---- Chapter 21 Madeline signed the delivery bill and gestured for the courier to leave with the things. Then, she said calmly and without inflection, "I contacted a recycling center to have some old things that aren't being used taken to them." Timothy frowned. He sensed something had changed about her, yet he couldn't be bothered to find out what it was. He went back to normal after asecond. "I've been staying at the apartment in the city center these past few days. It's quieter there and easier for me to go to work." Madeline nodded without questioning him. Her compliance made him think that she was no longer mad, which pleased him. He headed to the bathroom while loosening his tie. "I'm going to shower. Pack me some clothes. I'm taking them with me." He came out of the shower at 5:39 pm and changed into something comfortable. His fringe was still dripping, but all he did was push it back, revealing his widow's peak and chiseled features. ---- Madeline had already cleaned the living room, leaving two black trash bags in the foyer. When she saw him, she got up and turned to leave. "I've packed your things. You should go." Timothy's gaze landed on something on the living room table that hadn't been there before. He asked casually, "What's that on the table?" "A flight ticket," she answered so naturally that he was caught off guard. He stopped and turned to meet her indifferent gaze. His voice was low and unreadable as he asked, "What does that mean? Where are you going?" Madeline didn't answer. She was about to open the door when he stretched out an arm to stop her. " Answer me! What do you mean by that?" She checked her watch. She didn't want to argue with him, so she said, "I don't mean anything. I'm going on a business trip." Timothy wanted to probe her more, but he swallowed his questions and pulled a small bag ---- from his pocket. "I remember that you've always loved the necklaces from this brand, so I bought you one." Madeline looked up to see the charitable look in his eyes. Instead of accepting the bag, she walked back to the couch and sat down. "I lost interest in that brand ages ago. Give that to someone who does like it." For all she knew, the necklace could have come with something he'd prepared for someone else. Timothy stalked toward her, displeased by how indifferent and flippant she was. Her stomach turned from his proximity, and she moved away. He thought she was still throwing a tantrum. He stared at her for a while before retracting his arm with a sneer. "I can't believe you're still throwing fits at this age. Why do you keep picking on Lacey and getting mad at her when she's so kind? "You claim you hate all this competition between women, yet you get jealous over the smallest things like the most immature child. You're