Madelyn seemed distant all day. But for Zach, having her nearby was all that mattered. Unaware of Zach's approach, he suddenly lifted her and seated her on his lap. She did not resist and appeared calm."I just want to be alone right now," she said softly.Zach took off his suit jacket, leaving him in a rolled-up black shirt that showed off his toned arms. They starkly contrasted with Madelyn's delicate hands, which looked so fragile as if they could easily break. He tenderly stroked her hand, leaning down to gently kiss its back. He could tell she was not feeling her best today. Despite the strong feelings stirring within him, he held back, respecting her mood."I got Kevin to pick up all the jewelry from tonight's auction. They'll be sent to you soon," Zach said.Madelyn's voice wavered, "I can't accept them. It'd look like... like you're supporting me. I won't be with you again in that way, not after everything." She paused, searching for the right words. Sensing her uncertainty
'My father chose Zach as his successor since I wasn't born a boy. Now that Zach's here, I'm just like an afterthought. Thanks to Cecilia, Zach's back in charge of Jardin Corporation. It seems like everyone's path is changing except mine. Going home would mean facing loneliness; I have no family waiting for me there.' Madelyn was swamped with feelings of heartbreak, suffocation, and loss. 'I wish things were easier. No matter how long they're away, most people always have a family to return to.'Zach tried to figure out what she was thinking about so intently. He had always been patient with the Jent family. He could have taken action against Hayson years ago if he had wanted to. But after waiting so long, what was one more day? Distractedly, he played with her hair."You don't need to hurry and grow up. Just rely on me," he said.Madelyn's eyelashes fluttered, but she did not speak. A sharp feeling of pain gripped her heart. Zach had effortlessly defined her destiny, making her feel
"What did she tell you?"Madelyn tried to read Zach's expression in the mirror, looking for signs of guilt. But Zach appeared calm as if he already knew.When Cecilia approached Madelyn, she shared that she had memories of her past life, just like her. Knowing Cecilia's honesty, she likely told Zach everything—about their past relationship, their secret meetings, and even their child. With this knowledge, Zach could be thinking about rekindling their old relationship."It doesn't matter what I know," Madelyn turned to face him, "Jadie or Cecilia, they're the ones important to you. You're wasting your time on me.""I've booked a flight in three days.""I'm done running," Madelyn said firmly. "You keeping an eye on me won't change a thing. I don't need a home or family to stand on my own. Since you've pulled away from the Jent family, I have no reason to show respect like I used to. Our past should stay in the past."Zach replied sternly, "Ending this isn't your call. Accept it for
Their relationship wasn't clear, but it seemed destiny always intended for Madelyn to be by his side. For the next few weeks, Madelyn did not see Cecilia. It seemed she had left France.Madelyn missed the anniversary of her mother's passing. She had been hiding her illness the entire time she was with Zach. After spending an evening with him, she woke up to find that dusk had set in.Marie Durand, hired by Zach to look after Madelyn, truly cared for her. She could tell that even though Madelyn was beautiful, she was unhappy. Handing Madelyn a shawl, Marie said, "There's a fountain show at the hotel today. It'd be good for you to see. You shouldn't stay in your room forever."Madelyn replied, staring into the darkness, "I've been sick for a while now, Marie. You can go. You don't have to stay here with me.""But Mr. Jardin asked me to be with you.""He'll understand. I just need to be alone for a bit.""Alright. Call me if you need anything. I won't be far."After Marie left, Mad
Dressed in a sharp suit, Zach approached Madelyn with a sure stride. Startled, she stepped back, and her shawl slipped off."You heard me?" she asked, voice trembling. "Zach, I'm not making it up; I swear, I saw my mom."Zach picked up the fallen shawl and placed it on the couch after brushing it off. He then took off his coat and draped it over Madelyn. After adjusting a few loose strands of her hair, he hugged her gently, "If you want to head home, we can. Kevin's already booked our flight to Ventropolis for tomorrow."Madelyn nestled into Zach, feeling his steady heartbeat. She could not figure out why he seemed different; his eyes were lost in the night's darkness. An unfamiliar scent clung to him. It unsettled her, but she did not move away. She had initially believed he was joking, but it became clear he was not.By 8 a.m., they boarded a private jet. Zach cradled a sleepy Madelyn, her head on his lap. As he softly played with her hair, he would sometimes drop a gentle kiss o
Madelyn often clung to memories of her mom. Even though she knew the visions were not real, she welcomed them. Her mother's face was a blur, but her voice was unmistakably clear in Madelyn's mind."That glass of milk brings back haunting memories. They cut deep, hurting more than words can express. I've kept those feelings locked away, bearing the pain they cause. Every detail from the past remains vivid. Zach, there've been so many times I've wanted to kill you."Following Madelyn's heartfelt confession, Zach remained unmoved, viewing her not as a threat. He gently scooped her up and laid her on the bed."Just rest," he said.After she drifted off to sleep, he went to another room and smoked most of a pack of cigarettes. The room was thick with smoke by the time Kevin walked in. Coughing slightly, he reported, "Ms. Young has been informed of your return. A room's been prepared for Ms. Jent, styled like it used to be.""She won't be staying at the Young residence. I've got other p
Zach used the Young family's funds to buy businesses at a bargain. When the stock market struggled, even the richest in Ventropolis, including the Arnold family, felt the pinch. Smaller companies faced bankruptcy, and the Young family almost did too.Two years ago, Zach visited Frida at the Young residence. Even before the Arnold family supported Azure Corporation, he had made a name for himself in Ventropolis, though he often stayed out of the spotlight. Many companies wanted him, but Zach remained loyal to his mentor, Hayson. No offer could tempt him away from his clear goal: to take over Azure Corporation. His ambition made people wary."You're asking for $1.5 billion just like that, Zach? Beyond being Hayson's adopted kid, I really admire you. Many at YTCorp started like you did, but what you've achieved is something else. The only reason we're talking today is because of Yvonne." Frida gestured to the door, "Now, get out of the Young residence." She shot Yvonne a stern look, say
Zach lit a cigarette. Ever since Madelyn left him, he had picked up smoking. Now, he could not quit. "The details don't matter.""Did you kill Randall?" Frida asked.Yvonne glanced over. She knew Zach had secrets, and he always intrigued her.Zach replied, "Ms. Young, without evidence, murder accusations are just talk. But today, we're discussing money."Owning that oil field gave Zach a significant edge. The Young family had diverse businesses; the oil industry was their latest focus. Their partnership with the Burton family was postponed because of Randall's imprisonment. When Zach revealed the deal today, it took Frida by surprise.Frida grew concerned about Zach potentially rising to prominence in Ventropolis. She could not believe it. While the Burton family was in chaos, trying to track down the businesses Randall owned, Zach had managed to secure the oil field worth over $10 billion—a prize the Burtons had their eyes on. Frida felt conflicted. On one hand, she desired the o