Chapter 41 No Need for Apologies

Owen couldn't argue with that. Nora really had no reason to stir up trouble. It was clear to any observer that Grayson's relationship with Madison wouldn't impact Nora.

"Can it really be something spontaneous by the fans? Like Madison said, very few people close to you two even knew, so how did the fans find out?" Owen said, puzzling over the situation.

Grayson frowned, looking out at the rain, then finally said, "Keep tabs on the police investigation and keep me updated. Also, manage the online chatter. I don't want any negative rumors spreading."

"Got it," Owen responded, acknowledging the instructions.

Grayson returned to the car to find Madison sitting there with her eyes closed.

"Does it hurt?" he asked.

Madison opened her eyes and looked out the window. "What do you think, Grayson?"

A chill shadowed Grayson's expression. "Madison, am I the one that hurt you?"

Madison stayed silent for a moment. "Sorry, I'm just not in a good mood."

Grayson glanced at her. "We'll get to the bottom of this."

Suppressing the sourness in her heart, Madison gave a slight nod. "Yeah."

"Is it very painful?"

"A bit."

"Should I get you some pain relievers?"

"No need. I can bear it."

Grayson was silent for a while. "All right, try to get some rest now. We'll be home soon where you can rest up properly."

"Okay."

They drove on in silence.

...

Meanwhile, somewhere else, Nora hurled her phone out with force as soon as she got into the car.

"Utterly useless! I told her to aim for the stomach, and she only hit the arm."

The agent's gaze flickered subtly. "Are you sure she's pregnant?"

Nora scoffed. "Why else would she be taking prenatal vitamins? Plus, I had someone check in the ultrasound department. She's pregnant, all right."

The agent frowned deeply. "Well, this does complicate things. If she gives birth to that child, wouldn't she potentially rise in status because of it?"

A vicious glint passed through Nora's eyes. "That vile woman, as if she is worthy to bear Grayson's child."

After saying this, her eyes narrowed slightly. "Contact that fan's parents for me."

...

The next morning, Madison received a call from the police station.

"The individual acted alone, with no evidence of instigation. Madison, you are invited to come in for a forensic evaluation to document your injuries. Since the assailant is a minor, you can opt for mediation if you wish."

Madison listened and took a long pause before responding, "I won't accept mediation."

"Okay, we will proceed with legal action then."

Hanging up, Madison let out a soft breath.

Grayson watched her carefully. "Call from the police station?"

She nodded.

"What did they say?"

"They said there was no instigation, that it was a spontaneous act."

Grayson's lips curved with a cold smile as he looked at Madison. "Do you still have her doubts now?"

Madison's lips were drawn tight, and after a moment, she retorted, "So now, I'm not even allowed to have suspicions?"

Grayson's eyes narrowed, his expression turning icy. But Madison held his gaze, refusing to back down.

"If there's suspicion around her, what's wrong with me questioning it?"

Grayson looked at Madison and couldn't help but let out a scoff.

Everyone liked to say that Grayson was a man who sought payback. Yet, in this moment, he found his match in determination.

The words she had just spoken were the very ones he had used back in the days of City B.

"You have a point," he finally admitted.

Madison was silent for a long time before she spoke, "I was just stating the facts."

Grayson glanced at her. "Where to?"

"The police station wants me to get a medical evaluation, and there are some statements I need to give," she explained.

His expression was still stern, but after a moment, he offered, "I'll drive you there."

Madison had intended to refuse. She was discontented with Grayson's obvious favoritism.

If their roles were reversed today, this man would have investigated thoroughly instead of shielding someone like he was now. It was almost as if he was afraid she would do something unfavorable to Nora.

Even though Madison had long recognized this reality, it didn't ease the discomfort in her heart.

Sometimes, Madison truly envied Nora. Nora had always been surrounded by people protecting her since she was a child. Whether it was Peter or Charlotte, everyone doted on her like their precious gem.

Her circle of friends was no different. Ever since they were young, Nora had always been treated as a princess, adored by everyone around her. Not to mention Grayson, now unable to bear seeing her in the slightest distress.

Suddenly, Madison felt a pang of pity for herself. She had nothing.

Her only possession was a memory she clung to and a mother who might never awaken.

"Thanks," she managed, suppressing the rising sourness in her throat.

In the end, she followed Grayson out the door. She didn't want to face the police station alone.

*

On the road, Grayson's phone rang. It was Nora calling.

Madison glanced at the caller ID and then looked away.

Grayson picked up the phone directly. "Yeah, the investigation results are in. It was indeed a self-inflicted act. Don't be too hard on yourself."

He glanced at Madison. "Madison, Nora wants to apologize to you."

Madison kept her gaze fixed out the window. "No need. This whole mess had nothing to do with Ms. Nora in the first place, right? If it's unrelated, why the need for an apology?"

Moreover, if Nora really did apologize, her fans might take more extreme actions next.

Grayson glanced at her and withdrew his gaze, continuing on a call.

"I've got it covered," he said after hanging up.

He then parked the car by the curb.

Madison turned to him. "What's up?"

"Regardless, this chaos was caused by Nora's fans. What compensation are you looking for, Madison?"

Madison gave Grayson a wry smile. "You decide, Grayson. The more, the better."

Grayson raised an eyebrow. "Don't get greedy, Madison. I'll have the Exec draft up an amount and transfer it to you."

Madison was silent for a moment. "Okay, thanks, Grayson."

Grayson looked at her. "No need to thank me, Madison."

*

It was close to noon by the time they finished the injury assessment at the police station.

Grayson's phone was ringing incessantly. Madison took a glance. "If you've got things to do, Grayson, you can go ahead."

For the first time, Grayson didn't leave.

"I'll take this call and then join you at the hospital to change that dressing," he said before turning to head outside.

After Madison left the assessment center and was giving her statement, a staff member mentioned it again. "Madison, the girl's guardian is still hoping you'll reconsider. If you agree to a settlement, they're willing to offer you substantial compensation."

Madison's resolve was unwavering.

At the entrance to the Auction Hall, when the incident happened, the girl's actions and words didn't seem repentant at all. If she made a mistake, she had to face the consequences.

"I'm sorry, but my stance remains the same," she said firmly.

The staff member could only nod in agreement.