Chapter 0199
Word of Mukino Airways’ acquisition of the Airbus A380 quickly spread through the Slandon port aviation circles.
Pilots from other airlines shed tears of envy aboard their own, lesser aircraft, longing for what they couldn’t have. A defection wasn’t just improbable – it was impractical.
With the recent rating assessments concluded, Mukino
International’s clout had soared alongside its stock prices, thanks to the addition of two S-class pilots to its fleet. The company’s market value had become incalculable, evident from the Civil Aviation Administration’s newfound deference. A treasure that could spar with international aviation giants was worth cherishing indeed.
But along with respect came rumblings of speculation.
“Do you think Mukino Airways bought the A380 just to let that Madison fly it?”
“Surely not? That’s the king of the skies, not just any commercial jet. Even Mukino’s chairman wouldn’t be so reckless.”
“Well, you never know. Didn’t you see how public their romance was? It’s not abnormal for a tycoon to drop billions on a toy for his girlfriend.”
“I think Madison’s pretty cunning. She always appears nonchalant, but when has she not been the center of attention? She’s got the chairman wrapped around her finger – learn something from her.”
The source of these remarks was none other than staff from Rime Air.
Lucas had been on a streak of bad luck, having just dealt with Sophia’s mess only to find new problems with Shi Hua, who had
managed to offend the entire national pilot community. With a vast network and a lofty pride, Shi Hua couldn’t tolerate the public
backlash and demanded Lucas fix the situation, insisting it wasn’t her
fault.
Lucas was at his wit’s end.
Now, entering his office under a shadow of dark thoughts, he overheard his employees gossiping.
Stopping in his tracks, he glared at them, “Don’t you have work to do? If you’re so obsessed with other companies, why don’t you just join them?”
Chastened by his outburst, the group scattered.
Sitting in his office, Lucas tossed his briefcase onto the desk with a thud, irritably loosening his tie, News about Madison was like an itch he couldn’t scratch. He was convinced that she had married him with ulterior motives, avoiding work to live off of him. How else could he interpret her refusal to use her remarkable talent?
The more he dwelled on it, the more extreme his thoughts became, especially since Madison had secured that S-class pilot license. Had she been upfront back then, he would never have reconnected with
Sophia.
Now, the likelihood of seeing another S-class pilot was slim. Few would risk life and limb like Madison and Lek had and find a perfect
co-pilot by chance.
Madison’s S-class license was now invaluable, her personal worth skyrocketing, and Lucas despised her for it. As he dwelled on these thoughts, the malice in his heart grew, threatening to consume him.
Meanwhile, Madison had just finished her shift.
She had no flight assignments for the day, only receiving orders from Frank about her upcoming international route. She was granted a day or two to rest.
Amelia and Jessica, the stunning flight attendants tied to her
fortunes, were surprised at her plans to move.
“Moving?”
Jessica clutched Madison’s suitcase with grave concern, “Why the sudden move? Did you have a fight with my brother?”
Amelia emerged, arms crossed, her expression solemn, “You don’t love my magnificent boss anymore?”
Their banter went back and forth.
“Is my brother mistreating you?”
“Didn’t my magnificent boss give you a raise?”
“Has my brother fallen for someone else?”
“Are you aiming for higher skies?”
Jessica suddenly stopped, her gaze fixed on Amelia, “Why does everything you say revolve around money?”
Amelia played the innocent, “Because I think money’s most important. For someone simple-minded like you, emotions are probably all that can hold you. But for strong women like Madison and me, it’s the financial prospects, right?”
Madison interjected, “Don’t jump to conclusions.”
She explained, “I’ve discussed this with your brother. Living apart for a while will keep the media at bay and stop them from affecting our moods and work.”
Understanding the rationale, Amelja nodded and offered her help,”
Then I’ll help you move.”
Madison, having left almost everything behind in her divorce from Lucas, had very little to pack.
But she had underestimated Ethan.
At the entrance to Mukino Lakeside.
Madison, originally bearing just two suitcases, was startled upon turning around.
An entire moving truck loomed before her, workers unloading furniture
Ethan’s bed, a sofa, a desk….
“What are you doing?” she asked, looking up at the man beside her.
“Hmm?” Ethan pushed up his glasses, “I’m moving my stuff too. When I come over, I can use it.”
“…Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of moving?”
Ethan corrected her, “You said to move, not to live separately.”
“Are you playing coy?” Madison’s smile was tolerant yet strained, “Is that what you said yesterday?”
“Yesterday? I don’t remember.”
Madison was no match for Ethan’s determination, and in the end, she agreed to move everything.
When they arrived at Ethan’s chosen location, Amelia stepped out of the car, convinced she had entered a fantasy garden estate.
“Is this the famous Baiseng Manor in Slandon Port?”
She took in the surroundings, the environment enveloped in greenery, and her desire for wealth intensified.
“Madison, please ask your boyfriend to find a rich suitor for me too. I want to live in a place like this.”
“Why don’t you both stay here then?” Madison looked at Ethan, “Do you agree?”
Ethan, uninterested in their girl talk, laid down his terms, “They can stay, but when I come, they leave.”
Jessica asked, “When will you be coming?”
“Today.”
“Heh.” Jessica’s laugh was laced with irony.
