She had barely stepped outside when a message from Phyllis came through.
"Tomorrow is Grandpa's birthday. I'm hoping you'll come one last time. I'd also like to hand you the divorce papers in person."
Madison stared at the screen for a long time before typing back a single word: "Okay."
The next morning, she arrived at the Delgado estate early, planning to offer her well-wishes and leave.
She never expected Joel to walk in with Alexis on his arm.
The courtyard erupted. Guests turned to one another, whispering in disbelief.
Phyllis's face drained of color.
"Who told you to bring her here? Security—get this woman out of my house!"
"I dare anyone to try."
Joel stepped forward, shielding Alexis behind him. His gaze swept the crowd, every word razor-sharp.
"Alexis is carrying my child. A Delgado heir. I brought her here today so everyone can acknowledge that."
The teacup slipped from Madison's fingers. It shattered against the floor, hot tea splashing across her legs. She didn't feel it.
Joel's expression was hard as stone as he pulled a folded document from his jacket pocket.
"Madison is infertile. The child Alexis is carrying is the Delgado family's only heir."
Phyllis stumbled back a step. She snatched the report with trembling hands, her face white with shock. The relatives erupted into chaos, voices overlapping, gasps rippling through the room.
Madison steadied herself. She stepped forward, her gaze locked on Joel like a blade.
"Where did you get this report?"
Joel's voice shook.
"If Alexis hadn't found out, were you going to hide this from the Delgado family forever? Let the bloodline die out?"
Madison let out a bitter laugh. No words came.
Alexis turned to her, eyes glistening with tears.
"I know my background isn't good enough. I know I'm not worthy of Joel. But this baby is innocent. All I want is to keep it..."
"This family does not recognize that child, and it certainly does not recognize you!"
Phyllis's voice cut through the room like a whip. She moved to Madison's side and stood there like a wall.
"Anyone who tries to set foot in this house with that woman will answer to me first!"
Joel raised his voice.
"Mom. Alexis is carrying a boy."
The room went still.
"I will make sure Alexis delivers this child safely. He is my only heir. As for you, Madison—you'll always be Mrs. Delgado. Once the baby is born, he'll be handed over to you to raise. That should be enough."
Let Alexis bear the child to continue the bloodline. Keep Madison as the legitimate Mrs. Delgado to preserve the family's reputation.
Madison laughed. A cold, hollow sound.
Enough?
"What a perfect little arrangement, Mr. Delgado. You really do want it all."
Across the room, Elijah Delgado heard every word. His whole body trembled. He clutched his chest and sank into his chair.
Madison looked at the grotesque farce unfolding before her. She drew a long breath, forcing the storm inside her down, and turned to face Otis Delgado, Phyllis, and Elijah. She bowed deeply.
"The Delgado family's affairs are no longer my concern."
She turned and walked away.
"Wait! Please, wait!"
Alexis rushed after her, catching her by the arm. Tears streamed down her face, the picture of fragile, rain-soaked beauty.
"Please, I'm begging you. Let me have this baby. I'm begging you..."
"Let go of me."
Madison wrenched her arm, trying to break free.
Alexis only gripped tighter. She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a whisper meant for Madison's ears alone.
"Madison Maddox. I never thought he'd still insist on keeping you as Mrs. Delgado."
The words landed. In the same instant, the grip on Madison's arm vanished.
Alexis's body pitched backward. She hit the stone steps with a sickening thud, and a piercing scream tore through the air.
"Ahhh—!"
"Alexis!"
Joel burst through the door to find Alexis crumpled on the steps, both hands clutching her stomach, her face chalk-white.
"Joel... she pushed me. My stomach... it hurts so much... the baby... my baby..."
