Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 271

“Let go of me.” Madeline pulled herself out of his arms.

Everything seemed to freeze for a moment. The excitement in Julian’s eyes, that flicker of hope he’d shown when she woke up, disappeared completely. All that was left was a cold, hard stare.

She really didn’t want him to touch her. And now that she was pushing him away, he wanted to hold on even more.

“Where do you think you’re going, looking like this?” He pulled her back without a hint of softness in his voice.

Madeline was drenched. Her dress, once elegant, now stuck to her skin, showing off every curve. She looked downright inviting, and Julian pulled her close, using his own body to shield her from everyone else.

He didn’t want anyone to see her like this. He wouldn’t allow it.

Josh and Brady wandered out, curious about what had driven half the party out of the ballroom. They hadn’t seen what happened, but when they spotted the four of them standing there, all soaking wet, they stared in disbelief.

Did someone decide to swim? In their clothes?

Sensing trouble, Josh and Brady rushed over. “Julian, what happened?”

“Give me a jacket,” Julian said, his voice icy.

Josh quickly shrugged off his suit jacket and handed it over. Julian wrapped it tightly around Madeline, making sure she was covered. As he did, he finally noticed Helene nearby, sobbing so hard she could barely breathe.

Julian frowned, glancing at Brady. Brady, still not sure what was going on, looked down at his own jacket, hesitated, then asked, “Me too?”

He reluctantly took off his jacket and handed it to Raine, who was holding Helene steady.

Raine draped the jacket over Helene’s shoulders. Helene glanced at her, a subtle warning in her narrowed eyes.

At first, that hurt. But now, it didn’t matter. Helene was his fiancée. Of course he’d save her first.

Madeline was nothing to him. She didn’t have the right to expect anything more. Even though she told herself that, a pang of disappointment wouldn’t go away.

She caught herself, lips curling in a bitter smile. Why did she still care?

As Madeline stepped away from Julian, Helene took two shaky steps and collapsed perfectly into his arms. Her pale face and trembling body looked so delicate, so easy to pity.

Julian reached out to steady her, and Helene leaned in, almost letting her whole weight rest on him.

Someone had already called for help. The doctors arrived quickly with the hotel manager, who looked nervous and out of his depth. “Mr. Grayson, the doctors are here. Should we take the young ladies to a room so they can be checked out?”

Julian looked over at Madeline. She was pale, but she stood tall. She’d just had the strength to push him away. She didn’t look like she needed anyone’s help.