Chapter 17
On the left, Blake leading the charge-
In an expensive tailored suit, tall and elegant, still devastatingly handsome but with exhaustion and nearly greedy urgency etched in his features.[]
He held a huge bouquet of rare white calla lilies–meaning “devout love and repentance.“]
Looking at her, his eyes were infinitely complex–regret, longing, and obsessive determination: “Madison… welcome home.“]]
His voice was low, trying to stay calm but betraying nervous hoarseness.]
On the right, Ryan leading his group-
Wearing a flashy bright jacket, hair carefully styled but unable to hide the dark circles and madness in his expression.[]
He held an open luxury jewelry box containing a dazzling diamond necklace.[]
He pushed through Blake’s people to the front, eyes burning with intensity: “Madison! You finally came back! I knew you still cared about me! This necklace is perfect for you! Like it?“]
The spectacle and both men’s striking looks immediately drew every traveler’s attention, with whispered conversations and phone cameras pointed their way.
Madison stopped, her gaze calmly sweeping over Blake’s flowers, then Ryan’s necklace, face completely expressionless–like looking at two objects that had nothing to do with her, even with barely detectable mockery.]
She ignored their attempts to approach, pulled out her phone, and called airport security with clear, calm authority. “Hello, there’s harassment at International Arrivals Gate A. Please handle it.“[]
Blake and Ryan’s faces both changed!]]
“MADISON!”
MADISON!”
Madison didn’t spare them a glance, just stepped aside politely to address the gathering crowd: “Excuse me, please. Thank you.“]
Airport security quickly arrived and separated the would–be harassers.
Under security escort, Madison pushed her suitcase expressionlessly through the crowd’s curious, probing stares, headed straight for the taxi area, got in a cab, and drove away.]
Blake and Ryan stood there, one with a thunderous expression, the other with a twisted face, their gifts now the biggest jokes.
After returning home, Madison quickly threw herself into work at Sterling Corporation.[]
she was exceptionally capable, decisive and efficient, rapidly establishing herself in her new position and earning recognition from superiors and colleagues. But die Morrison brothers harassment followed like shadows.[]
Blake couldn’t accept Madison completely escaping his control.[]
He used Morrison Group’s influence to pressure Sterling’s executives, suggesting that if they helped get Madison back to him, Morrison would offer Sterling enormous business benefits, even proposing to acquire part of Sterling’s shares.[]
Sterling’s leadership faced enormous pressure, discretely approaching Madison to suggest that if she couldn’t handle her personal affairs, it might affect her career development[]
Madison listened without any pante or compromise, just calmly asking: “So what’s it gonna be? Cave to corporate bullying or actually support your employees? []
She went straight to her desk and started clearing out her computer, telling her manager: “If you think I’m more trouble than I’m worth, I can be gone by tomorrow. Trust me, I won’t have any problem finding a new job.
Her firmness and refusal to compromise actually made the executives hesitate []
Ultimately, Blake’s pressure campaign failed)
For the first time, he discovered that money and power had lost their effectiveness with this woman he used to manipulate at will []
This sense of lost control made him even more franne]
