Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1331

"Are you talking about 'A Moonlit Night on the Spring River,' the piece you spent the entire morning admiring?" Mason asked, finding Madelyn's reaction overly dramatic.

He added, "It's just a piece of paper. If it's gone, it's gone. You're not planning a career in this—just buy another copy and practice with that."

"You don't understand; Helen has always been so kind to me, and I keep losing the things she gives me…" Madelyn said, her voice thick with guilt.

Mason snapped back, "What is that supposed to mean? Are you still blaming me for losing that badge? Didn't we agree not to bring it up? If you don't want to get back together, just say it. Stop dancing around the issue!"

"I didn't say that!" Madelyn exclaimed, her hurt deepening from his outburst. Overwhelmed, she bowed her head and began to cry.

Despite everything, Mason still cared about Madelyn. Unable to watch her in distress, he quickly wrapped his arms around her and began to apologize. "Okay, I'm sorry. Please don't cry. I just think we shouldn't let the past hold us back. Madelyn, you know I want us to be together, right?"

Madelyn sniffled and steadied herself, fighting back tears. "I know, and I hope you trust me. I don't blame you; I'm just scared of disappointing the people who care about me."

"Let's not dwell on this any longer. Come on, I'll take you out for something delicious."

"Okay."

With that, Madelyn gathered her things and followed Mason out.

In the back of her mind, she couldn't shake the nagging suspicion that Sadie might have taken the calligraphy piece. But without any evidence, she decided to let it go.

…

Since meeting Tyrone, Scott's life as a sugar baby had taken a downturn.

The affluent older women who used to indulge him had shifted their attention to younger, newer trainees. It had been two weeks since any of them had contacted him.

"Hi, Ms. Spencer," Scott said respectfully, offering a slight nod.

Mia quickly introduced them. "Helen, this is my boyfriend, Scott."

Helen smiled subtly, a knowing glint in her eye as she regarded him. "Your boyfriend is very thoughtful to bring you such a heartfelt meal."

Scott scratched the back of his head, laughing sheepishly. "It's been a while, so I thought I'd drop by and see how she's doing."

Mia's cheeks flushed as she bit her lip, choosing to stay quiet.

Meanwhile, Helen wore a teasing smile as she asked, "You're studying acting, right?"

It was clear that love could be beautifully masked beneath a convincing facade.