Zach was contemplating where she might be hiding. However, before long, Jadie's voice broke the silence, directing Zach's attention to a figure standing near a large truck. "Zach, look! It's Madelyn," Jadie exclaimed, her voice tinged with both surprise and concern.Slowing down the vehicle, Zach saw Madelyn getting into the vehicle."Goodness gracious, why is Madelyn leaving with strangers? Has something happened to her? Should we contact the police?" Jadie's words tumbled out in a rush, her concern palpable.Zach averted his eyes, a contemplative silence enveloping him as he focused on the task of driving. "No need," he finally replied, his voice subdued."Are you saying we should we just leave her be like that?"Zach remained silent, his attention steadfastly fixed on the road ahead.As the truck accelerated, its tires kicking up a cloud of dust, the distance between them and Madelyn swiftly expanded. Jadie could sense the car picking up speed, and a part of her longed for Zac

"I'm glad you understand!" Madelyn happily went up to her and hugged her.She eagerly took the thermos from Rosario and sat down beside a small table."Why'd you come out here all of a sudden? Do you know how worried Mr. Jent and Mr. Jardin are? Go back tomorrow!""There's no need for you to try and persuade me; I won't go back. Besides, it won't make a difference whether I'm there or not. They won't worry about me."Rosario looked at the used pot and Worcestershire sauce on the kitchen counter on the balcony.'This is what she's been eating when I'm not around. How could she go through such a thing? She's Ms. Jent!' she thought.Rosario was a little heartbroken. After all, she had watched Madelyn grow up, so she was like her own child."Madelyn, is this all you're having for lunch?"Madelyn took a big bite of carne frita and nodded, "I don't have ingredients at home, so I just made some noodles. But I think I added too much Worcestershire sauce. It's a little too salty. Also..

Madelyn had to admit it genuinely was a little disorderly around these parts. Well, not exactly disorderly; it was just the cleanliness here was not as good as in the urban area of Ventropolis.The buildings here seemed run-down. The place was filled with dilapidated residential areas and many street food stalls.Madelyn wandered around and found that the food at these stalls was pretty cheap.After she walked through the alley, there was even a large sea ahead.This was the outskirts of Ventropolis. It was an hour's drive to get to the neighboring city, Marisburg.Madelyn ran to the beach in excitement. She closed her eyes and breathed in the crisp sea air.She took off her flip-flops and stepped onto the sand. The seawater was a little chilly, but the sunlight above her head felt warm and refreshing.Madelyn strolled barefoot along the sandy shoreline, her eyes fixated on the myriad seashells that adorned the beach. Their intricate patterns and vibrant colors enticed her, urgi

'But it seems like they're also coming to this restaurant,' Madelyn thought.As expected, the door to her room was opened in less than a minute, and a group of people walked in."Oh?! You're eating good! How come we never get such special treatment? You're so biased, you old fart!""I'm starving. Dustin, get me a set of cutleries and a bowl.""Don't you have hands? Why can't you take them yourself?""Girlie, scooch over, girlie. I can't get inside."Madelyn was speechless. She pulled her chair and made way for him.Alex sat across from her, but her sitting posture was a little unsightly. She propped her foot onto the chair and promptly spun the carne frita on Madelyn's plate toward herself. Then, she started munching on it."The drinks are here," a skinny guy walked in and closed the door with his leg while carrying a carton of beer.The once spacious room had quickly became cramped."That bastard. He never makes this for me when I ask him to, but now he's actually made it fo

Rogan immediately called out to her, his voice booming. "Hey, you! Madelyn! Come over here and take our order."Madelyn held the tub of plates and pretended to not hear him as she looked at a person about the same age as her.Her name was Wonda, and she was also working here part-time.Madelyn looked at her gloating face and then turned around to leave."Oi, I'm calling for you! Do you hear me?!"Madelyn put down the tub and washed her hands cleaned before walking over with a menu."What would you like to order?" she asked, as she took out a notebook to jot the order down.Five pairs of eyes all stared at her like hungry wolves staring at their prey. Those ill-intentioned gazes exuded a revolting malevolence.One of them then said, "Babe, are you short on cash? If you are, just let me know. I have money."As he said that, he pulled out three hundred dollars from his wallet and put in on the table. "If you go out and play with me today, this money's yours."A shrill laugh sudd