Chapter 0034
The big screen swiftly switched to Ethan, silencing the array of stars present.
They were well aware of the chairman, although unfamiliar to them personally, recognized for investing in numerous grand shows, films, and dramas a major player in the investment world.
The host looked towards the front row, and the big screen zoomed in on Ethan and the woman beside him, Madison. But in the next second, Ethan, taking the microphone, deliberately turned the camera away, until Madison’s face vanished from the screen, and then he withdrew his hand.
“Do not film my companion; she is under state protection,” Ethan’s voice resonated, deep and steady.
The crowd was stunned.
Under state protection? What kind of person warranted that?
At the exit, Lucas frowned.
Madison, protected by the state? Nonsense!
It must have been some flashy statement by the chairman of Mukino International, a façade to add luster to his own image.
Madison, a mere housewife with a gentle demeanor, couldn’t possibly be of significance, could she?
Lucas snickered inwardly.
The female stars, though green with envy, were quiet, waiting for the host’s question.
“It’s rare to see President Grant attending events in person, and even
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more so with a companion. May we know the nature of your relationship with your lovely lady here?” the host inquired.
Even Ethan hadn’t anticipated this question.
He had only given the production team a hint: be casual.
And right now, even though Madison scarcely believed it, she felt Ethan was genuinely defending her, getting even with Sophia. No wonder he had brought her to this red carpet event.
A wave of gratitude washed over her.
It was then the big screen caught Ethan tilting his head to the side, his voice neither too soft nor too loud, “May I say?”
His respectful demeanor, his tender and indulging tone, combined with his looks and status, nearly drove the female stars to a fit of
envy!
Whether out of a lingering gratitude or caught by Ethan’s gaze, Madison’s heart skipped, and she unexpectedly nodded.
Ethan’s smile was faint, barely noticeable as he turned back, his voice serious, “There’s no relationship right now.”
The host paused, taken aback.
uickly, the man added, “But in the future, I hope we will share a
tionship that everyone can bless”
Wasn’t that clear enough? The chairman of Mukino International was pursuing the woman at his side!
Madison was dumbfounded, her gaze fixed on Ethan beside her.
ThThe host quickly said, “Then we wish President Grant all the success.
“T”Thank you,” he responded with a smile that shattered the hearts of
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countless female stars.
Envy! Jealousy!
Who was this woman who had captured the pursuit of the chairman. of Mukino International?
Lucas was already agape, his brows furrowed in disbelief.
Impossible!
Had he mistaken her?
Was she really Madison?
Beyond her looks, what was attractive about her?
How could she catch the eye of the chairman of Mukino
International?
Lucas was restless, his heart filled with rage and anxiety.
He had clearly forgotten that he and Madison were in the midst of a divorce, and that it was because of his infidelity.
Following that, under countless envious gazes, Ethan took
Madison’s hand and left the venue early.
Lucas wanted to confront that woman, to see if it really was.
Madison.
But he was informed they had already departed through the back
door.
Lucas cursed under his breath.
Leaving the red carpet event and arriving back at Ethan’s mansion, they did not speak.
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Only once inside did Madison ask, “Ethan, did you do that… for me?”
She wasn’t vain, but she wasn’t foolish either.
The man, untying his necktie while ascending the stairs, paused.
“If I said yes, would it please you?”
For reasons unknown, Madison nodded, perhaps because it had been so long since someone cared about her feelings.
In the dim light, Ethan’s neutral voice said, “Then it is.”
It was for you, to vent your anger, so I arranged today’s interview.
Returning to her room in a daze, Madison looked down at her gown.
It felt as if she could see through it, to the heart within slowly thawing.
After changing out of the gown and planning to send it to the cleaners before returning it to Ethan, she took a bath.
Exiting, she answered the ringing phone, “Hello?”
“Is this Miss Madison?”
“Yes, it’s me.”
is is Chen, head of Mukino Aviation Training Base. Please arrive
ore nine o’clock next Monday at Mukino International Training ase for retraining. It will last twenty-five days.”
The unexpected news thrilled Madison, “Sure, I’ll be there on time!”
The call filled her with eager anticipation.
When Ethan emerged from the study, he detected a savory aroma.
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He followed the scent to the kitchen.
There, he found Madison cooking.
“What are you doing?”
Startled, she turned, “I got a bit hungry, so…”
Uncertain if deliveries reached this isolated spot and after futile attempts to locate the service, she ventured to the kitchen in search
of food.
Finding fresh vegetables and meat, she prepared a little.
“I’ll pay,” she said immediately.
Ethan, leaning against the kitchen’s glass door, freshly showered with his hair still damp, asked, “Do you really see me as someone who would let employees starve?”
Madison’s smile was instant: “Of course not, you’re incredibly kind!”
Evaluating the pot, Ethan inquired, “Did you cook enough for me too?”
“Ah?” She was surprised, hurriedly adding, “Yes, yes, I did!”
Ten minutes later
They sat at the dining table.
Ethan quietly ate, acknowledging each dish, “This tastes more authentic than others I’ve had.”
“Did you add sugar to this?”
Upon Madison’s affirmation, he nodded, “The sugar made it better.”
Madison’s spirit lifted with each compliment; her eyes sparkled.
Lucas, though not overly critical, often found fault with at least half
of her dishes.
When she adjusted them according to his preferences, he’d still find something wrong.
That’s when Madison realized it might not have been her cooking he disliked, but simply her. No matter what, he wouldn’t be satisfied.
Sated by the impromptu dinner, they soon retired to their respective
rooms.
The next day.
Monday, eight in the morning.
After sending Ethan a message about where she was headed, Madison was ready to leave.
“Wait.”
She turned.
Ethan, in his pajamas, stepped out from the main entrance.
Even in casual sleepwear, his appearance was striking.
As bracelet was fastened to her wrist, Madison asked in
sion, “What’s this?”
than gently ruffled her hair, “You can’t leave the training base during your recovery. This bracelet was given to me by my mom during my college entrance exams. Now, I’m giving it to you, hoping you’ll…”
He paused, “Achieve what you wish for.”
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Later, Madison walked away, her heart fluttering.
After a while, she heard Ethan calling her name and turned back.
The autumn wind brushed between them.
She heard Ethan say, “I can’t be at your side all the time. But if you need help, call me. No matter where you are, President Grant will be there.”
As the falling leaves drifted past, tears welled in Madison’s eyes.
Since her father’s passing, she had been alone, with no one showing her such concern.
Ethan awaited a response, but none came.
Taking a slow drag from his cigarette, he lazily called out, “Did you get that?”
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