His Destructive, Toxic Love

Dillon: ...???

Maddie's face was lit up with a joyful smile. "Hey there, Dillon! I'm Maddie, the Maddie you've heard all about."

"Uh, hello," Dillon replied, feeling a bit awkward.

"Come on, everyone, grab a seat," Casper invited everyone to settle down.

Maddie naturally plopped down next to Casper, while Eliza found herself beside Dillon.

"Casper, you sent me off to study abroad all these years, and now that I've graduated, I'm thinking about working at Welton International. What do you think?" Maddie asked, looking up at him with a playful shake of his arm, like a kid trying to get their way.

Casper seemed used to her antics, not minding the closeness.

"If you want to work at Welton International, that's doable, but you'll need to talk to Dillon about it."

Maddie turned her charming smile to Dillon. "Dillon, I'll be counting on you from now on."

Dillon gave an awkward smile.

Maddie had this quirky, outgoing vibe, making friends with everyone in a heartbeat. Even Eliza, whom she called 'big sis' as if they'd been lifelong pals. It was a bit strange.

"Casper, I want that dish, could you cut it for me?" she asked as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"You're grown up now. You should start doing things yourself, you know?" Casper gently nudged her towards independence, though he was clearly used to her requests.

"But with my big brother gone, I've got to lean on you, right? Just a little favor. I know you adore me, Casper," Maddie said sweetly.

After Casper obliged, she pointed to another dish. "Casper, can I have some of those green beans?"

"Sure."

"Casper, pasta, I want some pasta Can you grab it for me?" Maddie

acted like a spoiled child, and

elne

Casper didn't seem to mind in the

least.

Eliza couldn't quite wrap her head around Casper's newfound patience.

"Casper, could you pass me a napkin?" She leaned in close to him. "Would you mind wiping my mouth?"

Casper felt it was a bit too much and said, "Get it yourself, wipe it yourself."noveldrama

"My hands are all greasy, come on, just this once, please?"

Casper gave in, taking a napkin and gently wiping her lips clean.

Maddie looked quite pleased with herself, oblivious to the puzzled looks from Eliza and Dillon. She kept chatting away with Casper about Rory, leaving no room for others to join the conversation.

Eliza lost her appetite and set her utensils down.

Casper finally noticed her, as if remembering he had another woman in his life. "Want me to cut your steak for you?"

"No, I've got it," Eliza replied, clearly upset.

Casper's smile wavered. He exchanged a look with Dillon, and they switched seats.

He gently wrapped his arm around Eliza, speaking softly, "What's wrong? Feeling upset? What do you want to eat? I'll get it for you."

"No need, you focus on her."

After all, Maddie was just a young girl. And Rory's sister. What could she say?

"Big sis, are you upset? It's just a small favor from Casper; there's no need for misunderstandings, right? I see him as family. If it bothers you, I won't ask him anymore."

Maddie pouted and continued eating, seemingly swallowing her grievances.

Eliza wondered: What was she trying to say? That she was being bullied?