Chapter 23 A Disgrace to the Jillard Family

Madeline looked at the delicate paper bag in front of her. The embossed gold logo caught the sunlight, gleaming with a subtle shimmer. She didn't reach for it right away and just lifted her eyes to him. "You're too kind, Mr. Jameson. I didn't do much. You didn't need to go to such trouble to thank me." "For my family, what you did matters more than you could ever imagine," Samuel said, holding out the bag, his gaze steady and intense. "It's just a little gesture. It's not trouble at all. Please, accept it." His tone was sincere yet commanding. The weight behind his words made it clear to Madeline that refusing again would seem forced. After a brief hesitation, she took the bag, its weight reassuring in her hand. "In that case, thank you for your thoughtfulness, Mr. Jameson." An almost imperceptible smile crossed his deep eyes when she finally accepted it. "Since we're here already, aren't you going to invite me to your place?" Madeline's chest tightened slightly. She didn't even