Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 299

I said frankly, "Chris is an adult now, Conrad. He's responsible for his own choices."

If Zack threw Chris out of the house or disowned him, was because of the latter's own doing.

Conrad countered, "I know, but I can't stand seeing the wedge driven between him and Dad. Besides, if her left the company, the business would suffer."

My lips tightened. "Not entirely. You're still around to hold the fort."

Surprise flickered in his eyes. "Maddie, I never wanted to run the company. I wouldn't have left if I did."

His desire, or the lack thereof, to run the company was a secret only he knew. However, I did not remark

on this

After a beat, I said, "I'm sure your father has plans for the company. He wouldn't have kicked Zack out so readily if he didn't think the company could survive without him."

even threw in a kerel of wisdom. "The

at first, and he sputtered bitterly, "I suppose

probably at your wits' end," I allowed in solace, hoping he would take the

matter.

me with an assessing stare. "You're different from four years

Four years ago?

have outgrown his juvenile traits in four years. I smiled and said wryly, "I suppose this

an unreadable look. "Yes. Our

following my parents' death, Conrad and Chris took to calling me 'Little Maddie. They meant to

my tone softening after hearing the nickname slip past his lips. "It won't do you any good

grimly.

face and asked, "Are you sure you're alright? You can tell me

the other side. He was bringing in the takeout and didn't seem surprised to see Conrad. He even

so on my behalf. "She's about to eat." He was as

looked stoic to begin with. When