Chapter 6 He Spikes My Drink

Johnny's words shocked everyone in the room. "Kaitlyn, this place isn't even yours?" "You acted like you were filthy rich. I almost bought it." "The real owner caught you in the act, and you still tried to make her lie for you. Kaitlyn, that takes nerve." The crowd shifted from awe to open mockery. Kaitlyn's cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she wished she could sink into the floor. "You're still not leaving? Do you want us to call the police to drag you out of here?" Johnny snapped, his voice cold. Kaitlyn knew he was putting on a show for Madison, but it still stung. She turned to leave the place that had humiliated her. "Wait," Madison called out. Kaitlyn stopped and looked back while Madison headed upstairs. Soon, Madison came downstairs with a suitcase and thumped it at Kaitlyn's feet. "Take everything that's yours." Clothes spilled from the suitcase. The humiliation hit Kaitlyn hard, and the color drained from her face. With people snickering and jeering, she fumbled to shove everything back, then pulled the suitcase out of Oceanview Villa. Madison watched her go, her lips curled in ridicule. None of them knew it was just the beginning. "Babe, I already kicked Kaitlyn out. Do you believe I love you now?" Johnny asked as he slid an arm around Madison's waist and leaned in to kiss her. Madison swallowed her revulsion and turned aside so his kiss missed her. She placed a hand on his chest and gave him a light push. "People are still watching," she said. Johnny took it for shyness and let it go. He leaned into her ear and murmured, "After they leave, I'll prove how much I love you." Disgust flickered in Madison's eyes. She stepped back to put some space between them and told the crowd, "It was just a small hiccup. Thanks for understanding." "Maddie, skip the formalities." "We believed Kaitlyn too quickly. Please don't hold it against us." The ones speaking were the same people who had trashed Madison the loudest earlier, the ones who lined up behind Kaitlyn like eager little lackeys. In her previous life, they had often helped Kaitlyn corner her and stir up trouble. Madison had no intention of letting them off the hook now. "It's hot today. Let's head to the backyard pool. I'll have the maids set out drinks and snacks," Madison said. "But none of us brought swimsuits." "That's not a problem." Madison made a call, and within minutes, she had dozens of swimsuits delivered to her. Someone recognized the brand and lit up. "No way! Are these from Dream? Aren't these insanely expensive? Maddie, are these gifts for us?" "Yes. Pick whatever you want." At that, everyone rushed to the pile. When Madison finally looked away, she saw Johnny coming over with a glass of water. "It's so hot. Here, have some ice water," he said. Madison gave him a small, sweet smile. "How did you know I was thirsty?" Johnny raised a brow. A smug gleam touched his eyes, and his smile turned indulgent. "Isn't it obvious? I know you better than anyone." Madison smiled, took the glass, lifted it to her lips, and watched him from the corner of her eye. He was watching her, nervous. A hint of mockery flickered across her face. She lowered the glass and hunched slightly. "Johnny, my stomach's acting up. Could you grab some painkillers? The first aid kit's upstairs." "Sure." He suspected nothing and headed upstairs for the medicine. Madison grabbed a fresh glass of water, rushed to the backyard, and poured the spiked one into the pool. Soon, she'd make the people who'd bullied her pay. "Maddie, here are your meds," Johnny said. When he came back, Madison was already slumped in a lounge chair. She pressed a hand to her forehead, her face pinched with pain, as if she were forcing herself through it. "Johnny, I'm feeling a little lightheaded," she said, barely opening her eyes as she gave him a sideways look. She caught the smug curve of his smile, as if this had been his plan all along. "How about I take you upstairs to rest?" Johnny asked. "No need. I'm okay. I want to watch you swim," Madison said, her eyes bright as she played the starstruck fan. Thinking the drug hadn't kicked in, Johnny ran a hand over her hair. "Drink some more water. If you feel sick, call me." Madison let out a soft hum and nodded. She watched him dive into the pool. "Maddie!" Johnny called, waving and flexing in the pool. Madison watched with a half smile. Does he really think his body is worth showing off? She missed Sam and wondered what he was doing. She pulled out her phone to call him and saw more than ten missed calls, all from him. She called back right away. Before she could speak, Sam cut in, his voice cool and edged with anger. "Madison, what are you trying to pull this time?"