Madelyn looked at Kai warily. "Why should I believe you?"Kai brushed the wrinkles from his crisp white coat. "I've said my piece. Whether you believe it or not is your business.""Look, I have no reason to trust you," Madelyn retorted, weariness lining her voice. "You know, I don't have the time or the emotional capacity to worry about this anymore. If you're seeking revenge against my family through me or want to use me for some purpose, you've got it all wrong. I've washed my hands of the past. Whether it's my father or the cause of my mother's death, what does it matter now? What do you expect a woman with less than six months to live to do? If my mother were here, she wouldn't want me agonizing over the past either. Maybe this is my fate, not living to see thirty. Maybe it's my comeuppance for being his daughter."Madelyn gazed at the man sitting in the wheelchair, who was also watching her intently. She managed a faint smile, and he returned it. "All I want is right in front o
Today was bound to be a tumultuous one. Madelyn had just landed at the airport via helicopter and was about to board her private plane. She could not shake off a lingering sense of unease; her escape seemed to be too easy.Madelyn walked alongside Leyton, who was pushing Ethan in a wheelchair. Just as they were about to board the plane, the airport's loudspeaker blared, "Attention, dear passengers. All flights will be delayed by ten minutes. We apologize for any inconvenience caused."As if on cue, a fleet of sleek black cars pulled up in an imposing formation, effectively encircling them. Madelyn felt her face drain of color, her mind racing to catch up with the rapid turn of events.Then, a Rolls-Royce pulled up. Out stepped Zach, a man exuding an aura of menace, dressed impeccably in an expensive black suit that seemed tailored to perfection. He looked like a demon summoned from the depths of hell itself, sent to claim souls.'Why is he here? Isn't he marrying Yvonne today?' Mad
With a single command, Zach made Madelyn and Ethan get into the car. Zach had effortlessly through seen all her carefully laid plans. Now, sitting in the car, Madelyn felt defeated. Her voice tinged with desperation, she begged, "Zach, I'm begging you, please just leave Ethan out of this. It was my idea to run away, he's innocent."Zach pulled Madelyn closer. He stared intensely as he caressed her face. Madelyn felt the weight of his gaze. It was as if she was seeing the moment he wished he could have cherished her in another lifetime."Say one more word for him, and I'll kill him right now," Zach growled.Terrified, Madelyn immediately clamped her mouth shut, her whole body trembling with fear.Kevin sat in the driver's seat, Bluetooth earpiece in place, and reported, "Sir, the servants and the baby have been found and returned to the Southern Haven Villas."Madelyn's breath caught. 'Is Zach not sparing even the baby?'"Turn around, back to Southern Haven Villas," Zach commanded
Zach crouched down, holding Madelyn's chin, and inquired, "And what if it happens again?"Madelyn's eyes, red and swollen from tears, seemed to beg for something else. "You can do whatever you want with me, Zach. Just don't hurt them."Zach's gaze was indifferent. He asked, "Madelyn, what should you call me?"Swallowing hard, Madelyn's hoarse voice emerged, "Hubby..."Zach leaned in to kiss away the tears on Madelyn's eyelids, his voice softening. "There won't be a third time, understand?"Nodding, Madelyn watched as Zach signaled his bodyguard to hand over their baby. Assured that the baby was unharmed, she finally relaxed. In one swift motion, Zach scooped her and their baby into his arms.Sneering at Ethan, he commanded, "Lock him in the basement. If anyone comes looking, turn them away. Get a doctor to make sure he stays alive.""As you wish, sir."Primarily, Zach's mission was to reel in Madelyn. Once they were in his room, he laid her on the bed. With tenderness, he claim
Madelyn hurriedly showered and draped a bathrobe over herself before stepping out of the bathroom. She had been at it for quite some time, and her baby was getting restless from hunger. The Southern Haven Villas was ill-prepared for her new needs, so she had to run out to get a few things.As Madelyn made her way to her room, a bodyguard stopped her at the door. Just then, Zach emerged from the balcony as he had been taking a phone call. "Whatever you need will be delivered within the hour," he announced."I'd like to go to my room, if that's alright with you," Madelyn replied, avoiding eye contact."In due time, you'll move in here. I'll stay at the Southern Haven Villas with you for now," Zach said.'Sharing a room with him? What about Yvonne? Isn't he supposed to be marrying her today?' Questions clouded Madelyn's mind, but she chose not to voice them.Soon enough, the doors opened, and the staff moved Madelyn's belongings into the room. Her wardrobe was extensive, and it qui
'Frida and Yvonne are here?' Madelyn thought as she stood up hurriedly.Zach interrupted her, "Where are you going?"Madelyn replied, "I don't think I should stick around."Lifting his head, Zach's icy eyes were filled with authority. He ordered, "Sit down and eat."Before Madelyn could say another word, two figures stormed into the room, bristling with righteous indignation. Yvonne wore an elegant golden dress embroidered with phoenix patterns, something one would wear for special occasions. She had been sitting alone in a hotel room, dressed and waiting, but Zach had never returned.It wasn't until Frida told Yvonne that Ethan had been taken away by Zach at the airport that Yvonne had finally woken up to reality.'Zach left me on our wedding day. We had just exchanged vows today. How could he forget just like that?'"Why are you doing this to me? Did you forget that today is our wedding day? You're supposed to be with me," Yvonne's voice quivered, her makeup barely concealing
Madelyn was about to stand up and head back to her room when Zach stopped her. "Finish your meal, then you can go upstairs."Madelyn sensed Zach's piercing gaze and did not dare utter a word. She sat back down.Zach lit a cigarette, leaned back in his chair, and said, "It's quite audacious of you, Frida Young, to show up here and demand an explanation from me. You had it all planned out, huh? Sending someone out of the country under the radar. Clever move."Frida snapped, "If you knew, why wait until today to act? You kidnapped my son and ruined my daughter's reputation. Zach, you are truly your father's son—a loyal lapdog. Don't forget who supported you from behind the scenes. Do you really think you would have reached this position without the Young family?"Zach flicked his cigarette ash and said, "Supported me? Let's not kid ourselves. Whether it's the marriage or the shares that Jardin Corporation gave to YTCorp, it was all just business. You and I both know that. But you shou
All eyes were on Madelyn as she made her faltering exit. No one had expected her to unravel so swiftly. If it were not for Zach shielding her, she might not have made it out at all.Zach stubbed out his cigarette in frustration. Only when Madelyn's silhouette disappeared down the corridor did he rise from his seat. He remarked, "I see you haven't lost your fire, Frida Young."Striding forward, Zach stood before Frida, his dark shadow casting an oppressive pressure over her. "You appear to forget that I'm the one holding all the cards," he warned. "Every word that escapes your lips jeopardizes Ethan. If something happens to him, don't think you can blame me."Frida's eyes narrowed into a glare. "You wouldn't dare!"Zach retorted, his eyes as chilling as a predator's, "Why wouldn't I? Maybe you'll find a body at the Young residence doorstep tomorrow. How would that be?" His menacing presence filled the air.Yvonne looked visibly shaken. "You're a part of our family now. Would you re