Chapter 16
Madeline continued complaining, showing no inclination to treat his wounds or offer comfort. Her only concern was her own reputation.
Blake felt a renewed bitterness. In the past, if he suffered even the slightest injury, Charlotte would be overwhelmingly concerned, practically rushing him to the hospital for a full examination.
At the villa, Charlotte had always kept various medications on hand, just in case. But now, as his wounds throbbed with pain, Madeline showed no interest in helping him at all.
Blake’s face was deathly pale. He had pushed himself to make it from the family estate back to the villa, and now his strength was completely depleted. He tried to speak, but before he could open his mouth, his vision darkened and he collapsed.
When he regained consciousness, he found himself staring at a hospital ceiling. Hearing a commotion, he sat up to discover Madeline livestreaming with a group of reporters.
On camera, Madeline spoke with tear-filled eyes:
I know my restaurant has faced backlash from many people claiming I use substandard materials and charge exorbitant prices for poor-quality food, specially after two chandelier incidents. I want to explain to everyone that this isn’t the restaurant’s problem-it was deliberate sabotage!”
is she spoke, Madeline pulled out his and Charlotte’s divorce papers, displaying them to the camera. Blake was initially confused about how she lanned to explain, but suddenly began to understand. He struggled to get out of bed.
ut Madeline spoke too quickly for him to intervene.
It was Blake’s ex-wife, Charlotte Wells! Blake never loved her. They agreed to divorce so Blake could be with me, but Charlotte wanted revenge, so he tampered with my restaurant. The first time, on the restaurant’s opening day, I invited Blake and Charlotte to come together, and coincidentally, hat’s when the chandelier fell!”
I never imagined she would do something like this for revenge. Fortunately, Blake has confirmed his divorce from her. For me, Blake even voluntaril ave up his position as the Hayes family heir. I hope everyone will support us.”
fter finishing her emotional speech, Madeline ended the livestream. Blake, dragging his exhausted body, grabbed the divorce papers from her.
learing her slander Charlotte, Blake was furious.
Why would you say that? The restaurant problems had nothing to do with Charlotte! She’s been gone for a long time!”
aced with his anger, Madeline remained unfazed.
I know that. But how else could we revive our restaurant? Since Charlotte’s gone, we might as well use this opportunity. We can actually gain a lot of ttention this way.”
he smiled, still radiant as ever, but it sent chills through Blake’s body.
le couldn’t comprehend how such callous words could come from her mouth.
Blake clutched the divorce papers-the only thing Charlotte had left him.
Retract it,” he said in a low voice.
Madeline acted as if she hadn’t heard clearly.
‘What?”
‘I said retract it! Who gave you permission to spread lies about Charlotte? She didn’t do anything wrong. Do you know how much hate she’ll receive
because of this?”
Blake’s shout startled Madeline. This was the first time he had ever treated her this way.
Chapter 16
She quickly recovered, her eyes revealing disbelief.
“Blake, do you realize what you’re saying? You’re yelling at me? Do you know what will happen to me if I retract this?”
Perhaps finally recognizing her true nature, Blake repeated coldly without hesitation:
“This was your fault from the beginning, not Charlotte’s.”
Hearing this, Madeline furrowed her beautiful brows. The man before her suddenly seemed like a stranger. She responded with a hurt expression:
“Blake, aren’t I the one you love? Why are you defending Charlotte? You’re already divorced-what’s wrong with using her to solve a problem?”
“Have you actually fallen for her?”
Perhaps this was just a casual question, but it made Blake freeze.
Had he fallen in love with Charlotte?
Ch
