Chapter 102

Madeleine had been buried in work all afternoon, so much so that she didn't even notice it was time to clock out. Glancing at her little notebook, she organized her files, then answered a call from Alex. "Ava's out of danger now, and she's awake. Stop worrying," Alex went straight to the point. "The staff at the hospital say her emotions are still a bit unstable. I'll come pick you up so we can check on her." He brought up Ava Adams on purpose—he knew Madeleine might say no otherwise. He understood her well enough. The whole reason she'd come looking for a job in Pinebrook was probably just to cut ties with him completely. From Alex's perspective, it was all a tantrum. She was angry because he didn't call off the engagement. But things with the Merritt family weren't his decision to make. His grandfather's health had been shaky the past few years—any kind of stress could be dangerous for the old man. "Alright… where are you? I'll come meet you," Madeleine replied softly. "Where do you