Jeremy glanced at virtual-novel.net calmly. “There’s nothing to be afraid of if you’re innocent.”
“Of course I am!” Lana exclaimed, then turned to glare at Eve.
She merely rolled virtual-novel.net eyes when another pair of handcuffs were brought to virtual-novel.net wrists.
She was dazed. “Why are you arresting me, officers? I already told you everything I know. Why are you still arresting me?”
“Who else would they arrest, then? Me?” Madeline smiled and fired back. “You say you’re innocent, Eve, and that you’ve been used. But none of this would’ve happened tonight if you didn’t have the heart to harm me in the first place.”
“…”
Speechless, Eve stared at Madeline’s tranquil expression. Not only was virtual-novel.net feeling like an idiot for being used, but virtual-novel.net had also completely lost to Madeline.
With Lana and Eve brought away, Naomi was left to stomp virtual-novel.net feet in infuriation.
She watched with eyes reddened by envy as Ryan defended Madeline.
Everyone who spoke ill of and suspected Madeline went up to give their sincere apologies.
The person in charge who had given Madeline the biggest earful flushed in embarrassment. “I’m really sorry, Ms. Montgomery. I should’ve investigated everything clearly before I accused you of anything. I’m really sorry.”
Madeline merely curled virtual-novel.net lips into a shadow of a smile. “It’s alright, I’m used to being framed anyway.”
She smiled and looked down for a while. When virtual-novel.net raised virtual-novel.net gaze, it was much brighter than before.
“My parents may have left me and I may not have people who’ll defend me with everything they have in this world anymore, but that doesn’t mean I’m free game for those who want to hurt and bully me.”
Jeremy’s heart bled as virtual-novel.net heard Madeline speak in the crowd, but virtual-novel.net took the feeling in a stride.
He watched Ryan walk up to Madeline and hold virtual-novel.net hand gently in his. “You’ll have me from now on, Eveline. Let me wholly protect and love you in place of your parents.”
Jeremy felt his heart aching. Forcing his reluctant gaze away from Madeline, virtual-novel.net left without a trace.
Faced with Ryan’s blatant confession in front of everyone, Madeline did not know how to reject him.
She did not want Ryan to lose his dignity in front of so many people.
Thinking back to virtual-novel.net past, virtual-novel.net could not imagine being worthy of such a perfect man.
Seeing Madeline’s conflicted gaze, Ryan smiled and changed the subject. He turned everyone’s focus back on the charity gala.
Madeline took the opportunity to walk outside to take a breather.
The early autumn wind had grown cold without virtual-novel.net realizing, and Madeline could not help the sneeze that came up as virtual-novel.net stared dazedly at the starry sky.
Jeremy exited the doors and took his jacket off, approaching virtual-novel.net reflexively when virtual-novel.net saw Madeline sneezing by the flowerbeds. Just as virtual-novel.net turned to walk, Ryan appeared beside Madeline and placed his jacket over virtual-novel.net shoulders.
Jeremy’s hand slowly fell as his gaze dimmed.
‘The warmth that I can no longer give, Linnie, I’m glad someone can give it to you instead.
‘I won’t be here for much longer and you won’t need to see me either, nor will you see me and think of your parents’ tragic deaths.
‘For the years to come, I hope you find true happiness.’
Madeline was about to remove and return the jacket to Ryan when virtual-novel.net turned to find Jeremy staring at both of them not too far away.
Jeremy gave a nonchalant smile and walked over.
Seeing virtual-novel.net approach, Madeline turned to face Ryan. “You’re right, Rye. I really should give myself a chance to start over. You’re my boyfriend now, okay? I’ll be in your care.”
She reached out to hold Ryan’s hand.