Jasmine continued, "Don't you suspect that Madelyn has known all along? Zach, you're always cautious. You don't want Madelyn to find out about us. Or is it that you can't bring yourself to confront her? Do you want me to help you?"

She propped her chin, offering a seductive gaze and a smile. "Darling, you know I never go easy on my rivals. If she ties knot with Ethan Arnold... Dealing with the Jent family alone is already challenging for you. With the addition of the Arnold family, do you think you can handle it?"

Zach put down his silverware, grabbed a piece of tissue, and wiped his mouth. "My affairs don't require your meddling... Put on your shoes."

Jasmine laughed as she moved her foot away from his calf.

Zach stood up, turned around, and left. Soon, his Audi drove out of the garage at the Jent residence.

That night, Madelyn retired to bed before ten o'clock.

Ethan had not responded to her text, but she didn't dwell on it. She interpreted it as an indication that the teenager