Chapter 785

"Can you wrap this up and box it nicely? It's a gift for someone," Bree told the staff. When she turned, she spotted me and exclaimed, "Maddie." "Bree." I made my way over to her. She fixed her gaze on me, her eyes red and filled with unshed tears. "Maddie…" Bree kept saying my name like she couldn't think of anything else to say. I could tell she was overwhelmed, torn between wanting to say something and being scared to do it. I gave her a once-over. It had only been a few months since we last saw each other, but the silver in her hair had spread, and she seemed more worn down, her eyes having lost their spark. I didn't have to ask to know she was going through a lot. Zack had fallen ill, and Conrad and Chris had a big falling out, each going their separate ways. Their family was basically falling apart. And somehow, it all seemed to trace back to when Chris and I went our separate ways. It was true that peace at home really was the foundation for everything else. After a long