On Secretary Lynwood's way to deliver the invitations to Felix, Madeline called.

Because Madeline often called Felix, sometimes he was in meetings or business negotiations and couldn't answer. When she couldn't reach him, she would contact Secretary Lynwood.

Secretary Lynwood knew Felix highly valued Madeline, so his attitude toward her was always respectful.

Since they shared the same surname, Secretary Lynwood tended to look out for her.

Madeline was very good at playing the game, often sending him small gifts to build a rapport.

So whenever there was any movement on Felix's end, Secretary Lynwood would leak it to Madeline.

Things like who he met or what his schedule was, creating opportunities for her.

"Miss Lynwood, Mr. Quigley is still in a meeting. He said he'll come over for your appointment as soon as he's done."

Madeline smiled. "I know, he told me earlier. I just wanted to ask if he's eating at the office for lunch or coming to my place so I can order food."

"He's eating at the office," the secretary replied.

Madeline let out a soft sigh, sounding a bit disappointed.

Secretary Lynwood, adept at reading the room, caught her mood and added, "By the way, Miss Lynwood, Mr. Quigley just had me secure two invitations to the Apex Auction happening in two days."

Hearing it was an Apex event, Madeline's eyes lit up. "I know about that one! They have a jewelry session. It's so popular that a lot of people I know couldn't get invites."

The secretary smiled over the phone. "Exactly. That's why Mr. Quigley had me use his connections to get two."

"Why didn't he tell me?"

"He probably wanted to give you a surprise."

Madeline's heart soared. "Then you absolutely can't tell him I know!"

Secretary Lynwood chuckled. "Understood."

Madeline hung up, beaming with joy.

Her agent, Genesis, who was beside her, said, "Now you can relax, right? He still cares about you."

"I was just worried since I heard that

bitch came back to Northcrest. I

scared Felix might waver again

Sline breathed a sigh

was

of relief.

Last night, Evan had told her Claire was back and had run into Felix.

Madeline panicked and immediately faked being sick to call him.

Thankfully, Felix showed up and stayed with her at the hospital all night.

Even so, Madeline was insecure,

one

which was why she kept such a tight leash or him, needing to know his whereabouts at all times.

But hearing this from Secretary Lynwood made her feel much more secure.

"Go to the boutique later and help me pick out a few dresses suitable for an auction."

Madeline paused. "Make sure they're a bit sexy."

Genesis understood instantly. "Let's lock him down soon."

Speaking of that, Madeline felt quite defeated. "Last time, I managed to get him to a hotel, pretended to bez drunk, and kissed him. But he

pushed me away! That was the only time we've been intimately close He always keeps his distance, haven't had a single opening."

She had to blame the innocent, pure persona she had built for herself in front of him.

Because of it, she couldn't act too wild, which stalled their relationship from progressing.

She didn't even have the chance to get pregnant and force a marriage.

She could have taken her time, but recently, Felix had actually considered sending her abroad.

Luckily, she faked her illness and fooled him.

But it gave her a massive sense of crisis.

She had to take their relationship to the next level immediately.