A kiss

172

Three years ago, Victoria claimed she needed to live in a place conducive to her health.

Victoria subtly hinted that she wanted Madelyn’s two estates during her grand birthday celebration. Under the scrutiny of numerous guests, Madelyn was pressured into publicly promising to gift those two estates

to her.

After Andrew discovered Madelyn was not the Garcia family’s biological daughter that day, the process of reclaiming Victoria’s two estates was underway.

“Mrs. Garcia Senior, I need to remind you that while I verbally agreed to let you stay in those estates, I never actually gave them to you.”

“What do you mean? Just letting me stay?”

“You should already know that these estates were never transferred to you, right?” Madelyn replied calmly.

She had heard that Matthew had fallen into debt overnight after the Equilwood Village project was reclaimed.

Victoria had intended to sell the high–value estates, only to realize that they were not legally hers. At that moment, she was likely trying to obtain the transfer documents from Madelyn.

“Well then. If this is supposed to be a place for me to stay, then why are my belongings being sent back without any explanation?”

There were important guests at the Garcia residence that day, and the Miller family’s actions had embarrassed her.

“Because I intended to honor my grandmother with those estates. And you are not her,” Madelyn stated:

“Madelyn!”

“Go ask your son, Caleb.”

With that, Madelyn hung up on the call.

She remembered how Victoria had played the role of a loving elder in front of the guests while pressuring her to gift her the estates.

Madelyn gave it some thought and realized just how much the Garcias were a family united by manipulation and deceit.

Everyone in the Garcia family was like that. Once they saw the benefits, they would treat your exceptionally well.

But even if you gave in to them, they would still feel dissatisfied. They would always think that you hadn’t given enough. It was akin to giving a dog a bone and expecting it to feel satisfied.

Meanwhile, Victoria was seething over the phone at the Garcia residence. Madelyn had referred to her coldly as “Mrs. Garcia Senior” and had the audacity to make such remarks. This only fueled her rage further.

When Krista returned, Angeline hurried to take the bag from her hands.

“You’re finally back, Krista. You need to talk to your grandma.”

“What’s wrong with her?”

Krista’s tone was solemn.

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Krista held an air of gravity and pride, causing even Angeline to speak cautiously in her presence. Victoria was too angry to speak, so Angeline recounted the incident to Krista instead.

Upon hearing the account, Victoria snapped and said “From now on, Madelyn is no longer a part of our family.”

Krista glanced at Angeline, recalling Andrew’s behavior toward Madelyn in the office. Her expression grew more solemn.

“I’ve told you before, Madelyn relies on men for everything she has. Eventually, she’ll lose it all because of

a man.”

“Yes, indeed. We have to rely on ourselves for everything.”

Angeline nodded in agreement.

Victoria remained uneasy. The locations and construction of those two estates were exceptional. If sold, they would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Now that Madelyn had reclaimed them, the Garcias would face quite a substantial loss.

Angeline saw Krista’s reluctance to discuss Madelyn’s affairs and wisely refrained from pressing further,

“Did today go well?”

“Yeah. Everything went smoothly. I’ve joined the design department!”

Miller Group’s design team required highly talented designers. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Angeline had heard they only recruited elite designers, and Krista had graduated from a prestigious school. She believed the latter would soon achieve remarkable results.

“Mr. Miller seems quite upset with the Garcia family. Do you think it’ll affect you?”

Angeline voiced her concern.

Krista furrowed her brows.

She said, “Mr. Miller keeps personal and professional matters separate. Don’t worry.”

Upon hearing Krista’s words, Angeline nodded in relief. In any case, Krista securing such a prestigious job was a source of pride for her.

Chappér