Madelyn avoided Zach's dark gaze and left swiftly.

Zach, clearly annoyed, came inside, tossing the car keys on the entryway table. He sank into the couch and lit a cigarette before calling the car service for repairs.

Margaret, seeing Madelyn's hasty exit, hurried upstairs to avoid a potentially irate Zach.

On her phone, Madelyn opened an email with client requests. In her studio, she began preparations, sure she could finish within the week. Dalton was in his crib, quietly using his pacifier and observing Madelyn, whom she would occasionally soothe.

"Ms. Jent, you should be careful with that hand. It's not healed, and you might overdo it."

"I know, but everything in this place is his. I need to pull my weight." Just then, her nose started to bleed, dropping onto her shirt.

"Madelyn, are you okay?" Margaret asked, handing her some tissues.

Madelyn ran into the bathroom and locked the door behind her. When Zach walked in, his gaze immediately fell on the drop of blood on the ti