"Sir, the car's ready. Are you sure about going to the Arnold residence?" asked George, Ethan's butler."Why, am I not allowed to?" Ethan sat in his wheelchair, exuding an air of dignified elegance. He wore a shirt and jacket, with a hint of a blue tattoo peeking out from under his sleeve. He seemed enigmatic and aloof, a touch of melancholy playing around him."But Madam..."Ethan glared at George. "It's not her place to dictate my actions." "My apologies. I misspoke. I'll take you downstairs now."Ethan hadn't seen the sun outside for what felt like ages. As he finally stepped out of the house building, he realized that everything matched Madelyn's descriptions—the scenery was truly beautiful.Not far from where he stood, there was a jujube tree by a wall. As he gazed at it, he tried to picture Madelyn sitting there, swinging her legs leisurely with a beautiful smile on her face. However, he knew she was actually in the hospital, not at that tree.An hour later, Ethan arrived

Madelyn had spent a good month in the hospital, but she didn't waste her time. Despite her injuries, she diligently completed several practice tests. Zach, despite his busy schedule, visited her regularly. He checked her answers, patiently explained her mistakes, and even installed some fun games on her phone. But Madelyn was more focused on studying because passing the upcoming exam was crucial for her plan to leave the Jent family and escape the conflict between Zach and Hayson.On the day of discharge, Madelyn went through the procedures with Zach's help. Her chest still hurt, but it was getting better, and her wounds were healing. New skin was forming under the scabs, so the itchiness continued.Madelyn knew that Zach's care for her was just a facade to please Hayson. To the outside world, he seemed like Hayson's loyal dog. But Madelyn saw through the act and knew the truth—he was more like a cunning man lurking in the shadows, capable of striking at any moment. Everything he d

Once she had collected herself, Madelyn returned to the table and took her seat.Hayson, in a rare display of interest, asked, "Miss Manning mentioned that your grades have improved considerably recently, which is commendable progress from last time. What would you like as a reward?"Usually, Hayson was stern toward her, seldom engaging in conversation even at the dining table. But with Jasmine's presence, it was evident that his mood was unusually pleasant.Seizing the opportunity, Madelyn made her request. "After the college entrance exams, I'd like to travel to Marisburg with some friends. May I, Dad?""Hmm, be sure to take a chauffeur with you. It's not safe to go out alone." Hayson agreed.Not overly exuberant, Madelyn managed a small smile, replying, "Thank you, Dad."At this, Jasmine chimed in. "Are you going to Marisburg to see the ocean, Madelyn? I've heard the scenery there is excellent. After the college entrance exams, it would indeed be a good idea to unwind."Madel

Jadie waited for a moment before she spotted Zach emerging from the study. Swiftly, she moved toward him. "Zach, what's wrong? You look upset. Did he... give you a hard time?"Zach, with a blazer draped over his arm, was visibly troubled. But upon catching sight of her, his expression softened slightly. "It's nothing. Let's head back."Seated in the car, Zach's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he replayed the conversation from the study, his gaze sharp and determined."This is an invitation to a charity gala happening next week. I'll send someone to assist you. You know what to do."Zach accepted the invitation. "Is Father trying to ally with the Young family?""No, it's a bid for a strategic marriage between our families. You're not getting any younger, Zach. It's about time you settle down. Currently, the Young family seems like your best bet.""I understand. I won't disappoint Father." For some reason, Zach pulled over.Confused, Jadie turned to him. "Zach, what's goin

Moonlight pierced through the window, its cold brilliance illuminating the room. Madelyn, clad in her nightgown, descended the stairs into the living room. Rarely prone to wake during the night, she had awakened thirsty only to find her water pitcher empty. As she made her way downstairs, sleep still fogging her vision, she turned and gasped at the unexpected sight of a dark silhouette on the couch."Ahh!"Her drowsiness evaporated instantaneously, as the figure rose from the couch, switching on the wall light. The sudden brightness made her squint, and it took a moment for her to make out the man before her."Brother, what are you doing here? You didn't go home?"The room was steeped in a faint aroma of alcohol, a scent unmistakably emanating from Zach.'He just got back from an outing? And why isn't he with Jadie? What's he doing in the Jent residence?'Despite eight years of marriage, Zach's intentions were as elusive to her as ever.As Madelyn spoke, Zach moved closer, their