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
Zach and Yvonne's engagement party was low-key. While it did make it to the newspapers, the news was quickly overshadowed by stories of several companies going bankrupt.After securing the funds, Zach bought major real estate properties, financial securities, and struggling businesses. Once the economy improved, he revamped these companies under the banner of Jardin Corporation. In just three years, Jardin went public, its stock value soaring beyond that of the once-thriving Arnold Corporation. With the success, Zach's initial $1.5 billion grew more than tenfold, making him a prominent figure in Ventropolis.Once Yvonne arrived in France, Madelyn had this nagging feeling something was amiss, 'This is just ridiculous! Why is he seeking me out if he's already tied to Yvonne in this life? How different am I now from Cecilia in our past life? Am I just here to stir up trouble? Yvonne's just like how I remember her being in that previous life—lost and hurt.'She quickly went to her room.
The maid said, "The lady worked hard on that meal. Throwing it out would be such a waste, right?"Zach shot her a stern glance. "Just do what I say," he said curtly.Trying to hide her nervousness, the maid nodded and headed downstairs to clean up. Meanwhile, the other maids got busy preparing another meal.After sipping the fruit juice Zach gave her, Madelyn slowly awakened and gazed at the ceiling."How do you feel?" Zach asked.Madelyn paused. "I'm moving out tomorrow."His expression became stern. "You know I won't let that happen. Why can't you just deal with this? I promise you'll be left alone. It'll just be me.""You're pushing me to the edge," Madelyn fired back. "I might do something we'll both regret. I could kill you, Zach."Zach gently caressed her forehead. "Once you're better, you can chase any dream you want. You want to paint? I'll set up a studio just for you." Zach's voice had an unusual softness tonight, as if he was a different person."You still don't get
Madelyn could not find any recent updates on the Arnold family online, with the latest information being four years old, making her suspicious. She felt uneasy, questioning her own paranoia. At this point, she could possibly even walk past Ethan on the street without being able to recognize him.She was concerned that Zach might seek revenge on the Arnold family, given his history of holding onto grudges. After Ethan took over Azure Corporation, causing Zach's professional setback, she believed Zach might want payback, even if Ethan was not at fault.With Cecilia back and Zach's smart planning, they seemed poised to become dominant in Ventropolis. Zach had big dreams.Zach watched Madelyn in her room through his tablet. He asked a maid to serve the dinner they prepared. Madelyn did not eat much. The maid acted cautiously, as if scared to upset her. As she was settling in for bed, she overheard voices outside her door."Who's the woman in that room?" one voice whispered. "I've never
"Not even the lady of the house is allowed to enter the study freely," the maid said.Madelyn thought, 'As long as the paintings are safe. Some are mementos from Mom.'Quickly heading downstairs, she found the master bedroom on the second floor empty. However, in Zach's room, she discovered her treasured paintings, all protected under white cloth. Emotions surged as she touched them. She picked them up, wanting to move them back to her room, but as she tried to leave, one of the maids blocked her way."Miss, I told you; you can't touch these."Madelyn replied coolly, "Like I said, these are mine. I'm just taking back what's mine."Another maid, clearly annoyed, snapped at the other maid, "Why're we even talking to her? She seems out of it, probably lost her mind or something. Let's just get the paintings."But before the maids could act, two bodyguards in black suits quickly came up the stairs. They stopped the maids and then said to Madelyn, "The boss said you can decide what to
Frida sipped on the tea brought by the assistant, "I heard that Madelyn's back, and you kicked Yvonne out of the Southern Haven Villas. Is that true?"I asked you to take care of Yvonne for me and is this how you treat her? Don't forget who helped you to get where you are today."Zach walked straight to his desk and threw the documents in his hand on the table. "Mrs. Young, of course I remember your kindness and am very grateful for your help. However, I believe that you didn't come all the way here just to tell me these things."Zach took his seat and adjusted his tie with his slender fingers, looking relaxed.Frida sneered. "Mrs. Young, huh? You're married to my daughter. Have you no respect for your elders? You should be addressing me as your mother-in-law!"She put her cup of tea down as she spoke. Then, she stood up and walked over to Zach before handing him a red and gold invitation card. "This is the guest list I've prepared for the banquet next month."Zach smiled arrogan
Madelyn's phone rang as soon as she said those words. After seeing the caller ID, she hesitated for a moment before answering. Then, she spoke in an annoyed tone, "You said you were going to give me three days, and the time hasn't come yet.""If you want to go to her grave, I'll come with you in the afternoon after I'm done with my meeting." Zach replied."I don't need you to go with me. I can go alone.""It's either you don't go or let me come with you. Your choice," he responded, his voice immediately turning cold.She did not really have a choice, did she?So, Madelyn reluctantly agreed, "Then I'll wait for you downstairs later."She did not want to cause any unnecessary trouble.The sky was sunny and bright in the morning but suddenly turned cloudy by afternoon, as if there might be a heavy rain later. So, Madelyn brought an umbrella with her, just in case.The bodyguard drove as Madelyn sat in the rear passenger seat. The journey lasted for more than an hour before they fi