CHAPTER SEVENTY ONE - MAKEOVER DINNER

"It's wonderful to see you again as well, Cameron," Madison replied evenly, refusing to be cowed by judgmental stares. She shifted her gaze to address the room at large. "Thank you all for welcoming me into your home once more. I appreciate this second opportunity to make a better impression." Silence clung heavily in the air for a beat before Cameron's father spoke up in his deep baritone rumble. "Yes, well...Madison, you must understand our concerns from before stemmed from protectiveness over our family legacy, not elitism." His assessing stare swept over her from head to toe, taking in every detail of her designer dress and jewelry. "However, Cameron has vouched quite strenuously for your...credentials. I trust his judgment will prove sound." The undercurrent of skepticism in his words did not go unmissed by Madison. She tightened her grip around Cameron's hand as he stepped up beside her. "I certainly hope it will, Father," he replied smoothly, squeezing her fingers. A