Chapter 8
Ryan’s savings got torched maintaining the business and feeding Madison’s shopping addiction
After selling his penthouse, he e rented a crappy two–bedroom in the suburbs.[]
Grandparents got one room. He and Madison crammed into the other.[]
Madison acted like her sugar daddy hadn’t just gone broke.]
She’d sleep till noon, scroll through shopping apps, then screenshot designer bags and outfits to send him
“Babe- This month’s new collection is so cute! You promised for my birthday!”
Ryan stared at the four–figure price tags, then at his empty business account and stack of overdue bills. His blood pressure spiked.]
“Madi, cash flow’s tight right now. Can we hold off?”
Tight again? Ryan, are you even a man? You can’t keep one simple promise!“]
Madison’s voice was pure venom and disgust.
“Look at yourself! Don’t make promises you can’t keep! You said you’d buy me whatever I wanted!“]]
You-
Ryan slammed the phone down.
Madison never lifted a finger around the house. Wouldn’t even pick up a dropped napkin.[]
Ryan’s grandparents watched it all, growing more hitter by the day.
The elderly couple were used to living simply and couldn’t stand Madison’s laziness and waste.
Grandma cooked meals soft for their old teeth, kept seasoning light like they always had
Madison would take one bite and serunch up her face:
“Ugh, Grandma, this is like baby food! Where’s the texture?
“And it’s so bland! How am I supposed to eat this?”
She’d throw down her chopsticks and order takeout or just not eat at all.]
That night at dinner, Madison did her usual routine–complained about the food and barely touched it
Ryan felt his frustration boiling over. He wolfed down a few bites and escaped to their bedroom.[]
In the living room, Grandpa couldn’t help but sigh quietly to Grandma ||
“Man… these days… weren’t like this when Violet was around…. 1
Grandma wiped her eyes, voice hushed:
“That girl never cooked herself, but she was so thoughtful. Knew we couldn’t move around like we used to, so she hired a cook and housekeeper. Never had to lift a finger, and she made sure they cooked exactly how we liked it…”
“Not like now… at our age, we’re still waiting on someone hand and foot, and she complains about everything…”
Madison happened to walk out for water right as they were talking. Instantly went nuclear.[]
“You old fossils! What are you bitching about now!“[]
She completely lost it.
“Comparing me to Violet? She’s so perfect? Go crawl back to her then! Why are you even here? Think I’m not good enough? Well I’m sick of looking at you two!“]]
“Ryan! RYAN! You hear this? Your grandparents are talking shit about mer
She pounded on his bedroom door: “I can’t stand this dump for one more day! Your whole family’s ganging up on me!“]
Ryan’s head was splitting. He yanked the door open, face dark as thunder: “ENOUGH! Can everyone just shut up for five minutes!”
He couldn’t take Madison’s constant bitching in that cramped apartment anymore.
Started making excuses about client meetings just to hide out at the office all day.
