Madelyn was late. When she arrived at the company, Jane, the head of this studio, was in a discussion.The sound of her hurried steps caused everyone to look her way. Catching her breath, Madelyn said, clutching her chest, "I'm sorry I'm late."Jane glanced at Madelyn and tapped the table for emphasis. "I was talking about the email from Encounter Gaming. If you're confused about anything, come ask me. We're on a tight schedule, and I expect everyone to give their best. It's important, especially for your final presentations."Meeting adjourned!"Once the meeting wrapped up, everyone dove back into their work.It was like Madelyn wasn't even there.Clement approached with paperwork in hand. "Madelyn," he began, but she interrupted him, "Clement, weren't we already swamped with one project? Why did we take another?"Clement replied, "It's done. We hustled the past few days, and as of yesterday, we've turned everything in."Madelyn paused for a moment. "B-But... Yesterday, I cont
Madelyn said, "I accept it. After all, it's indeed my fault that took up everyone's time."Jane responded, "It's good that you know. I hope you won't make everyone cover for you again for this project."Madelyn replied, "Okay."This was their first bonus. Everyone was thinking about how they should celebrate tonight.However, they received a sudden notice that Encounter Gaming was not satisfied with the scenery sketches and required adjustments.Unfortunately, the part they were unsatisfied with was the one Madelyn was responsible for, which happened to be the part Jane had completed for her.The detail of the scenery did not match Encounter Gaming's requirements. No one expected the artwork to be sent back for revision.Someone complained, "Now, instead of our celebration, we have to stay back for overtime.""Who can we blame? Someone delayed the progress.""Ah, so annoying! I thought we could finish work early today."Madelyn left a heavy mark on the white drawing paper wit
"She can't do it, and you think you can?"A cold voice came from behind the crowd, and everyone turned to see a man walking toward them. He was the guy from the art show with his assistant.This man was good-looking and tall, giving off a classy vibe. You could tell he was a big-shot CEO with one look.Someone in the group felt like they had seen him before but couldn't remember where.The person who spoke earlier quickly lowered their head, too scared to talk again.The people around Madelyn made way for him.Madelyn had no clue that Zach would show up. He stood next to her, his gaze sending shivers through everyone.He said, "Aren't you usually all confident around me? Why the quiet act now?"Madelyn gripped her dress, looking down, and muttered, "I didn't ask for your help."Zach responded, "You heartless girl. We'll talk about this later."Jane kept her professional tone, saying, "Sir, this is our studio's private matter. If you want to get involved, please go back and ha
Madelyn frowned, "Zach, can you please not come here and cause trouble? I'm already fed up with this. Jardin Corporation is yours, and it has nothing to do with me. I don't need your help." She then looked apologetically at everyone and said, "I'm sorry for the plagiarism issue. I'll find a way to prove that I didn't plagiarize."Madelyn started to pack her things and wanted to leave. Zach then held her hand, "It's good to be confident. But... Overconfidence can easily backfire."If you all want an explanation, as the CEO of Encounter Gaming, I'll give you an explanation today. Bring me the contract."Everyone remained still. A hint of coldness flashed past Zach's eyes as he asked, "Why don't you even have the contract?"Clement responded, "We have it."Very quickly, Clement took the contract from Jane's drawer and handed it to Zach.Zach leaned back. After reading it, he closed it and said, "It's clearly stated here that you have three weeks until submission. So, there are four
Zach said, "Leaking the drawings is considered leaking the company's confidential information. And you all have signed the confidentiality agreement as stated in the contract. If any of you are found to be involved in leaking the company's confidential information, Jardin Corporation will hold you all accountable!"During the investigation, Encounter Gaming will stop all collaboration with your studio."Zach checked the time on his watch before dropping the contract in his hand. He stood up and said, "My sister might be a little foolish. But not everyone can bully her as they like."Madelyn froze for a moment. Her eyes were filled with discontent, frustration, and confusion. In Zach's eyes, she appeared innocent and foolish.The social circles that Madelyn and Zach were exposed to were different. After what Zach had been through, to him, Madelyn was just a girl who had been living comfortably and did not understand the ways of the world.Jane clenched her fist. She maintained a ca
Clement was holding back his anger. He continued saying with his hands on his hips, "To be fair, we could've waited for her progress as long as there was no breach of contract. She was sick. It wasn't something that she could control. But you took over her task and submitted the artwork early without asking for a proper handover from her. What did we gain from finishing the work ahead of schedule?"Did we get a compliment? Or was there extra pay?"Because of one thing that you said, in the past few days, every one of us worked overtime to catch up with the progress. Sandy was overworked and ended up in the hospital. You should know that Encounter Gaming gave us enough time that would've allowed us to finish the work without needing to work overtime."Jane sneered, "So, you think everything is my fault? I merely wanted everyone to finish the work quickly so that we could have some time to rest!"Clement, I don't know what to say when you've gone to this extent in being a bootlicker!
Clement asked, "Were you the person who leaked about the plagiarism..."A clear slapping sound was then heard from the corridor...After Madelyn left, she was forcefully pushed into the car by Zach.Kevin sat in the driver's seat and slowly started the car.Madelyn glared at Zach as she said, "Why did you say those things? Do you know that what you said will cause me trouble? I never even thought about relying on you to accomplish anything!"You made my relationship with her very tense. Zach! When'll you try to see things from my perspective?"Zach loosened his tie. He looked at her intensely, "Are you done?"They stared at each other.Zach looked dangerous as he squinted his eyes. Madelyn immediately backed down. Zach continued saying, "I thought you'd have grown up in the past four years. But you're still as foolish as ever."You were bullied, and yet, you just stayed quiet? Why didn't you stand up for yourself like you did to me?"She was clearly trying to cut you out. Can
Madelyn thought, 'Wouldn't he find asking me to be his kept woman laughable?'She said, "I'd rather die than be with you!"I despise the flirtatious women that have ambiguous relationships with you. I find you filthy. Do you really not understand why I tried to escape? I want to get away from you! Now, whenever I see you, I feel disgusted."You made me lose my child! You took away my chance to become a mother! You drugged me. Do you know how painful it is to have the uterus removed?"You ruined my life! Isn't that enough?! Now, you still want to torture me. I can't conceive anymore, Zach! What more do you want from me?!"She thought, 'He nearly put me in danger again and again. I'll never forget that he sent someone to kill me! That time... I nearly died, Zach! If I could start over, I'd rather have nothing to do with him at all!'"I'll make it up to you. But I'll never allow you to leave. Do you understand?!" Zach pinched her sharp, delicate chin as he continued, "Even if you do