Chapter 39: She Was the Light of His Life

Madison responded absently, grateful that Grayson hadn't delved further into the subject.

Once she was ready, Grayson led her out the door. She had thought the dinner would be just a typical gathering.

To her surprise, it turned out to be a grand charity gala. The entire street outside the Auction Hall was locked down, lined with luxury cars stretching a whole block. A touch of amazement was evident on Madison's face.

Catching the surprise in her eyes, Grayson couldn't help but chuckle. "What's wrong, Madison? Haven't you seen something like this before?"

Madison stayed silent. She'd truly never encountered such a scene. Given her family's background, she never had such opportunity.

Even though she had attended many high-society events with Grayson, tonight's gala was still exceptional. Without Grayson, she would likely never have the chance to experience a setting like this. His status was distinguished.

Yet, despite their three years together, it was the first time she had felt such a stark difference between them. Never before had she so clearly perceived that she might indeed be from a different world than Grayson's.

The fact that she had entered his life and stayed by his side for three years might have just been an accident.

"I'm sorry if I've caused you any embarrassment," Madison uttered, looking down.

Grayson's gaze rested on her delicate collarbone before he spoke, "In the future, I'll try to bring you to these kinds of events more often."

Madison was taken aback, not expecting Grayson to say something like this.

Grayson met her gaze. "Don't be too surprised, Madison. It's part of your job to accompany your boss to these events, and the salary you're getting isn't for nothing."

The light in Madison's eyes extinguished in an instant. She grinned self-deprecatingly. She almost thought that Grayson bringing her here held some special meaning. "I understand."

"Later, there's a pair of earrings that will match your necklace perfectly. I'll bid for them for you tonight," he said.

Madison nodded, not daring to think any further.

Everyone at the gala was a prominent figure from various sectors. Many had only seen Madison on television or in the newspapers. Yet even so, when Grayson entered the Auction Hall, a buzz swept through the room.

Being the head of the Mellon family from Horizon City, he was always the center of attention wherever he went.

Madison followed cautiously by Grayson's side, handling the greetings and small talk.

After an hour of such niceties, and she was tired—not least because she couldn't drink. She merely sipped at the wine, which by now had diminished considerably.

"Grayson, I'm going to take a breather," she said.

"Go ahead."

He let go of her arm, and she walked toward a corner of the hall.

She had barely sat down when she heard someone call out.

"Madison, is it?" She turned and saw a woman with a mockingly smug expression sitting beside her.

Madison pursed her lips and asked, "Yes, and you are...?"

The woman scoffed. "I'm Chloe, Nora's close friend. We got along quite well overseas."

Madison's smile froze on her face, and after a short silence, she managed a small "Hello, Chloe."

Chloe snorted. "I'd like to be well, but if my friend isn't happy, how can I be?"

Madison tensed her mouth, then forced a laugh after a moment. "Your friendship with Ms. Nora is quite enviable."

"Stop the act!" Chloe flared up as Madison didn't take the bait.

"I don't understand what you're implying," Madison replied.

Chloe leaned in close to Madison's face and sneered, "You better wise up and leave Grayson alone. You don't think you can really stay by his side forever, do you? Grayson and Nora are the perfect match, the true match made in heaven. You're just a homewrecker, a tramp!"

Madison felt a sting in her heart with each of Chloe's biting words.

"Chloe, I've never interfered in anyone's relationship, so please be respectful," she responded, trying to remain composed.

In such an upscale setting, it was clear from the other woman's attire and demeanor she was someone Madison did not want to offend.

Chloe smirked again. "Respect is earned, darling. To get it, you need to be worthy. And you? Do you really think you deserve my respect? Just look at you—a homewrecker. Nora is the one who should be standing by Grayson's side."

Madison followed her gaze, and only then did she notice Nora, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere and was now standing beside Grayson, her arm entwined with his. The two of them exuded an air of natural grace and composed charisma, a standout pair amidst the crowd as if they were a match made in heaven.

There was a particular softness in Grayson's eyes as he looked at Nora. Something said between them had evidently melted his heart.

Their first public outing since announcing their past relationship had made them the center of attention. Whispers and chatter about Nora and Grayson filled Madison's ears.

"I can't believe Grayson and Nora are actually an item."

"The way Grayson looks at her is just so adoring, isn't it?"

"They're so perfect together. I wonder when they will tie the knot?"

"People are saying it's bound to be soon, given they've gone public. Marriage can't be far off now."

...

Madison felt a tight sensation in her chest as she listened to the comments swirling around her. Even the spacious hall seemed suffocating.

"How does it feel, being the other woman?"

Madison's expression darkened. "I'm not sure what you're implying, Chloe, but excuse me, I need to step out."

She intended to leave, but Chloe grabbed her arm once again.

"Get the hint, Madison. I'm saying it with your best interest in mind. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Madison pulled away from Chloe and headed toward the exit.

Only when she stepped outside into the garden did she breathe a sigh of relief. Yet, the ache in her heart remained unalleviated.

The woman who could stand by Grayson with pride would always be Nora. And she... She was destined to be the one hidden in the shadows.

"What's got you coming out here?"

Madison turned to see Owen approaching, a drink in hand.

"Hey, Owen."

Owen nodded. "You don't look so good. Is everything all right?"

Madison offered a small, strained smile. "I just needed some fresh air, that's all."

Owen's gaze flickered, indicating he likely knew the real reason she had come outside.

"Don't worry about it, Madison. My brother's just playing his part for the occasion."

A bitter smile crept onto Madison's lips, realizing Owen had a way of offering comfort. Ironically, Grayson was supposed to play that part with her, not Nora.

"I'm fine."

Owen wasn't convinced. "How about I keep you company with a drink or two?"

"No, thank you, Owen," she said with a slight smile that surprisingly eased her discomfort a bit.

At least she still had someone who cared enough to offer consolation at this moment.

Glancing at Owen, she couldn't help herself and blurted out, "Owen, how did your brother meet Nora back in the day?"

It was something Madison had always been curious about, but Grayson never allowed her to ask. Although the McMahons had been clawing their way up the social ladder over the years, in Horizon City, they were still considered pretty modest.

For a family like that to connect with a household like the Mellons was no easy feat. Yet, not only had the McMahons climbed that ladder, but Nora had also dated Grayson, which completely baffled her.

Owen raised an eyebrow. "You may not believe it because I'm not sure myself."

Madison paused, then listened as Owen continued, "My brother had a severe psychological disorder when he was a kid. Before Nine Road, he never spoke to anyone."

"And after?" Madison pressed, caught up in the story.

"After? He was sent away for treatment for a while, and when he came back, it was like he was a totally different person.

"Can you imagine? A teenager, suddenly in the mix, wrestling for power in a family like the Mellons. Describing him as ruthless would be an understatement—he even took over as head of the Mellon household when he was nineteen.

"And then, Nora appeared by his side. How did that happen? No one knows, but I do remember my brother saying that Nora was the only light in his dark life."