Chapter 8 - THE LIE INSIDE THE TRUTH
Jason closed the nursery door.
“Yes,” he said. “Chelsea and I were engaged.”
Madeline felt the floor shift beneath her.
“You told me she was a college friend.”
“We were over before I met you.”
“Then why lie?”
“Because I knew you’d react like this.”
Madeline almost laughed.
He had turned his deception into proof that she was unreasonable.
Jason claimed Chelsea had struggled to accept the breakup. He said he kept employing her out of guilt.
“She threatened to ruin herself if I cut her off,” he said.
“And the hotel?”
“A business meeting.”
“The messages?”
“Her attempt to upset you.”
“The cuff link?”
“A relic she planted.”
Every answer placed responsibility on Chelsea.
None placed responsibility on Jason.
Madeline asked him to leave the nursery.
He stepped closer instead.
“You’re carrying my child. We cannot fall apart because of a jealous woman and your father’s suspicions.”
“My father didn’t send me the photograph.”
The mention of Samuel changed him.
Jason’s eyes narrowed.
“You’ve been talking to him?”
Madeline said nothing.
Jason reached for her phone.
She pulled it away.
For one frightening second, anger hardened his entire face.
Then he smiled.
“Get some sleep,” he said. “We’ll discuss the documents tomorrow.”
After he left, Rebecca called.
Madeline locked the door before answering.
“I reviewed the copy Jason requested,” Rebecca said. “He contacted my office twice and claimed you authorized him.”
“I didn’t.”
“I know.”
Rebecca explained that Jason had been asking questions about when Madeline would receive direct voting control of Bennett Meridian Holdings.
“Why would the baby matter?” Madeline asked.
Rebecca paused.
“I won’t discuss the full trust by phone. Meet me tomorrow.”
“Is Jason trying to divorce me?”
Rebecca’s answer was quiet.
“I don’t think he’s trying to leave you yet.”
“Then what is he doing?”
“I believe he’s trying to own something before he does.”
Someone moved outside the nursery.
The handle turned.
Madeline ended the call and hid the phone beneath a pillow.
Jason’s voice came through the door.
May you like
“Who were you talking to?”
👉 The next morning, Madeline learned that her unborn daughter was connected to a fortune Jason had been quietly positioning himself to control.
