Yvonne continued, "Are you trying to keep Ethan hanging on while also being with Forrest, Madelyn? I'm curious, what's your true intention? Why not just be honest?"As Madelyn pondered the situation, she thought, 'Is this how Yvonne see it? Did Ethan feel the same way when he learned about Forrest and me last night?'Meeting Yvonne's gaze directly, Madelyn maintained her composure and responded, "Let me clarify a few things."She began to explain, "Who I spend time with and what I choose to do is my personal business. Ethan has been supportive before, and I'm grateful for that. However, it doesn't mean I'll simply go along with his feelings for me. If you all believe I should distance myself from him, I'm willing to do so." She added, "This is a matter concerning your family, and it's unrelated to me. If you insist on pressuring me to make a choice, I'll stand by the decision I've made now."Furthermore, Madelyn recognized her own responsibility toward Forrest. Yet, even if she did

Zach's chilling aura brushed against them.Yvonne glanced disdainfully at Forrest and remarked, "Madelyn, weren't you supposed to be helping him with his studies? It looks more like you two are on a date. Don't tell me you've actually fallen for this bastard? Why don't you ever listen to what I say?" She was so frustrated that she almost stomped her foot.Noticing the test paper on the table, Yvonne smirked, "Twenty points? Seriously, Forrest? Your inadequacy is the same whether it's in the Arnold family or at school. You might end up being looked down by my brother throughout your life, like a stepping stone, without much future ahead."Forrest, hands in his pockets, toyed with his lighter and chuckled, "At least I'm not in a hurry to please others.""How dare you!" Yvonne suddenly approached him and raised her hand.A sharp sound echoed.SLAP!The noise drew the attention of a few library-goers."Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to me like that. Just a lowly ente

Madelyn asked, "Do you want to take a shower?"Forrest straightened up, his eyebrow raised in surprise. "What are you trying to do to me? Put away your dirty thoughts."Madelyn was speechless, thinking, 'What the hell is he thinking all day?'She went to her room and fetched a bathrobe for him. "It's brand new, never been worn."Forrest took it from her, "Oh, it's pink."After this, Madelyn went to freshen up herself. She had already showered at school earlier, but yesterday, she had refrained from doing so due to his presence. Once she had taken care of everything else, she left the bathroom for him.As she was about to close the door, Forrest's voice echoed, "I'll also aim for Ventropolis University."With a warm smile, Madelyn responded, "Got it. Sleep well, good night.""Good night."The next morning, Madelyn finished her preparations and found Forrest in the kitchen. He stood with a fry pan in one hand and another hand in his pocket, expertly cooking pasta.Seeing him co

Madelyn said, "Remember, I come from the Jent family, the one you all talk about having shady dealings, the one you hate."Advancing slightly, she lightly tapped the boy's cheek with the bank card, her voice icy, "Go ask your dad if he'd dare to challenge the Jents! And don't forget, those three girls who crossed me..." She paused for effect. "Where are they now?"Her words triggered a moment of realization among many as memories resurfaced about what had befallen those girls who had messed with her.The Linney family had teetered on the brink of bankruptcy, and Mrs. Linney had received a five-year sentence for her past actions. Michelle Linney had vanished from sight as well. Jenny Lupert and Lorrie Lamprey's families were in even direr straits. Rumors said that they were burdened with debts amounting to millions and had fled.Madelyn's words stirred a shift in many expressions. All of them inhabited the same privileged sphere; they understood all too well if any family's business

As Forrest poured oil into the frying pan, his hand trembled at Zach's words.In an unexpected moment, Madelyn's finger got nicked by a shard of glass, and a trickle of blood started flowing. She calmly wiped it away with a tissue, showing no signs of discomfort, and spoke with composure, "But hasn't he already paid a price? Compared to your actions, Forrest's deeds were just minor clashes among classmates."Madelyn thought, 'Forrest had been hurt, stuck in a hospital bed for months. Yet, Zach, who did wrong, faced no consequences.'Preferring not to dwell on the matter, Madelyn managed a faint smile at Zach, "Would you stay for dinner, Brother? Forrest's cooking is delicious."Zach met her gaze, glimpsing a hint of distance.Beyond her composed exterior, Zach yearned for Madelyn to unleash her anger openly, to let her emotions free instead of wearing a facade."However, we might not have extra plates at home, Brother. Forrest bought his own plate."Zach stood, fastening his bla