Chapter 50: Siding with Her for the First Time

It went without saying how formidable Grayson's lawyer team was. If Grayson didn't want to let her go, they could probably gnaw her down to the bone.

Madison was bitterly resigned. "Grayson, what is it that you really want?"

She couldn't understand why Grayson was so adamant about keeping her by his side.

Grayson sat at the dining table, his expression dark and indecipherable. "I don't like contradictions. Have you forgotten?"

Madison's lips remained tightly drawn. Of course, she remembered. Grayson was unjust and oppressive, never considering the feelings of others.

He didn't like being contradicted, which is why when she suggested they part ways, he forced her to stay. He didn't like being contradicted, which is why when she wanted to resign, he refused without a second thought.

A wry smile creased Madison's face.

"All right, I get it now."

"That's good, Madison." After Grayson finished speaking, he looked at her. "Come, have a little more."

Madison really had no appetite, but she knew that any form of refusal with this man was futile. Seating herself back at the dinner table, she mustered the strength to finish a bowl of barley soup.

Grayson watched her in silence, waiting until she was done before speaking "If you feel the holiday is too short, I can extend it. Get yourself healthy first. We can talk about the rest later."

Madison nodded indifferently. At this point, she felt rather indifferent herself.

Grayson observed her for a moment, then said, "I'll make sure that fan's father is severely punished."

"You do what you think is best," Madison replied.

Grayson nodded again but said no more.

Madison had assumed Grayson would leave soon Yet, contrary to her expectations, he showed no signs of departing. She did not want to be in the same space as him.

"Aren't you going to work?"

Grayson looked up at her. "Has the agreement been signed? If so, I'll have the Executive process it today."

Madison hesitated. "Not yet."

Grayson paused briefly. "Sign it as soon as possible."

Madison understood his intent. Grayson was always serious and meticulous when it came to deals, and their relationship was no exception.

He would compensate for what he owed. Thus, he wanted her to sign it quickly. Once signed, he would no longer owe her anything in this matter.

Madison took a deep breath. "All right, I'll do it as soon as I can."

Grayson nodded but still made no move to leave.

"Aren't you working today?"

Grayson raised his eyes to meet hers. "Are you that eager for me to go?"

Madison sat on the couch, not looking at him, not answering. Right now, any answer seems inappropriate. To say she wanted him to go didn't seem right. To say she wanted him to stay, even less so.

Grayson leaned against the balcony railing, his lips curving in a slight smile. "If I said I'd take care of you, then I'll follow through."

Madison's brows knitted slightly, and as she was about to say something, the doorbell rang.

She had never invited anyone over to this apartment, and Grayson wasn't one to host guests here. Over three years, only Madison, Grayson, and their nanny had ever come in.

The doorbell rang today, catching Madison by surprise. Her first thought was of Ethan. With a slight frown furrowing her brow, she turned just as the nanny opened the door.

"Are you Nora?" came the nanny's voice, tinged with astonishment.

Madison's face darkened instantly when she saw Nora, holding a bouquet, standing at the threshold. Right beside her, was a beaming Nicholas.

Grayson raised an eyebrow subtly and cast a glance at Madison. As she moved her lips to speak, Nora's voice floated in. "Grayson."

He strode toward the door, his tone dropping to an unnaturally gentle murmur. "What brings you here? Aren't you afraid of getting snapped by the paparazzi?"

No matter how many times she heard such exchanges, they still unsettled Madison.

"Can't I visit a friend? Besides, I'm not here for you today. I came specifically to see Madison."

Without waiting for an invitation, Nora breezed inside.

"Whitney, are you doing okay? I was thinking about it after I left yesterday and decided I really should come to apologize properly, so here I am. You don't mind, do you?"

Madison let out a scornful laugh, having no desire to exchange false pleasantries with Nora.

"Just apologize directly, without the grandiose speech," she snapped.

Nora looked hurt for a moment but, surprisingly, didn't argue. She just apologized.

"Madison, I'm sorry. My fans got out of line and hurt you. I'm here now, on their behalf, to apologize. I hope you can forgive her."

She cast a glance at Grayson, whose gaze had turned icy as he watched Madison. It was a warning. Madison knew the score. She had taken Grayson's money, and she really had no intention of prolonging a discussion with Nora.

"Fine, I accept your apology. Can you leave now?"

Nora bit her lip. "Madison, could you find it in your heart to forgive my fan?"

A sharp crease formed between Madison's eyebrows. She knew it. Nora wouldn't have come all the way for just a mere apology. It had to be for something else.

She shot Nora a look. "Sorry, I can't do that, Ms. Nora. Is it fair to make me, the victim, act like the bigger person here?"

Immediately, Nora's expression creased with frustration. "Madison, whatever compensation you demand, I'll provide it. My fan is only 17. You can ruin her life!"

Madison stood her ground, unwilling to be swayed by guilt or bribery. This was a matter of principle, and she was not about to let someone else's mistake tarnish her sense of justice.

Madison snorted dismissively. "Did I make her wield a blade against someone? That's a heavy accusation, Ms Nora, but I've never hurt anybody."

Nora was about to retort when Nicholas restrained her.

"Nora, stop begging her," Nicholas said sharply. "This lady's got a heart of stone, right Madison?"

Madison's lips curled slightly. "Yes, Nicholas gets me."

Nicholas scoffed, glancing at Nora. "See? I told you it was pointless to try before we even came."

Nora bit her lip. "I just wanted to do something for my fan. Her mom's been crying so much she can barely see."

A flicker of sympathy crossed Nicholas's eyes as he looked at her. He glanced at Madison's still stony face, then turned to Grayson. "And Grayson? You got nothing to say?"

Grayson, hands in pockets, expression unreadable, was silent for a moment before speaking up. "It's up to Madison who she wants to forgive. Who am I to demand she forgive someone who's hurt her?"

"Grayson," Nora began.

Grayson's frown deepened instantly. Nora pouted faintly. The words she wanted to say were ultimately swallowed back down.

Nicholas chuckled lightly. "Nora, give it up. A ruthless person like Madison can never understand what it's like for a mother to grieve for her child."

Madison felt a sharp pang in her heart. Her hands slowly clenched at her sides.

Grayson frowned as well. He turned to Nicholas. "Nicholas, do you enjoy pushing people into corners?"