Chapter 857

Madelyn caught her breath. Zach helped her into a fresh skirt before carrying her downstairs to eat. Dalton, his face showing signs of healing, played with his spoon as he sat in a kiddie chair. The maids smiled, watching the couple come down the stairs. After Madelyn took her seat beside Zach, a maid swiftly brought over a bowl of chicken soup. Seeing it, Madelyn's face showed a hint of displeasure.

"You don't like the soup?" Zach asked.

"It just tastes different from what I'm used to."

Understanding her, Zach said, "You don't need to eat it." He signaled to the maid, "Take it away."

The maid nodded, replying, "Yes, Mr. Jardin," and promptly removed the bowl.

Zach then asked, "Ready to dig in?"

Madelyn always took her time eating. Even as a kid, finishing just one plate of food could take her up to half an hour. Her father, Hayson, had a saying: "Stay quiet at the dinner table and bedtime." Because of that, she usually did not chat during meals unless someone spoke to her first.