Chapter 2008: We Need to Talk
It was three in the afternoon. Lorraine was watering the plants in Madilyn's mansion garden when three black Mercedes-Benzes arrived. Bodyguards disembarked and opened the door of the central car. A well-dressed, middle-aged man with a cane emerged, followed by a similarly aged woman adorned in expensive jewelry. She glanced at the mansion, disdain clear in her eyes.
“It looks like your daughter is doing well in Horington. She can even afford a mansion!” the woman said arrogantly, her Xandenian accent thick. The man, Norton Sheffield, owner of the Sheffield Group—Xendale's largest company—maintained an icy expression. His wife, Mildred Hinton, stood beside him.
His assistant approached, politely confirming, "Mr. Sheffield, this is the correct address. Ms. Madilyn resides here."
"Let's go. It's time to talk to Lorraine," Mildred said with a mocking smirk, referring to Madilyn's mother.
When the doorbell rang, Lorraine assumed it was a delivery. Without checking, she opened the gates. A smile touched her lips as she approached, then a cane appeared in her line of sight. Panic flashed across her face as she recognized the man. Despite not seeing him for seven or eight years, her heart raced; flustered, yet strangely anticipatory.
Norton stopped before her. He looked much as she remembered, though time had etched its mark; his cheekbones were more prominent, his hair streaked with white. Lorraine's heart sank as she met his frosty gaze. Mildred's arrival silenced the words forming on Lorraine's tongue. Two years prior, Mildred had boasted about her daughter's advantageous marriage. Mildred, in turn, was speechless. She'd expected Lorraine to appear ill and aged, but instead, Lorraine looked elegant, even younger than herself. Fury flared in Mildred's eyes.
"It's been a while," Norton greeted, a flicker of emotion crossing his face before disappearing.
A bitter smile touched Lorraine's lips. "I'm sorry, but who are you? Are you at the wrong address?" She knew feigning ignorance was childish, but the sight of the man she once loved with his seemingly perfect wife was unbearable. Madilyn's advice echoed in her mind. He had broken his vows, abandoning her and their child for selfish reasons. She wouldn't be nice.
Mildred's rage erupted. "Lorraine Xander, stop pretending! You may have changed, but we recognize you. We're here to discuss something important. Whether you welcome us or not, we must talk today!"