"Am I still your father? For something as big as your engagement, you didn't even bother to call me?" Hayson asked.

Madelyn mumbled her response.

Hayson rarely talked to her, and lately, he had only called a few times. Usually, Zach handled things when there were issues. 'He must be calling just to look like a good father in front of Ethan.'

She said quickly, "I'm sorry, Father. I was gonna tell everyone in a few days. How are you and Jasmine?"

"We're good. But you should have hid your engagement from me. We'll talk more when I'm back."

"I..." Madelyn's heart raced, and she looked at Ethan for help.

Ethan reached for her phone and smiled, "I've got this. You go freshen up."

Madelyn nodded without saying anything and handed her phone to Ethan. Then, she rushed into the bathroom and splashed her face with cold water to wake herself up completely.

She splashed her face with cold water to wake herself up completely. At first, she thought Ethan was just making a casual remark about