Chapter 26 The Obstinate Man
In the studio, Casey Grayson arrived promptly at 11:30 a.m. After nearly an hour's discussion with Madison, they finally hammered out all the details. The additional pre-order for the two new sketches was set. Although Casey was known for her demanding nature and strong temperament, Madison fulfilled all her requests in line with the principle that "clients are always right."
"Thank you, Ms. Johnson. I hope to receive the gown before my birthday banquet," Casey Grayson extended her hand.
Madison shook it in return, "Thank you very much for choosing us, Miss Grayson. We will certainly not disappoint you."
"You're welcome. Although I hate to admit it, your designs have some great ideas. I look forward to seeing the gown. See you next time."
"It's an honor to receive your commendation, Miss Grayson. See you."
After seeing Casey Grayson off, Madison and Rachel breathed a sigh of relief. Landing this big order meant they wouldn’t have to worry about business for a while. Many wealthy guests would surely attend Casey Grayson's birthday party. As the event star, her gown promised a free advertisement. Their vision extended beyond just this one order, and they were already plotting for the future success of their brand, SeCret.
Madison had just landed a huge deal and was unaware that her two kids had secretly run off to find Matthew.
*
Matthew drove himself to Nightshade Bar, where his buddies were all present. He sat down and immediately downed a glass of liquor without uttering a word, but he kept the drinks coming, one after another, nonstop.
Patrick asked Matthew and their other guys, "What's gotten into Matthew?"
They all exchanged puzzled looks, unable to guess what was bothering him.
Oblivious to their discussion, Matthew raised his glass to drink again but was stopped by Victor’s hand, "Matthew, stop drinking, or we’ll have to send you to the hospital."
"Yeah, and there’s no Madison to come to pick you up this time," Patrick blurted out before realizing that perhaps he shouldn't have brought it up. He touched his nose and bowed his head. Although they didn’t know why Matthew had divorced years ago, Madison had vanished from their circle since then. Matthew had been surrounded by Brianna ever since, and bringing up Madison now didn’t seem quite right.
Upon hearing Patrick’s words, Matthew responded for the first time, “She’s back in Horizon.”
“Huh?” It took everyone a moment to catch on to who he was referring to.
“Madison is back?” Patrick asked, his voice filled with excitement.
Victor could only guess that part of the reason Matthew divorced back in the day was to investigate the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, but he wasn’t sure if Matthew had genuine feelings for Madison, especially since his marriage hadn’t been by his own choice.
Over the past few years, “K” had been off the radar like a vanished specter, and they hadn't found any helpful information. There was no evidence of any contact between “k” and Brianna either. Only last month did Victor get some intel from their partners in the Middle East. Through their investigations, it turned out that K’s right-hand man, “Hawkeye,” might have entered the country, although his exact whereabouts in the city were still unknown.
Over the past few years, Mitchell had spent most of his time domestically managing the domestic operations himself because Matthew had eagerly taken all the business trips. Willow had interned at JK Group, and upon graduating, she stayed on to work, now serving as Mitchell’s assistant. Although she’s Matthew's cousin, she started at the ground level. The young girl took her job seriously and had been hard-working. After several years of dedication, she was fully capable of handling responsibilities on her own. Mitchell’s own little sister, Quinn, had begun directing short films and web series, snagging some awards for newcomers and officially entering the directing scene.
Liam had probably changed the most—going from being a playboy with a carefree lifestyle to having zero scandals now. Outsiders said he had been building a public image, but only his few buddies knew that ever since Ophelia appeared, no other woman had been seen with Liam. It seemed he'd truly fallen this time.
Patrick was the same as ever, indulging in food, drinks, and fun. He used to drag Willow and Quinn along, but now that both younger sisters had gotten busy, the chances to hang out had dwindled to almost none, leaving him as a lonesome figure. He sought out Liam's company but had not been as available since Liam got together with Ophelia. So, Patrick spent his days at Matthew’s office, always sighing.
None of the guys knew what Matthew thought about Madison returning to Horizon or his plans until Patrick, who was unable to hold back, asked, “Matthew, are you going to see Madison?”
“No need,” he replied, “I asked Carl to give her the money she was supposed to get during the divorce. She never took it with her, and it’s rightfully hers. She might have her own life now. Best not to disturb her.”
His words carried a twinge of sourness. Saying he wouldn't bother her but still turning up to drink in silence, the men exchanged knowing looks, a silent understanding between them as they each quietly lifted their glasses.
After being stopped by Victor, Matthew didn't drink anymore, lying back on the leather sofa, eyes closed, frowning. Seeing his state, Victor and the others didn't press further, each minding their drinks as time ticked towards midnight. As the club's boss, Mitchell made sure everyone was sent home safely before he left himself.
When Matthew returned to the villa, he faced the empty house, devoid of any trace of Madison. Despite his efforts, memories of her cooking in the kitchen and waiting for him in the dining room to share a meal invariably crept into his mind.
Matthew went to the bedroom, sitting in the darkness at the edge of the bed for a while before finally getting up to shower. He had drunk too much that day, but perhaps it was because it had been four years since he had any news of Madison. Learning she was back, so close yet so far, made him think back to the times before they were divorced. He even made her sign a prenuptial agreement before they got married, having no feelings for her at the time and marrying her under pressure from Grandpa.
With no experience in love and a very traditional family upbringing, he kept giving Brianna changes over the years. However, after the accidental intimacy with Madison, he began trying to treat her as an ordinary husband, thinking they could be a proper married couple. But then Brianna came back, and he discovered there was something suspicious about his parents' deaths. Besides, he didn't even know what Madison thought about it all. Perhaps her agreement to marry him was under duress. After all, who would willingly marry a man they had only met once or twice? When he suggested divorce, she didn't object. Maybe that was what she wanted, too.
After the shower, Matthew lay in bed, sobered up from the alcohol, and insomnia struck again. Out of habit, he pulled out the bedside table drawer, took out a bottle, and swallowed a sleeping pill.
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