waking up with my nemesis' baby novel

Chapter 23 She sent a restaurant address , and Madeleine's jaw dropped when she saw it . The place was fancy , and a single dinner there could easily run into tens of thousands . Madeleine thought about checking on Kevin's therapy session but decided against interrupting . Standing outside his room , she could only make out the soft , soothing voice of a woman through the door's thick insulation . " Guess I'll deal with it later , " she muttered , turning away . *** She was about to call a cab . But when Kirsten spotted her heading out , she said , " Mrs.

Livingston , let me get the driver for you . " " Driver ? Didn't he take Roderick to the office ? " Madeleine asked , confused . Kirsten hesitated , her voice timid . " Mr. Livingston assigned you Chapter 23 a driver . Mathew's back - he was discharged yesterday . " " Really ? " Madeleine's eyes lit up , a grin tugging at her lips . " Well , props to Ricki for thinking of me . " Her memory was still stuck at eighteen , when she had just gotten her license and had barely driven at all . " Wait . Discharged ? " She caught Kirsten's earlier words , turning back . " Was he sick ?

" Kirsten and Meagan , who'd been passing by , exchanged a glance . Their eyes held a strange mix of confusion , wariness , and something like fear . When neither spoke , Madeleine played up a wince , pressing her fingers to her temple . " You know , I bumped my head a few days ago . Everything before that's a bit ... fuzzy . " Kirsten and Meagan visibly relaxed , their tension melting . No wonder she'd been acting so strange - she'd forgotten everything . Chapter 23 " Mathew was in the hospital because ... " Kirsten started , but Meagan grabbed her arm , cutting her off with a forced smile .

" Mathew's getting up there in age , " Meagan said smoothly . " Health issues come with the territory . Nothing to worry about , Mrs. Livingston . " Madeleine could tell they were holding back , but she didn't push . She changed into fresh clothes and headed out . As soon as she left , Kirsten turned to Meagan , baffled . " Why'd you stop me ? " Meagan scoffed . " What , you really buy that she ' forgot ' everything ? Don't be so naive . She's probably fishing for dirt . Even if she's blank now , what happens when her memory comes back ? If she gets mad , we're done for .

" Her eyes narrowed , her voice dropping . " You haven't forgotten how Mathew ended up in the hospital , have you ? " Kirsten shuddered , clapping a hand to her chest . " Oh , you are right ... Thank God you stopped me . " In the car , Madeleine leaned forward , noticing the bandage on Chapter 23 driver Mathew Bryant's forehead . " Mathew ? " she said softly . Mathew Bryant stiffened at her voice . " Yes , Mrs. Livingston ? " " What happened to your head ? " Mathew's eyes widened with panic , his hands trembling on the steering wheel , his fear palpable . Madeleine sighed inwardly .

Whatever happened , she was clearly at the center of it . She reached out , giving his shoulder a gentle pat . " Never mind , don't worry about it . Let's just go ." She gave him the address and turned to the window , pretending to be absorbed in the passing scenery . Mathew's heart was still racing . For a moment , he'd thought she was displeased and was about to silence him for good . On the way , Madeleine texted Roderick and finally pieced together what happened to Mathew . Chapter 23 Two weeks ago , Roderick had asked Mathew to keep tabs on her .

Desperate to meet Edward , she'd stepped in front of Mathew's car to stop him . Panicked , Mathew swerved to avoid hitting her , crashing into a tree . The multimillion - dollar car was nearly totaled , and Mathew thought his career - and maybe his life - was over . Roderick , to his credit , handled it fairly . He knew it was Madeleine's fault and covered Mathew's medical bills , urging him to focus on recovery . Grateful for Roderick's kindness , Mathew returned to work the moment he was discharged . When Madeleine asked about his injury , he'd braced for a repeat of that nightmare .

Slumped in the back seat , Madeleine let out a heavy sigh . The past few years , she'd really made a mess of things . Mathew drove smoothly , delivering her to the restaurant in no time . Chapter 23 Mary had arrived first and texted that she'd secured a table . " Maddie! Over here ! " Mary's voice rang out as Madeleine stepped inside , her hand waving enthusiastically from a window table . * True to form , Mary was decked out in designer gear , her hair perfectly styled , every detail polished to perfection . Madeleine studied her , a quiet astonishment blooming in her chest . Mary looked ...

different from high school . She'd seen Mary's Instagram and chalked it up to filters or editing apps . But now , seeing her in person , she realized the change was real . " Your eyes - are they bigger ? And your nose , it's so ... refined ," Madeleine said , squinting . " Mary , I almost didn't recognize you. " " Madeleine ! " Mary's eyes widened in panic , darting around before she tugged Madeleine into a seat . Chapter 23 " I told you , don't call me that - it's so tacky . It's Leticia Sampson now .

" Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.