Chapter 326
Chapter 326
After the nighttime surveillance was turned off, Rose decided to leave and stay elsewhere. Being a celebrity of her stature, it was understandable that she wouldn't spend the night in dorm-style accommodations with others. Chlor, however, didn't have that kind of pull. She was on her phone late into the night, causing Aurora to complain a couple of times, but Chloe just ignored her.
Meanwhile, Madeline used the time to look over some scripts in her email.
The next morning, Lacas was waiting downstairs bright and early. As soon as Madeline came down, there was a warm breakfast waiting for her along with a milk. Knowing her preference for milk, Lucas had made sure it was extra thick. "Maddie, here's your milk. I got it from the cafeteria, and it's pretty good. You like them thick, right?" Lucas said, smiling as brightly as the morning sun.
Madeline took the milk and remarked. "Thanks, but you're getting pretty popular yourself now-don't waste your time on this
stuff for me.
"It's no trouble; you're by yourself without an assistant. Must be hard getting used to it," Lucas replied.
"Who said I'm not used to it?" Madeline raised an eyebrow. "Before I returned to the Larson family, I lived at a boarding school in the countryside with way more people around."
"It's different here; not everyone is as straightforward as in school." Lucas walked beside Madeline. "Finish your sandwich too; it's a good one
Madeline replied coolly, "If it's so good, you should eat it."
"I already had a lot," said Lucas.
They arrived at the venue together. A photographer was shadowing them for a show they were doing, searching for any interesting storylines they could capture-like their charming dynamic.
During the first round of auditions for the show, Madeline's group had three others who were curious about her relationship with Lucas Lucas calmly explained they were siblings, and that put all the gossip to rest.
The first round went great-they made it through easily. Madeline's gaming skills blew everyone away; she could effortlessly carry four teammates to victory. Her skills remained unmatched.
Lucas watched Madeline perform, filled with nostalgia and reflection, wishing he could return to those simpler times. Back then, family life was uncomplicated, he was carefree, and Madeline wasn't so distant. Those days were cherished.
After a month-long filming session and wrapping up three episodes, the first episode finally aired. With a break from the closed set, Madeline had time to relax and catch up on things.
She stopped by her school and then went home to find Gavin had prepared a feast. "Maddie, how did it go at the show this time? If there were any issues, I can invest a bit to help out," he offered.
"It went well." Madeline replied as she sat down at the table, noticing the décor had changed a bit. "Cavvy, isn't it a bit different here?"
"Oh, nothing unusual; just rearranged some potted herbs Nolan sent over. They're supposed to be calming and good for health. Gavin sat across from Madeline, placing food on her plate. "Eat up." Madeline's sharp eye caught an odd redness under Gavin's sleeve and pulled his hand closer to see an unhealed scar. "What happened? How did you hurt your hand?"
"It's nothing. Gavin shrugged it off with a smile. Just a small injury: I've been clumsy lately. No big deal. He gently pulled his hand back. "Let's eat while it's hot. I spent all afternoon cooking." Seeing Gavin didn't want to elaborate, Madeline stayed silent for now and joined him for dinner.
"Maddie, have some soup," Gavin said as he ladled some into her bowl. "I got this mushroom soup from the countryside with Cuperi 126
lots of special herbs-it's great for your health"
"You've been overworked; even if you've bounced back, you shouldn't push too hard. Staying up late, writing papers, studying. acting, reviewing scripts, shooting shows-how do you have so much energy?" "Well, don't all of you have tons going on?" Madeline replied with a chuckle as she sipped the mushroom soup. Its sweet flavor from chestnuts was delightful, making her feel comfortably warm with every spoonful. After dinner, Madeline volunteered to wash the dishes, Gavin followed her into the kitchen. "Don't worry about it. I've told you, girls shouldn't have to deal with this greasy mess."
"Gavvy, let me do it this time," Madeline insisted. "Your hand's not healed yet; you should avoid getting it wet.
"You cooked today, so until you're better, I'm revoking your kitchen privileges. If you don't take care of yourself, you'll be stuck eating my cooking every day,"
"Well, that doesn't sound so bad." Gavin raised an eyebrow.
Madeline wrinkled her nose. "Trust me, my cooking isn't exactly five-star. It's barely better than takeout." She smiled awkwardly. "If you don't like it, I can always get us something from outside." Gavin said, "I'll love anything you make; wouldn't dislike it at all."
Madeline chuckled and tidied up around the house. She then took clothes out of the dryer and brought them into Gavin's
Toom.
Once inside, she noticed some blood-stained bandages in Gavin's trash can and instantly grew suspicious. She thought, Just a and injury wouldn't require so many bandages, and there is a faint medicinal scent lingering in the room. Pretending she hadn't seen anything, Madeline placed his clothes down and went to check on Gavin, who was on the balcony making a phone call.
From behind, he appeared as laid-back as always-energetic and youthful-but something was off. He stood unusually traight instead of his usual relaxed posture like he was leaning against an invisible wall instead of slouching like he usually
id
inishing his call, Gavin winced slightly, clearly in pain from his back. He turned to head back inside to tend to his injuries nd noticed Madeline watching him through the glass door. Madeline blinked innocently and walked away as if nothing happened.
avin's face turned slightly pale as he locked his bedroom door behind him. Removing his shirt, he noticed the blood seeping rough the bandages on his back. He let out a sigh while examining himself in the bathroom mirror. The white gauze was ained red.
Damn it, Gavin muttered, grabbing a roll of bandages and holding it between his teeth. "That scumbag really messed me up.
st then, there was a sudden knock on the door. 'Gavvy, I ordered some drinks and got you your favorite lemonade.
avin hurriedly put down the bandages and slipped his shirt back on. He opened the door, trying to act casual - Tadeline standing there empty-handed-no drink in sight. She'd clearly tricked him.