Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 400 Marcus' POV "Mom? Dad?" Madeline's voice came out small and confused, layered with emotions I couldn't fully read. There was happiness at seeing them, but also something that looked a lot like fear. I watched her for a moment, trying to understand her reaction. It was as if even she didn't quite know what she felt about her own family. Her parents moved toward her quickly, her mother practically running, arms wide. open. "My daughter!" the woman cried, wrapping Madeline in a hug so tight it was almost uncomfortable to watch. " We were so worried!

You disappeared without a word, got married without telling us-" Madeline allowed herself to be held, but the discomfort in her body language was unmistakable. Her shoulders were rigid, and she looked over her mother's shoulder straight at me, as if silently asking for help-or at least an explanation for this surreal situation. Her father joined the embrace, though more restrained, his eyes roaming over the property with an expression that mixed awe with something darker. Envy, maybe. Or resentment. "Daughter... what have you done?" he murmured into her hair.

That's when I noticed movement behind the cars. Men in suits were approaching, folders in hand, their professional expressions promising nothing good. At the same time, footsteps rushed up behind us. Christian, Zoey, and Olivia were coming from the mansion, clearly realizing something was very wrong. "Excuse me," said the oldest lawyer, a bald man with glasses who radiated authority. "We are the legal representatives of the Sullivan family. We need to address an urgent matter." Joseph, who had been silently observing until then, stepped forward. "This is private property," he said firmly.

this intrusion?" "This is not an intrusion, Mr. Kensington," the lawyer replied with forced politeness. "We are here to resolve a legal matter involving Miss Madeline Sullivan." "Mrs. Madeline Kensington," I corrected automatically, my voice coming out colder than I intended. "Oh, yes," the lawyer said

explained, opening his folder. "Their daughter disappeared from home without explanation and has now married a complete stranger." "That's not true," Madeline finally managed to pull

the same time, their voices echoing together across the courtyard. "We have medical reports," the lawyer continued calmly, ignoring the denial. "Including documentation that she was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment after fleeing her first wedding." I felt my jaw tighten. It was a

her parents have been appointed temporary legal guardians." "Guardians?" I repeated, stunned. Madeline's mother stepped closer to her daughter. "My dear," she said in a sweet voice that made my stomach turn, "I