He was probably trying to preserve her reputation so he could marry her with a clean slate, right?

How thoughtful of him!

Madeline's gaze darted away for a few seconds before she forced herself to look composed. "Felix respects me a lot."

Claire scoffed dismissively.

But the mocking smile on her face froze when she saw the good luck charm hanging around Madeline's neck.

She shot up from her seat, snatched the charm from her neck, and flipped it over.

Confirming it was the very same one she had prayed for, she demanded coldly, "Where did you get this?"

The charm was suddenly ripped from her, and Madeline, furious, struggled to sit up and grab it back. "Give that back! Felix gave it to me! Give it back!"

Claire was tall enough that when she raised her hand, Madeline couldn't even touch the edge of it.

She looked down at Madeline, her expression frigid.

A storm suddenly erupted inside her.

It was an indescribable feeling, just a sudden chill. It was cold, so cold.

Even the back of her hand, exposed to the air, began to feel icy.

"Give it back to me..." Madeline's foot seemed to have miraculously healed. She stood up from the bed and tried to snatch it back.

Claire took two steps back.

Madeline lunged at her, shouting, "Felix gave that to me! Why are you stealing my things?"

"When we were kids, you stole our parents' love, and now you're stealing my things again! Give it back!" Madeline shrieked, as if she'd been triggered.

Claire found her ridiculous.

When had she ever stolen her parents' affection?

She was lucky they hadn't abused her.

Just as Claire was about to retort, she heard Felix's deep, cold voice from behind her.

"What are you two doing?"

Madeline suddenly cried out and fell heavily to the floor.

Claire saw it all happen.

Honestly, she had to admire Madeline's commitment. She was willing to go all out.

She just threw herself backward without even looking where she was going.

Her head hit the edge of the bed frame with a dull thud.

Madeline's scream of pain followed.

In the next instant, Claire was shoved violently aside.

It was Felix.

He was desperate to get to Madeline.

He hadn't held back his strength.

And Claire had been completely caught off guard.

She slammed into the opposite wall, the impact sending a numb shock through her chest and making her palms tremble.

The good luck charm she was clutching fell to the floor.

As Claire reached down to pick it up, Felix, who was now helping Madeline to her feet, stepped right on it.

She froze.

She stayed in that position, staring blankly as the charm she had prayed

trampled under his fot

for

a sincere heart was

foot

Finally, a silent, bitter smile touched her lips.

Felix anxiously checked Madeline's head Seeing her pained expression,

he urgently called for a doctor to do

ore detailed examination

While the doctor was examining Madeline, Felix turned and pointed an accusing finger at Claire. "Don't you know she's hurt? Why would you push her? You said it yourself if you have a problem, take it out on me! Madeline is innocent!"

His words were deafening.

Claire didn't answer.

She didn't know what to say.

Defend herself?

There was no point.

Felix would never believe her anyway.

Even if she wasted her breath explaining a thousand times, he wouldn't believe a

word.

It was better to stay silent.

"If anything happens to Madeline, I'll..." Felix was still fuming.

But the words died on his lips, and he didn't know how to finish the threat.

Claire gave a faint, dazed smile. "You'll what? Divorce me? You know I'd love that."