Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 366

Madeline’s gaze flickered with uncertainty.

After everything here was finally settled, she planned to take her two kids and start fresh in Country Y. A quiet, steady life was all she wanted. But the idea of a lifetime with Casey was something she hadn’t let herself consider.

She looked down, thoughtful. Brenda was right. She was still young. Staying single forever just didn’t make sense. Still, she’d never really thought about who she wanted by her side for the long haul. She couldn’t promise something serious so easily. That would just be unfair to everyone.

Letting out a quiet sigh, Madeline looked at Casey. “Casey, once everything’s taken care of here, I’ll go to Country Y. As for the rest… I haven’t really figured it out, so I can’t give you an answer yet.”

Casey watched her, listening closely. A lazy, confident smile tugged at his lips. “I knew you’d say that. That’s okay. I’m not in any hurry. I can wait until you’re ready.”

…

In the end, Casey insisted on booking the biggest ballroom at the Royal Hotel for Madeline, but she flat-out refused to let him pay. She made the reservation herself, under her own name.

As the date crept closer, Madeline couldn’t help but wonder just how wild things would get on November first. She was sure Helene would find out soon enough that she’d snagged the ballroom. And knowing Helene, she definitely wouldn’t just accept it.

Sure enough, when Helene sent someone to reserve the ballroom, she was told the biggest and most luxurious one was already gone.

The news hit her hard. “When was it booked?”

“About thirty minutes ago,” the receptionist replied.

“Thirty minutes ago? Put the manager on.”

The manager got on the line. “Ms. Fortner, I’m terribly sorry, but the ballroom you wanted has already been booked. Would you like to look at our other options? The ballroom next door is—”

Helene cut him off immediately. “No. My engagement party needs to be in the largest, most extravagant ballroom. Give me the contact info for whoever booked it. I’ll pay double if they let me have it.”

The manager hesitated. Someone who could book that ballroom probably wasn’t short on money. It was about status, not price.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Fortner,” he said after a pause. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

With a gentle smile, Courtney patted her daughter’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll have your dad send someone to find out who booked it. Nothing’s more important than your engagement party. We’ll just offer them enough money to convince them.”

Helene’s mood brightened immediately. “You’re the best, Mom.”

At that same moment, over at Grayson Enterprises…

Julian had just finished a long morning of meetings. He sat at the head of the table, rubbing his temples, fingers long and elegant.

Madeline’s words from last night kept echoing in his mind. The way she’d looked at him, so serious and determined, reminded him of years ago, when she’d cried and told him, “I didn’t do it!”

She’d refused to admit to something she never did. She said she’d make him regret it. She said she’d leave him for good.

A dull ache spread through his chest. Some wild, desperate feeling threatened to break free.