Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 528

Madeline offered a small, knowing smile. “I get it. That’s exactly why you have to keep the kids away from me, to make sure they’re safe.”

Julian let out a quiet, resigned laugh. “Am I supposed to thank you for being so considerate?”

“I’ll take care of the kids. And I’m going with you to see the Ballard family.” Julian’s tone left no room for argument.

Madeline bit her lip, silent.

Julian lowered his gaze, picked up a shrimp and placed it in his plate. When he realized Madeline still hadn’t said anything, he looked up, worried he’d upset her with his words.

“What’s on your mind?”

Madeline pressed her lips together. “It’s nothing. I just… I feel like I should turn you down, but I don’t even know how to do that.”

She knew she couldn’t face the Ballard family alone. She wasn’t confident enough for that.

If Julian went with her, she’d feel so much braver. She’d have someone on her side, someone who made her feel safe. Things would be easier to handle.

But with the way things were between them… what did it mean if she let herself rely on him like this?

Julian understood how sensitive Madeline was, how she could be honest with her feelings even when she was conflicted.

“Let’s just call it me making up for the past,” he said quietly.

He owed her so much. This was only the beginning.

Madeline studied him for a moment, then finally spoke, her voice gentle. “Let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

They finished lunch in comfortable silence. Normally, Julian didn’t eat much, but with Madeline there, he was in better spirits and ended up eating more than usual.

When they were done, Madeline packed up the containers with practiced ease. “I should get going. I promised Mrs. Grayson I’d bring the kids by tonight.”

“Alright.”

Madeline’s breath caught in her throat. Every muscle in her body tensed. She frowned, staring at the stranger’s face.

He had burn scars covering the left side of his face, but she could still make out his features. Madeline clenched her teeth. “Are you Andrew?”

He let out a twisted laugh. “You know me?”

Madeline swallowed hard. She didn’t actually know him. She’d never even seen him before.

But Julian had told her. Andrew was the one who’d fired that shot. He believed Helene’s lies, thought Madeline had hired someone to kill Helene’s child, who was his child too.

This man was here for revenge. There was no one else it could be.

“You’re here because of the child, aren’t you?” Madeline asked, body rigid, turning her head just slightly.

He was shaking with anger, the knife pressing closer to her skin. “What do you think? I thought Helene was cruel, but you’re even worse than she was.”