Chapter 6 An Uncle

Josie had never seen anyone but Colten wear a watch so opulent, a definite symbol of prestige-it was unmistakably a men's design.

"Madison, why are you so blind to it? Colten isn't worth a single thing you've done for him."

Her tone was a mix of frustration and concern as she grabbed Madison's wrist, guiding her towards the laptop.

"Look at this mess on the campus forum! It's been buzzing all night. If Colten cared for you, he would've already cleared up this entire mess, given his influence."

Their conversation was interrupted by the ring of Madison's phone.

It lay in her open palm, and Josie could see Colten's name flashing on the screen.

"Madison, you..." Josie began, her voice laden with a plea for sense, but she cut herself off as Madison's finger jabbed the red button decisively.

No sooner had the call ended than a message from Colten appeared on the screen. "Where were you last night?"

Madison dismissed the message and tossed her phone onto the bed. "I'm heading for a shower. You should try to get some rest. Forget about those posts."

Josie's curiosity wasn't quenched. "Wait, who brought breakfast?"

Madison knew if she didn't divert Josie now, her secrets would be unveiled the moment she stepped into the bathroom. After hesitating for a few seconds, she replied, "An uncle."

She slipped her arm free, snatched a towel, and retreated to the sanctuary of the bathroom. By the time she stepped out, she found Josie sound asleep.

Madison dried her hair, powered up her laptop, plugged in the USB drive, and settled the headphones over her ears.

A hiss of static filled her ears before a voice broke through, quivering with palpable dread.

"I didn't sabotage the lighting wire. It was the props team leader. The chandelier was rigged; even if it had crashed down on Lana, it wouldn't have caused serious harm. It was designed to be hollow directly above her, but the debris could have marred Madison's face. As for why the stage collapsed, I really don't know."

The audio paused for a few seconds, then the voice resumed.

"I was pathetic, unable to resist my lust for Madison. Death is the only punishment I deserve. Since I knew Madison would chase the truth, I set her up and drugged her before she could uncover anything. I should be erased from existence."

After a tense silence, another voice came through, one Madison recognized as the props team leader.

His tone mirrored the first-fraught with fear, confessing his part in the twisted plot yet equally baffled by the mysterious collapse of the stage.

While Madison was debating her next move with the audio, her phone buzzed again, snapping her back to the moment.

The moment Madison saw "Jemma Pearson" flash on the caller ID, her fingers curled into a tight fist.

Jemma Pearson, Colten's mother, had always made her disdain for Madison painfully clear. To Jemma, Madison was far from a suitable match for her son in terms of family background and personal merits. Accepting her was merely bowing to family pressure, a temporary concession at best.

Taking a deep breath to steel herself, Madison slipped out to the balcony, sliding the door shut behind her with a soft click.

"Hello, Mrs. Pearson."

"Madison, there's a family gathering tonight. Alfred insists you join us for dinner. Colten will swing by to get you." There was an unfamiliar warmth in Jemma's voice as it flowed through the phone.

"I can manage on my own, thank you."

Madison held Alfred in high regard; his kindness to her had never waned, regardless of her strained ties with Colten. She couldn't bear the thought of causing him any distress.

"You're showing more maturity these days, realizing that Colten has his hands full," Jemma noted, a hint of approval in her tone. "I've spoken with your parents about you and Colten making things official. They have no objections. Tonight, I'll discuss it further with Alfred."

What Madison once dreamed of now brought nothing but a sharp pang of bitterness. "Mrs. Pearson, about that-" she began, only to be abruptly cut off.

"I won't withhold what's due to you and the Dixon family. Alfred has taken a liking to you and has made his decision. As my future daughter-in-law, you need to be ready to support Colten. A man's ultimate role is to establish both a strong career and a stable family. Do you get it?" Jemma's words were firm, leaving little room for debate.

Madison understood the unspoken expectations.

The fate of Pearson Group had been written long ago by Alfred-Chris was always meant to take control.

If Chris refused the role, then Colten would be the one to step up and take control.

However, formalizing Colten's position would require Alfred to introduce him at an upcoming board meeting-an event that had been pending, awaiting the right moment.

Madison finished her class at 3:30 PM and went straight to Pearson Group.

On reaching, she checked in at the lobby where, serendipitously, she crossed paths with Colten's assistant. The assistant, recognizing her, took her to the CEO's executive elevator.

As she reached out to knock, a burst of laughter from within halted her mid-gesture.

"Colten, these dance shoes and outfit are amazing. I'm completely in love with them! Thanks a lot!"

Colten's voice held a rare gentleness. "I'm glad you like them. I've got plans tonight, but don't worry-my assistant will escort you to meet the leader of the state troupe. Give it your best, and try to stay calm."

"Colten, I still want to challenge Madison in a fair competition. Why don't we invite her tonight as well? I'm eager to show that I can outperform her in the open."

"There is no need for that!"