Chapter 5 Generous Parents

Once the meal concluded, the Johns family all made their way to their expansive mansion, dwarfing the simpler villa of the Chapman family in both scale and splendor. The estate exuded a regal elegance, mirroring a castle in its grandeur.

Elaine eagerly escorted Madisyn through the vast corridors to a specially prepared room.

The room was a vision of feminine grace, adorned with delicate hues and thoughtful embellishments, striking Madisyn mute with its overly girlish ambiance.

Surrounded by this enchanting, girlish retreat, Elaine looked at Madisyn with expectant eyes and asked softly, "Madisyn, is it to your liking?"

"Yeah, I love it," Madisyn replied, her voice tinged with a hint of helplessness.

Elaine beamed, squeezing her hand gently. "That's good! If there's anything you need, just tell me," she said, bubbling with joy. "Now, let me show you the wardrobe your father and I picked out for you!"

With a flourish, Elaine flung open the wardrobe doors. Madisyn's eyes widened at the array inside- rows of exquisite, opulent dresses that sparkled under the soft lighting.

"These are just the beginning. There's more to arrive tomorrow," Elaine announced.

"Thank you, Mom, but-isn't this a bit much?" Madisyn inquired.

Elaine laughed lightly, dismissing the worry. "Oh, never! A girl can never have too many dresses. This afternoon, we're going shopping so you can add anything else you like!" she declared with a generous smile.

Madisyn, though overwhelmed, felt a deep warmth from the gestures surrounding her.

Elaine had intended to wait a few days before changing Madisyn's name.

However, Madisyn, feeling the genuine love from Elaine and Glenn, saw no reason to delay.

That very afternoon, they visited the local City Hall, where Madisyn officially adopted the surname Johns, becoming Madisyn Johns.

With the legal formalities complete, Elaine squeezed Madisyn's hand, her voice filled with excitement. "Sweetheart, let's dive into some shopping and see what catches your eye."

Glenn watched the two with a tender gaze, regret in his tone. "You two enjoy yourselves. I've got some work this afternoon and can't come along. Here's ten million-treat yourselves to whatever delights you find."

Adjusting to the lavish lifestyle of her parents, Madisyn thanked Glenn, taking the generous sum.

He patted her head lovingly, his eyes brimming with paternal affection.

The Moonshine Mall was the top-ranked luxury shopping mall in Gemond.

Elaine led Madisyn to the chic Chanel boutique, eyes alight with excitement as she envisioned Madisyn in each piece.

She quickly picked out a collection of garments. "Sweetheart, try these on. If they suit you, we'll take them all."

Madisyn, feeling somewhat overwhelmed yet compliant, nodded and gathered the clothes.

As she was about to head to the fitting room, she noticed Phyllis and Jenna approaching.

Jenna, clearly in a foul mood, had been brought by Phyllis to indulge in some retail therapy. Her surprise at seeing Madisyn was evident.

"Madisyn?" she blurted out, her voice ringing with disbelief.

Elaine, turning at the voice, recognized the pair instantly. She softened, knowing the Chapman family's significant role in Madisyn's upbringing.

Glenn had already agreed to work with the Chapman family's company for their part in raising Madisyn, and he had returned to the company earlier just to meet with Jeffry to discuss the cooperation.

As Elaine readied a warm greeting, even planning to cover Phyllis's and Jenna's shopping expenses as a gesture of goodwill, Jenna's tone shifted sharply. "Madisyn, what are you doing here? This is a Chanel boutique. Can you even afford anything?"

Phyllis scrutinized Madisyn in confusion, her face darkening as she recalled the scene she had seen at the Alpenglow Hotel earlier that day. "Madisyn, why aren't you with your poor parents? Buying luxury goods here, where did you get such money? Have you found a sugar daddy?"

This bitch was trying to embarrass their family!

These harsh words cut through the boutique's refined air, leaving Elaine shocked and momentarily speechless.

Madisyn, her face set in a mask of icy detachment, responded without a hint of warmth, "My affairs are no longer your concern."

Madisyn's view of the Chapman family had crystallized in that moment, reflecting years of unreciprocated loyalty.

She had elevated their modest enterprise to a publicly traded powerhouse, believing she had repaid the debt of gratitude for raising her.

Yet, the Chapmans were unaware of her help.

Phyllis stared at Madisyn with disdain, her words laced with venom. "Who says your affairs don't concern us? If people hear that you're sleeping around for money, our family's reputation will be tarnished! I suggest you reconsider your choices. Leave this place immediately and return to your humble roots!"

Elaine's expression turned stern as she absorbed the harshness of Phyllis's words.

The family she had envisioned as part of Madisyn's past was far from the reality presented before her.

They treated Madisyn not with familial concern, but with outright hostility.

"Excuse me, I gather this young woman was once a daughter to you, but why are you treating her like this now?" Elaine interjected, unable to hold back her dismay.

With an audience now present, Phyllis exhaled deeply, her face a mask of sorrowful resignation. "Indeed, she was a daughter to me once. But I must caution you, madam, not to be deceived by her facade. She's crafted numerous lies and even stolen money from our family. She's a disgrace!"

She continued, her voice laden with feigned distress, "My disappointment was profound, leaving me no choice but to distance her from our family, despite the years we spent nurturing her."

Phyllis was determined to paint Madisyn in the worst possible light, ensuring that no wealthy lady would think well of Madisyn, lest word spread that she was too harsh on this fake daughter.

To make her words more convincing, she even dabbed at her eyes, simulating tears to underscore her supposed despair.

Madisyn's expression hardened, a dangerous spark igniting in her gaze as she realized Phyllis was actively discrediting her before her own mother.