“Listen.” Madeline’s whole body tensed. “The woman in that video wasn’t me. Someone actually had surgery to look just like me.”
Andrew squinted at her, a cold, mocking smile on his lips. “Do you really expect me to buy that?”
“I’m serious. The Ballard family is hosting a party in two days. There’ll be someone there who looks exactly like me. If you don’t believe me, send someone to check it out.”
Madeline rushed her words, her voice steady but urgent. “Think about it. If this wasn’t true, how could I make up something so detailed on the spot?”
Andrew’s eyes narrowed. He stared hard at her, searching her face for any sign she might be telling the truth.
“If you kill me now, do you think you can just walk away? Julian won’t let you get away with it. You should hear me out, figure out what’s really going on, or you’ll end up punishing the wrong person. And the real culprit will get away with everything.” Madeline did her best to keep her voice calm, forcing herself to look him in the eye.
She wasn’t sure if he believed her, but she saw something shift in his gaze. The cold threat in his eyes began to fade.
The knife edged away from her throat.
Madeline let herself breathe again.
But then the blade pressed back against her skin.
Her heart skipped a beat.
“If you’re lying, I’ll find you. No matter where you go, not even living with the Graysons will save you.”
Madeline gave a small, strained smile. “Alright.”
When Andrew finally left, the two boys were still shaking.
Madeline took a moment to steady herself, then pulled her sons close. “Are you both okay?” she asked, worry softening her voice.
Noah and Oliver shook their heads. “We’re alright, Mommy. But your neck is bleeding.”
Madeline touched her neck. The knife had left a thin, red line on her skin, with little beads of blood starting to appear.
“I’m fine. Let’s get out of here.” She didn’t want to hang around any longer, so she ushered the boys upstairs right away.
In Lucy’s hospital room, her whole face lit up as soon as she saw her grandsons. “Noah, Oliver, you’re here. Come over to Grandma.”
The boys walked over, but they still kept a bit of distance, memories of the past making them wary.
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