My Repentant Brothers (Madeline Larson)

Winslet felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw Madeline smile. She had feared Madeline might treat her the same way Jasmine had been treated. 'Maybe I was wrong about her, she thought, She's still as gullible as ever. She wouldn't dare do anything to me Trying her best not to upset her, Winslet spoke. "Im sorry, Madeline," she said, her voice careful. "I know I've wronged you in the past, but I had no choice! I thought I was the real heiress, but it turns out I'm not even Dad's real childr Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "If I don't defend my position within the Larson family, I have nothing!"

Madeline watched Winslet intently, not missing a single word, but her expression remained unreadable.

Winslet pressed on, hoping to win her over. I'm not like you. Maddie, You're the real heiress of the Larson family. You've always been smart, you've excelled in school, and you've got the looks. I never had any of that. You've got a powerful backer, and I've got nothing. You have to understand why I did what I did. right, Maddie?

She continued. "I really think of you as my sister. If it hadn't been for all the competition between us, we could've been great friends, Winslet nearly believed her own words as they spilled out

Madeline's eyes narrowed as she responded. "Really? Then how do you explain everything you've done to me? All the harm you caused? You constantly stirred up trouble and played the victim in front of the family, while stealing credit for everything I worked for. Don't you feel:

Winslet mumbled, "I'm sorry. I know I was wrong, I really regret it now. Seeing how much family means to you, I've realized I've decided to give back everything that belongs to the Larson family once I marry and move to the capital. Is that okay!" Lany gul!"

my mistakes, Maddic,

She looked at Madeline, hopeful. "Ill talk to Dad and Mom on your behalf, and I'll come clean to the Larson brothers. I admit that I was the one who framed you. I'll make sure they know everything you've done for them. But despite her best efforts, Winslet couldn't quite control her facial expressions, a side effect of her recent plastic surgery.

Madeline scoffed, a sneer of disdain curling her lips. "Do you honestly think I want to go back to the Larson family! Do you really believe I still care about their love? You're wrong, Winslet. I gave up on them a long time ago."

Winslet blinked in confusion, thinking Madeline was just lashing out in anger. "Maddie, you don't need to deny it. Actually, the reason our brothers treated me so well wasn't because we'd known each other for so long. It was because I took credit for everything you did."

Winslet began confessing all the lies she had told over the years. "For example, you were the one who made hot chocolate for Harley every morning, but I told him it was me. And Jacob? He thinks I saved his life when he was sick, that I took care of him every day at the hospital. But the truth is, I was off traveling. When I came back, I was too scared of catching his illness, so I never even visited him."

Madeline sat quietly, her smile fading as her expression grew colder and more distant. She listened to Winslet's confessions with the detachment of an outsider, her face betraying no anger, just calm observation. "Was it always just about power and money for you?" Madeline asked abruptly

"Yes," Winslet admitted I did everything to survive. If I can marry into the Horton family this time, you'll never have to see me again. Please, Maddie, help me. I promise I'll return our brothers, along with Dad and Mom, back to you. En't that what you want? I'll stay out of their lives for good."

Winslet thought, 'Once I marry into the Horton family, I finally have the life of luxury 1 deserve. But if Madeline decides to expose me now or worse, I'm finished. Either way. I have to get her to trust me for now. The Larson family means nothing to me. If I can latch onto the Horton family, however, I can get rid of them! She added aloud, "If I leave, you, Mom, Dad, and our brothers can be a happy family together.

But to Winsler's dismay. Madeline's face only darkened. The expression Winslet had hoped for-some hint of hesitation or softening- Instead, Madeline's eyes hardened with a look Winslet couldn't decipher.

-never game.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"You've really disappointed me" Madeline said coldly, clicking her tongue as she shook her head. "Nothing you've said is going to change my mind." She paused for effect before pretending to consider something. "What are we going to do about this? I was hoping for a better offer from you" she added, a sly grin crossing her face, 1 might've considered your request if you'd offered to take out someone in the Larson family for me

Winslet's face fell. It was only now that she truly realized how much Madeline had changed. Just then, Madeline pulled a small glowing voice recorder from her pocket, and Winslet's heart sank. "Look what we have here."

Winslet's eyes widened in shock. "Madeline! You conniving snake! You got me to confess all that just so you could cause more trouble! You practically forced me into this What choice did I have?" Her voice rose, but her expression was stiff, her face burning with embarrassment. What are you planning on doing with this

Madeline calmaly handled the voice recorder to her subordinate. "Take this to the Larson family," she ordered, "and call Dr. Miller Uthuk we need to alo something about that face of hers. I can't stand it."

She slice Winslet a cold glance, a look that made Windler's blood run cold. Hound to the chair, Winslet stiffened in fear Youcant do this?" she cred our "Il Aand Mum or the Hurton family find out, you'll be facing the wrath of Esprium's prestigious families!"

17

She continued. "Mrs. Horton has already accepted me as her future daughter-in-law. Think carefully, Maddie. Even your brothers won't stand a chance against the Top Ten Families. She tried to sound confident, but her voice betrayed her desperation. "Aunt Sharon!" Madeline's brow arched at the name. "She's the one who made

you undergo the surgery! In that case, Пll deal with her, too.

Winslet's stomach churned as she watched Madeline's subordinate leave with the recorder. The thought of the Larson family hearing the recording filled her with dread. A moment later, the door opened, and a man in a lab coat entered, and Winslet's fear spiked. "Ms. Larson, is this the one needing surgery!" Benson Miller asked Madeline, his voice cool and professional.