The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 16

She had just finished reviewing the business portfolio provided by the magazine when a new message popped up on her screen.

"Maddy, I'm flying into San Francisco next week. Any chance we could meet up?"

The text was signed by Hunter Holt.

An image of Hunter formed in Madeline's mind. He was a longtime family friend and a respected senior figure from her past.

Unlike York, whose calm and composed exterior hid a deeply rebellious soul, Hunter was genuinely gentle and refined.

Madeline had met him when she was young and had been deeply cared for by him. Although a series of unfortunate events surrounding her family had caused them to lose touch over the years, she remained profoundly grateful for everything he had done.

Furthermore, the magazine was actively trying to secure an exclusive interview with him.

Staring at the message, Madeline finally typed back: "Sure."

Not long after.

Madeline received the custom phone case Sloane had designed. The back featured an adorable, cartoon-style illustration of Evie.

Loving the design, Madeline swapped her old case for it immediately.

Thinking about Sloane's suggestion regarding the cats, Madeline made a trip back to the Yates Manor. After finding Sunny, she learned from the housekeepers about his recent injury.

Her expression instantly turned icy.

Right on cue, Felicity walked in.

Wearing a deeply apologetic look, she said, "I'm so sorry, Maddy. I had no idea Sunny would get hurt. It's all my fault. But don't worry, York and I have already taken him to the vet."

Sunny was the cat Madeline and York had saved together.

Hearing Felicity's voice shattered the dam of memories in Madeline's mind.

Without a second thought, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Felicity's face.

Right in front of everyone.

Felicity clutched her cheek, her eyes wide with sheer shock.

The nearby staff gasped, completely stunned.

Holding the injured cat, Madeline's gaze was dangerously cold. "Felicity, you have never liked cats. You only messed with Sunny because York and I rescued him. If you want to obsess over York, that's your business. But you do not take it out on an animal."

Cats were incredibly agile.

Had his personality suddenly changed, or had he simply had a falling out with Felicity?

As she was processing this, York walked out of his room, phone still to his ear, and bumped right into her.

The corners of his mouth instantly curved upward.

Hanging up the call, York offered a devastating smile. "I thought you weren't planning on coming back, Ms. Monroe."

Madeline frowned. "I just came to grab some things."

Snapping out of her daze, she remembered that this bastard was just as guilty as Felicity.

If he thought he could absolve himself of the blame, he was out of his mind.

She grabbed her files and turned to leave. York stood in the hallway, watching her walk away.

Standing nearby, Susan sighed in total exasperation. "Why didn't you give her all the toys and things you bought for Sunny? You need to put some actual effort into winning your wife back!"

"I care more about your marriage than you do," Susan muttered under her breath.

York pulled his gaze away, shot Susan a flat look, and walked back into his room without a word.