Chapter 25: Pregnant?

Madison's lips trembled slightly. Nicholas' insult was blatant and unashamed. It was even carrying a hint of sadistic pleasure.

Despite always considering herself strong-willed, a shiver still went through her. The people in their circle, including Grayson, really didn't treat her with respect.

She looked at Nicholas, striving to appear flawless in her composure. "Why would you say that?"

"It's simple. You took Nora's spot, Madison. I always thought you were a sensible person, but it turns out you don't know what's good for you."

Madison chuckled with a touch of sarcasm. "That's hilarious. If Grayson wanted Nora, do you really think I could take her place? Or do you actually believe I have the power to sway Grayson's decisions? Since Grayson chose me, this spot is rightfully mine. Aren't you all sticking your noses a bit too far into this?"

She paused briefly, then continued, "And, if I were a whore, what would that make someone like you, who's always got me on his mind? A moth to a flame? Or a spineless fool who itches for what he can't have, and when he gets it, he doesn't value it?"

The smile on Nicholas's face vanished in an instant. He was indeed fixated on Madison, and terribly so.

After that one time when Grayson made him listen to those sounds over the phone, his craving had become unbearable. Now, for Madison to call him out so bluntly, a firestorm of rage ignited in his chest.

One day, when he finally got her, he vowed to humiliate her thoroughly before kicking her to the curb. He would like to see how sharp-tongued she would be then.

"Do you not know the definition of shame?"

Madison stood up. "Why should I maintain my dignity while speaking with someone who lacks any?"

With that, she walked out of the room. Once outside the garden, she exhaled a sigh of relief.

...

Back in her office, Madison saw Nora rummaging through her purse at her desk. In her hand was Madison's prenatal medication. "Nora! Who gave you the right to touch my things?"

Madison exclaimed, snatching the bottle of pills back.

Chuckling mockingly at Madison's nervous expression, Nora asked, "What pills are you popping, Madison? You're not terminally ill, are you?"

"It's none of your business." Madison returned the pills to her bag. "Ms. Nora, any decent person knows better than to go through someone else's purse. Is this the level of your upbringing and class?"

Nora laughed carelessly. "You can't talk manners to me when you're an illegitimate child!"

The term "illegitimate child" pierced Madison's heart with pain. It was Abigail who had been with Peter first back in the day. Yet simply because Abigail wasn't from a notable family, she was abandoned by Peter without a second thought.

Madison had been branded with the stigma of being an "illegitimate child" for so many years. Now, it seemed, her child would bear the same burden.

Trying to steady her emotions, Madison didn't want to fight with Nora. Arguing now would only turn out worse for her.

"When can you make some time? Can we set a date for the endorsement shoot? It would save us from all this back-and-forth."

Nora sneered. "What do you mean 'you all' are being hassled? Isn't this mess your fault?"

Madison was still holding back. "Could you please let me know when you're available?"

"I'm not sure. Contact my agent about it." She finished speaking, then turned and walked away.

After Nora left, she glanced at the pill clenched in her palm. She didn't head back to Grayson's place. Instead, she made a phone call and then left the building. Once out of the company, she dialed a number "Dad, I need a pharmacologist."

...

Madison tried to reach Nora's agent again, but to no avail; nobody picked up. She ended the call and pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. The sense of being deliberately stonewalled was too strong.

"Boss, what do we do now? Should we talk to Grayson again?"

Madison let out a cold laugh. "What's the point of speaking to Grayson?" That man would do anything for his old flame.

After a moment of silence, Madison made another call. It was quickly answered.

"Mr. CEO, sorry to disturb you. Our company is looking to discuss a collaboration with Agent Zhang, but for some reason, I can't reach her. Please ask her to get in touch with me. Yes, that would be great, thank you. I could take you out for dinner another day."

The man on the other end laughed. "What do you mean 'another day'? Let's do it today; I happen to be free."

The smile on Madison's face stiffened for a moment before she replied, "Okay, today then. I'll book the restaurant and let you know. Please have Agent Zhang contact me as soon as you can."

After hanging up, Madison's fingers around her phone had turned slightly pale. The CEO of A-Media was notorious in the industry, famous for demanding favors from his artists.

Madison had dined with him twice in Grayson's company. Those occasions were filled with unwanted advances. But with Grayson present, he never dared to go too far with her.

Today, however, there was no chance Grayson would accompany her. He wouldn't help her.

If the CEO was willing, neither Nora nor her agent would dare to give her such a hard time. It was not just a lack of help but also tacit permission.

Madison felt a vague sense of anger; it still lingered. However, she needed clarification. Given last night's debacle, she should be the one who was upset.

There was nothing for him to be angry about. It couldn't have been just over that one dinner.

Madison pondered for a while but couldn't figure it out.

She gathered her thoughts and began planning how to handle Fabian. In the end, she decided to book a table at an outdoor dining-focused bistro. With the bustle of people coming and going, Fabian shouldn't be able to pull anything on her.

Having secured the restaurant reservation, a call from Nora's agent came through.

"Who would've thought you even know our CEO?"

Madison chuckled. "We all move in the same circles. Who doesn't have a few connections, right, Agent Zhang?"

The agent was left feeling uncomfortable by her remark. "Madison, could our CEO also be one of your esteemed guests?"

Ignoring her jest, Madison asked, "Can we lock in a time with Ms. Nora now?"

Agent Zhang, gritting her teeth, replied, "I just checked Nora's schedule; she's free tomorrow."

"Great, please have Ms. Nora arrive on time at the studio tomorrow. Should anything come up, please get in touch with me in advance. You have my number, don't you? Surely a call is more convenient than sending a message?"

"Of course, goodbye, Madison."

After hanging up, she made sure everything was set with the studio, and then it was time to clock out.

The restaurant Madison had chosen was a private kitchen nestled on the side of Mid-Mountain. The place had its charm. The customers flocking here opted mostly for the outdoor seating. That was Madison's main reason for choosing this locale.

However, she didn't expect that upon announcing her name at the reception, she would be guided towards a private dining room.