Chapter 447: Endearing
The following day, at the break of dawn, Madelyn awoke to the warm winter sun filtering through her window. The entire room was bathed in light, a warm ambiance filling the space and her heart.
“You’re awake?” A husky voice echoed from beside her.
A jolt of surprise shot through Madelyn. She turned to find Sebastian waking, his eyes still clouded with sleep. His large hand enclosed her waist under the covers, drawing her closer. His breath grazed her head, creating a sensation of warmth and tranquility; a wave of calm washed over her.
“Why didn’t you go to work today?” Madelyn lifted her head, her innocent eyes gazing at Sebastian’s strikingly handsome face.
He closed his eyes, gave a soft laugh, and leaned in to kiss her forehead. “That’s because I want to be the first thing you see when you open your eyes.”
Before Madelyn could react, their lips met. Sebastian exuded a dry yet fragrant scent, immensely enjoyable to Madelyn, who was utterly captivated by him. Gradually, they drew closer, yearning for intimacy.
Suddenly, a series of knocks echoed at the door. Knock! Knock! Knock! Lydia stood outside, loudly reminding, “Mr. Lockhart, it’s time for you to go to work. You should get up and eat.”
Their passionate interlude abruptly ended. Sebastian reluctantly released Madelyn, his eyebrows furrowing in slight displeasure. "How untimely of Lydia," he thought, "I was just getting into the mood."
“Pfft…” Madelyn stifled a giggle, covering her mouth. It became inappropriate to continue, so they both got up.
Chapter 447: Endearing
Picking up a sandwich, Madelyn began to eat without a care for her image. After stuffing her cheeks full, she found it difficult to swallow, so she took a sip of milk. Throughout the process, Sebastian occasionally glanced at her, noticing her subtle smile.
He asked curiously, “What happened to you?”
“Huh?” Madelyn was slightly taken aback. “What did I do?”
“You seem to be in high spirits. Has something good happened?” Sebastian’s voice held an indifferent edge.
A sweet smile surfaced on Madelyn’s face. She said straightforwardly, “That’s right. I’ve recently resolved a tricky problem, so of course I’m happy.”
The trouble, of course, was Janessa. The thought of no longer being disturbed by her filled Madelyn with immense relief; everything felt bathed in sunlight. A faint smile tugged at Sebastian’s lips. He was fully aware of what she had done, inwardly admiring her resourcefulness.
Otherwise, sending Janessa to jail wouldn't have been so easy. After finishing breakfast, they went their separate ways to work.
Arriving at the company, Madelyn was still blissful. Maintaining a sunny smile, she greeted every employee she encountered. This puzzled them; she was rumored to be willful and domineering. Yet, she seemed endearing and likable.
Jillian was already at the office. Glancing up, she saw Madelyn’s radiant smile and laughed. “Madelyn, you seem to be in a great mood, huh?”
“Of course. After dealing with Janessa, it’s my first time feeling that life can be this delightful.” Madelyn was overjoyed.
Chapter 447: Endearing
By almost noon, Madelyn received a call from Cheryl, suggesting dinner that evening. Madelyn, in high spirits, readily agreed. After work, she took Jillian along.
The dining venue was a five-star hotel, where Cheryl had ordered a lavish spread. Surprisingly, Scarlet and Caleb were also present. After brief pleasantries, they took their seats. The service staff poured wine with impeccable grace.
Scarlet lifted her glass. “Ms. Thornton, the Sherritt family is deeply indebted to you. May I have the honor of toasting to you?”
“Mrs. Sherritt, you’re too kind.” Madelyn chuckled, raising her glass. They clinked glasses, promptly draining their drinks.
“Mom, you really shouldn’t drink so much,” Cheryl said, concerned.
Scarlet, brimming with joy, waved her hand dismissively. “I’m fine. Ms. Thornton has been such a tremendous benefactor; I simply must express my gratitude.”
Cheryl nodded, raising her glass. “Madelyn, our family really owes you one. Let me toast to you.”
“Me too,” Caleb added, raising his glass.
“Wow. Are you guys trying to get me drunk?” Madelyn laughed, clinking glasses with them.
They began to chat. Whenever Janessa’s five-year sentence was mentioned, everyone felt immense joy.
“Mom, we won’t have to put up with that woman’s attitude anymore!” Cheryl exclaimed excitedly.
“That’s right,” Scarlet agreed, pleased.
Caleb, however, was melancholic. “But our company has taken a significant hit. To oust Janessa, our stock market plummeted, clients distrust us, and netizens are wary. I suspect they’ll be resistant to our company in the future.”
He sighed.