Madisyn paused, intrigued.


    “What is it, Auntie?”


    ““Madisyn, since you’ve returned, I know there might be some tension, particrly with Kristine around.


    You might be worried about her influence on your parents’ affection.


    But I want to reassure you, your ce in their hearts is secure.


    Your parents adore you immensely, and Kristine’s presence won’t change that,” Lynda conveyed with sincerity.


    Madisyn’s expression shifted slightly, revealing her confusion at Lynda’s words.


    “Don’t worry, Aunt Lynda.


    I appreciate your concern,” she reassured softly.


    With a gentle sigh, Lynda continued, her voice filled with a tender sadness, “Kristine’s story is quite tragic.


    Her father, who heroically saved your dad, suffered long-term healthplications and eventually died because of them.


    Soon after, her mother, overwhelmed by grief, also passed away.


    Our family owes them a great debt.


    ”


    Hearing this for the first time, Madisyn felt the weight of the story settle on her.


    “I see,” she responded quietly.


    Lynda noticed Madisyn’s reflective mood and chose not to add more.


    “Get some rest,” she suggested before leaving.novelbin


    Later, in the solitude of her room, Madisyn checked her phone and found new messages in a high school group chat.


    Madisyn and Jenna had coincidentally attended the same school but were not in the same ss.


    Their interactions had been limited, just brief encounters that never evolved into anything substantial.


    It wasn’t until muchter, when a ssmate organized a group chat for their graduating year, that Madisyn became aware of Jenna’s presence in her high school years.


    Jenna’stest message read, “Hey everyone! Super excited to invite you all to my wee banquet.


    Looking forward to seeing everyone there!”


    The group chat buzzed with replies, brimming with anticipation.


    “Jenna is the best; count me in!”


    “You, get lost.


    Jenna has always been my favorite since high school.


    Even in high school, I thought Jenna had an extraordinary aura, and it turned out she’s the real heiress of the Chapman family.


    ”


    “Enough with the nonsense.


    You were all over Madisyn back in high school!”


    “That was a blunder.


    Who would’ve guessed she was a fake?”


    “Poor Jenna, having her life upied by someone else for so many years.


    ”


    “Where’s Madisyn these days, anyway?”


    Jenna watched the screen, a smug smile on her face as she read the disparagingments about Madisyn.


    Despite Madisyn’s role as a judge in the recent dancepetition, Jenna felt secure in her belief that Madisyn’s humble origins would always keep them worlds apart.


    She typed leisurely, “She’s probably back in her vige.


    It’s quite remote, with no cell service.


    I doubt she can see any of this.


    ”


    “Oh, really? Jenna, you must have been through so much.


    ”