Perhaps ire''s ruthless rejection had bruised the young billionaire''s ego, because Felix stayed out of sight for the next two days.


    ire enjoyed the peace and quiet.


    The exact second her mandatory observation period ended, she practically sprinted to process her discharge paperwork.


    While she was in line, Wilbur called, asking what time she''d be ready so he could pick her up.


    ire said, "There''s no need to trouble yourself, Mr. Boss Man. I can just grab a cab."


    Wilbur used the same excuse as before. "Noreen explicitly ordered me to. If I don''t follow through, she''llin to my mentor."


    "You know she''s his favorite student."


    ire chuckled. "Fine. Just so you canplete your mission, I''ll graciously ept the ride."


    "Thank you for your mercy, Your Highness," Wilbur teased smoothly.


    ire''s heart did a little flip.


    Your Highness...


    Back when they were vacationing on Palm Breeze Ind, ire had taken advantage of Noreen''s temporary absence to sneak a few drinks.


    She ended up gettingpletely wasted.


    Right in Wilbur''s private wine cer, she drank until the room was spinning.


    By the time Wilbur found her, she was dancing and singing at the top of her lungs.


    She even climbed onto a table, pointed down at him, and demanded, "You must say, ''Greetings, Your Highness!""


    Terrified she would fall, Wilbur had humored her. "Greetings, Your Highness."


    She hadughed until her stomach hurt.


    She hadn''t expected him to remember her drunken rambling.


    It made her blush. Thankfully, they were on the phone, and he couldn''t see her embarrassment.


    Knowing when to quit, Wilbur simply said, "See you soon."


    "See you," ire echoed.


    It was finally her turn in line.


    Just as she pulled out her medical clearance forms, a familiar voice rang out behind her.


    It was a voice she despised.


    "ire Chase!"


    ire didn''t bother turning around.


    The woman marched up, cursing loudly. "You ungrateful little brat! I raised you, and this is how you repay me?"


    It was Aunt Jean-Jean Rollins.


    Madeline''s mother.


    Jean''s piercing, shrill voice immediately drew the attention of everyone in the lobby.


    ire had zero interest in making a scene. She threw her aunt a cial look. "Oh, absolutely. Thank you so much for your infinite mercy in allowing me to survive this long.


    Jean flushed, looking momentarily embarrassed.


    But she knew how sharp her niece''s tongue could be and didn''t bother arguing the point. "You''re divorcing Felix anyway! Why are you forcing him to send Madeline abroad. She''s the only child your uncle and have! Are you trying to leave


    with no


    one to care for us in our old age?"


    ire froze.


    She was genuinely caught off guard.


    She had assumed Felix was bluffing. He was actually doing it?


    What the hell was Felix ying at?


    Why couldn''t he just sign the papers and be with his precious Madeline?


    They''d be happy, she''d be happy.


    Oh, right, and her bloodsucking aunt and uncle would be thrilled too.


    A win-win for everyone. Why did Felix refuse to take the easy way out?


    Why did he insist on making everyone miserable?


    "If you have a problem, take it up with the person actually making the decisions. Stop barking up the wrong tree," ire snapped, her patience evaporating.


    Jean was furious. "It was obviously your idea, and you won''t even admit it! You just can''t stand to see us happy! We took you out of that orphanage and raised you, and you turned out to be nothing bura treacherous snake!"