Dawn broke, and Zach, despite a sleepless night, emerged from the bathroom full of energy. He picked a black floral shirt from his wardrobe, one that Madelyn had chosen for him.Initially, Zach had resisted wearing such a flashy shirt, but gradually he found himself wearing it nearly every day, alternating with another of Madelyn's selections.Madelyn had been restless since six in the morning, a sense of unease nudging her to check on Dalton. She found his forehead feverish to the touch. Thankfully, after administering medicine from his special medicine kit, his temperature began to subside."Get dressed, you're coming to the office with me," Zach announced.Madelyn felt groggy. She shook her head and said, "I think I'm sick too."Zach stopped midway through buttoning his shirt and turned toward her, his face lined with worry. He touched her feverish forehead and said, "I'll make my morning meeting quick and come right back. Kai will keep an eye on you."Madelyn leaned back, rel
Kai questioned, "Did you call me here to keep her safe?"Zach replied tersely, "Keep Yvonne's survival a secret from Madelyn. I fear Madelyn might impulsively try to go after Ethan."Kai, setting down the tablet, scoffed, "Afraid of Yvonne now? Worried she'll harm Madelyn?"Kai pressed on before Zach could counter. "A wounded woman is dangerous, Zach. This is your mess. Madelyn shouldn't be dragged into it. And remember, Cecilia is a far greater threat than Yvonne. You can't control Cecilia like you did Yvonne. She's the real danger here."In Kai's mind, Cecilia's ambitions were alarmingly formidable, posing a severe risk to a vulnerable Zach.Kai was still haunted by the memory of Alicia's sacrifice for Madelyn. He had made an unbreakable vow to protect Madelyn at all costs, and it was a promise he was determined to fulfill.After Zach departed for work, Kai went to check on Madelyn in her room. Once Margaret had brought her water and medicine, leaving them alone, Madelyn querie
After Zach left, the Young residence's living room lay in disarray, with expensive items damaged.Kevin, trailing behind Zach, had not seen him lose his cool like this in years. Kevin reflected on the old days, realizing that if it had been back then, Yvonne would have faced dire consequences.The damage inflicted by the bodyguards was a mere trifle for the Young family, yet it sent a clear warning.Kevin thought about Yvonne's miraculous survival from the plane crash and wondered why she was the only one."Won't this provoke the Young family into slandering Jardin Corporation?" Kevin asked Zach.Zach, flicking his cigarette away, replied with a dismissive air, "Since when have I feared the Young family? We're heading to the office."Kevin, understanding Zach's cue, responded, "Yes, Mr. Jardin."Meanwhile, at Jardin Corporation, Cecilia, frustrated, ended a call. Then, Blake approached with coffee and said, "Ms. Samford, your coffee. Is there anything else?"Blake, despite her
Just as Blake was about to send another message, she realized it could not go through. Frustrated, she thought, 'Kevin, you jerk! What makes you think you're so special? Fine, don't reply, then. Who cares?'Blake refused to be disrespected. She blocked Kevin and permanently deleted his contact, thinking, 'Don't you dare ask to be added back.'She then informed Cecilia, "Ms. Stamford, I couldn't reach Mr. Harrison. He's blocked me!"Cecilia snapped, "What use are you then?"Blake kept her distance and quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Ms. Stamford. It won't happen again."At that moment, Cecilia's gaze met Madelyn's from the third-floor window. Her thoughts darkened with jealousy. 'Madelyn, you think you're better than me?'Despite her anger, Cecilia maintained her composure and called Madelyn.Madelyn answered, waiting silently. Cecilia could not hold back, "Don't get too comfortable, Madelyn. Without Zach, you're nothing."Madelyn, recalling how she once felt helpless, knew she
Blake's worries about her job had vanished. She realized that working elsewhere could be equally satisfying, and the relentless stress at Jardin Corporation was simply not worth it.In the past, Blake spent her workdays casually scrolling through her phone, but Cecilia's return had changed everything, infusing her work life with unending tension.Blake felt misled by Kevin's empty promises of an important role alongside Cecilia. For days, Kevin had left Blake in suspense, never responding to her messages. And now, having exploited her, he had even blocked her number.At her desk, Blake maintained a cheerful facade, her eyes on her phone screen. Her colleagues, not fully understanding her situation, voiced their envy tinged with sarcasm."Blake, you have it easy here. Aside from tolerating Ms. Stamford, you hardly have to lift a finger.""Yeah, Blake, are you actually considering quitting? Jardin Corporation is a goldmine. You won't find another company like this.""Of course she'
As Blake muttered under her breath, the man nearby turned his gaze toward her. Caught off-guard, Blake felt a rare flush of shyness color her cheeks, a contrast to her usual confident demeanor.The tall handsome striking man approached Blake and caught her attention. Among all the blind dates she had met so far, he was by far the most attractive."Are you... Blake?" the man inquired gently.Blake masked her surprise with a composed smile and replied, "Yes, that's me. And you're the person my mother mentioned?"The man nodded affirmatively. "Let's head inside. It's chilly out here."Blake agreed and followed him inside, taking a seat by the window. For a moment, they sat in silence and Blake noticed the man's discomfort as he touched his neck. She initiated the conversation, "I'm Blake. Nice to meet you.""Liam Xander," he introduced himself.Blake pondered, 'He seems socially anxious. But how reliable is he?'After they ordered their meals, Blake continued, "Have you been waiti
When Blake was in middle school, Liam's novel, At the Horizon's End, had been all the rage. Information about him was scarce, mostly a few interviews on his website. It had been his debut sensation.The book had exploded in popularity, amassing over a million subscribers in weekly magazines when it reached a hundred thousand words, soon followed by a comic adaptation.Liam's novel had been a part of Blake's adolescence, a phenomenon that swept her school. Now, sitting across from her was the author she had idolized as a teenager, and he was her blind date!Blake felt like she was dreaming. She discreetly pinched herself under the table, confirming this was reality.Blake burst with excitement and slid into the seat next to Liam. She whispered, "Liam, can I have your autograph? I promise to keep your secret."Liam, a bit taken aback by Blake's closeness but not uncomfortable, replied, "Sure, I'll sign something for you next time.""No need to wait, how about now?" Blake suggested.
Blake kept the conversation lively throughout the meals with Liam. She thought Liam would be annoyed by her chattiness, but he answered her every query patiently, unlike Kevin, who would often interrupt her mid-sentence."Finished with your meal, Liam?""Yes, I'm done.""It's still early. How about a movie? I heard there's a great sci-fi movie playing. Are you interested?""Sounds good to me."When it was time to pay, Liam promptly took care of the bill."You know, you could try digital payment next time. It's super convenient," Blake suggested."I haven't really gotten the hang of it yet," Liam admitted.Blake smiled slightly, "Okay, you've got this one, but it's my treat next time. Don't turn down my invite, okay?""I won't. If you call, I'll be there," said Liam.Blake felt awkward and looked down at the slushy ground. She asked, "Won't going to a movie delay your writing? You mentioned you're updating your novel tonight.""I'm taking a day off for this date," Liam said a