Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Dylan and Laurene knew that because Madison didn't finish or even get into a secondary level, she didn't have a firm grasp of the Italian language that much. Dylan told Laurene about this and informed her that Madison could only reach elementary school because of their financial problems. Due to their circumstances, Madison had to stop her studies and focus on earning money at a young age. With that, she became the family's breadwinner and supported her sisters in their studies.

But since Laurene believed that Madison was a brilliant woman, they found a way for her to get admitted to the university where Emily was currently attending.

However, Madison had to spend six months learning at home to prepare for the acceleration test she needed to pass to obtain a certificate of completion for the secondary level and continue her degree in college.

For Madison to prepare for the acceleration test, they gave her six months. She now had to pass it because it was the only requirement for her to continue her college studies. When Laurene suddenly spoke, Dylan stopped contemplating this and turned his attention to Laurene.

"Sweetie, did you tell Madison about her classes at home?" Laurene asked while sitting in her swivel chair and busy signing the hundreds of documents that needed her signature.

While still reviewing the papers before him, Dylan replied, "Nope, Mom. I'll inform her later since her class will start later at home. Madison had to attend a three-hour class."

"I see. Madison's class ends at twelve. Am I right, Sweetie?" Laurene then asked.

Dylan nodded and informed her, "Yup, Mom. I'm about to go pick her up."

Laurene glanced at him and reminded, "Okay, then, when you've finished reviewing the documents, quickly leave. It's almost eleven, and you could get stuck in a traffic jam. If that happens, you won't be able to pick Madison up. Even though Laurene didn't say it straightforwardly, he knew she wanted Madison for him.

Since he was about to take over their company, Dylan started to familiarize himself with their business, especially its ins and outs, so that it wouldn't be difficult for him once he took over the company. His father wasn't here in the country as he was busy overseeing the problem in one of their branches in Thailand. Some of their exports to other countries had issues, so his father took control of the situation and left Laurene to manage the head office.

Before informing Laurene that he was leaving, Dylan carefully organized the reports and placed them in their folder.

"Got to go, Mom. You're right. I have to leave now because I might be delayed in the traffic, and I won't be able to pick her up," he said, moving to her side and kissing her on the cheek.

"Take care, Sweetie." Dylan nodded in agreement and walked away as Laurene gently advised him to "drive cautiously."

But before getting out of the door, Dylan peeked at Laurene first and told her, "Mom, don't skip lunch. I'll call Charlotte Thompson to deliver your meals. Eat on time, Mom." Dylan intently looked at her and smiled when he saw Laurene nod.

With a smile on her face, Laurene reacted, "Oh, Sweetie, how thoughtful of you. Don't worry, I will. "

After that, Dylan left and walked to his car. When he got in the driver's seat, he immediately started the engine and made his way to Madison's university.

Laurene was right. It was already five minutes past twelve when Dylan arrived at Madison's school. Due to traffic congestion he encountered on the way here, he almost didn't make it on time. Nonetheless, he was outside the gate, waiting for Madison to come out.

After standing beside his car and looking towards the gate entrance for some time, Dylan finally saw Madison. She was with a woman and two men. His eyebrows instantly raised, not particularly pleased while looking at this group happily talking and laughing amongst each other.

When Madison spotted him, she immediately smiled at him. Dylan waited for Madison to go to him. When she did, she quickly introduced her new acquaintances to him.

"Mr. Carter, these are my new friends," Madison cheerfully said. Except for the man glaring at him directly with haughty eyes, everyone else was smiling when Dylan looked at them.

Dylan looked at the man who had been staring at him earlier but was now openly looking at Madison. He questioned, "So, who are they?" Why did he suddenly have an urge to punch someone in the face right now?

Madison pouted and complained, "Didn't I tell you a while ago? They are my new friends. You aren't listening to me, are you, Mr. Carter? She's Zia Campbell," she pointed to the woman smiling toward him. Then, Madison smiled and turned to the men at her side before continuing, "This is Dexter Moore and Rael Adams." Dylan inwardly mused, 'So his name is Dexter Moore, huh?'

"It was nice meeting you all, but Madison and I must go. She had to attend her tutor class in a few minutes, and it wouldn't be great if she were late. So if you'll excuse us," Dylan said as he extended his hand for a handshake with the three of them.

Zia took his hand first and shook it before replying politely, "Same here, Mr. Carter." Dylan then extended his hand to the two young men. Rael accepted it, but Dexter stared at it without taking it, which irritated Dylan even more.

Dylan was about to retrieve his hand when Madison suddenly spoke and scolded Dexter.

"Mr. Carter is reaching his hands to shake hands with you, Dexter. Why are you just staring at it?" Madison questioned as she raised an eyebrow at Dexter. The latter scratched his neck and couldn't do anything but accept Dylan's hand. Dylan didn't care much about it and immediately let go of it and looked gently at Madison.

Dylan smiled at her and said, "We need to go home, darling." From the corner of his eyes, he could see the surprise in their eyes once they heard his words. However, what made him even more amused was Dexter's reaction. He was so shocked, as if a snake had bitten him. It serves him right. Madison was destined to be his. He would not let Dexter go in between their relationship.

Madison responded to him, "Wait a minute, Mr. Carter. I'll say goodbye to them." Dylan nodded and opened the door for her.

"Tomorrow, please teach and take care of me again, okay? We're leaving, bye-bye," Madison warmly said to her new friends and walked to Dylan's side. However, before she entered the car, Madison waved at them first. Dylan then closed the car door, walked around, sat in the driver's seat, and turned the ignition.

While driving and looking ahead, Dylan asked her, "Darling, how was your first day?"

Madison looked as if she was about to cry and groaned, "It almost made my nose bleed!" Dylan glanced at her and chuckled. This was his first time hearing Madison say something in Italian, so he was pretty amazed. She looked so cute while pouting and expressing her dissatisfaction.

Dylan couldn't help but smile and say, "You're so cute when you speak Italian. You have to work hard and master it." Then, he focused on driving again.

Madison pouted as she explained, "I didn't realize that learning Italian was difficult, but it's also enjoyable. I immediately understood the concepts they had taught me. At first, needed to put cotton on my nose to stop the blood from dripping. Thankfully, I didn't have to." When she finished speaking, Dylan started laughing out loud.

He commented, "I see you've quite enjoyed your first day. We should eat before heading home because you still have to attend your tutor class."

Madison was taken aback. "I thought my class was only in the morning," she asked, frowning. Dylan grinned. He didn't even need to look at her to know that her brows were once again wrinkled.

He then explained, "Yes, but you must pass the acceleration test to receive a certificate of completion at the secondary level and continue your course in college."

"Is that so? How about the work I have at the mansion? If I had to attend morning and afternoon classes, it was like I wasn't doing my job here," Madison said. Dylan briefly glanced at her and saw the sadness and shame written on her face.

Dylan hurriedly assured her, "No worries, darling. You will still be able to work after your three-hour class at home. And this will only take six months to prepare for the exam. You need to pass this so you can continue your studies at the university." Madison only sighed.

"I will try my best to pass the exam, Mr. Carter. But what if I fail?" Madison asked, looking dejected, before sighing again. "Does that mean I can't continue my studies?" Dylan felt terrible for the way she looked. Nonetheless, he decided to eat at the restaurant he saw and immediately parked the car before turning to her and stroking her face.

He gently said, still caressing her face, "I know you can, darling. I believe in you. I know you can do that for your Mom and your sisters." Unexpectedly, Madison took his hand and held it to her face, making him shocked. This girl never failed to amaze him every day. Perhaps that was one of the reasons why he loved her so much.

"I hope so, Mr. Carter," she whispered and looked up and smiled at Dylan. "You made my heart beat so fast again, Mr. Carter. Whenever I see you, it's always going crazy." He stared at Madison as she spoke and held her hand to her chest. He knew he affected her, but knowing that she felt that way about him every day gave him a feeling that he couldn't explain.

"Glad to know that, darling. And I felt the same way with you. Nonetheless, we have to eat now before I take you home. If not, you might feel hungry in your class."

In the end, they only spent a few minutes eating so that Madison would not be late for her tutorial class. In the first restaurant they had entered, Madison didn't like the dishes offered and their prices. As such, the two moved to another simpler and cozy restaurant. After they finished eating, Dylan immediately took her home. When he saw that her class was about to start, he immediately said goodbye and left to go to Laurene's office.

As he drove back, Dylan grinned like an idiot while thinking about what Madison had confessed earlier. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a good relationship between them. He couldn't wait for her to be his girlfriend forever.