Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 210

Being on her second marriage, Madeline approached things with extreme pragmatism. She was in it for the security and the physical connection.

In her youth, she had naively believed that pure love was all that mattered in the world, but she had long since woken up to reality.

She had thoroughly reassessed the core necessities of marriage. Of course, she still desired affection, but she viewed love as an absolute luxury.

In her previous marriage, Lucius had provided neither love nor financial support, casually claiming the fruits of her hard work as his own.

He had shamelessly favored Liliana Lansbury at every turn.

He had inflicted scars on her that would never fully heal.

But now, Quentin was the ultimate standard in every conceivable aspect.

Madeline shook her head. "Silas, just tell me what's on your mind."

Silas looked at her, a warm, gentle smile resting on his face. "I am a single man. I have been in love with a woman for a very long time, patiently waiting for her to be single again before making my move.

"Now that she is officially single... Madeline, I have feelings for you, and I want to pursue you."

Madeline had never expected something so sudden and direct.

Her mind went completely blank.

Taking a deep breath, she replied evenly, "Mr. Hayden, I truly appreciate your affection, but that is simply impossible between us."

Hearing her revert to his formal title, Silas instantly understood her stance.

But he wasn't willing to let go easily, nor did he want to push her away.

"I apologize if I was too forward," Silas said, his eyes locking onto hers with earnest intensity. "But I have to know... where do I fall short? Am I somehow worse than Lucius?"

"You wouldn't have had to suffer through all of this. I constantly wonder... if I had boldly abandoned my teaching career back then and pursued you, would everything be different now?"

Madeline stared at him in sheer disbelief. "Mr. Hayden, how can you say something like that?"

Her idealized image of Silas cracked instantly. If what he was saying was true, he had harbored feelings for her while he was still her professor.

Realizing how his words sounded, Silas hastily backtracked. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I meant that if you had studied abroad, you could have avoided that disastrous marriage.

"You might have realized there were better men around you worthy of your trust. Maybe after you graduated and returned to teach at the university, we could have started seeing each other."

Madeline's mind spun, struggling to process the disturbing revelation. She cautiously sought confirmation. "Professor Hayden, back then, there were malicious rumors that we were involved in an inappropriate relationship.

"I need to ask... did you use your personal influence to put my name on that study abroad list because of your feelings for me?"