The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 71

Madeline Monroe fumed silently the entire ride, leaving York Yates to put on a one-man show.

When they finally pulled up to the Monroe Residence, she was the first to step out of the car.

The moment she stepped into the living room, Margaret Monroe stood up, her expression tightening with blatant displeasure.

"Is this how you behave now that you're married? Throwing all your manners out the window?"

"Is this how I raised you?"

A suffocating knot of frustration formed in Madeline's chest.

It was the same familiar, exhausting reprimand.

"I—"

Before Madeline could defend herself, Margaret scoffed coldly.

"What? Now you're making excuses for your tardiness?"

"Margaret," York interjected smoothly. He had walked in just in time to catch the end of the scolding. He casually draped his arm over Madeline’s shoulders. "Don't blame Maddy."

"I got caught up with work. That's why we're late."

Madeline looked up at York, her eyes fluttering in mild surprise.

At least he had a conscience and knew how to cover for her.

"Oh, I see. Come, York, have a seat. The Yates family is so prestigious here in the Capital; I was just worried Maddy might have done something wrong and tarnished your family's reputation. I suppose I was a bit too harsh."

Margaret's face instantly morphed into a fawning smile.

She was absolutely thrilled to have York as her son-in-law.

"You two haven't eaten yet, have you? I had the chef prepare all your favorites."

Alastair Monroe arrived shortly after they sat down. He asked Madeline a few superficial questions about her life before eagerly pivoting the conversation toward York.

Madeline forced down the bitter taste of disgust, playing along with their little charade.

She didn't want York to know anything about the inner workings of the Monroe family.

It wouldn't do any good anyway.

Madeline cut Alastair off with an icy tone.

"Dad, York is still transitioning between roles. He hasn't officially started his new position yet."

Sitting beside her, York easily picked up on her foul mood and sharp tone.

He didn't intervene, merely watching Madeline with an amused, leisurely expression.

"Don't be like that, sweetheart. We're just making conversation. Besides, we're all family now. Is it a crime to ask my own son-in-law for a little legal advice?"

"Forgive her, York. Maddy is just stubborn. She's been at odds with you for the past two years, so she feels awkward about us asking you for a favor."

York merely smiled, his dark eyes unreadable.

"The truth is, York, we've run into a bit of a snag recently. Thank goodness you came over today. We really had to swallow our pride to ask for your help."

Margaret seized the opening flawlessly.

"Mom, York just got back. Everyone in the city has their eyes on him right now. Asking him for a favor at a time like this is basically throwing him to the wolves."

"When he walked in, you were swearing up and down that you saw him as your own flesh and blood. If he were actually Miles, would you be so careless with his career?"