At that time, Norris Cole had left for his university lectures, leaving Madge home alone.

Ever since returning from their trip to Lumina City, Madge had sketched out the outline for a new book. She was planning to write a horror novel set in a school, filled with ghost stories and eerie legends.

During this period, their daughter called to invite them to the grand opening of her new research lab. Regrettably, both had to decline.noveldrama

Norris was tied up with lectures; Madge was deep into her writing, a process she couldn't afford to break from.

With the narrative nearly complete and the final chapter just around the corner, Madge had been more reclusive than ever to finish her work.

When Nadine knocked on the door, Madge, lost in thought about her plot, didn't think much of it. "Why so early today, no—"

Nadine offered a slight smile: "Long time no see, Madge."

Madge frowned: "It's you?"

"Yeah, aren't you going to invite me in?" Nadine peered inside with curiosity.

The place looked lavish-Madge must have struck gold.

Without waiting for a refusal, Nadine strutted in, her heels clicking against the floor.

Although Madge wasn't thrilled to see her, Nadine hadn't come to cause trouble or create a scene. She was all smiles, and Madge, out of politeness, couldn't kick her out.

Moreover, she was curious about Nadine's intentions for the visit.

"Have a seat." Madge poured a glass of water for her guest and placed it on the coffee table.

Once seated, Nadine started to openly inspect the villa: "Madge, you changed houses and didn't tell me? I went to your old place and had quite the time finding you. Tried calling you, but your phone was always off. It took me forever to find this place."

Madge didn't bite, getting straight to the point: "What do you want, Nadine?"

"Well, our contract is about to expire, right? We've had a good run these past years, and renewing it is just a formality. Still, it's best to go through the motions. Look..."

Nadine pulled out a contract and a pen from her bag: "I brought everything we need to renew today. It'll be quick, just a signature."

Madge couldn't help but laugh a laugh filled with disbelief.

"Nadine, your words are more absurd one after the other. First off, our contract hasn't almost expired; it's already expired."

"Second, whether our partnership was good or not, we both know the truth, so let's skip the pleasantries."

"Knowing all this and still asking me to sign a renewal... Do you take me for a fool?"

In Nadine's memory, Madge had

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always been the non-confrontational type, gentle as a daisy. Even in arguments, she remained composed, never as assertive as she was now.

"Madge, what do you mean by that?" Nadine looked genuinely shocked, her eyes also betraying a hint of hurt Are you saying our years together meant nothing...?

"Actually, Nadine, I'm not as naive as you think. You're here today probably because you've seen 'Seven Days', right? But honestly, you're too late." 'Seven Days' had been out for nearly four months. In that time, aside from two attempts to call her-blocked by Madge's phone-Nadine hadn't made

a move.

Madge figured Nadine was waiting for her to make the first move, to come begging for a renewal.

So, Nadine played it cool, leaving Madge out in the cold.

Had 'Seven Days' not become a sensation, Madge was certain Nadine would've continued to ignore her.

Catching the shift in Nadine's demeanor, she quickly put on a smile: "Madge, you've got me all wrong. There's been a misunderstanding..."