However, as Leyton delved deeper, the complexity of the situation began to unfold, and the disparity between the Madelyn in the past and the girl he was investigating was jarring. 'Despite everything, she betrayed Mr. Arnold by having affair with Zach Jardin, and all seemingly to profit Azure Corporation,' he ruminated.But the more he thought about it, the more Leyton found the timing suspicious. 'Right before the engagement? All these revelations? It's too convenient, isn't it?'From his research, Leyton had in his possession solid proof of Madelyn's communications and liaison with Zach. Each piece was solid enough to have Madelyn condemned, yet Leyton couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, even though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.The very idea that Zach, heir to Hayson and trained by such a cunning man, would leave incriminating photos so easily accessible was puzzling. 'It's too easy. Why were these image files unprotected? What's even stranger is that the
Ethan forcefully pushed Madelyn away, causing her to stagger backward and fall, her hand landing on scattered glass shards. Pain surged through her as her palm began bleeding, the crimson hue staining her clothes and widening rapidly.A fleeting glimmer of regret appeared in Ethan's eyes, prompting him to move slightly toward her. But just as quickly as it came, the emotion receded, and he froze.Purposefully turning his back to her, he grappled with his internal conflict. Gazing out the French windows, he closed his eyes, and his voice, filled with restrained emotion, whispered, "You should go."He didn't want to cause her any more harm, but the sting of her betrayal was too fresh, too raw. In his mind, thoughts swirled. 'I loved her with everything I had, ready to lay the world at her feet. But she made a fool out of me, deceiving me at every turn. Did she laugh at my expense while with Zach, sneering at my naivety?'Madelyn endured the pain as she carefully extracted the glass p
In the Jent residence's study, Hayson hung up the phone and stared deeply at Zach. "How did you find out about Ethan Arnold wanting to postpone the engagement?"As Hayson delegated more and more responsibilities to Zach, he had come to realize that Zach's mind was especially shrewd. Zach was no longer the easily manipulated child he once was."The success of Madelyn marrying into the Arnold family also affects our company's interests. For Father's sake, I naturally have to pay close attention to Madelyn's affairs," Zach replied.Hayson was pleased with this response and had nothing more to say. "I'm glad you're thinking about the company. It shows that over the years, you've come to accept me as your father."A hint of something inscrutable flashed in Zach's eyes, gone almost as soon as it appeared, too quick for Hayson to notice.Hayson looked at him. "Have you planted someone on the Arnold family's side?"Zach nodded. "I placed someone there shortly after Ethan took over the co
"Are you leaving?" Madelyn's voice rang out.Ethan's eyes met hers, momentarily devoid of emotion. But as they trailed to her bandaged hand, a shadow of concern passed over his face. "...Our engagement will continue," he said slowly, choosing his words. "I was the one who proposed. To abruptly call it off now would tarnish my family's reputation. But," he hesitated, "I can't promise it will last indefinitely. From now on, your world is limited to school and home."Madelyn remained silent, her eyes fixed on him. Without a word, she moved to the table and gently placed the envelope she held onto its surface.In a calm tone, she said, "Your car broke down. It's in need of repairs. Your servant retrieved this envelope from inside." She paused. "Maybe consider drinking less. I'm heading to my room."She began to walk away when Ethan's voice stopped her. "Wait."Madelyn turned around. "Did you need something else?""Don't you want to know what's in there?" Ethan asked."It's your pers
Ethan's voice, tinged with regret echoed from behind, "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have gone behind your back, nor should I have kept you in the dark. My fears got the better of me.""I was afraid that once I found out those things, you'd leave without hesitation, and I'd be powerless to stop you," he confessed, "I've never wanted to hurt you, not even with a harsh word... Madelyn... I love you! The more I love you, the harder it is for me to accept the truth I uncovered. I never intended for you to leave. Those words about canceling the engagement, they were just said out of anger."His voice broke slightly, "I... I only have you! Please don't go, regardless of whether it's true or not. I don't care anymore. I just want you to stay by my side. I don't want to lose you."Ethan had lost so many people in his life; he didn't want to lose the one person he cared about the most.Ethan enveloped her in a tight embrace, his voice trembling with desperation. "Tell me it's not true, please? E
Madelyn was transported back to a day of memory in her past life. A day when the name Cecilia Samford held profound significance. Their first meeting had been under Cecilia's orchestration at a café just below the grand Jardin Corporation building.During that time, Ventropolis had become a bustling hub of economic activity. Immense skyscrapers ruled the skyline, most of which echoed with the undertone of Jardin Corporation's dominance.The air was thick with heat, just as it was now. There was a slight, pungent smell wafting from the hot asphalt roads under the midday sun.Cecilia, at the time, had possessed wavy, vibrant hair that cascaded to her shoulders, secured in a simple ponytail. Every ounce of her screamed dominance and power.Facing someone like Cecilia, Madelyn couldn't help but feel insecure. Cecilia, after all, was the primary aide to her husband. A woman who seamlessly blended grace, assertiveness, and allure. Madelyn found herself wondering if any man could truly re
"Okay." With that, Jadie stepped out of the car.Kevin drove away. "The Arnolds have no intention of calling off the engagement with Ms. Jent. They'll proceed with the engagement as planned in three days."Mr. Jardin, I don't understand why you want to ruin their engagement. Ms. Jent marrying into the Arnold family should be of no harm to you. And even if you want to ruin it, why not just tell the Arnold family about Ms. Jolie's secrets directly? That way, we wouldn't have to go through all of this."Zach seemed indifferent. He rested his hand on the car window, tapped his temple with his index finger, and shared his thoughts with Kevin. "Those photos were just a test for Ethan, to see how much he can forgive when it comes to Madelyn."So far, it seemed like Ethan was truly moved by Madelyn. Most people can't easily forgive betrayal. Ethan's willingness to forgive Madelyn appeared to be within Zach's expectations.Zach continued, "And Madelyn just wants to escape from me, from the
When Madelyn approached, Ethan hung up his phone.The weather outside was warm, and many students had already finished their exams and were being picked up by their parents. Madelyn clutched her pencil case against her forehead and quickly opened the front passenger door, hopping into the car.Inside the car, it was pleasantly cool. Ethan handed her a bottle of cold water. "Just finished your exam. How do you feel?"Madelyn took a sip, and the heat that clung to her body quickly faded away. "Not too bad, not as hard as I imagined."Ethan picked her up and drove to the pre-booked photography studio.Madelyn rarely had her picture taken throughout her life, and this was one of the very few times. By the time the session was over, she was exhausted, and her makeup was still on as she cuddled with a pillow in the car, dozing off.As Ethan drove, he noticed her body tilting toward him. He reached out to support her face. When they hit a red light, he pulled over to the side of the roa