Chapter 237: Let Jerry Pick You Up
Madison chuckled, her laughter ringing with a hint of surprise. "How did you already know? No surprise at all."
I replied, grinning, "I saw Juniper's post before she boarded the plane."
Madison's smile softened. "Alright. I'm here for some work, and as Juniper mentioned, Sarah really likes Maple Valley. I'm considering looking at some properties to possibly settle down here."
Her tone wavered slightly toward the end, tinged with reluctance and resignation. It seemed she didn't truly like Maple Valley, but was considering the move for Sarah's sake.
I nodded sympathetically. "You really dote on your daughter, don't you?"
Madison's voice softened. "Yeah, what can I do? She's my only daughter. For her, I'd do anything."
I smiled warmly. "A mother becomes strong for her child. You're a great mom. By the way, does this mean you'll be staying in Maple Valley for a while?"
Madison replied, "Unless something unexpected happens, yes. Why do you ask?"
"I was about to start working on your dress. It should be ready for a fitting in about a week. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, there will still be time to make adjustments."
If I remembered correctly, Madison was scheduled to attend a high-profile film award ceremony this month as a judge.
Madison agreed with a smile, then added, "I called you today for another reason."
I was slightly puzzled. "What is it?"
Madison didn't beat around the bush. "There's an industry dinner tomorrow. Quite a few big names will be there, both in front of and behind the scenes. Do you have any thoughts?"
"Well..." I was momentarily stunned but quickly reacted. "You want to help me break into the domestic market?"
I was renowned abroad and had been sought after by many influential figures for dress designs, but Dave had turned them all down. He always said that letting me continue designing for ElevateJoy was already a compromise. During my learning phase, I was to avoid commercial activities. Once I had mastered my skills, everything would be up to me, as it was now. This meant that, domestically, my reputation was mostly known among industry designers; to the general public, I was practically a nobody.
Madison pressed, "So, how about joining me for the dinner?"
Of course, I'd love to. But I hesitated. "Wouldn't that trouble you?"
Madison smiled reassuringly. "It's no big deal. Hope, I'll be in Maple Valley often now. If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask."
Madison chuckled. "It's just a small favor, so there's no need to thank me. I've sent the location to your phone. See you at the hotel?"
After hanging up, Madison held her phone, feeling a wave of melancholy. This familiar feeling often visited her in the early years, but recently, Juniper rarely saw her like this.
"What's wrong?" Juniper asked. "Don't you like Hope? Why aren't you happy after talking to her?"
Madison rubbed her temples. "No. I'm too happy. I always want to talk to her more or help her out."
Juniper laughed, "That's not easy for you to trust someone like this. In my opinion, it's more than just liking."
Juniper knew Madison well. Despite her easy-going nature, she maintained strong emotional barriers, appearing to get along with everyone but truly letting very few people into her heart. With Hope, things were strangely different, considering they'd only met a few times.
Madison raised an eyebrow. "More than just liking? What do you mean?"
"Like she is your goddaughter."
Madison glanced towards the bedroom in the suite, hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "Sarah would be upset."
After reuniting with her daughter and learning about Sarah's hardships, Madison had resolved to give her the best of everything. It had only been a little over a year since they reconnected. Adopting a goddaughter now would certainly hurt Sarah.
Juniper lit a cigarette, exhaling slowly. "I feel like there's always something off between you and Sarah."
Madison asked, "What do you mean?"
Juniper sighed, "With Hope, you chat freely and naturally, always considering things for her. But with Sarah, you're always worried about not doing enough or making up for something. And Sarah..."
Juniper paused, then continued, "Don't blame me for being blunt, but I think Sarah sees you more as an ATM."
Madison fell silent, lost in thought. "Sarah... I owe her. The hardships she endured were because of my failures as a mother. I understand if she doesn't have feelings for me now. Healing takes time, no rush."
"Owe her?" Juniper sighed, "In the past year, how much have you spent on her? She not only wants to buy a house in Maple Valley, but also wants to buy a private jet because she finds commercial flights uncomfortable. Not to mention the bags and jewelry. Have you ever denied her anything?"
For an average family, these were indulgences they could never afford in a lifetime, but Sarah just had to express a desire, and they were hers.
Juniper didn't disagree with spending money on Sarah. Still, she also empathized with Madison. Few people knew how much effort and hardship Madison had endured to achieve her current status.
When she first entered the entertainment industry as an unknown actress, she had worn short sleeves in heavy snow, ready to work through the night. But her looks—her greatest asset—had cost her jobs, fired on a whim by fickle lead actresses that day. Returning home with a high fever, yet, Madison had had no money for a hospital.
Reflecting on this, Juniper sighed, "You care about her, but has she ever cared about you? On the other hand, Hope is afraid of troubling you."
As Juniper finished, the bedroom door suddenly opened. Sarah, in a limited edition Miu Miu, sidled in, curiosity lighting her eyes. "What Hope? Help with what?"
Madison hadn't told Sarah about this yet and saw no need to. But since the topic came up, Madison gave Juniper a knowing look to silence her before smiling at Sarah. "It's about the dinner tomorrow."
Sarah’s fists clenched discreetly, her heart burning with hatred. That wretched woman, Hope, she just wouldn't disappear. She had ruined Sarah's plans two years ago and now, she was back. Sarah couldn’t fathom why Madison, who was unrelated to Hope, would develop such a good impression of her after only two meetings.
Masking her displeasure, Sarah walked over to Madison and sat down. "Help her? Mom, Ms. Royston hasn't been in the industry before, right? Won't she feel out of place?"
Her words seemed considerate, but underneath, she wished Hope would vanish forever. She always felt Hope brought her bad luck, fearing failure would come again with Hope's presence.
Madison, feeling guilty toward Sarah, didn’t read too deeply into it and simply smiled. "Don’t worry, she’s attended international film festivals with Dave. A dinner is nothing for her."
Sarah sforced an awkward smile. "That's true. I’ve never joined such big events. Ms. Royston must have lived a privileged life then. So, did she agree?"
Madison nodded. "She did."
"I see." Sarah said, gritting her teeth in secret. Hope didn’t know her place. If Hope insisted on staying close to Madison, she shouldn’t blame Sarah for what might come next. After missing out on the Harris family, Sarah wouldn’t let go of Madison, who was an even better catch.
As soon as I hung up the phone, Elissa approached, curiosity in her eyes. "Smiling like that, what's the good news?"
"Ms. Ortiz wants to help me," I put down my phone, elated. "She invited me to a dinner with her tomorrow."
Elissa’s face lit up. "That's fantastic! I was just worrying about how to boost your domestic reputation. We could flaunt your awards, but it always feels like a double-edged sword. Those willing to pay for custom designs want prestige, and approaching them might make us look desperate."
Discussing work, Elissa analyzed everything clearly. "This is a great opportunity. Standing next to Madison, you won't even need an introduction. People will seek you out."
"That's what I thought too," I agreed, hope blooming within me.
Initially, I had thought I might make a name for myself in the domestic market after the awards ceremony at the end of the month, but now I didn’t have to wait that long.
The next afternoon, I started getting ready early, applying delicate makeup that almost hid the wound on my lips. Then I changed into an off-shoulder mermaid dress designed by Dave, which seemed simple at first glance but was captivating up close.
Descending the stairs with Elissa and Nolan, our plan was set—I'd go to the dinner, and Elissa would take Nolan to a new restaurant. But as soon as we stepped out, I saw a familiar car and an even more familiar figure.
Christopher, dressed in a custom suit, leaned against the car, a lit cigarette between his fingers. His head lowered slightly, yet he exuded an aura of authority.
"Hope! I'll miss you!" Nolan called out.
I ruffled his hair. "Be good, Nolan."
Christopher heard the commotion, looked up, and approached us, his voice deep and warm. "I'm here to take you to the dinner."
"How did you know I was going to a dinner?" I questioned, then instantly realized the answer.
A high-profile dinner with industry leaders would require tight security and a guest list. For Christopher, obtaining that list would be effortless. The purportedly glamorous entertainment industry was ultimately governed by capital.
"No need, I have a car."
"Your car seems to have a flat tire." Christopher pointed out, and sure enough, I saw the deflated tire.
Elissa handed me her car keys. "Why don't you take my car? I'll take Nolan by taxi."
I refused. "Forget it."
At this time of day, with rush hour in full swing, getting a taxi would be tough, and they might miss their restaurant reservation. I had already promised Nolan and didn’t want to disappoint him.
I looked at Christopher. "Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Valence."
"Hope!" Nolan tugged lightly at my dress, glanced at Christopher, and said proudly, "When Jerry finishes work, I'll have him pick you up!"
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