Chapter 233

Beckett's place. Madeleine sat on the couch, zoning out as she hugged a cup of water. Truth was, she was scared. Scared that Alex would try to take Chris away from her. She said Beckett would help, but deep down, she couldn't stand the thought of him getting dragged into a custody fight. "Don't worry, Alex won't come after Chris," Beckett said quietly, wrapping her in a gentle hug. Madeleine gave a small nod and started to get up. "What do you need? I'll grab it," Beckett shot up like a spring, as if he couldn't let her lift a finger. "…" Madeleine stared at him. Ever since the run-in with Alex, Beckett had been acting...different. He was always nice to her, sure—but this? This extra level of sweetness felt a little too deliberate. "Weird," she mumbled, more to herself. "Want an apple? I can peel one for you." This coming from Beckett—someone who probably didn't even know how to hold a kitchen knife right. Madeleine couldn't help but laugh. She looked at him and teased, "Did you do som