Chapter 206
Chapter 206
Madison was not afraid of him. Even though Joe was fierce, she blinked innocently.
Her reaction made Joe exasperated. He stopped walking and waited for her. "What are you waiting for? Are you coming?"
The moonlight shone through the trees near the villa, creating a streak of light on the ground.
Madison walked on the moonlit path. Her voice was warm and light. She spoke slowly to Joe, her eyes filled with anticipation under the moonlight. "Joe, I'm serious about what I said. Although it's a joke telling you to cry, I hope you don't take everything to heart. Do you remember what I said to Charlie this afternoon? Crying is a healthy emotional outlet, not something embarrassing. I hope you can vent your emotions by confiding in me or other means, instead of walking away like today.
"Doing that not only hurts everyone but also makes us worry about you. You even have to hold in your emotions, and it is not good for you. Whatever for? We're family, after all. There's no need to fight like this, right?"
Madison was not spouting nonsense, including what she said to Charlie in the afternoon. She was not sprouting some wholesome words she read on the internet. Her words were from the bottom of her heart. When Madison was living with the Hale family in the past, she would swallow all her grievances and suffer in silence. She didn't even dare to cry. If she cried too hard, she would be scolded by Ramona and be beaten even worse by Sally.
As a result, Madison developed a personality of not liking to talk or look at people. She appeared like she was easy to manipulate and submissive.
Edgar always said that Madison was obedient and sensible, but only she knew she did not want to be an obedient and sensible child.
If it was possible, who wouldn't want to indulge and be pampered? Who would be willing to be a sensible and obedient person who didn't follow their hearts? Madison was also rebellious. How many times had she wanted to fight back against Sally? How many times had she thought of perishing together with Sally? She could not count.
However, Madison knew that it was not worth it. After all, murder was against the law. She also understood her situation and knew she had to be grateful they adopted her. Therefore, she could only endure it and try her best to reduce her presence before them. In the end, she even hid her love carefully and did not dare to show it to anyone.
At that time, she liked Leo, but she did not even dare to look up at him. Sometimes, she would give Leo birthday gifts secretly.
Now that she thought about it, it was really naive and stupid of her.
However, she would not blame her past self. At that time, Madison had no one to rely on. She had to do that to survive.
She did not resent how weak and incompetent she was. She would only praise her past self for being strong and being able to survive in such an environment. After much suffering, Madison survived and found her family and loved her. She would also love herself.
It was true that her situation was different from Charlie and Joe, but it wasn't much different either.
Madison was afraid of being homeless. Charlie did not have his mother by his side, and Joe was neglected by his parents. In the end, they lacked love and felt insecure. The root of their problems was similar. It was good as long as Joe could open up about his problems. She didn't want Joe to keep all his emotions to himself.
Joe listened to Madison's nagging patiently. Then, his cold face softened and he chuckled. "Stupid girl, you're not that old, but you're already giving me the big talk?"
"I didn't. I'm just thinking too highly of myself and trying to be a bridge between you and Mom and Dad." Madison smiled at him and took a step toward him. "I just don't know if you will take me seriously. I'm jus afraid that you'll think I'm overstepping."
Joe turned around and walked into the villa with her. "The estrangement between me and them is not created in a day. It's not something that can be resolved just because you say so. You saw it at the family residence today. Mum is fine, but did you hear how Dad spoke..."
"Oh, right, yeah. He's too domineering. Why should we listen to him and move the company? It is doing well in Sidovor City." Madison was also on Joe's side.
Although her father's intention was good and he hoped that his children could take care of each other, who wouldn't rebel when they heard his commanding tone? Moreover, Joe had been neglected since he was young. Now that Joe was already so old, how could Sergio still order him around like a child?
Madison went along with Joe and coaxed him. She even dared to tease him. "Blanche is still suffering in Sidovor City. If you listen to Dad and move back to Rozalia, who will protect her?" Joe glared at her coldly.
Madison's chin went up. "What? Am I wrong?"
Joe rubbed his nose. "We haven't even started dating yet."
Madison waved her hand. "That's not important. What's important is what you think."Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
Joe nodded firmly.
The atmosphere eased a little.
Madison pushed her luck. "So, Joe, can you not be petty with Dad? You said that he is domineering and chauvinistic. He's already so old, but he still treats you guys like children. Why do you have to be calculative with him?"
Joe's lips curved. 'So this is what Madison intended?' he thought.
However, he had to admit what Madison said was quite pleasant to the ears. Joe finally relented. "So, how do you think I should not argue with him?"
Madison knew that there was hope when she heard that. She immediately hugged Joe's arm and explained to him in detail. "Look, Joe, we're not young anymore. Your company is doing well, so you don't need to obey Dad. Just listen to what he says and forget about it later, can you? Secondly, don't throw tantrums. Don't just walk out on us. It's better to be harmonious since we are a family, right?"
Joe listened nonchalantly. When they opened the fingerprint lock, Joe dragged Madison in by her collar to teach her a lesson. "I see. Aren't you full of tricks? Looks like you're quite experienced in it. How many times have you fooled me?"
Madison shouted her innocence. "I wouldn't dare."
Joe snorted coldly. "No? You're very bold."
As Madison was about to raise her hands and beg for mercy, Joe's phone rang, saving her in the nick of time.
Freed, Madison took out her phone and started looking at it. She hadn't touched her phone the entire night, and many people had sent her messages.
Cullen asked her where she was, Blanche sent her entertainment gossip, and Greg from the Rose Garden asked her how she was doing lately.
Madison responded to each of them other than Cullen.
John had called Joe. He asked how they were doing and informed them that because Charlie was clamoring for his aunt, John would send Charlie to them later. The siblings lay on the couches in the villa and responded to their respective messages. Neither knew a camera in a bush outside the villa was blinking red.