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."

threw in a kerel of wisdom. "The world moves

sputtered bitterly, "I suppose I haven't

wits' end," I allowed in solace, hoping he would take

matter.

stare. "You're different from four years

Four years ago?

joking. Even a child would have outgrown his juvenile traits in four years. I smiled and said wryly, "I suppose this is what they call

unreadable look. "Yes. Our Little Maddie

After I moved in with the Gildons following my parents' death, Conrad and Chris took to calling me 'Little Maddie. They meant to tease me, but I could sense their affec It had been so long since

to them to sort out, Conrad," I advised gently, my tone softening after hearing the nickname slip past

nodded grimly. "I

asked, "Are you sure you're alright? You can tell me if you need anything. I'll

didn't seem surprised to see Conrad. He even offered the latter a nod of greeting. Conrad rose to his

my behalf. "She's about to

he already looked stoic to begin with. When he spoke, he did not