Madelynn had drifted off without realizing it, and when she finally stirred awake, she found herself in Caiden's car, which had already stopped at the hospital entrance.
"I'm really okay," she said on instinct, trying to decline, but Caiden didn't give her the chance. He lifted her into his arms without hesitation and walked straight into the emergency department.
The rest of her protest got stuck in her throat.
"I can walk on my own." She tried again after a pause.
But Caiden didn't respond and continued forward as if he hadn't heard her at all.
From wound cleaning and dressing to X-rays and a tetanus injection, Caiden remained present the entire time. He didn't engage in conversation, didn't step away, just stood near the doorway of each room like a fixed shadow keeping watch.
When the doctor began disinfecting her injuries, the sting made Madelynn inhale sharply.
Caiden immediately shifted forward.
The doctor looked between them and said to him, "Are you her family? Come hold her hand."
Without a word, Caiden walked over and took Madelynn's hand.
Madelynn stiffened.
His palm was warm as it enveloped her blood-stained hand, holding it as if it were a fragile treasure.
She barely felt any pain after that.
By the time everything was finished, it was well past midnight.
At the hospital exit, Madelynn paused beside Caiden's car.
"Thanks for tonight," she said quietly.
"It's nothing," Caiden replied evenly.
Madelynn hesitated for a moment. "About Randy... will this affect Infinity Entertainment?"
"No."
Caiden's answer was immediate and final.
Madelynn didn't ask why. "Alright. I'll head back now. My mom is still waiting for me."
Caiden just looked at her.
A strip of gauze covered her forehead, and her elbow was secured in fresh bandaging. Her complexion had turned pale from losing blood. Even so, she held herself upright, her eyes unwavering, as though nothing could break her.
At that moment, he suddenly asked, "What about Isaac?"
He had kept the question bottled up all night, and now, it finally broke free.
Four years ago, she had walked out of his life without a backward glance—for Isaac Curtis.
For years, he had believed she had gotten together with Isaac and had been living in comfort. He had never imagined he would find her like this—reduced to such a miserable state.
The question clearly caught Madelynn off guard.
"He left the country," she answered after a pause. "He visited me once before leaving. We haven't been in contact since."
Caiden said nothing in response.
"Four years ago..." Madelynn began, only to trail off.
She studied his expression, as if hoping to find a sign that could allow her to continue.
But Caiden just stood there, motionless, like a figure carved from stone.
Madelynn forced back the words she had almost spoken.
"I'll go inside now... and thank you, again."
With that, she turned and made her way slowly toward the inpatient wing.
She never glanced back.
And because of that, she missed the fact that Caiden remained there long after she disappeared from view.
True to expectation, Randy didn't stir up any problems for Infinity Entertainment.
Still, the project was quietly reassigned to someone else.
After Madelynn lost two projects in a row, Danny arranged for her to head to Avlester to supervise a production.
She had just arrived in Avlester and hadn't even stepped onto the set when Margot Sullivan's assistant, Paula Blake, hurried her into the dressing room.
"Madelynn, you need to see this. Look at Margot's face!"
Margot was seated at the vanity, one side of her face visibly swollen. A vivid handprint was imprinted across her cheek.
As soon as she noticed Madelynn, she turned her face aside instinctively, avoiding eye contact.
Madelynn inhaled deeply in shock. "Who did this to you?"
"It's Lacey," Paula answered, clearly furious. "It was a slap scene. They reshot it nineteen times, and she hit Margot hard every single time."
Margot dropped her gaze. "I wasn't doing it right; it's not really her fault."
"If your performance needed work, she could've guided you or requested another take. That doesn't justify hitting you so hard every time," Madelynn said, eyes fixed on Margot's swollen face. "Can this be concealed by makeup?"
From the side, the makeup artist replied cautiously, "I can hide it for now, but she still has three scenes left today. If this continues..."
Madelynn didn't respond. She simply turned and headed out.
Paula rushed after her. "Madelynn, where are you going?"
"To see Lacey."
Lacey Holt was working with Unit A and finished her scene in a single take, prompting the director to call cut. She took the thermos from her assistant, then lifted her eyes and noticed Madelynn standing near the monitor.
"Well, if it isn't Miss Douglas," she said, sipping leisurely. "I thought you were taken off this project. What brings you back?"
"Why did you do that to Margot?" Madelynn asked.
Lacey placed the thermos aside, her expression turning innocent. "We were shooting a scene. The director wanted realism, so I was just doing my job."
"The director needed only one proper take, but you dragged it out to nineteen."
"Because her acting was awful." Lacey's smile faded. "Is this the best you could train? She breaks down at the slightest thing—no professionalism at all."
Madelynn met her gaze. "If you're dissatisfied, you can discuss the matter properly. Replace her if you must. But bringing your personal feelings onto the set and slapping her nineteen times—that's called workplace bullying."
At that, Lacey's expression shifted instantly.
