Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1685

However, Maddie had underestimated the unspoken bond between Helen and Chandler.

"I'm sorry, but I can't agree to that," Helen said firmly. "I may not understand Chandler's reasons, but even if I promise not to see him for the next two months, it won't change his mind. So what's the use of making such a pointless agreement?"

Maddie's smile froze, her expression tightening with frustration. "So, in the end, you're just unwilling to help us, aren't you?"

"You still don't get it, do you? This isn't about me refusing to help. I'm a mother too. If I could truly help your kids, I wouldn't say no. But the truth is, I can't. Even without me, Chandler would find someone else. Once a man's heart changes, there's no going back."

Though Helen's words about Chandler might sound harsh, she couldn't fully reveal her feelings. She needed to navigate this conversation carefully, hoping to guide Maddie toward the truth.

"If you're not going to agree, then fine," Maddie snapped. "There's no need for the pretense of giving me advice. I've done my research. To secure your inheritance, you didn't hesitate to boot your own father out of the house. You're hardly in a position to judge."

Her face hardened with contempt. "I knew you wouldn't lift a finger to help me. I only came to figure out what it is you have that's got Chandler so captivated.

"But now I see it's just you playing the helpless little damsel, making him feel like he has to protect you. Manipulative women like you are the ones I can't stand the most!"

Helen was momentarily taken aback, not expecting the usually gentle Maddie to unleash such harsh words. Even if this "deal" didn't work out, there was no need to make it personal.

Helen had initially felt some sympathy for Maddie, but after this verbal assault, she felt justified in walking away.

With a faint smile, she took a few bills from her bag and tossed them onto the table. "Ms. Maddie, it seems we're not on the same wavelength. The coffee's on me. Goodbye."

With that, she slipped her wallet back into her bag, pushed her chair back, and turned to leave.

Just as she stepped outside, a loud thud rang out behind her—the sound of something heavy hitting the floor.

"Ms. Maddie, I saw you slapping yourself just now—can you explain what's going on?"

The paparazzi buzzed around them, thrusting their microphones into Maddie's face, desperate for any hint of drama.

If Chandler was the most talked-about man in Glendale, then Maddie and Helen, recently entwined in his life, were undeniably the most scrutinized women in town.

A major scoop on either of them could almost guarantee a promotion and a substantial pay raise.

For Helen, however, this was just a minor spectacle. Unfazed, she crossed her arms, looking amused as she waited to see how it would all play out.

Seizing the moment, Maddie gathered herself and slapped her own face again. This time, the impact was harder, the sharp crack ringing out throughout the vicinity.