Jackson’s eyes quickly flitted away upon seeing Meredith’s smile. “I need Dad to sign something.” Meredith smiled warmly as the workbook in Jackson’s hands caught her eyes. “How about I sign it instead?” Jackson pinched the corner of his workbook and turned to look expectantly at Jeremy. “Just let your mom sign it instead. Don’t go to bed too late.” Then, Jeremy closed his room door. Staring at the closed door, all the light in Jackson’s eyes was replaced with unknown fear and darkness. Turning around, he walked quickly to his own room. Rejected by the door, Meredith immediately dropped the smile on her face. Extremely displeased, she marched into Jackson’s room. She kicked the door open right as he was about to close it. The word ‘Mom’ was on the tip of Jackson’s tongue, yet he dared not call Meredith that at all. “What’s wrong, Jack? I’m your mother. Why do you always look so sad every time you see me?” She approached with a smile, only for her expression to shi

“Is it you, Maddie?” Staring seriously at Madeline, Jackson finally mustered the courage to ask. Stunned for a second, Madeline then replied with a smile, “Hey, buddy. I’m Lillian’s mother. I can tell you my name if you want? It’s nice to meet you, I’m Vera Quinn.” She introduced herself with a smile, realizing that Jackson was currently analyzing her. The small face before her eyes was a fair one of exquisite features, a result of Jeremy’s great genes. For some reason, Madeline could not help but feel like there was something deeper and more pressing within Jackson’s onyx orbs. Perhaps it was the light. What issue could such a young child have, anyway? Memories of how Meredith had cut Jackson’s cheek to frame her appeared in Madeline’s mind. She could still remember how freely the blood flowed and how the boy wailed. It must have hurt a lot. Seeing the flawless cheek of his now, Madeline sighed an inexplicable breath of relief. Thank goodness it had not scarred.

“Hey, Jackie? Do you know why one plus one equals two?“Why do two apples plus one banana equals three?“Jackie, Jackie. Do you like mushrooms?”As if transforming into the Book of Questions, Lily began to ask Jackson one question after another with her round eyes shining with curiosity and life. Jackson may only be five years old, but he appeared much more mature. He seriously tried to answer every one of Lily’s questions. He would repeat himself patiently when Lily showed even the slightest bit of confusion. Madeline had initially been afraid that something would go wrong should Lily and Jackson become friends. Yet the sight in front of her quelled those worries, for Jackson was acting like an understanding brother who loved his younger sister without limits. The heartwarming sight melted her heart. However, Madeline’s smile did not last too long. Perhaps Lillian would have a sister who loved her if her first child was still alive. Perhaps she would be privy to such

The last thing Madeline could ever have expected was Jackson running into her arms, calling her his mom. Jackson must have been feeling terrified and insecure. He buried his tiny physique deep into her arms. It was as if the only way to lessen his fear was to hold her tight with both his hands while his eyes remained shut. Madeline felt her heart clench at the signs of distress on his small cheeks. It had been a long while since she had felt such an intrusive stab of pain eating its way out of her chest. She lifted a hand to lightly pat the back of Jackson’s head, her voice soft. “It’s alright now, Jack. It’s alright.” With her comforting words, Madeline saw Jackson relax and calm from his previous upset state. “Is Jackie okay, Mommy?” Lily walked over and asked innocently. “He’ll be alright. Don’t worry.” Madeline smiled. “Mommy made you some snacks. How about you share some with him?” “Okay!” Lillian reached out a hand to Jackson. “Come on, Jackie, let’s go eat some

To have Jackson Whitman trust her so much despite his young age was something Madeline had never expected. “Can I call you Big Sis Vera from now on?” Jackson looked at Madeline expectantly. Madeline nodded and smiled, her mind wavering at the memory of Jackson calling her ‘Mom’ moments ago. “Of course.” Hearing her reply, a smile finally graced Jackson’s features. This was the first time Madeline had seen Jackson smile, be it three years ago or three years later today. Two dimples appeared by the corners of Jackson’s mouth as he smiled. He looked warm and adorable, just like Lillian. Madeline felt warmth flood into her chest at the child’s angelic smile. Not too long after, Jeremy arrived. He wanted to enter the house, but Madeline held him off outside. “Please do take better care of your son, Mr. Whitman. He is, after all, the precious child of you and your beloved.” There was more to Madeline’s words that met the eye. Turning around, she fired Jackson a gentle and

Jeremy felt a rush of unease wash over him when he recognized the sarcasm and disdain in Madeline’s eyes. Pursing his lips, his gaze drilled into Madeline’s eyes. “As such, it’d be great if you would stop looking for me, Mr. Whitman. I really don’t want to be treated as the dead again.” Madeline rejected him indifferently. “It won’t happen again.” Jeremy parted his lips to say after a moment of silence. With his gaze fixated on her, he bent his head to lean closer to her.“I promise you, it won’t happen again.” Madeline chuckled lightly. “Are you admitting to testing me the other day, Mr. Whitman?” Jeremy remained silent under her inquisitive tone. Perhaps so. While the entire world was privy to how shamelessly in love Madeline was with Jeremy, Jeremy was the only one who knew he loved her back. The truth was, Jeremy had lost his mind the other day. He was not testing her, no. He had fantasized that she was still alive… Yet, that was all it was. A fantasy. Now,

Staring at the snobbish shop assistants and the arrogant Meredith, Madeline casually pulled out a card and threw it at the face of the shop assistant who had threatened to call security. “Pick it up and take a look, then tell me whether I’m allowed such a dress or not.” Taken aback by Madeline’s temperament, the shop assistant quickly picked up the card. Reading the words atop, her expression immediately shifted into an embarrassed one. She flushed red as she bowed and apologized to Madeline. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know you’re Miss Quinn! I’m sorry, really! Please forgive me!” Seeing their colleague’s reaction, the other salespeople came over to read the card Madeline had thrown down. Their expressions shifted immediately at a glance as they began apologizing to Madeline. Meredith was stunned to see the shop attendants suddenly apologize to Madeline, treating her with respect. “What are you doing? Why are you so polite to her?” Meredith rolled her eyes in disag

Meredith returned to the Montgomery household with a belly full of anger. Seeing her return, the housekeeper poured her a cup of tea and brought her a plate of snacks. “What’s wrong, Miss Meredith? Here, have some fruits to chase away the anger.” The housekeeper fawned over her smilingly. “Who are you to poke your nose into my business?” Meredith rolled her eyes, displeased. “Where’s my mother?” The sound of a car drifted in from the door after she asked, and the housekeeper shot a gaze toward the door. “I believe Madam is back.” With that, Meredith immediately stood. “Tell my mother I’m in my room when she asks.” Giving the order, she picked up her bag and rushed up the stairs. The housekeeper acknowledged and stared at Meredith’s retreating figure with hatred in her eyes. “You’re Brittany’s indirect killer, Meredith Crawford! Brit would still be living happily and easily as the oldest daughter had you not suddenly appeared and stole her spot!” Having said that, she se

The day of Whitman’s 50th anniversary arrived in the blink of an eye. Madeline lazily gave herself a spa treatment before finally plopping herself in front of the vanity to start doing her makeup. After that, she donned herself in the gown that Meredith could only wish to own, picked up her designer purse, and got into a car toward Glendale’s first-ever luxurious six-star hotel. Rows of street lamps glowed as the night began to darken. Staring at the reflection on the windows in the car, her red lips curled as she raised a hand to rearrange the baby hair around her forehead. The beauty of the small smile gracing Madeline’s lips was reflected in the rearview mirror, causing the driver to almost run a red light. It was the first time he had seen such a beautiful woman. At that moment, the main entrance of the six-star hotel was already packed with people. Reporters fought each other for first-hand material while various passersby also stopped to collect small gifts. Guest

All eyes fell on Madeline from the moment she got off the car… Inside, Jeremy was frowning. A deep look flashed in his icy eyes as he found himself frustrated by Madeline not picking up his call. Suddenly, he felt a tug at his pant legs. Looking down, Jeremy was faced with Jackson’s indifferent expression. “Where’s Big Sis Vera? Is she not here yet?” Jackson was very much looking forward to Madeline’s arrival. Jeremy felt his heart grow distant as he stared at his son. The sight of Jackson would always remind him of how he had destroyed the ashes of his and Madeline’s daughter. His heart raced as frustration bubbled each time the memory of Madeline’s last words as she tugged on his collar replayed in his mind.“Jack,” Meredith’s voice sounded.The hand on Jeremy’s pants tightened as the light in his eyes vanished. He let go to flee, only to be caught by Meredith in the end. “Where are you going, Jack?” With a fake smile plastered on her face, Meredith gripped Jackson’