At Sky Studios, Clement's phone rang, and after a brief conversation, he turned to the crowd awaiting Leonardo. "Prof. Monet's been held up by unexpected business and will be delayed," he announced.Disappointment rippled through the students who had just arrived, hoping for a glimpse of the famed mentor. "We were supposed to meet him today," they murmured.One student's curiosity peaked, "And Madelyn? We never see her here, Clement. Where is she?"Another chimed in, "Especially after her award and the prize money last week. When will she grace us with her presence?"Curiosity buzzed through the room. "Isn't she the professor's one and only protégé? And who's this Madelyn Smith that's been in the news with the professor?"Clement, perusing his messages, replied without looking up, "Let's stay out of the gossip mill. You'll meet Madelyn when the time comes. For now, just focus on your art."He glanced up briefly, adding firmly, "And Madelyn Smith has no affiliation with Sky Studio
Everyone was present except for Leonardo. His attendance would elevate the event—his public appearances were rare, and his status in the art world was unparalleled.Serena, in the makeup room, applied the finishing touches. The scale of her setup outdid even Leonardo’s past exhibitions.Gazing at her reflection, satisfaction evident, she asked, “Is everything prepared as I requested?”“Yes, Ms. Smith. Everything’s in order,” came the reply.“Bring it here, let me have a look,” Serena instructed, her confidence unshaken. She was certain that Leonardo would take her on as his apprentice.Serena's eyes lingered on the antique painting the bodyguard had brought in. It was a genuine piece by a renowned artist, the very masterpiece Leonardo had long sought.Holding this, Serena was convinced it would be impossible for Leonardo to turn down her request. In her mind, she reassured herself, 'Everything is in place, just as planned.'...After Zach finished changing Dalton's diaper, the
Madelyn's subconscious was in turmoil, her dream echoing with the cries of her child. 'My baby... I hear you! Please, someone help my baby... Mommy's right here...' She felt trapped, unable to escape to find her child.Simultaneously, back in reality, Agustin entered the room and stood beside Madelyn's hospital bed. "You really do look just like her. She was my wife once.""Because of him, she was taken from me... But thankfully, I've been given you, who share her blood," Agustin muttered.His eyes brimmed with a fervent fixation as he reached out with quivering hands towards Madelyn's face, so like Alicia's. Leaning down, he inhaled her scent, his eyes shutting as he lost himself in memories of a past that seemed to hold beauty for him."M-My child..." Madelyn suddenly muttered. She thought, 'My child is still alive... My baby is back. Dal is my child.'It seemed her dream, her maternal instincts, were reaching out. After nearly four months in a coma, this was the first sign of M
Yet Serena had her own reputation abroad. "Thank you, Prof. Monet," she replied. "I anticipated your visit and have a special gift for you, in honor of your passion for art."A bodyguard approached, presenting an exquisitely crafted pearwood case. Serena began to unveil her gift, but Leonardo interrupted with a raised hand, "My visit today is to enjoy the art on display. Gifts are unnecessary."He studied a painting that captured an expansive seascape with towering waves beneath an azure sky. "Where is this scene from?" he mused. "Scenery like this is rare."To the uninitiated, the scene was merely stunning, but those with insight recognized there was more than met the eye.Serena responded, "It's been quite some time. I've forgotten. Why don't you come with me to see another piece?"Leonardo scoffed, "You don't even know what you've painted?"At that moment, Mya interjected, "This painting isn't hers."Leonardo waved his hand. Mya immediately kept quiet. However, some of the re
Leonardo replied, "I'm simply stating the facts. You invited me here, and here I am. My presence isn't without purpose."The nearby reporters stirred, their initial reason for attendance overshadowed by the unfolding drama—they sensed a significant story.Just then, a sleek Rolls-Royce glided to a stop at the entrance. A man emerged, impeccably dressed in a suit, his polished leather shoes clicking against the white steps. His steps weren't loud, but they resonated, drawing all eyes to him.A wave of surprise swept through the onlookers as they shifted their attention to the entrance. The question hung in the air among them, 'Is that the CEO of the Jardin Corporation?'Zach's presence was commanding, his intimidating aura palpable as he approached, a hand casually tucked in his pocket, while a chilly breeze trailed behind him, making everyone around shudder."Kevin," Zach's voice cut through the cold.Kevin responded, "Yes, Mr. Jardin."Approaching Serena, Kevin relayed, "Ms. Sm
Mya descended the stairs breathlessly, clutching a worn pink art album. "I found it!" she exclaimed, holding it aloft. "This is Madelyn's art album; Serena had hidden it in her bag in the resting room." Flipping it open, she revealed the evidence to all. "Don't let her fool you. Here's Madelyn's name," she pointed out, dispelling any doubt of ownership.Serena, desperate, made a grab for the art album, "No, it's mine... It's mine..." but Kevin blocked her, keeping the art album out of reach.With her deceit uncovered, Serena's composure crumbled. She became frantic, clawing at her own hair, her eyes wild with panic, repeating, "Mine. It's mine!"Leonardo observed the meltdown with a shake of his head.Despite her fear of Zach, Mya bravely stepped forward to hand him the art album. "I found the art album. May I visit Madelyn in the hospital now? I'm sorry for what happened last time. When she wakes, I'll apologize to her personally."Zach's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Kevin, unders
Madelyn stood anxiously outside the surgery room. "I'll wait," she murmured, her fingers growing cold. With each passing moment, the unsettling thought grew: Dalton might be her child.Dalton was in the room next door when he had a fall. Madelyn had felt like she had a strange connection with him. A sudden pain in her heart startled her out of her coma.In her dream, the child she had seen looked exactly like Dalton, which left her puzzled. She vividly remembered expecting a daughter in her past life, not a son. 'Is all of this just in my head?' she wondered. 'It can't be possible for my child to still be alive.'Madelyn suddenly felt weak and began to fall. Zach moved quickly, catching her just in time. She caught a glimpse of him just before everything turned dark, going limp in his arms."Kevin, call Kai! Hurry!" Zach ordered.Kevin saw the worry on Zach's face and dialed Kai's number. Kai was at a research lab but rushed to the hospital upon receiving the message. As Madelyn's
Margaret kept herself busy, preparing the oatmeal.Madelyn sensed a reassuring presence, a warm hand holding hers, connected to the IV drip—it was Zach. Slowly opening her eyes, she saw the face she least wanted to encounter at that moment. With a feeble voice, she inquired, "Where's Dal?"Zach reassured her, "He's all right now. Someone's looking after him. Are you hungry? How about some oatmeal?"Madelyn looked at Zach, her expression composed. Over the past three months, she had picked up bits of his history through his whispered words while he held her as she slept. 'Did his past with the Jent family lead to this bitterness? He's already taken his revenge, so why continue to hurt others? Why this ruthlessness?' Nearby, she noticed a familiar art album on the nightstand.Zach noticed that Madelyn's focus had shifted to the art album. Assisting her to sit up, he arranged a pillow behind her and then handed her the art album."I thought I'd lost this forever. How did it end up wi