Chapter 152
Chapter 152
“Which photo are you talking about?” Madison asked.
Madison felt a wave of unease wash over her.
“It’s been all over the trending topics. You haven’t seen it, Madison? Justin asked.
Justin noticed the authenticity of Madison’s perplexed look, so he pulled out his smartphone to show
her the photo.
Ranked just above the least on trending searches, it was clear the buzz wasn’t bought but organically
grown. They weren’t the types to pay for a spot at the top.
The photo captured her in a candid moment against Leo in the hospital amidst a sea of faces.
Chances were, it was the crowd that rendered the image less than crystal clear.
Despite the slight blur, the image was recognizable due to its virality. It was Leo, CEO of Palmer Group,
in the frame. Fortunately, Madison, who was held in his arms, was not captured on camera.
The towering figure of the man stood out in the crowd, gazing down at Madison with an affection that
pierced through the chaotic scene, his lips curved in a subtle smile.
Madison was at a loss for words, her mind reeling from the shock.
She recalled how Leo had jolted her awake with his words and teased her relentlessly, causing her to
seek refuge in his arms, her laughter a mere facade.
“Why does this feel like a scene straight out of a drama, yet it’s captured on someone. else’s phone?”
Madison wondered.
‘Leo, that bit ch, is evil. Madison thought.
“Madison, you and Mr. Palmer seem like a match made in heaven, unlike what the gossip says about
Sally. If the rumors are true that Mr. Palmer divorced you because of that celebrity’s tragedy, you
mustn’t yield to such wickedness.” Madison was still processing everything when Justin earnestly
imparted his advice.
Justin didn’t just offer words. He opened the comment feed to show her what the world was saying.
“Mr. Palmer’s adoration for his ex is palpable. That look in his eyes makes me want to fall in love. It’s
like they’re destined. Sally, can you step aside? Do you want to be struck by lightning for meddling with
fate?” Justin read out.
O
“Everyone thinks like me, Madison.” Justin commented. NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
Snap!
The sound of a slap cut through the air as Madison sna tched the phone and slammed it down. “That’s
not me.”
Justin, completely taken aback, barely managed to say, “But… the clothes are identical.”
Indignant, Madison retorted, “Is it me just because we’re wearing the same clothes? Am I not allowed
to have others wear the same clothes as me?”
“But…”
Madison cut him off sharply, “Enough with the baseless claims. I have nothing to do with Mr. Palmer.”
Madison continued, her tone final and dismissive, “I’m off the clock. Go home, cook something decent
for a change, and quit gaping at that phone. Keep this up, and you’ll find yourself out of a job and out
on the street.”
Handing back his phone, Madison thrust it into Justin’s hands with a dark scowl.
“If I had known going to the hospital with that jerk would lead to this, I’d rather have fallen flat on the
ground than let him hug me.’ Madison thought.
Fuming, Madison stripped off her chef’s uniform, the very one she was wearing in that viral photo, and
her irritation only grew.
She exchanged the uniform for her casual wear from Rose Garden and grabbed her bag and phone
Not long after, Joe arrived at Rose Garden. Seeing Madison’s message, he rushed over to join her for
dinner.
‘Antoine had gone back to set, and only Samuel is at home now, I am going to pack some food for him
later so I can save time from cooking for him when back. Joc thought.
Just as Joe received the menu, he saw a person dressed like a chef come in and sit directly across
from him.
Joe was startled and looked up to see a familiar face before he breathed a sigh of relief. “Who did I
think it was? Why haven’t you changed your clothes yet, still not busy?”
Madison shook her head, “I’m not on the clock. What’s the point of getting busy at night?”
07:17 Fri, 2 Feb BR.
Joe browsed the menu with a nonchalant look, “So, what’s it going to be for dinner?”
As the head of an entertainment firm, Joe made it a habit to stay updated with the news and had come
across that photo of her. Despite recognizing the sensitive situation with Leo, he chose to stay silent,
respecting Madison’s privacy.
Madison wasn’t in the mood to deal with menus or choices. “Order whatever, I’m not picky.”
Her attention was elsewhere, fixated on the screen of her phone.
The online crowd was in an uproar, especially since Madison hadn’t shown her face in the photo. The
comments were a battleground of speculation and defense.
Particularly vocal were Sally’s fans, incensed at the suggestion of someone tra mpling on their idol.
They fiercely defended Sally, who had stated that even if Mr. Palmer hadn’t remarried, she would never
turn back.
Madison, undercover online, silently endorsed their fervor with a like from her alternate account.
Joe’s concern lingered on Madison as she glanced up from the menu. “What’s the matter, Joe?”
Joe casually ordered for them both, trying to keep the mood light. “Feeling off today? Want me to take
you to the hospital for a checkup later?”
Madison didn’t speak up voluntarily, so as an older brother, naturally, Joe could only hint indirectly.
Moreover, her appearance at the hospital, even if it had nothing to do with Leo, wast enough to make
them worried about any health issues.
“What could be wrong with me, I’m perfectly fine and full of energy. Even if I need to get a checkup, I’ll
have to wait until I get back home.” Madison answered.
Madison’s expression changed slightly when she heard the word ‘hospital. She lowered her head as if
nothing had happened and changed the topic. “By the way, I saw Benton today.”
Joe didn’t interrupt her either, he propped up his chin and stared at her.
Madison sighed softly and said with disappointment, “But it seems like he’s not very satisfied with my
cooking. It’s possible that he won’t help my mom. But I can understand too, after all, he’s already at an
advanced age and there are people everywhere asking him to work. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t be
willing either.”
“If you’re not up for it, that’s okay. The Daves family has a family physician, after all. No
Π
pressure. If you miss that old man, you and Samuel can head back in a couple of days. Joe said.
When mentioning the Daves family, Joe’s face darkened slightly and his speech speed increased
significantly.
Madison bit her lip, a playful glint in her eyes. “But what if I miss you and the rest of the family? Can’t
we all just get along?”
Joe wasn’t blind to her tactics. “If you miss us, come back. You’ve got a place in Sidovor City, both an
apartment and a villa. Don’t pretend you’re homeless.”
Madison threw in a bit of charm. “But I also miss John, John and Mom and Dad miss you too. Can’t we
find a middle ground?”
Unfortunately, Joe did not give Madison too many privileges in this matter.
Then, with a stern look, he confronted her. “Why the sudden trip to the hospital today with the one from
the Palmer family? Leo even carried you, didn’t he? What happened to your leg?”
Caught off guard, Madison was left without words.