Chapter: 82

Madeline paused in her makeup routine and said, "I've said it. I'm willing to put up with any treatment from Sharon as long as I can be with Derek."

Holding the eyebrow pencil more firmly, Madeline added warmly, “Kathy, you're so sweet. Your words do make me feel better."

Kathy offered Madeline a bright smile and said, “After all, who else deserves my kindness if not you, Madeline? Speaking of which, I've heard that Norah has sent my brother with legal papers. What's causing the delay with their divorce?"

"Derek is Looking into Norah's past. What you might not know is that after parting ways with the Carter family, she's been living at Dreamview Villas. Her identity as a racecar driver under the code name Selene was unexpected enough. Derek thinks Norah has been keeping things from him, so he's decided to dig deeper before moving forward with the divorce," Madeline explained flatly.

At the mention of "Dreamview Villas", Kathy widened her eyes. “The Dreamview Villas in Glophia? Holy shit! How is Norah managing to stay there? Is it possible she's got a connection with someone influential?"

Madeline set aside her makeup tool and offered a noncommittal shrug.

"Who can say? Yet, I sense that Norah is looking for a new backer."

Leaning closer, Kathy lowered her voice, saying, "Madeline, do you think it's possible Norah's getting involved with a member of the Scott family?"

"Could be."

"It's audacious of Norah, right? Does she even grasp the prestige of the Scott family head? She appears relentless in her pursuit to scale the social ladder. Just wait. She's bound to be harshly abandoned by Mr. Scott. The day she gets kicked out from Dreamview Villas will be a spectacle. I can't wait to see!"

Just then, Derek entered the room. "What's this conversation about?"

He cast a disapproving glance at Kathy and said, "Kathy, try not to mess up Madeline's makeup. We don't want to be stuck at home."

Kathy playfully stuck out her tongue and said, "I was merely asking about Madeline's insight on the Grace Cup. You're aware, Derek, that Madeline has an exquisite eye for fashion. As someone just starting in design, I'm eager to learn everything she knows."

Derek's expression became more gentle, saying, “Isn't there still plenty of time before the Grace Cup? Madeline's not going anywhere. What's the rush to ask her today?"

Kathy said those words to change the subject, clearly not interested in seeking advice from Madeline regarding the Grace Cup. She jumped up and pushed Derek toward the door. "Understood. Derek, make it quick and get going. Madeline needs to get dressed."

Once the door was shut, Madeline asked, "So, are you actually going to join the Grace Cup?"

Kathy confirmed with a nod, "Yes, I studied fashion design at university. I'm eager to enter competitions to build my name. I need your support, Madeline."

Madeline appeared unsure and said, “But I've also entered the Grace Cup's fashion design contest. If I assist you, it might detract from my own work.”

She looked down, her gaze carrying a hint of mystery and uncertainty.

She hadn't signed up for the contest until Kathy brought it up, prompting a spur-of-the-moment decision to participate.

She felt she had wasted too much time during her two years abroad.

Now back in Glophia and preparing to marry Derek, Madeline knew she had to be mindful of her public image.

"I've heard Noelle will be judging the Grace Cup this year. I'm really looking forward to meeting her in the final round," Kathy shared her aspirations.

As a student majoring in fashion design, Kathy looked up to several world-famous designers, with Noelle at the top of her List. "Noelle's designs are simply exquisite. I own one of her high-fashion pieces I hardly ever wear, just to keep it special!"