Chapter 5: The past still lingers.

Upon discovering that her day's work on a jewelry design was actually for Henry, Madison was filled with disgust. The thought that someone like him, whom she considered a jerk, would wear her creation was disdainful to her. Trying to hide her feelings, Madison gave Henry a small smile. "Hello, I'm Madison Brown." Henry's smile didn't look genuine. "Hello, I'm Henry Smith, and this is my wife, Taylor." Madison nodded politely to them but didn't say anything more. But Henry didn't seem to want to leave it at that. "Uncle, did you check her background before hiring? We shouldn't just let anyone into the company." Mark had no patience for this and wasn't interested in saving Henry's face. "Are you trying to tell me what to do!? My business is not your concern, Henry." "I'm just trying to help. I'm worried you might hire the wrong people." Henry said he was trying to justify his claims. Madison smirked inwardly, thinking, 'You're the one who's wrong here, not me.' Mark's expression chilled, signaling he was done with the conversation. "If there's nothing else, I need to introduce her to my friends. Please excuse us." As he made to leave, Henry quickly said, "I didn't mean anything bad by it." Without another glance at Henry, Mark took Madison by the arm and led her away. Henry's harsh tone tonight confused Taylor because it wasn't typical of him. "Why are you acting like this about the woman with Mark?" she asked, trying to understand his behavior. Henry glanced at Madison, who was walking away. "It's nothing." "You went too far. Your uncle hates being told what to do. It's no surprise he's upset. You should apologize to him when you get the chance." Henry was slightly annoyed but answered politely, "Of course I will." In his mind, Henry planned a different kind of apology for Luke. He wanted to reveal Madison's true colors. He couldn't let Mark get involved with her. Though Henry called Mark "Uncle," they were about the same age. Their relationship was more about family ties and business, usually friendly enough. Madison felt uneasy. The way Henry had looked at her and the things he said might make people at the restaurant suspicious. She didn't want anyone here to know about her past with Henry or cause any trouble. Madison's appearance was a mystery to many, as Henry never shared her pictures. Only those in their close circle knew what she looked like. Henry had spun a tale about Madison's alleged affair to convince Taylor that their divorce happened before he and she started dating. He claimed they'd been separated for six months and denied any involvement with Madison's babies. With all the IVF documents in his possession, Madison had no way to prove her innocence. Henry's influence as a respected financial expert only made things worse. His lies had branded Madison as unfaithful, deeply hurting her. Seeing Henry now, Madison struggled to comprehend how she could have ever loved such a cruel man. Beside Henry stood Taylor, her face radiating innocence. Madison couldn't help but think Taylor was completely in the dark about Henry and her past. Madison's past struggles intensified when her father, Robert, barred her from returning home, forcing her to raise her children alone abroad. Noticing her discomfort, Mark asked, "Are you feeling okay?" "No, I'm fine," Madison responded. "I'm just not used to these events and feel a bit on edge." Remembering Henry's earlier remarks, she wished she could slap him, but the formality of the setting restrained her. Henry observed Madison and Mark conversing with a growing sense of suspicion, wondering about her intentions for getting close to his uncle. Mark, meanwhile, continued introducing Madison around. "Let me introduce you; this is..." Madison maintained a courteous smile throughout the introductions. One of them said, "It's you! Your jewelry designs created quite a buzz. I heard there were long queues, and some people couldn't even get their hands on them." "You're too kind. But in our world, artworks need constant innovation to stay memorable." Madison responded, "You're just being modest." They both chuckled. After some conversation, Mark made toasts and talked with the guests. Madison quietly told Mark that she was feeling a bit uneasy and excused herself to go to the restroom. To her surprise, she ran into Henry again when she came out. He seemed to be waiting for her on purpose. Henry's tone was a bit hostile. "What are you doing here?" Madison, fixing her hair and makeup in the mirror, replied without looking at him, "I could ask you the same." "Think before you act," Henry warned. "Reputation is everything. If word gets out about your 'affair' and the children, you're finished." Madison laughed. "Really? You're that confident?" Henry lowered his voice. "Just watch; I tell Mark about your past, and just like that, you lose this job along with your reputation in this city," he threatened her. Madison met his gaze coolly. "You know the truth better than anyone. There is no need for threats. But what if Taylor learns you were already with her before our divorce?" "Shut up!" Henry quickly looked around to make sure nobody was listening in. "Don't even think about telling Taylor, or you'll regret it." "Try me," Madison challenged, her eyes filled with disdain. "A real person wouldn't stoop to your level. Can you even call yourself human?" Henry's face turned red with anger. "You have no right to insult me." With a slow, mocking clap, Madison said, "At last, you understand. I'm not afraid of you. Do you really think you're that important?" Just then, Taylor called from the restroom, unaware of what was happening. "Henry? You there?" "Uhh, I'm here, honey," Frank replied. Then he shot Madison a glare. "Remember what I said." Madison stood her ground. "Same goes for you." With a provocative glance toward the restroom, she warned, "Better keep your mouth shut, or you'll be the one regretting it." Then, she turned and walked away. She spotted Mark still talking with others. Taking a moment to compose herself, she approached him. "Sorry to keep you waiting." no,it's fine... Are you feeling better now? "Yeah, sure, it's nothing to worry about," she replied. Mark continued talking to his friends, while Madison followed behind him as he introduced her to every new person that they met. After a while, they sat down to eat something. So Mark called a waiter to place an order. "I'll just take your number 5, then get the lady whatever she wants," he said as he turned to Madison. I'll take whatever he takes," she responded almost immediately. The waiter nodded and left to get their food. Are you okay??"Mark notices she's a bit lost. Yes, I am; why wouldn't I be?" She responded with a faint smile. Madison was still pondering over her encounter with Henry, and she planned her next line of action if he tried anything funny. "We both go down together," she thought to herself. She wasn't going to be as lenient as she was in the past. This time, she was going to fight.