Chapter 3 I've Got It Under Control

As Madelyn made her way out, she nearly collided with Bryson's father, Dominick Mills, in the corridor.

She drew herself up, her posture graceful and self-assured, offering him a cool but courteous greeting before sidestepping his imposing frame.

Dominick's eyes swept over her, his features set in a disapproving frown as he turned to Bryson. "You should spend less energy on distractions. The Sutton family won't put up with being slighted."

Bryson barely looked up, his voice cool and detached. "I've got it under control, Dad."

The following morning, the fluorescent lights of the underground parking lot painted everything in a pale haze.

As Madelyn crossed to the elevator, Ramona hurried up, her heels echoing off the concrete. "Madelyn, what happened last night? Why did Bryson suddenly go public with Janice?" Ramona blurted out, her voice taut with concern.

The rumor mill had already churned overnight-everyone who was anyone now knew the Mills family had opened their arms for Janice.

Madelyn kept her face unreadable, moving briskly toward the waiting elevator. "There's nothing going on." She pressed the button, her tone clipped. "Janice starts in the executive office today. You're appointed to mentor her personally."

"Bryson really just let her waltz straight into the executive office?" Ramona's lips curled with open resentment, her eyes narrowing. "You pleaded for that transfer forever, and he wouldn't even budge. Now suddenly he's eager to help her? Does he even recognize everything you've done for him?"

Ever since she began dating Bryson four years ago, Madelyn had been tossed into the PR department. She had endured years of grueling challenges-late nights, endless client dinners, and everything else. Every win was hard-earned. She'd endured it all and clawed her way up, gathering respect and experience in equal measure.

When Bryson took over Brennan Group, plenty of senior shareholders resented seeing a Mills step into the top seat. More than a few worked behind the scenes, scheming to drag him down.

Yet time and again, it was Madelyn's sharp instincts and unmatched finesse that turned the tide. As head of PR, she landed a string of high-profile deals that fortified Bryson's standing within the company.

Each success was significant enough to make her resume glow and command respect in any boardroom.

Over the years, countless companies had dangled lucrative offers in front of Madelyn, but she never once let her loyalty to Brennan Group slip.

Now, though, everything had changed. All she wanted was to collect what Julissa owed her and escape this suffocating place for good.

Four years back, her childhood friend Simon Owen had vanished without a trace. Julissa had dangled a promise: stick with Bryson until his wedding, and she'd reveal Simon's whereabouts. That deal was the only reason Madelyn endured for so long.

Simon was more than a friend-he was the one constant in her chaotic life, the person she'd cross any line to find.

Ramona's temper flared. "Why don't you just quit already? Leave that ungrateful bastard in the dust!" she snapped, reckless with her anger.

Madelyn fixed Ramona with a pointed, serious look. "Ramona, watch your mouth," she murmured, lowering her voice. "You know how easily things get back to the Mills family."

Both of them knew the dangers of crossing them.

Ramona's outrage simmered in her voice. "Am I wrong? The entire company knows you're Bryson's actual girlfriend. He refuses to admit it in public, and now he's parading some side piece around just to rub it in your face! Are you really going to let him walk all over you like this-supporting both him and his side chick?"

Madelyn started to warn her to be careful, but just then the elevator doors slid open. On the other side, Janice was ringed by a cluster of colleagues, their laughter echoing down the hallway.

Ramona strode out first, cutting the crowd a sharp look. "It's barely morning-don't you people have work to do? Enough with the gossip."

Janice caught sight of Madelyn and flashed her a dazzling smile. "Good morning, Miss Dixon."

"Good morning," Madelyn replied, her voice cool but unfailingly polite.

Bryson's warning was still fresh in her mind.

She turned to Ramona, her tone brisk. "Show her to the executive office."

Ramona leveled a sharp look at Janice, radiating unmistakable authority as she gestured for her to come along. "Let's go."

Janice offered an apologetic smile, her voice gentle. "Sorry, we'll have to wait a minute-Bryson's grabbing my office supplies. He told me to stay put until he gets back."

Ramona was so taken aback, she nearly sputtered, eyes wide as she stared at Madelyn in disbelief. Bryson, fetching supplies for Janice? That was a level of consideration Madelyn had never seen-not even once.

Madelyn's lashes trembled, but her face stayed perfectly composed. "I'm heading to my desk."

"Hold on-swing by my office. I need you for something." Bryson's voice cut through the corridor behind her, prompting Madelyn to stop and turn around.

He pressed a box into Ramona's arms, not sparing her a glance, and addressed Janice with deliberate care. "Stick with Ramona during orientation. Don't go wandering off by yourself."

Ramona's jaw clenched, but she accepted the box and set off, Janice trailing meekly at her heels.

Madelyn fell into step beside Bryson, following him into his office. "You'll be joining the project team at Southverd Development Zone today," he informed her without preamble.

Inside, Bryson shrugged off his suit jacket and handed it over without looking.

She took it automatically, the fabric brushing her knuckles-carrying a crisp citrus note she instantly recognized. It was the same scent she'd caught on Janice moments ago.

Madelyn paused, schooling her face into calm as she settled his suit jacket on the rack. Feigning an easy air, she glanced over. "Is there an issue?"

Bryson, pressing his fingers to his temples, let out a weary sigh. "There's a holdout on Verdancy Lane-won't leave the place, no matter what. You're in charge of handling it. We've set the budget at three million."

At the mention of Verdancy Lane, a sharp tremor gripped Madelyn. That was where the orphanage still stood-the only real home she'd ever known, the place shaped by the kindness of its director.

For a beat, she stood frozen in the office, memories swirling behind her composed expression.

Bryson's brow knitted in mild irritation. "What's wrong? Do you have something else to say?"

She drew in a slow, steadying breath, moved back to his desk, and struggled with her words. "Bryson, do we really have to tear down Verdancy Lane? That place is everything to me. Please-can't we spare it?"