The servant picked up the untouched food and hurriedly left. At the doorway, she spotted Madelyn approaching.

"Miss Jent."

Madelyn glanced at her and asked, "He still hasn't eaten?"

The servant nodded with concern, saying, "You should go check on him."

Madelyn glanced at the closed study door. "Please prepare some food again," she instructed.

"Alright."

With a medicine box in hand, Madelyn stood in the hallway. She raised her hand to knock on the door but hesitated. The soft, warm glow from the overhead lamp cast a gentle light on her youthful face, her expression inscrutable. Without further ado, she pushed open the door and walked in. An overwhelming smell of tobacco hit her, and she noticed shattered teacups on the floor.

Madelyn wasn't sure where to step amidst the broken porcelain. Carefully making her way forward, she took a seat beside him and smiled. Ethan felt the space beside him sink before he could react. He didn't even get a chance to look when she pinched off his