Chapter 83
83 – The Toxic People Never Change
Madeline:
I quickly glanced at her, then looked at everyone with an apologetic smile as I took the envelope from her.
I noticed Yuvonne’s smile fade.
She had planned to make that announcement herself, and though everyone would have found out in a minute, it clearly mattered to her.
“Oh, right–it’s the 28th,” Baxter said quickly, before anyone else could react. “And I’m glad our little angel got to announce it. Seems like good luck p>
He added the last part with a reassuring nod to Yuvonne, urging her not to let it ruin her mood.
“Anyway, let’s raise a toast to the good news,” Yuvonne said. She swallowed hard, making it clear she wasn’t happy about it.
I glanced at Baxter before picking up my glass of wine.
Everyone cheered and took sips. It was all a blur to me.
I understood my daughter shouldn’t have done that, but it was just a minute’s difference.
They were going to read it anyway. It’s not that I thought Yuvonne didn’t have the right to be upset, but for all of them to glare at my little girl like that, it didn’t sit right with me.
I remembered when Yuvonne used to do things like this, my stepmother would defend her fiercely.
There was never a time she didn’t ruin things for me.
Back then, I was only a child, and whenever I got upset about it, they would scold me and tell me to grow up.
Now, a grown Yuvonne was getting upset over something so small, and they were still backing her up while blaming my child.
It was obvious, Yuvonne was everyone’s favorite.
“Oh, wait a minute. Excuse me,” Baxter said as his phone started ringing.
He stood and walked out. The moment he left, I felt every eye turn toward me.
The air seemed heavy, almost pressing in on me.
“So, I’m sorry about you losing your baby,” Karla said, breaking the silence,
She said it loud enough for everyone to hear.
I noticed Eugenia and her husband exchange a glance before turning to look at me.
“Okay,” I replied shortly, grabbing the crab legs to crack them, trying to avoid the conversation.
I glanced at the door, hoping Baxter would return soon.
“Yeah, I can’t even imagine having an abortion at eighteen,” Yuvonne said.
Of course, she had found the perfect moment to humiliate me for Elara announcing the date earlier.
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013–The Toxe People Never Change
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“It’s okay,” I said again, this time more firmly, making it clear I didn’t want to discuss it.
Then my stepmother turned in her seat toward Eugenia and her husband.
“ When she was eighteen, she got herself pregnant by someone,” she said.
My jaw dropped, and my eyes widened.
I looked at my father, wondering if he would finally stop her from saying something so cruel.
They weren’t even worried about Yuvonne’s night being ruined anymore, they were just digging up my past.
“ What? Is that true, young lady? You got pregnant without a mate?” Jonah, Baxter’s father, asked, gently reaching for a tissue to clean his hands while searching my face for an apology.
“Kids, you know, you would’ve had another sibling if the baby hadn’t died back then,” Karla added, this time speaking directly to my children.
I set my spoon down hard enough to get their attention.
“They are children. Don’t talk to them about it.” I looked Karla straight in the eye, warning her that she had crossed a line.
“Wow, she’s still the rude one,” Eugenia muttered, rolling her eyes and folding her arms over her chest.
“I’m sorry, what did you just say?” I turned toward her.
I didn’t know when to stop, not after my wolf stirred awake.
“I said you’re rude, and your children are mannerless,” she replied coldly, showing no hesitation or concern for how her words might hurt.
“My children have far better manners than the one you’raised,” I shot back.
She gasped.
A
“Madeline, come on. We were just giving our condolences,” Karla said. “Besides, you shouldn’t even feel sad about the child you lost. It was illegal. You’re lucky you ran away that night p>
My stepmother’s words made my jaw tighten. I glared at her.
“Oh, so that’s why she ran away, ” Jonah said, nodding with disapproval.
“That’s it. There’s no reason for me to stay here anymore.” I took the napkin off my lap, slammed it on the table, and stood up.
“I think I’ll leave. My therapist told me not to sit around toxic people for too long,” I said, hearing gasps the table,
“Who does she think she is?” Eugenia muttered, snapping her head toward her husband.
around
“I’m a human researcher, the one you all begged to come here,” I replied, leaning over the table and pointing at
her.
The room erupted at my response.
There was a time when I couldn’t speak up for myself, and now I couldn’t stop talking even if I tried.
Eugenia glanced from my finger to my face.
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83–The Toxic People Nove Change
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“What’s going on here?” Baxter asked as he entered the room, right when I was pointing at his mother.
“Your human researcher is throwing a tantrum because she thinks too highly of herself to sit with us, ” Eugenia lied, hiding everything she and the others had said and making it seem like I was the problemn.
“What’s going on, Madeline? Why do you look so angry?” Baxter asked, his tone sharp but not accusing.
Thankfully, he didn’t push me further and instead asked me why I was angry.
I straightened my back and swallowed hard, trying to contain my anger.
“ It was a mistake. She shouldn’t have come here,” Yuvonne snapped, the same woman who had begged Baxter to invite me, just so she could remind me of who I was and where I belonged.
Now she was saying things only to please her in–laws.
“She doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut. And tonight, she’s humiliated almost everyone at this table,” Yuvonne continued, her voice cracking.
I stared at her in disbelief. What an actress.
“She’s lying! They were all saying horrible things to Mommy, so Mommy got upset!” Elara yelled, slamming her small hand on the table in my defense. 1
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.