Chapter 72

Alex's house. Madeleine hadn't stepped outside since everything blew up that day. The online hate was way too much—just like before, she was back under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. She was terrified of leaving the house. Even when Ava Adams called her a few times, she couldn't bring herself to go out. "You eaten yet?" Alex came back carrying takeout. Madeleine walked out of the room and shook her head. She didn't even dare to check her phone, let alone go outside. She kept thinking about those strangers from six years ago: throwing trash at her, screaming that she deserved it all. That fear was still fresh. "Try to eat something," Alex opened the container of porridge and put it down in front of her. Madeleine sat down at the table, her fingers stiff and cold. "I've already handled the online stuff. It'll die down soon," he tried to comfort her. She didn't respond. Sure, the internet forgets. But she didn't. "For now, just stay in. Don't go near the club either. Once the bu