Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 372

She quickly slipped the plastic bag into her purse, turning to leave.

She didn't trust anyone else to handle the sample collection, so she had done it herself.

With the plastic bag securely tucked into her purse, she turned toward the exit.

Leo carefully called out, "Mom."

Madeline turned back.

She saw the little boy reaching out, wanting to be held.

Figuring a brief moment wouldn't hurt, she picked him up.

She asked Mrs. Miller beside them, "Has he eaten?"

Mrs. Miller shook her head.

Madeline said, "He loves the cream of mushroom soup and spaghetti bolognese here. Order some for yourself too and keep him company. I'll pay the bill and head out."

The moment Madeline picked him up, Leo had been overjoyed.

But hearing she was leaving again, his face fell. "Mom, why do you have to go?"

Madeline didn't explain. She simply set him down in the high chair.

Leo stubbornly protested, "You just got here! Can't you hold me for just a little bit longer?"

He was clearly trying to act cute and pout.

Madeline replied softly, "I'll hold you next time when I have more time."

Hearing Madeline's response, Leo looked utterly crushed.

Madeline possessed a natural maternal instinct, but she was no longer willing to accommodate every demand.

As soon as she walked out of the restaurant, she bumped right into Lucius.

She pretended not to see him.

She turned on her heel, ready to walk away.

But Lucius reached out and grabbed her.

Instantly, Madeline panicked and yanked her arm back.

However, Lucius was deeply displeased by her icy demeanor in the next second.

Her subconscious need to distance herself from him struck a painful nerve.

He seized her hand again with a vice-like grip.

With a hard pull, he dragged her into his chest and wrapped his arms tightly around her.

He suppressed his voice, practically growling with a manic intensity, "Madeline, I know everything about Liliana's lies. She didn't save me. And I finally know that the person I truly love is you."

Madeline shoved him hard. "Lucius, let me go..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Lucius clamped a hand over her mouth.

He quickly dragged her into a freight corridor in Grandview Plaza, forcefully pinning her against the wall.

At the same time, he pressed a finger to his lips, gesturing for her to be quiet.

Through the gap in the corridor doors, Madeline finally saw why—Quentin was driving past in a sleek sports car.

Quentin never went to shopping malls.

So Madeline knew instantly.

He was here specifically looking for her.