Zach retrieved the ring from his suit pocket and tried to place it on Madelyn's finger once more. Madelyn reacted as if she had seen something terrifying, desperately trying to pull her hand away. However, Zach's firm grip prevented her from succeeding.

"This is the third and final time," Zach warned sternly. "Do not remove it again, or you'll be in trouble."

"What else can you do besides threatening me?" Madelyn retorted.

Zach did not release Madelyn's hand after putting the ring on her finger. He said, "I just want you to be good. I'll be busy for a while, but I expect you to accompany me to the company's annual meeting as the future Mrs. Jardin."

Madelyn felt sweaty and anxious at Zach's words. She said, "You're crazy! Let Cecilia accompany you, not me!"

Madelyn had rarely appeared in the media. Even when her family was still influential, her father, Hayson, had protected her well by keeping her away from media scrutiny. She had her fair share of teenage rebellions. However, de