CHAPTER 18
A couple hours later, the sleek car pulled through the gates of the Wilde’s mountain estate.
The massive iron gates swung open to reveal a driveway bathed in soft amber light. Madelynn had seen grandeur before, but nothing quite like this.
The estate didn’t just speak of wealth. It roared it.
She had heard rumors before about how the Wilde family’s wealth could rival nations, but now, walking under this canopy of affluence, she knew: the rumors hadn’t done it justice.
The car rolled to a stop at the grand entrance.
Sebastian stepped out first, walking around to open her door. With a small smile, he extended
his arm.
Madelynn hesitated only a second before placing her hand in his. As she rose, she felt her breath
catch in her throat.
A dozen staff lined the front steps, dressed in crisp uniforms.
‘Mr. and Mrs. Wilde,” they greeted in unison.
Her heel wobbled slightly, and she instinctively leaned closer to Sebastian. He caught her waist gently, steadying her.
‘Don’t be nervous,” he murmured. “You’re the lady of this house. Just breathe.”
He led her through the massive front doors.
Despite being called a “family dinner,” the estate’s interior was lit like a gala. Crystal chandelier: glittered above their heads, while clusters of guests, draped in silk and diamonds, conversed ir soft murmurs across the room.
As soon as they entered, all eyes turned to Madelynn.
The room went quiet.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilde,” came the respectful chorus.
Madelynn’s heart fluttered.
She leaned toward Sebastian, whispering, “But we’re not officially married yet. Isn’t this a little early?”
Sebastian smirked. “It’s only a matter of time.”
They crossed the vast living room, each step echoing on the polished marble floor. The scale of t dwarfed even the Fontaine villa. It would’ve taken her ten minutes to cross it alone in heels.
At the far end sat a poised woman on a raised velvet sofa, surrounded by ladies who looked like they belonged on magazine covers. She didn’t speak, but everyone paid attention to her.
Selene Wilde
Even Sebastian lowered his head respectfully.
“Mom,” he said.
Selene looked up, her gaze landing on Madelynn.
“So this is Madelynn. The eldest daughter of the Fontaines?”
Sebastian was calm. “And your new daughter-in-law.”
Selene arched a brow and turned her attention to Madelynn.
“I heard you’ve cut ties with your family,” she said. Her tone was neutral. “They gave you life… and now you’ve severed all ties? Aren’t you worried how that reflects on your character?”
Madelynn’s palms turned damp, but her voice was steady.
“They gave birth to me, yes. But they didn’t raise me. Respect is earned, not inherited. I’ve spent years being silent for the sake of appearances. I won’t waste another day of my life living by anyone else’s expectations.”
The room stilled.
The social circle that revolved around Selene was not accustomed to defiance, especially not from a woman who hadn’t even married in yet.
But then…
Selene laughed.
Not a mocking laugh, but a sincere one.
She reached down, removed the cashmere blanket from her lap, and stood. The womer surrounding her quickly rose as well, clearing a path.
‘You’re the second woman I’ve met with the nerve to say something like that,” Selene said.
Madelynn blinked. “Only second?”
Selene smiled thinly. “The first… was me.”
She stepped forward and took Madelynn’s hand.
‘Back then, I cut ties with my own family too. Everyone called me ungrateful. They tried to ruir me. But Sebastian’s father stood by me. He married me in spite of the backlash. And we built al his together.”
She looked over her shoulder at her son, pride glinting in her eyes.
‘And now, it seems my son has inherited his father’s spine.”
‘Sebastian, I trust that you’ll cherish her. I won’t hesitate to cut you off if you ever do her any wrong.”
Sebastian chuckled. “Mom, you know I’m here for the long run. You have nothing to worry about.
She turned back to the room and raised her voice.
‘From this day forward, Madelynn is my daughter-in-law. She is the lady of this house. Anyone who disrespects her… disrespects me.”
The effect was immediate. The room exhaled, and a new tone set in… one of admiration and
respect.
Selene, satisfied, quietly left the gathering. She didn’t like lingering in crowds. But the message she left behind was clear and final.
The remainder of the evening passed in comfort. The guests treated Madelynn with warmth and respect. No one dared challenge her now.
By the time the gathering ended, it was past 10 p.m.
Since the estate was far from their residence, Madelynn and Sebastian decided to stay the night.
After showering, Madelynn tied her hair into a loose bun and slipped into a silk robe. Restless, she stepped into the hallway to fetch a glass of warm milk to help her sleep.
Just as she turned the corner, a voice popped up behind her.
“Lynn!”
Startled, she nearly dropped the glass.
She turned, clutching her chest, and saw a grinning figure bouncing toward her.
‘Ava!” she hissed. “Jesus! You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
Ava just giggled. “You were too busy earlier, surrounded by everyone. I never got a moment with you! Now that it’s quiet, I can finally catch you alone.”
Madelynn glanced at the clock. It was nearly midnight.
Ava, let’s catch up tomorrow. I’m really tired.”
She started to walk away, but Ava caught her sleeve.
Wait! It’s about Cecelia.”
That stopped her.
What about her?”
Ava dragged her over to a couch, her voice dropping conspiratorially.
I met her once in London. Lynn… she was scandalous.”
Madelynn listened in silence as Ava laid it all out: Cecelia had dated a wealthy married man, been chased down by the man’s wife, had bounced between men like chess pieces- and ever
ad hundreds of abortions.
Madelynn sat stunned.
She came back looking for someone dumb enough to give her a stable life,” Ava finished with a shrug. “And she found one. Honestly, was your ex-husband blind?”
Madelynn gave a small, sad smile. “He probably has no idea what she was doing over there.”
Ava clicked her tongue. “Then he’s just another fool.”
Just as she was about to add more, her ear was yanked sharply from the side.
“Avaaaa,” came Sebastian’s voice. “Do you have nothing better to do?”
Ava winced. “Ow okay, okay! I’ll stop!”
Madelynn just laughed. The siblings had been like this since she met them. Some things never changed.
