“Made...line…”

Madeline smiled. “If you wish, you can call me ‘Madeline’ as you used to, Grandfather.”

The old master’s brows relaxed as a relieved and pleased expression washed over his hollow features.

Jeremy watched the scene from afar, the corners of his lips tugging into a smile. However, as he stared at Madeline, all that could be seen in his eyes was heartache.

‘No, Linnie.

‘I never wish for you to be Madeline Crawford again.

‘You’re Eveline Montgomery, the pearl and heart of the Montgomery family. You’re no longer the Madeline who was used by the Crawford family.’

Mirth bled into his peach-blossom eyes as he thought to himself.

…

Two hours later, Karen returned with a dressed wound and a considerate Yvonne in tow.

Realizing that Madeline was not in the house, she walked up the stairs to change into a new set of clothes.

Entering the room, Karen realized that her wallet and the jewelry she had placed on the vanity table were gone—including the jewelry box!