The nurse set up an IV for Madelyn."Could you call Dr. Stewart? I need to speak with him," Madelyn said.The nurse replied, "He's in surgery and won't be available for another two hours. I'll let him know once he's free.""Thank you.""You're welcome."Madelyn's face was pale, likely from pain. She closed her eyes, seeming miles away. Just then, Zach walked in after making a phone call outside. He settled beside her."Father will be back in a few days," he said while adjusting her blanket.Madelyn was taken aback to hear Zach still calling Hayson 'Father,' considering their history. She kept her thoughts to herself. They often had these stretches of silence between them, and this time, after letting it linger for a bit, she was the one to break it."When will you release Ethan?""Madelyn, don't make things more difficult. What if you acted like you were in the dark? Just follow instructions, and you'll regain your freedom, living life on your terms."Madelyn opened her eyes,
The medicine took effect quickly.After receiving a call, Kevin drove Yvonne back to the Young residence and showed her some alarming photos. The images showed Ethan looking severely injured, and it distressed her deeply."How could anyone do this to my son? Zach Jardin, you monster!" Although Frida was already mentally fragile, seeing the pictures heightened her anguish.Kevin, keeping his composure, said, "You're aware of what Mr. Jardin wants, aren't you?"With emotion in her voice, Frida replied, "Is he doing all this for the Arnold residence?"Kevin merely smiled, affirming her guess."I'll give it to him. But he has to stop hurting Ethan." Frida retrieved the long-stored deed from upstairs and handed it to Kevin. "I want my son. Whatever he demands, it's his."Kevin accepted the deed. "You'll have him back in three days.""Three days? I need him back now, Kevin!"As Frida tried to chase Kevin, her high heels betrayed her, causing her to trip. A nearby maid was quick to a
Every time Kevin showed up, Madelyn felt uneasy, worried about what Zach might be up to.After giving Madelyn her medicine, Zach assisted her with her clothes. "I'll be back in a flash," he said. He threw the used cotton swab in the trash and then poured some water into a cup, placing it on the nightstand. Once he had settled things in the room, he made his way out. As he did, Kevin handed him a package.Kevin said, "On my way over, Ms. Samford came by the Young residence. She said you wanted her to hand-deliver the deed of the Arnold residence to you."Zach examined the item Kevin gave him, nodding in approval. "Good job. Once we finish up here, I want you to take a three-week vacation. However, I've got one last task for you first.""What's our plan?"A determined glint appeared in Zach's eyes. "Within two days, I want everyone out of the Arnold residence," he instructed. "Then, I'm taking over.""You got it."Zach stepped into the room, finding Madelyn lying on the bed, her e
Madelyn began to sit up. "Okay, I'll take the medicine, just let Ethan go," she said. Zach helped her sit and showed her a pill."I can do it," she said, trying to grab the pill.Zach shook his head. "I've got this."Seeing Zach's stern look, Madelyn hesitated briefly before accepting the white pill. As she did, his eyes flashed with a deeper intensity. When she tried to take a sip of water, he abruptly took the glass away and overwhelmed her with a passionate kiss.Concerned about Ethan, Madelyn didn't push Zach away.Being mindful of her injuries, Zach was careful in his approach. Madelyn, though, was clearly uncomfortable, her teeth gritted with every move he made. Zach noticed and kept trying to find a better position for her, but in the end, exhaustion took over Madelyn.Every time after, Zach would clean her up and take care of her.Hayson was supposed to be back in Ventropolis in three days, but a major rainstorm delayed his flights. Madelyn saw Ethan return to the Young
"You're so kind! I'll be super hungry when I get home. I'm not sure about her, but Rosario's going through a lot. She barely eats, just had a costly surgery, and is now dealing with kidney disease. Nobody's there for her. I could barely recognize her the last time I saw her. Even with some savings, she chose to donate it all. Now, she's at home, just waiting for what's next."Madelyn's smile faded. Rosario and Zach had drugged her for over ten years, causing her to miss out on motherhood. She'll never shake off that regret.A custom pink Bentley pulled into the driveway. Out stepped Zach, looking sharp in his suit. Spotting Madelyn's smile, he approached with a key in hand and his other hand tucked in his pocket. "What are you two laughing about?"Madelyn's smile disappeared. "We were just talking," she said. As he got closer, she noticed an odd, musty smell coming from him. "Maybe you should take Dalton to his room. He's fallen asleep," she suggested, her tone soft as she glanced d
Madelyn felt trapped and believed that accepting the situation would protect her loved ones.After she told Zach how she felt, she expected him to be mad. But he just smiled, pulled her closer, and gently played with her wavy hair. "So, how do you see us?"Hesitantly, she lowered her eyes. "I wish we could just be brother and sister," she said.Zach chuckled, a wicked look in his eyes. "Since when do siblings share a bed?" His gaze was icy and there was something unsettling about it, like a wild animal trapped behind bars. "You'll see things my way eventually. And one day, we'll watch our child grow up together.""Dal isn't our child. It was all make-believe," Madelyn said. "If you want a child, you and Yvonne should have one. That would be your true child." She felt her life was confusing, but she thought Zach seemed even more lost. "I know this might upset you, but it's the truth.""You've become pretty good with words, haven't you?" Zach teased, pinching her cheek lightly befor
A bodyguard approached. "The demolition crew called. They said they'll be here in an hour and a half."Zach replied, "No rush."Marta's legs felt numb, and she pointed a trembling finger at Zach. "Mrs. Arnold Sr. died because of you!" she exclaimed. "You're a monster! You'll pay for this!"Zach smirked, a hint of menace in his eyes. "I should be thanking you. If not for you giving the deed to Frida, its whereabouts would've remained a mystery. You were instrumental in my success."His words stung. Evelyn's death was caused by extreme stress and anger. Marta had gone to great lengths to safeguard the Arnold residence. 'He's right. It's my fault.' Marta had devoted decades of her life to Evelyn, loving her as family. Now, the heavy burden of her role in Evelyn's death and the barrage of emotions—guilt, pain, regret—were too much."I might be doomed, but so are you!" Marta's eyes blazed as she pulled out a kitchen knife and lunged at Zach, yelling, "Die, you demon!"She did not make
'Father probably never guessed anyone would enter his room,' Madelyn thought. She noticed shoes beneath the door and the sound of approaching footsteps. Hurrying, she sat in her father's chair and accidentally hurt herself. Wincing from the pain, she tried to stay still as Zach walked in.Zach came in with his clothes speckled with water droplets and closed the door. "Did Dal wake you?"Madelyn looked down. Dalton was not crying anymore, but his little face was flushed, and he gave a small cough."Let me hold him. Your hand is still injured."Madelyn tightened her grip on Dalton. "Why do you smell like gas? What happened?"Zach replied, "My car broke down on my way back. I fixed it. I'm going to hop in the shower now.""Okay."As Zach walked off, a nagging feeling told Madelyn he was hiding something. Once she was certain he was upstairs, she placed Dalton gently on the comfy couch. She hit a switch under the desk, and moments later, a shelf with an antique figurine started to s