The first people that crossed Madelyn's mind when she thought about who might be responsible for Jadie's incident were Michelle, Jenny, and Lorrie. She couldn't think of anyone else, especially after her previous arguments with them.The three girls were touching up their makeup in the women's restroom. They straightened their ties as they smirked. At the same time, Michelle was humming a cheerful song."You seem to be in a good mood today," Lorrie commented."I am," Michelle raised her skirt and uttered with a smile.Jenny chimed in, "Did you guys check out the pictures I posted in the group?""Yeah. I'm delighted with the outcome. Keep up the hard work, Jenny," said Michelle.Jenny wiped off the excess lipstick from the corners of her mouth and continued, "I've been annoyed with Madelyn from the start. I would've had someone teach her a lesson that day if it wasn't for her good-looking brother."Michelle turned around, leaning against the sink. "You mean that distant, handsome
Zach's phone buzzed with a call from the school, alerting him to Jadie's situation. He excused himself from his ongoing meeting and handed over the reins to Kevin before rushing to the hospital.Jadie lay on the hospital bed at SereneCare Hospital, a IV tube connected to her hand, her complexion pale. Seeing Zach, she looked like a guilt-ridden child unsure of how to face him. She lowered her gaze and mumbled, "Z-Zach... I'm sorry for causing you trouble again."Zach saw the injury on Jadie's face, a subtle glint of coldness flickering within them. "What did the doctor say?" he inquired."They said I'll be okay. Just some scratches. He told me to take painkillers if I feel any physical discomfort and I'll be fine."A woman in her thirties entered the room, holding a medical chart. "You must be Jadie's brother," she stated.Zach recognized the woman. She was Marissa Selman. They met during the school registration day. "Yeah, I am," he replied."Come with me. I have something to te
Zach's phone began to vibrate in the hushed hospital room. He retrieved the device from his pocket and saw that it was a call from Hayson. Stepping out of the room, he answered the call, his voice calm but respectful, "Father...""Madelyn got into trouble at school. Go see what's going on!" Hayson sounded a little angry."Madelyn? Okay... Got it." Zach's tone was soft, but his face was solemn. After Hayson hung up the phone, Zach realized he couldn't leave Jadie alone at the hospital, so he called Kevin."Mr. Jardin," Kevin answered promptly."How much longer until your meeting concludes?" Zach inquired."The meeting just ended," Kevin replied."Head over to Ventrocloud High School immediately.""Has Ms. Jent gotten into trouble again?""Once you've resolved the situation, bring her back to the apartment.""Alright, Mr. Jardin."'Not again. Ms. Jent seems to be a magnet for trouble. Dealing with her antics is becoming a recurring task. She caused a major deal to fall through
"I thought someone else would be here. Where's Hayson Jent, Mr. Harrison? His daughter beat my daughter up, and you're the one who showed up? Are we unworthy of him coming down here in person?""It's not like that. I was asked to come and resolve the situation. I'd like to apologize on behalf of Ms. Jent's behavior. Mr. Jent assured that we would do our best to address everything that has transpired."Kevin noticed that Madelyn had a deep scratch on her face and her disheveled appearance. The other three girls were also far from unscathed.Typically, it was Zach who appeared whenever Madelyn got into trouble, but this time, Kevin was the one who came. 'He must be with Jadie right now,' thought Madelyn. 'She got hurt, after all. Zach must be heartbroken.'"Compensate? With money? And you're saying Hayson cares about this? Ha! Azure Corporation is a pathetic enterprise. Tell Mr. Jent that unless he comes here right now and offers a personal apology, kneeling before me, I'll have my
The bystanders appeared stunned by the shocking revelation, and a tense atmosphere enveloped the conference room. Even Michelle struggled to comprehend the startling information. "Don't spew unfounded accusations, Madelyn."Madelyn looked at her and everyone's expressions indifferently.Both the Lampreys and the Luperts did not dare to say a word."Would you like me to go into more detail?" Madelyn asked."Shut up! That's enough! How dare you threaten me, Madelyn? How much did Hayson tell you?!" Mrs. Linney suddenly exclaimed."Oh God, it's true!" Jenny said as she covered her mouth. Her mom also covered her mouth and shot her a fierce glance.The Linney family was more powerful than the other two of the three families present. They were just there for support.Michelle looked at the person beside her in disbelief and said, "Mom, why don't I know about this? Is it true that a child died? How did you resolve this matter? Why would you drive while you were drunk, Mom? I... I don't
Ethan's assistant entered the principal's office and told them everything that had happened in the conference room, word for word. Everyone except for Madelyn was there. "...And that's what happened, Mr. Arnold."Ethan nodded, and his assistant stepped aside. Suddenly, the atmosphere became cold. The girls' mothers sat on the couch, not daring to speak. Ethan's aura exerted pressure on everyone present."I want to see signatures on those contracts in half an hour.""Yes, Mr. Arnold," said Leyton—Ethan's new assistant.The moment he had left his house, Ethan had made up his mind to reclaim what was rightfully his.'It's the only way I can protect her.'No one dared to speak at that time. The women did not know why Ethan would want to meet them, especially since they were not in charge of their husbands' companies."Mr. Arnold, I have no say in the company's business, but... May I know why you're terminating the contract?" One of the women asked in a weak voice."That's not a que
"Yes, Mr. Jardin..."Kevin didn't hang up the call. He slid the phone into his pocket instead.Meanwhile, on the other end of the line, Zach walked over to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. Just as he was about to end the call, he could hear Madelyn's sobs through the phone.'So, there was another man besides her...' he mused."No one will bully you anymore... Stop crying..."Ethan's embrace was warm.And as he comforted her, her heart began to warm as well.He was the first person to offer her such solace.Zach would never comfort her in her times of sorrow and would only complain that her crying upset him. He would always tell her to go somewhere else if she wanted to cry."Can I lean on you for a bit?"Madelyn's voice trembled.Ethan smiled a little as he opened his arms to her. "Any time, any day. It'd be my pleasure."However, just as Kevin entered the room, he was met with the sight of Madelyn crying in another man's embrace. The unexpected scene left h
Madelyn knelt on the cold white ceramic title as the floor glimmered. Her gaze lowered, fixating on the reflection staring back at her. She gently stroked her hand over the scratching scar on her face, feeling a tingling sting.The study was awash with the smell of sandalwood and her nose felt a little uncomfortable.At this moment, she heard the sound of approaching footsteps and she immediately knelt straight up and clutched her clothes tightly. She knew what was coming for her next.Soon, the door was opened as Hayson walked in with Zach and Jadie following behind."Do you know what you've done wrong today?" Hayson asked.Madelyn lowered her head as Zach's silhouette enveloped her by the corner of the gaze. The atmosphere in the study was oppressive and made her breathless.She said meekly. "I shouldn't quarrel with my classmates."Hayson took the cane down from the wall and walked toward Madelyn as he faced the cane toward her.Madelyn was trembling in fear and as she heard