Chapter 1609

"You've done nothing wrong. I've always been drawn to the new and exciting, and besides, you're not the shortest relationship I've had among my partners," Chandler said calmly. Maddie couldn't argue with that. After a brief silence, she looked up and asked on a whim, "Did you set your sights on someone new at the engagement party?" Chandler's dark eyes flickered momentarily, a hint of warning flashing in them. "Do I need to explain myself to you?" Maddie felt as if she had been slapped, heat flooding her cheeks. "I'm sorry; I shouldn't have overstepped." Chandler had encountered this kind of farce far too often. From the very start, they both understood that their relationship was purely a business arrangement—there was no need to feel sorry. With a stoic expression, he turned away and stated matter-of-factly, "The contract is renewed every six months. Since I'm in breach now, I'll pay you an additional ten million on top of the previously agreed compensation. You should be satisfied with that." Maddie offered a self-deprecating smile. "You're always so generous; what could I possibly be dissatisfied about?" She gazed at him dreamily, her eyes revealing her deep affection. Chandler seemed genuinely unaware of the effect he had on women. Even in silence, his presence was enough to make hearts flutter, especially with his gentlemanly charm and generosity. Over the past few months, Maddie had fully given her heart to him. Even if it meant not becoming his wife, she would do anything to stay by his side. But now that he wanted to end things so abruptly, how could she possibly come to terms with it? "As long as you're satisfied," Chandler replied, his demeanor remaining impassive. Maddie anxiously fiddled with her fingers. After a brief pause, she mustered her courage to negotiate. "Could we possibly wait another two months?" Chandler turned his head slightly and asked, "Why?" "The kids' birthdays are coming up, and you know how much they love having you as their father. I believe it would mean a lot to them if you could be there to celebrate," Maddie said, swallowing nervously. Her children were her only bargaining chip. As a father, Chandler understood the weight of her request. Without much thought, he agreed, "Alright. Just let me know what you need, and I'll have my staff organize a celebration. Let's make it as lively as we can." This way, no one would suspect a thing when he brought Helen and her children back. "Great," Maddie replied, her smile returning as she exited the room. … In the late hours of the night, the lobby of Celebrity Hotel was eerily quiet. In the lounge area, Jason lay stretched out on one sofa, fast asleep, while Isabelle rested her head on her hand, drowsily battling the urge to doze off. Without warning, Isabelle's phone rang. Startled by the sudden ringtone, she jolted awake, only to see Jason snoring contentedly beside her. Annoyed, she couldn't help but roll her eyes. As she grabbed her phone, Isabelle noticed it was an investor calling. Without a moment's hesitation, she stepped aside to take the call. The moment she answered, the investor's cheerful voice filled her ear. "How's it going, Ms. Rodrigo? Did you finalize the contract? Are we ready to pop some champagne?" Isabelle pursed her lips and replied awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Cabrera, but we still haven't had a chance to meet Ms. Kardashian." "What?" Garrett Cabrera's tone shifted instantly, his enthusiasm vanishing. "Ms. Rodrigo, are you joking with me? Do you plan to cut me out and make a fortune on your own?"