Chapter 9 - Madeline Comes to the House
Madeline arrived three days before the hearing.
She claimed she needed Aiden’s signature on a construction proposal.
Alice found her standing in the nursery.
Madeline touched the carved edge of the crib.
“Beautiful room.”
Alice remained in the doorway.
“You shouldn’t be in here.”
Madeline turned with a soft, poisonous smile.
“Aiden said the house would eventually be renovated.”
“For whom?”
“You’re smarter than he thinks.”
“And you’re less patient than you pretend.”
Madeline stepped closer.
Her diamond earrings caught the light.
“Aiden needs someone who understands the life he’s building.”
“He built it with my money.”
Madeline’s smile tightened.
“Money doesn’t make you his equal.”
Alice placed one hand over her stomach.
“Does stealing it make you his?”
Madeline’s face changed.
Only for a second.
Then Aiden entered.
“What’s going on?”
Madeline immediately touched his arm.
“Alice is upset.”
Aiden looked at his pregnant wife as though she were an inconvenience.
“You need to stop attacking people.”
Alice stared at him.
Madeline stood inside their unborn child’s nursery, holding his arm, and Aiden still expected Alice to doubt herself.
“I’m not upset,” Alice said.
That frightened both of them more than anger would have.
Madeline left the room first.
As she passed, Alice noticed a small access card attached to her clutch.
Crestview Urban Partners.
May you like
Executive level.
👉 Alice had found proof that Madeline was not a passive beneficiary—she was actively helping Aiden control the hidden company.
