Zach and Madelyn exited the Deli after finishing their meal.On the way to the Arnold residence, Zach asked, "Do you think everything can be back to normal?"He drove with one hand while holding hers with the other in the backseat. He added, "Head back and rest. I've already canceled the camp for you. If you want to go out and have some fun, I'm happy to join you.""Are you making decisions for me again?" Madelyn pulled her hand away forcefully. "How many times do I have to repeat myself! Zach, I don't like you anymore! Can't you get that through your head!"She had done so much for Zach in her previous life, but he never took her seriously. After her rebirth, she decided to let go and create some distance. Yet, he persisted in getting closer, not willing to give her space. 'In my past life, he saw me as a tool to bring down my family, what's his plan for me this time around? Am I just a toy to him?'Zach didn't respond, but Madelyn sensed his frustration.When he paused at a red
Madelyn opened the car door and hopped out without hesitation.The security guard patrolling by the entrance gate saw her. "Miss Jent," he called.Madelyn didn't look up and quietly answered, quickly moving away. She still had to walk for about ten or twenty more minutes to get to the building where Ethan was staying.The security guard pressed the Bluetooth earpiece in his ear. While watching Madelyn's figure fading in the distance, he spoke to Ethan, "Miss Jent is back. A black Audi A6 dropped her off!"Ethan asked, "Did you see who was driving?""No, the driver didn't get out.""I see." Ethan hung up the phone.After a ten-minute walk, Madelyn finally got to the destination.A servant spotted Madelyn when she quietly got to the doorstep. The servant hurried over, and her voice was filled with concern as she said, "Miss Jent, you're finally here. Mr. Arnold called quite a few times not long ago. He was worried about you and wanted to talk to you! You should give him a call!
In the Arnold Corporation's office, Ethan had many photos on his desk. They captured moments of Madelyn and Zach holding hands as they exited The Deli, and also the scene in the mall where he helped her put on the necklace. Additionally, Ethan knew that they had spent an hour in the car. Although its windows being tinted enough to prevent prying eyes from seeing inside, it wasn't hard to tell what they were doing during that hour.Ethan asked, "Lately, Azure Corporation has secured a few projects, right?"Leyton responded, "Not many, but these projects are quite important collaborations for Azure Corporation. Zach Jardin has been handling only the major ones, while his assistant, Kevin Harrison, is overseeing the rest.""Hayson isn't around, and he's probably enjoying the free time. You should approach a few more companies to partner with Azure Corporation.""If I do that, won't that be paving the way for the Jent family?""It's just some inconspicuous collaborations. We can use
Ethan sipped his creamy oatmeal, pushing up the sleeves of his shirt and revealing a hint of a blue tattoo on his forearm. The intricate veins patterned across his skin, moving and curving as he ate, adding a touch of mystery and charm. "George, you're here. Got something to say?""Yeah, it's about Mrs. Arnold Sr...." George glanced at Madelyn briefly, seeming a bit uncertain about continuing.Ethan prompted, "It's alright."George had been pretty busy lately, handling things at the main mansion of the Arnold estate since the head butler there was on sick leave."Mrs. Arnold Sr. caught a cold recently and wants to see you, and also... Miss Jent!"Madelyn focused on her creamy oatmeal, keeping her head down. When she heard those words, her face froze in surprise. She thought to herself, 'Why does Ethan's grandmother want to see me? Is it just because she's sick, or is there something else?'Ethan tapped his finger on the table, looking thoughtful. Then he turned to her gently, "Wo
Madelyn had avoidant personality. Whenever she felt upset, she used to dodge her worries. When sadness or pain hit her, she would opt to be alone, seeking solace within herself. Occasionally, she even tried to forget, using that as a way to find some relief.She did want to confront her problems, but fear held her back. Social interactions and specific situations triggered her unease, so solitude became her refuge. Even when Ethan made efforts to draw her out of her cocoon, she found it difficult to step into the open.At the Arnold residence, apart from meal times, Madelyn mostly retreated to her room, engaging in activities she enjoyed – drawing, studying, and listening to music. She kept to herself and rarely interacted with others.In the Supreme World, Madelyn's golf instructor, Tiger, brought her a piece of cake. "Take a break and have something to eat."After setting her golf club aside, Madelyn sipped some water before accepting it from Tiger's hand. "Thanks.""I could tel
Madelyn nodded firmly. "I'm certain."Tiger crossed his arms and smiled, thinking that she finally smiled today."It looks like my friend didn't deceive me after all. But how do you know it's authentic?"Madelyn shook her head. "I don't have an explanation, but there's a familiarity in this painting that I can't ignore. I'm convinced it's real.""I understand." Tiger chuckled softly. "If you say it's real, then I believe you.""You're quite the savior for your friend. Not many would part with something so valuable.""It's not something that's mine to possess. If I accept it, I'll owe someone a significant favor. And favors have a way of needing repayment sooner or later.""True enough.""Did you save his life?"Tiger smiled, glancing down and shaking his head. "I won't talk further about that. Let's grab a meal. I've been away for a while, and I heard they've introduced some new dishes. Interested in trying them out together?"She replied, "Definitely."Madelyn didn't feel m
Madelyn understood that going head-to-head with Zach wouldn't yield any positive outcomes, especially given the possibility of someone witnessing them.Suppressing the strange fluttering in her chest, she inquired, "Since you're here for business, I wouldn't want to disturb you.""Couldn't you at least drop me a text?" His brows furrowed.Madelyn was momentarily taken aback. After a moment's pause, she retorted, "Apart from bothering me like this, do you have any other hobbies? You're well aware I don't appreciate it."As she spoke, Zach nuzzled her earlobe lustfully.The faint scent of a foreign perfume clung to his suit, a fragrance so potent it made Madelyn slightly uneasy.Zach's deep voice rumbled, "Then enlighten me, what do you like me doing to you? Do you enjoy when I kiss you?"With that, he took Madelyn's chin between his fingers and turned her head, capturing her lips in a bold kiss.He had a drink not long ago, so she could feel a bitter tang invading her taste buds
Zach said, "Come in."Madelyn didn't want others to see them in such an intimate position, and she wanted to stand up, but he wouldn't let her.Then Kevin came in. "Ms. Jent's clothes are all clean."Zach spoke calmly, "Just leave them."After putting the clothes down, Kevin left the room.Madelyn squirmed uncomfortably, "Please let go, I need to change."Zach gently held her slim waist, "Stay here with me for a bit."Madelyn turned her face to the side."Would you like some soup?" He held a spoon close to her mouth."I've eaten enough, you should have your meal.""Be a good girl, okay?" Zach's words sounded a bit stern.He looked at her for a moment, then finally let go of her waist.He gazed at her slender back. When he saw the faint traces of kisses there and the other marks he had left below her V-neck collar, he felt satisfied with what he had done.Madelyn could feel his intense stare.Zach said, "Since you're full, we..."Before he could finish, she used the chanc