brushed off her shoes. “If my brother hears about this, I’ll know it was you. And if that’s the case, I’ll make sure you’re sent back home.”
“I won’t say a word,” Leigh said quickly, then hesitated. “But, if your mother asks…”
“Just give her the usual stuff. She won’t notice. And from now on, nothing from Nadia makes it through the door. Got it?” Chloe snapped.
Leigh nodded, albeit reluctantly. “Yes, I understand.”
Chloe had been spoiled all her life. With her father stationed overseas and Madge in poor health, Jason was the only person she feared.
But even that fear felt pointless now, given how he treated Nadia. If he genuinely cared about his wife, he would’ve treated her better, after everything she’d done for him, and none of this would’ve happened.
Chloe stepped into the hospital room. Madge sat propped up against the headboard, glasses perched on her nose, calmly flipping through a newspaper.
“You seem better today, Mom,” Chloe said cautiously, watching her expression.
“It’d be even better if I didn’t have to see certain people,” Madge replied coolly, not looking up as she turned a page.
Chloe sat awkwardly on the edge of the bed. “Mom, the scandal about Abby and the director was a misunderstanding.”
Back then, desperate to land a role, Abby had gone to the director’s hotel room late at night, fully aware of his intentions. She got what she wanted and walked out in the early hours, drained but successful.
Unfortunately, she ran straight into Madge, who stayed at the same hotel. From that moment on, Madge’s disdain was set in
stone.
“And this is a misunderstanding, too?” Madge snapped, tossing the newspaper at Chloe.
The latest headlines were damning. They reported Jason escorting Abby to a doctor’s appointment late at night, followed by more photos of him backstage at the Goldspire Awards. One shot in particular was a grainy black–and–white image of them in an embrace, which had sparked rumors that something more serious was developing between them.
Chloe laughed weakly and rubbed the tip of her nose. “It’s just tabloid gossip.”
Madge’s voice cut like a knife. “And who do you think handed them those photos?”
Though no longer active as Feron Production’s president, Madge hadn’t lost her edge. After giving birth to Chloe, she stepped back due to health reasons, allowing her team to run the company. But her instincts were razor–sharp.
Jason’s influence in the industry was no secret. Although his secret marriage was sensitive, no outlet would dare leak a photo of him without tacit approval.
The only plausible explanation was that the leak came from someone he didn’t mind protecting, like Abby.
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With her paving the way, the media had no qualms about fanning the flames.
Madge had always seen through her son’s indifference toward Nadia. But she liked her daughter–in–law and had no intention of standing by quietly.
“Call your uncle,” she said, removing her glasses and placing them firmly on the table. “Tell him if this kind of news keeps coming out, I’ll remind him what I’m capable of.”
Chloe made the call, then returned with a pout. “You’re mad at Abby. Why take it out on me?”
Madge didn’t answer. Instead, she reached for Chloe’s hand. “This bangle…”
“Nadia gave it to me!” Chloe jerked her hand back, flustered. “The test results should be ready. I’ll go get them.
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She turned and rushed toward the door, only to hear Madge’s calm voice behind her.
“Chloe, I know you’re young and headstrong. But Nadia is your sister–in–law. You can act spoiled, but don’t turn your back on
her.”
Chloe gritted her teeth. Her frustration bubbled over as she walked to the diagnostics department, angrily texting Abby. [Nadia definitely cursed those supplements she gave my mom. Now she’s scolding me nonstop because of her.]
Abby replied almost instantly. [Wait, your mom actually took it out on you because of Nadia?]
[Yes! She’s so manipulative. She gave me all kinds of jewelry to win me over. But she turned on me once she realized I was on your side. That’s how my mom even found out I took the jade bangle.] Chloe continued rambling on in her message.
Abby sent a comforting message. [Don’t let it get to you. Stress makes you age faster. I just got some fantastic face masks from overseas. I’ll save you a box.]
[Abby, you’re the only one who really cares about me.] Chloe typed back, her mood slightly lifted as she reached the diagnostics window.
The nurse handed her Madge’s report. Chloe flipped through it, and her expression changed instantly.
Her hand flew to her phone, and she dialed Jason without hesitation.
It was 3 a.m. where he was. He had just fallen asleep and picked up with a groggy scowl. “You’d better have a damn good reason for calling.”
“Come back now,” Chloe said, panicked. “Mom’s test results are out.”
