Before Madelyn was attacked, Zach had a feeling that something like this might happen to her. She had always been proud and stubborn, used to getting everything she wanted.Hayson, who had been facing a saint statue in the study, turned to Zach and asked, "So, what exactly happened to Madelyn? Do we know the whole story yet?"As soon as Hayson heard about Madelyn's attack, he rushed straight to the airport and boarded a plane. When the plane landed, he hurried back without even stopping to change his clothes.Hayson was a middle-aged man with a slightly overweight and clumsy appearance, but in his youth, he had been involved in some unlawful activities. Despite his gentle demeanor, he could be quite intimidating, and nobody dared to underestimate his capacity to cause harm. Perhaps burdened by guilt for the lives he had affected, he had installed a saint statue in his study and made generous donations to the church every year."We've looked into it," Zach replied. "The Arnold famil

"Sir, the car's ready. Are you sure about going to the Arnold residence?" asked George, Ethan's butler."Why, am I not allowed to?" Ethan sat in his wheelchair, exuding an air of dignified elegance. He wore a shirt and jacket, with a hint of a blue tattoo peeking out from under his sleeve. He seemed enigmatic and aloof, a touch of melancholy playing around him."But Madam..."Ethan glared at George. "It's not her place to dictate my actions." "My apologies. I misspoke. I'll take you downstairs now."Ethan hadn't seen the sun outside for what felt like ages. As he finally stepped out of the house building, he realized that everything matched Madelyn's descriptions—the scenery was truly beautiful.Not far from where he stood, there was a jujube tree by a wall. As he gazed at it, he tried to picture Madelyn sitting there, swinging her legs leisurely with a beautiful smile on her face. However, he knew she was actually in the hospital, not at that tree.An hour later, Ethan arrived

"No need. There's no place for me in this house anymore. Coming back would just irritate certain people," Ethan said, sounding cold.Evelyn's expression changed. "Who told you that? You're the only grandchild I acknowledge. You're meant to inherit the Arnold family fortune when you're older. If you don't come back home, then who will?"Unaware of the truth, Ethan had no idea that ever since Owen married Sylvia Shenley, Evelyn had forbidden his new wife from entering the Arnold residence. She didn't even consider Forrest as her grandson."Ethan, mind your words. Is that how your mom taught you to talk all these years?"Ethan looked up, his grip on the fork tightening, showing the stress in his pale knuckles and tense veins. "My mom's way of raising me isn't your business. I didn't mean to upset you by showing up here." Ethan then said to Evelyn, "I apologize, Grandma." Seeing Ethan upset, Evelyn placed her hand on his. "What's wrong? Has someone been bothering you? Tell me, I'll

Madelyn had spent a good month in the hospital, but she didn't waste her time. Despite her injuries, she diligently completed several practice tests. Zach, despite his busy schedule, visited her regularly. He checked her answers, patiently explained her mistakes, and even installed some fun games on her phone. But Madelyn was more focused on studying because passing the upcoming exam was crucial for her plan to leave the Jent family and escape the conflict between Zach and Hayson.On the day of discharge, Madelyn went through the procedures with Zach's help. Her chest still hurt, but it was getting better, and her wounds were healing. New skin was forming under the scabs, so the itchiness continued.Madelyn knew that Zach's care for her was just a facade to please Hayson. To the outside world, he seemed like Hayson's loyal dog. But Madelyn saw through the act and knew the truth—he was more like a cunning man lurking in the shadows, capable of striking at any moment. Everything he d

"Madelyn," Zach's voice called out, rousing her from sleep. She opened her eyes and met his cold gaze.Still feeling groggy, Madelyn sat up slightly, asking, "What's happening?""We're home," said Zach. "Let's get out of the car.""Ah... okay."Once Zach stepped out of the vehicle, Madelyn unbuckled her seatbelt and quickly tidied up the car, removing the sticker from the dashboard and gathering her belongings, including a bottle of perfume.When Zach saw her stepping out of the car with those items in her hands, he didn't say a word. They both understood the need for silence at that moment; some words could only make things worse.Inside the house, Madelyn was greeted by Rosario, who said, "We have a guest today. Wash your hands and join us for dinner.""A guest? Who is it?" Madelyn asked, confused."Your homeroom teacher."'Jasmine?' Madelyn's heart skipped a beat. 'Why would Jasmine come here? Is she trying to get close to Hayson? Has she moved up her plan with Zach?'Her

Once she had collected herself, Madelyn returned to the table and took her seat.Hayson, in a rare display of interest, asked, "Miss Manning mentioned that your grades have improved considerably recently, which is commendable progress from last time. What would you like as a reward?"Usually, Hayson was stern toward her, seldom engaging in conversation even at the dining table. But with Jasmine's presence, it was evident that his mood was unusually pleasant.Seizing the opportunity, Madelyn made her request. "After the college entrance exams, I'd like to travel to Marisburg with some friends. May I, Dad?""Hmm, be sure to take a chauffeur with you. It's not safe to go out alone." Hayson agreed.Not overly exuberant, Madelyn managed a small smile, replying, "Thank you, Dad."At this, Jasmine chimed in. "Are you going to Marisburg to see the ocean, Madelyn? I've heard the scenery there is excellent. After the college entrance exams, it would indeed be a good idea to unwind."Madel

Following one another, they stepped into the study, Zach closing the door behind them. The tension in the room was thick enough to touch, enveloping them.Hayson lit a couple of candles in the room, creating an almost sacred ambiance. "Made some new friends recently?"The sudden question caught Madelyn off guard, her breath hitching as her heart pounded in her chest. "Y-Yes... Father, have I done something wrong?"Hayson took a seat at his desk, his gaze fixed on her as Zach stood by his side. "Madelyn, do I frighten you?"Madelyn lowered her gaze, weighing her words before she meekly replied, "No... it's just that you're often too strict. I'm afraid of making mistakes and being punished."This was unexpected. Hayson studied her carefully. His daughter was changing. The brashness of her youth was fading. "When did you become acquainted with the Arnolds?"'The Arnolds? I only know one person by that name. Something must've happened. Given Father's tenacious nature, if something ha

Jadie waited for a moment before she spotted Zach emerging from the study. Swiftly, she moved toward him. "Zach, what's wrong? You look upset. Did he... give you a hard time?"Zach, with a blazer draped over his arm, was visibly troubled. But upon catching sight of her, his expression softened slightly. "It's nothing. Let's head back."Seated in the car, Zach's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he replayed the conversation from the study, his gaze sharp and determined."This is an invitation to a charity gala happening next week. I'll send someone to assist you. You know what to do."Zach accepted the invitation. "Is Father trying to ally with the Young family?""No, it's a bid for a strategic marriage between our families. You're not getting any younger, Zach. It's about time you settle down. Currently, the Young family seems like your best bet.""I understand. I won't disappoint Father." For some reason, Zach pulled over.Confused, Jadie turned to him. "Zach, what's goin

Madelyn shot back a message almost instantly.Madelyn: [You can come to me anytime you want more. I'll make it for you.]Ethan: [Deal.]Zach watched the exchange with a heavy gaze. For reasons he could not quite understand, seeing Madelyn respond to another man's text elicited an odd discomfort, a feeling that something uniquely his was being claimed by another. He had accessed this information by secretly installing surveillance software on Madelyn's phone during a hospital visit.For the next half hour, Madelyn chatted with Ethan about the usual humdrum of childhood daily life and interests. It was bland, mundane, and yet Zach consumed it all. He noticed how Madelyn had indeed changed. Once they finished, Zach felt strangely spent. He glanced at the clock—half-past eight. He had wasted more than an hour on Madelyn.Back at the Jent residence, Hayson was out schmoozing. He would not return tonight, or likely any other night. His bed was elsewhere, amidst a rotation of mistresses.

Moonlight pierced through the window, its cold brilliance illuminating the room. Madelyn, clad in her nightgown, descended the stairs into the living room. Rarely prone to wake during the night, she had awakened thirsty only to find her water pitcher empty. As she made her way downstairs, sleep still fogging her vision, she turned and gasped at the unexpected sight of a dark silhouette on the couch."Ahh!"Her drowsiness evaporated instantaneously, as the figure rose from the couch, switching on the wall light. The sudden brightness made her squint, and it took a moment for her to make out the man before her."Brother, what are you doing here? You didn't go home?"The room was steeped in a faint aroma of alcohol, a scent unmistakably emanating from Zach.'He just got back from an outing? And why isn't he with Jadie? What's he doing in the Jent residence?'Despite eight years of marriage, Zach's intentions were as elusive to her as ever.As Madelyn spoke, Zach moved closer, their