Madeline came down from the mountain, feeling like she had just survived a tough adventure.
Caleb noticed her weary state and frowned, “Maddie, what happened to you? Weren’t you just hiking?”
im fine, Caleb, Madeline mumbled as she collapsed onto the soft couch, clutching a plush pillow. “It’s so much comfier at home,” she sighed. “After sitting on that bus forever. I’m all stiff”
Caleb couldn’t help but smile at her complaint. After a while, when he didn’t hear any more noise from her, he checked and saw Madeline had fallen asleep.
Hazel came over with a blanket, but Caleb lifted his hand to stop her. “No need, I’ll take her upstairs.”
Madeline was curled up on the couch, hugging the pillow, sleeping soundly and looking utterly relaxed Caleb touched her cold feet and shook his head in resignation
Feeling warmed by his presence, Madeline snuggled closer to Caleb. He bent down, wrapped an arm around her waist, and effortlessly carried her upstairs with steady steps.
Madeline’s lips moved slightly as she caught the familiar, calming scent of his cologne–a reassuring fragrance that helped her sleep peacefully. Caleb glanced down at her, smiling gently. She looked sa restful, cheeks flushed from fatigue.
Once in her room, Caleb gently laid her down. Her clothes were a bit messy. He swallowed to push away any rising emotions and pulled the covers over her.
Feeling the cozy warmth of the blankets, Madeline settled down snugly, no longer reaching out for Caleb or moving closer to him.
Caleb gently brushed Madeline’s hair. “Get some rest, Maddie His hand instinctively moved to her cheek, soft and fair, making it hard to resist.
He chuckled softly. “Little girl. You need to grow up quickly Caleb’s usually stern eyes softened, his gaze lingering on her face like a protective presence.
When Madeline woke up, it was just in time for dinner. She pulled at the soft blanket. “Did Caleb bring me up here!”
Stretching her arms and legs, Madeline yawned and noticed how hungry she was, Meals on the mountain retreat were simple and light.
“Ten definitely not hiking again; it’s just too exhausting” While rubbing her arms, Madeline suddenly frowned, realizing her bracelet was missing
She quickly go
got up, searching everywhere but found no sign of her rosary beads. Although not valuable, they were a gift and couldn’t be lost.
“Huh, I’m sure I brought it back,” Madeline murmured, feeling frustrated with herself as she hurried downstairs to search the sofa.
Hazel eyed her curiously, “Ms. Larson, are you looking for something?”
“Yeah, it’s a bracelet Madeline replied casually. She rummaged through the cushions and Enally found it under a pillow. The rosary beads lay quietly on the sofa. She sighed in relief and slid them back onto her wrist.
Hazel pointed at the rosary beads, smiling. “Ms Larson, Mr. Simmons has a similar set. His are darker and the beads are bigger. Are they a matching set?” She thought, Could Mr. Simmons have finally had a breakthrough and decided to pursue Ms. Larson?
Madeline shook her head. “No, I got these from a chapel on my trip to the mountains. They’re quite different from Caleb’s.”
Hazel looked slightly disappointed. They do look great on you. Ms. Larson”
Madeline didn’t understand why Hazel seemed a bit let down. To her, among all her brothers, Caleb and Wesley were the safest ben. Speaking of Wesley, it had been a while since they heard from him. Madeline was really worried about his situation,
Caleb was a powerful CEO in finance, influential and wealthy.
Nolan was a renowned doctor, almost miraculous in his healing skills, and highly respected everywhere.
Gavin was a prodigy who was already accepted for grad school at a young age.
Eugene seemed like a typical rich playboy, but he secretly ran an underground intel network full of priceless information.
Bobby was an artist at the National Art Academy and had recently been teaching at her school.
Yohannes was rising fast in the entertainment industry.
Vanessa was unaware of what her twelve brothers did for a living. She only knew about a few of them whom she had met. Among these, only Wesley remained an international assassin, leading a dangerous life.
11.52 AM ·
Chapter 233
Sighing, she wondered, “I hope Wesley hasn’t run into danger.”
Caleb came down from the study. “Maddie, let’s have dinner.”
Madeline sat at the table, picking up her fork and knife. “Caleb, you haven’t mentioned Wesley in a while. How’s he doing?”
“He… is tracking someone” Caleb said, pressing his lips. “He went to Greenhill Psychiatric Hospital to see an old friend, but they escaped.”
“Oh.” Madeline recalled Eugene mentioning it. “Is it Karen Green!”
Caleb paused, glancing at Madeline. “How do you know that? Did you meet her?”
“No, Eugene mentioned it. Madeline replied, thinking Karen might be Wesley’s girlfriend. It seemed like Caleb knew about Karen.
Caleb put down his forks, looking seriously at Madeline. “Karen used to be from the orphanage, like an old friend to Wesley but not your friend. If you ever see her, you need to run away”
Caleb paused again, adding, “She’s supposed to stay in a psychiatric hospital abroad for life, no chance of coming back.”
Madeline was puzzled as if she’d forgotten something. “I don’t remember a Karen Green from the orphanage.” She shook her head. “Maybe I was too young?”
Seeing her confusion, Caleb smiled. “You didn’t know Karen well, so it makes sense you don’t remember.
“She used to be an assassin like Wesley but lost her mind after a botched mission. Now, she’s just a madwoman.”
Caleb patted her head. “You shouldn’t keep company with someone unstable, right?”
“That makes sense. Madeline nodded. “So Wesley is trying to take Karen back to the hospital. Maybe it’s good he has something else to worry about besides those dangerous jobs
Madeline shifted the topic, showing off her wrist. “Caleb, look at this. Does it look nice!”
Caleb glanced over. “It looks great. Did Ethan give it to you?”
