Chapter 307: Gemma’s Opening Move: Driving Madeline Absolutely Nuts
Of course he didn’t pity her.
He was just a regular working guy–who was he to feel sorry for some heiress?
Even if Gemma had hit rock bottom, she was still a Doltons.
Worst–case scenario? She’d live the rest of her life sipping champagne in some gold–plated mansion.
Thinking that, he immediately killed the sympathy and told the driver to get moving.
The Doltons‘ estate.
The moment Gemma pushed the door open, the room was buzzing-
Laughter, chatter, clinking glasses,
And just as suddenly, silence.
Every single person turned to look at her, each with their own agenda written all over their faces.
She stood there in a relaxed pantsuit, long hair pulled up high to show off a smooth, confident brow.
Her features were sharp and cold, like a frost that just rolled in.
“I’m back,” she said, scanning the room.
“You don’t look thrilled.”
No one responded.
But their faces said plenty.
Madeline scoffed.
“Didn’t think you even remembered the way home.”
Jarrett chuckled lightly. “Come on, how could we not be happy? We’ve been waiting to eat with you.”
“And to make you smile, we brought your son over too.”
He waved a hand, and Alijah ran over, plopping himself right next to Jarrett.
“Mommy, Uncle Jarrett’s the best!” the boy said, full of excitement.
Gemma felt her blood pressure skyrocket.
Uncle?
The best?
Those two things should never be in the same sentence.
Alijah, completely unaware he’d just tossed a live grenade into the room, kept going.
“You won’t believe it! When I left school today, I almost got kidnapped.”
“Luckily Uncle’s butler showed up just in time to save me! Otherwise, who knows what would’ve happened.”
Gemma let out a short, disbelieving laugh.
That school was basically Fort Knox–security tighter than a royal palace.
All the kids there had last names that meant something.
Human traffickers wouldn’t dare get within a block of the place.
After all, abducting one could have the whole city on lockdown, and then they’d have more to lose than to gain.
And even if one did get bold, what were the odds they’d just happen to grab her kid?
Please.
She hadn’t been there, but she didn’t need to be. It screamed “Doltons production” from a mile away. Scripted, cast, and directed–just for Alijah’s benefit.
“So,” she said, tone sharp, eyes locking on the room, “let’s cut the crap. Why am I here?”
“Say it straight. I don’t have all day to waste like you guys.”
Doltons pride flared immediately.
Madeline’s face darkened so much it looked like she might pass out.
“No manners at all,” she snapped. “Even in a fancy outfit, a toad’s still a toad.”
Jonathan gently patted her arm, trying to calm her.
Abigail sighed, putting on her best concerned face.
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Setting
Chapter 307: Gemma’s Opening Move: Driving Madeline Absolutely Nuts
“Mother, she didn’t grow up with us, so of course she didn’t pick up the Doltons family values. But we can still teach her.”
“She just got home. Don’t stoop to her level.”
“We can’t let her upset you, it’s not worth it,” Kaiya added quickly.
Then turned to Gemma.
“Apologize to your grandmother, now!”
Gemma glanced at them, then checked her watch.
She was already late getting back to the estate.
“What if I don’t?” she said flatly.
4
Abigail gave a dramatic little gasp of disappointment.
J
“Gemma, don’t be stubborn. Your grandmother really does care about you.”
“She’s been watching the driveway all day, waiting for you.”
“Your mother’s been missing for years. Do you even know what your grandmother’s been through?”
“How could you be so heartless, making her suffer again?”
It was a textbook emotional takedown.
Anyone less mentally fortified would’ve collapsed in guilt, maybe even slapped themselves twice for being so “ungrateful.”
But Gemma? Immune.
Morality only works on people with morals. And the Doltons had none.
So no, she didn’t feel bad. Not even a little.
“Alright,” she said with a faint smile, “I’ll apologize.”
“And to show I really mean it. I brought a little gift.”
Madeline didn’t look the least bit appeased.
“What could you possibly give us?”
Still, she was curious.
Gemma had a reputation. Even if she didn’t have money, her skills were no joke.
if she’d brought something useful, maybe…. just maybe…
Suddenly, headlights flared to life in the courtyard, blindingly bright–like someone wanted them to notice.
“Who the hell is that?” The butler rushed outside. A minute later, he came back in, clearly shaken.
ᅡ.
“It’s Mr. Ashton… and he’s brought Christine.”
The original plan was to kick Christine out the second she showed her face.
But now… she was holding a baby.
The butler didn’t dare make that call on his own, so he ran straight back to report.
Madeline had only pretended to be angry just now to scare Gemma.
But to her surprise, this girl from a tiny village stayed perfectly calm–like she’d seen way worse,
That only made Madeline feel even more stifled.
But now? Now she was genuinely about to blow.
She’d warned Ashton. Specifically told him Christine was not welcome here.
And not only had he ignored her–he brought the woman home.
Her hand flew to her chest, breath catching in anger.
Abigail jumped in, trying to stabilize the situation. “Mom, don’t get worked up. I’m sure Ash brought them so you could deal with it yourself.”
That gave Madeline a way out.
“Right, right. Ashton’s always been the most respectful. He wouldn’t embarrass the family.”
“Let them in.”
She paused, glancing at Gemma.
Gemma was still completely calm.
Cool and unbothered, as if everything happening was exactly how she planned it.
Something about that look made Madeline’s skin crawl. She had an overwhelming urge to clip her wings, right then and there.
Gemma caught the look and didn’t shy away.
Their eyes locked.
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Chapter 307: Gemma’s Opening Move: Driving Madeline Absolutely Nuts
Gemma’s expression didn’t waver. Still proud. Still cold. Still untouchable.
“Why are you staring at me, Madeline?” she said, voice laced with amusement. “Trying to figure out if this was my doing? You really are getting old. Slow on the uptake.”
“I told you I brought a gift, didn’t I?”
Madeline’s rage reignited like gasoline on a fire.
“Gemma, do you really think Charlie can protect you forever?”
“She’s my daughter. Even if she’s missing, I know her heart. And trust me–she’d be ashamed to have someone like you for a daughter!”
“So even if it hurts her to lose you, I won’t let you run wild!”
Gemma shrugged.
&
“Cool. Then go ahead. Do your thing. I’ll just sit back and enjoy the show. Hurry up! I have to go home.”
Madeline was so furious she nearly blacked out. If not for her sheer willpower, she probably would’ve fainted on the spot.
“I knew it! I was right about you. Your in–laws should’ve locked you up and straightened you out. Then maybe you’d learn some respect!” “Where’s Margaret? Call her–tell her to come pick this one up!”
“Don’t bother trying to talk me out of it. I don’t care what anyone says–she needs to be taught a lesson and put back on the right path!”
Gemma chimed in with a smirk, “Nuh–uh, bad acting. You lost steam at the end. Not quite convincing. I’ll give you another shot–take it from the top.”
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