Chapter 900

Zach rubbed his forehead and took a moment to rest in the passenger seat. Then, without saying anything to Cecilia, he quietly left the car. Carrying his black suit over his arm, he walked through the unlocked front door, heading straight for the foyer.

Margaret had been half-asleep at the dining table when a noise made her jump. "Oh my... Mr. Jardin?" she said, wide-eyed.

Zach hung his jacket on the coat rack without making a fuss. He glanced around the room. "Where's Madelyn?" he asked.

Margaret said, "Ms. Jent spent the whole day drawing. I was making her supper for later, but I must've fallen asleep." Her words trailed off as worry etched her face. "Oh no, the creamy chicken soup!" Hastily, she made her way to the kitchen. Upon returning with a steaming bowl of soup, she noticed Zach was no longer there.

Madelyn, yawning, emerged from Dalton's room and bumped into Zach, who was coming up the stairs. Their eyes met briefly, and then she averted her gaze. A gust of wind brought t