Ch. 1071..1080
Chapter 1071
Olivia who was standing at the side reminded, “Liam, the person we’re waiting for is almost here. Let’s go in now.”
Liam did not look at her. He continued staring at Blake as he said, “Let’s have lunch together later.”
Blake happily nodded, “Sure.”
Liam responded, “I’ll come find you later.”
Blake replied, “Okay.”
After she returned to the office, she put the contract into the drawer before continuing to enjoy her relaxed working hours.
Janice envied her, “I’m so jealous of you! Now, you get a salary without having to do anything. Unlike us… We have endless tasks to do.”
Blake put a peanut into her mouth, ”
That’s because I’m Ms. Samford’s assistant. I can’t do anything about her not being in the company. You do know that we’re sitting right in front of Kevin. I can’t help you with your tasks.”
Janice adjusted her glasses and sighed deeply.
Blake put on her headphones and finished watching an entire drama series. It was already lunchtime without her realizing it.
While she was taking a nap, Kevin walked past her desk multiple times.
When Liam appeared, everyone marveled and looked over. “Damn, isn’t he the handsome guy I saw downstairs last time? Why is he here?”
“Wow, Liam is so popular now. He’s a platinum-rank web novelist. With his looks, if he was in the entertainment industry, he’d surely be an A-list actor!
Kevin noticed the commotion outside. He looked up for a second before returning to look at the documents in his hand.
Liam walked around the office. He walked over to Blake when he saw her. When he saw there was a snack in her mouth, he gently stretched his hand to take the snack from her mouth.
Blake was still unaware of it. She licked her lips with her eyes closed. She continued to sleep. Liam smiled slightly as he looked at her, “Blake.”
“Huh?” Blake responded while she was still sleeping.
In the end, Janice woke Blake up by patting her. On the way to the company cafeteria, Blake was squinting. She looked like she still had not fully awakened.
Liam followed behind her patiently, ” I’m sorry about last night. I fell asleep.
What time did you leave?” He spoke very slowly.
“I left when I saw you fall asleep. I went to your room to find medicine for you. But I put away the medicine as I thought you shouldn’t take too much of it. And I left your room after that. I boiled water for you in the kitchen. Did you drink it?”
Liam responded, “I did.”
Blake held her hands together outstretched as she lowered her head to look at her feet, “When you’re free, let me accompany you to the hospital for a checkup. Taking medicine this way isn’t a solution.”
Liam replied, “Sure.”
Blake suggested, “Instead of waiting for another day, how about we go today?”
Liam smiled warmly as he looked at her, “Sure.”
Blake responded, “Why do you just agree to everything that I say? Anyway, I’m tired of the food in the company cafeteria. I’ll take you to eat something nice, and you can pay for it.”
Blake could not wait. She grabbed Liam’s hand and took a shortcut to leave the company. However, someone from not far away happened to capture this scene. In the photo, Liam was tenderly staring at Blake, who was smiling brightly as her long hair was blown by the wind. This scene resembled a scenario from school days where Blake pulled the introverted Liam to the cafeteria to eat.
Chapter 1072
A photo was sent to a Jardin Corporation employee’s group chat.
The photo was accompanied by a text: [ Oh my, Blake looks like a person with integrity, but she’s actually fooling around. Isn’t she with Mr. Harrison? Yet, she’s holding another man’s hand in public.]
People started replying to it in the group chat just a few seconds later: [ Mind your own business! She comes from a powerful family. She even has the support of the CEO’s wife. She has nothing to worry about.]
[Yes! You better not interfere. Otherwise, Blake might get unhappy and ask the CEO to fire you. Anyway… Just stay away from her.]
[Sigh, we don’t have a strong family background! We have to work so much every day. She has nothing to do in the office, and yet, her salary is higher than mine. It’s so frustrating how unfair life is!]
Blake still had no idea that so many people were talking bad about her behind her back. The conversation in that group chat had been screenshot and spread to other department’s own group chat.
That photo was widely spread while Blake was still kept in the dark.
She took Liam to the hospital. After the diagnosis was complete, he was sent to get a CT scan of his brain. The CT scan result showed no abnormalities.
They took the prescription and were going to get the medicine. As they walked out of the doctor’s office, Blake turned around and saw a girl wearing a scarf around her head. When the girl walked past Blake, Blake was extremely shocked when she saw the upper half of the girl’s face.
Blake said, “Oh my goodness, how could someone’s face be burned like this?!”
Liam walked over to Blake and asked, What did you see?”
Blake did not dare to point at the girl, she merely glanced at her, “That person just now., her face is completely burned. She looks a little familiar, I think I’ve seen her somewhere before.”
Blake was standing at the side. After watching for a while, another woman in her forties wearing branded clothes and sunglasses was followed by bodyguards. Blake suddenly took a deep breath.
She pondered, ‘Isn’t she the CEO of YTCorp, Frida Young? Why’s she here?”
It was not surprising that Blake knew Frida. In the past, she had attended various banquets with Kevin and met many business tycoons and members of the elite, and Frida was one of them. Moreover, Blake was intelligent and had a good memory.
Blake felt something was not right. She thought, “That girl with the burned face looks about ninety percent similar to someone I know.’
She then quickly dismissed the unrealistic thoughts. She said, “It’s impossible. How could it be her? Yvonne died in that plane crash a long time ago.”
Liam responded, “It’s her!”
Blake looked at Liam in surprise, ” What are you saying?”
Liam replied, “You’re not mistaken. It’s Yvonne Young!”
Blake asked, “How do you know her?”
“I’ll explain it to you later.” Liam took Blake’s hand and continued saying, ” Let’s go and check it out.” With that, they headed in Yvonne’s direction.
However, they did not dare to get too close. They stopped when they saw the bodyguards guarding the door. At the corner, they heard a hoarse, irritable voice scolding from inside, “Useless! All of you are useless.
“You all can’t even heal my face. What’s the point of the hospital hiring you all?!”
Frida said, “Yvonne, don’t be angry. I’ll find a way. No matter how much it costs, I’ll surely find a way to heal your face.”
Unexpectedly, a cell phone suddenly rang. It immediately caught the bodyguards’ attention.
“Who’s there?!”
When Blake saw the bodyguards coming over, she hurriedly used her hand to support her waist and began wailing out loud.
“Ah, my stomach!” She turned toward Liam and began to pretend to be scolding him, “Damn it, you’re so stupid, you can’t even find the pharmacy. The days I’ve spent with you since we got married have been like living in hell. You can’t even get me my medicine!”
The bodyguards did not think much when they saw Blake scolding Liam. The bodyguards quietly left after that.
Blake and Liam pretended that they did not see the bodyguards and quickly walked out of the hospital. Blake exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, how did Yvonne become like that?
“Liam, I’m sorry! I had no other choice just now. But speaking of which, how do you know Yvonne? She’s the ex-wife of my company’s CEO, but their marriage was only about business interests with no feelings involved.”
Chapter 1073
Liam said, “She approached me before!
“What do you mean?”
Liam did not want to keep it from her, so he explained everything in detail. Blake said, “What did you say? Yvonne wanted you to look for Madelyn four years ago? But why?
“Weren’t you still in the hospital at that time? Why’d she come to you? Liam… Who are you exactly?”
Liam appeared indifferent as he looked toward a nearby place, “I’m just an ordinary person. Blake, you have to keep this a secret for me.”
Blake responded, “Don’t worry. I won’t reveal a single word to anyone.”
Liam replied, “Let’s go back. I still have work to do.”
Blake said, “Okay. How many chapters will you be updating today?”
Liam responded, “How many chapters do you want to read?”
Blake answered, “I want to read the final chapter. You’ve already written over three million words. Isn’t the story going to finish soon?”
Liam replied, “Many words don’t necessarily mean it’s ending soon. For me, it’s just the beginning.”
Blake said, “I wonder if Madelyn knows that Yvonne is still alive. Now that Yvonne has become like this, she’ll surely hurt Madelyn in the future. Women’s jealousy is the most terrifying thing. I’m afraid Yvonne will act extremely.”
Liam responded, “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine if you don’t want anything to happen to her.”
Blake replied, “I hope so.”
In the flower room at Southern Haven Villas, Madelyn was absentmindedly holding a rose while she trimmed it. She accidentally cut the fingertip of her ring finger with the sharp blade. Bright red blood immediately dripped down.
A servant said, “Mrs. Jardin, your finger! I’ll get the first aid kit for you right away.”
Madelyn responded calmly, “It’s just a minor injury. You don’t need to make such a fuss.”
After Zach dealt with his work matters, he walked over and saw her injured hand. His face turned cold, “Aren’t you all supposed to be looking after her?!”
Madelyn rinsed off the blood from her finger with water, “I was careless. Don’t blame them.”
“This won’t work.” Zach then held her finger and brought it into his mouth to suck it.
Madelyn did not struggle, “It’s dirty.”
After a while, the servant quickly brought a medical plaster with a pink pattern that Madelyn liked.
When Madelyn was younger, she used to like pink color things. Now as time went by, she was about to get married soon.
Zach said, “You get injured even at home, even with servants here to look after you. What else can I do to protect you?”
The servants quietly left.
Madelyn was held in Zach’s arms as she listened to his sweet talk, but she felt nothing.
Zach said, “I made pastina. I know you like it. Go and try it.”
Chapter 1074
Madelyn did not like to eat spinach, garlic, vinegar, and spicy food. Zach remembered all of this.
However, the maid accidentally put some spinach on the pastina, “I’m really sorry, Mrs. Jardin. I was so absent -minded. I forgot you don’t eat spinach. I’ll serve you a new bowl.”
Madelyn looked at the green spinach on the pastina as she responded, “It’s fine. I’ll just pick them out.”
Zach said, “Be careful next time.”
The maid replied, “Yes, Mr. Jardin.”
The maid then left the living room to leave Zach and Madelyn alone. Zach picked out the spinach from Madelyn’s bowl and put them into his bowl.
Madelyn asked, “Did you make the pastina alone?”
Zach responded, “Yes.”
Madelyn had an indescribable feeling. In her previous life, she had been married to Zach for nearly ten years. She learned to do laundry, cook, and take care of their house for him. She took care of him very well. Now, Zach actually learned to make pastina for her.
Madelyn asked, “When did you learn how to make it?”
Zach replied, “With dedication, it’s not difficult to learn something.”
Madelyn took a bite and immediately tasted the flavor of Rosario’s cooking. It also suddenly reminded her of some things. She suppressed her emotions and tried not to cry.
She said, “The taste is not bad. You don’t need to do all these things for me in the future. I won’t feel grateful to you.”
Zach did not eat his bowl of pastina. He stared at her and said, “You’re the first person. Jadie and I grew up together in the orphanage when we were kids. I’d always taken care of her. I’d never cooked a meal again since Father adopted me. After so much time has passed, I’ve forgotten many things. Madelyn, do you understand what I mean?”
Madelyn was lost in her thoughts, ‘ What is he trying to say? Is he trying to tell me I’m special? So many women fell for him, yet he chose the daughter of his enemy. Should I be happy? Should I be thankful that he showed mercy, didn’t kill me, but instead fell in love with me? Should I be grateful that he let me live the best life?
‘Hayson and Zach have some similarities. They’re selfish and like to force things onto other people. Zach learned all the methods that Hayson used to force my mother to give in and used them on me!
‘But I was far less fortunate than my mother. At least she had someone she loved deeply. I have no one who loves me. Even the person who accompanied me and treated me like family ultimately became the one who made me unable to give birth.’
Madelyn suddenly lost her appetite, I’m full. You take your time to eat.”
Zach held her wrist, “Don’t waste the food. Finish it.”
Madelyn calmly looked at him, “Zach Jardin… Keeping up an act for such a long time can be tiring.”
She thought, ‘I can’t just move on from some things just because he treats me well and special. Just like Dal, even though he calls me his mother, it can’t hide the fact that he’s adopted.
‘I have no blood relation with Dal, and even less with Zach… Zach has been fooling himself all this time.’
While the atmosphere between them became tense, the bodyguard outside the door brought in an invitation card.
The bodyguard said, “This is from Ms. Young. She had it sent by someone. It was mentioned that there’ll be a huge auction a week from now and that there’s a batch of very old antiques. She believes you’ll like it if you attend.”
This was the first time Zach received this kind of special invitation. He believed it was just another boring charity auction that used to cover corruption for some people.
The bodyguard added, “Ms. Young hopes you will go alone. The person she sent didn’t say why.”
Zach responded, “Okay.”
After the bodyguard left, Zach opened the invitation and was surprised to find there was no signature from the organizer.
He casually threw the invitation on the table, “How cunning.”
Chapter 1075
Zach said, “You haven’t eaten much today. Eat more. If you don’t like it, I’ll have the maid make something else for you.”
Madelyn snorted lightly, “You can eat it yourself.”
She thought, ‘Why’d the Young family still have dealings with Zach? Logically speaking, Frida should hate Zach very much. Why’d she still have any interactions with him?’
After some thought, Madelyn was sure it must be about Frida introducing some high-ranking official’s daughter to Zach.
Not long ago, Zach attended a banquet. It was reported the next day that the Ventropolis’s mayor introduced his daughter to Zach. Zach even had dinner with her.
Madelyn would not believe that Zach would not be moved by such power. Since that banquet, Madelyn used various methods to not allow him to touch her. She found him repulsive.
Madelyn looked at her mother’s portrait hanging on the wall as all her emotions disappeared. She then sat on the couch in front of the floor-to- ceiling window to look at the scenery outside.
Downstairs, Zach ate the two bowls of pastina himself.
He knew that some things could not be obtained easily. In the past, Zach would do anything just to survive. Now, he was willing to do anything for Madelyn instead.
He not only wanted Madelyn physically, but he also wanted to make her fall deeply in love with him.
Zach had always been a patient person.
He personally cooked a bowl of egg pasta and brought it to the art room. Zach took the paintbrush from Madelyn’s hand and coaxed her as if she were his daughter.
He placed the fork in her hand and said, “Being angry is bad for your health. Eat well. I need to go into the study room for a while. When I come out, I want to see that you’ve finished eating the pasta.”
Although it sounded like a threat, it did not make Madelyn feel threatened.
She smelled the aroma of the egg pasta. It was a sunny-side-up egg and there were some cheese flakes on it. The pasta smelled very good.
Madelyn played with her hair as she took a bite. She could taste that Zach had added lard to the pasta. This taste was something she had never had before.
Zach went to the study and pressed the computer button. There were emails from Kevin. These emails contained photos of what Cecilia had been doing.
Other than that, Zach also utilized the underground information network that Hayson established. This was the only underground organization that Zach had not disbanded yet. However, it only provided some irrelevant information.
Coincidentally, Kevin called, “Mr. Jardin, the matters you instructed have been handled. Everything in the company is running normally lately.”
Zach sat in his chair. He played with the signature pen as he responded, “Okay. From now on, you don’t need to report everything to me. You can make decisions on your own for matters that aren’t of utmost importance. You only come to me if you can’t handle them.”
Kevin replied, “Okay, Mr. Jardin.”
After the call ended, Zach tossed his photo onto the desk without looking at it again. He then walked out of the study.
Now, even Kevin could not figure out what Zach wanted to do.
Jardin Corporation was a huge company, but Zach had stopped managing it. Kevin, who was in the company, was a little weary from handling everything on his own. When Susan saw Kevin massage his temples, she quickly went to the pantry to prepare a cup of hand-ground coffee for him.
Zach noticed the bowl was empty. He walked over to Madelyn and gently rubbed her hair, “You’ve been behaving well lately.”
Madelyn tilted her head focusing on her drawing with a paintbrush, “Your cooking skills are quite good too.”
Zach responded, “If you like it, I can cook for you again next time. If you want to learn, I can teach you…”
Madelyn replied, “Go and do your work, don’t interrupt me. Otherwise, I won’t be able to meet the deadline again.”
Zach had not been back to the company for a very long time. Now, he resembled those rulers from ancient histories who were distracted by charming ladies and neglected their duties in managing their kingdoms.
Chapter 1076
The next morning, Madelyn felt uneasy as she covered her chest. She had been feeling this way for days, but it became increasingly apparent.
Zach asked, “Are you not feeling well? Should I ask him to come and take a look at you?”
Madelyn looked out of the floor-to- ceiling window as she shook her head absentmindedly, “I always feel like someone’s watching me these days. Every time I ask Margaret to check, there’s no one in that corner.”
Zach took her hand and put it in his palm before rubbing it, “Don’t overthink it. We have bodyguards at home. It’s very safe as long as you don’t leave the villa. Even if there’s any danger, I’ll know immediately.”
Madelyn said, “The day before yesterday, I clearly saw a dark figure passing through that garden. But it disappeared very quickly. It’s so strange.”
Zach responded, “Don’t overthink it. Nothing will happen as long as you stay with me.”
Zach indeed had been protecting her very well. To ensure Madelyn’s safety, the whole of Ventropolis was under stricter scrutiny than before.
He said, “Let’s go downstairs. I’ll cook pasta for you.”
Madelyn shook his hand off with disgust, “I don’t want to eat that. I’ve been eating your pasta these few days. I’m tired of it. I want to eat something else today.”
“Okay,” Zach smiled at her. The next second, he sharply looked at a place not far away. He suddenly emanated a chilling aura, “You go down now, I’ll be down shortly.”
After Madelyn left, Zach grabbed his phone. He stared at a certain position outside the window as he dialed a phone number. The call was answered just before hanging up.
The other person did not say a word.
Zach coldly warned, “Have you had enough fun? This is the last time. Don’t make me intervene personally.”
Zach stopped looking there after saying that. After a while, as the person lurking in the dark saw Zach leave, she slowly walked out. She was wearing a black cap. Her face was burned. Her eyes were gloomy and full of sorrow as she stared at the place where Zach had disappeared.
Yvonne was like a stalker these days. She had been stalking Zach being intimate with Madelyn. She had watched intently as Zach would take Madelyn wherever he went and would even cook for her.
However, when Yvonne had been his wife, including the time when she became his fiancée, she had never experienced anything close to such treatment.
Zach had never done anything for Yvonne.
Tears rolled down Yvonne’s face which was just operated on and still not healed. She felt a sharp pain. However, to her, the pain of being betrayed was more painful than the sharp pain.
She was lost in her thoughts, ‘Zach! I won’t agree to a divorce! I’d rather die than get a divorce! Madelyn, why must you come back after you left?! Why did you take him away from me?! You ruined everything for me.’
When Madelyn looked at that place, the dark figure disappeared from her sight again.
“It’s that person again!”
Madelyn ran out to chase after Yvonne.
Margaret turned around, “Ms. Jent, oh my! Where are you going?”
Zach happened to come down from upstairs. Margaret immediately said to him, ” Mr. Jardin, quickly go and check it out! Ms. Jent said she saw someone. She’s now chasing after the person.”
The scarf on Madelyn dropped when she ran, but she just ignored it. When she ran out, Yvonne had already vanished.
Zach picked up the scarf and held her wrist, “Madelyn, you’re mistaken. There’s no one.”
Madelyn responded, “I saw the person, right there! Zach, don’t you have surveillance cameras? Let’s check the footage.”
Madelyn pointed in a direction and turned her head to look at Zach. She saw the hesitation in his eyes.
“You know who that person is, right?
“I knew it! Who’s that person?”
Chapter 1077
Zach said, “There’s no one. It was just your imagination.”
At that moment, a bodyguard in a black suit approached, “Mrs. Jardin, the person you just saw was me.”
Madelyn was confused, “It was you?”
The bodyguard nodded, “Yes, I was patrolling over here. There was an unusual situation outside the door just now, so I went to check. I apologize for frightening you.”
Zach waved his hand, and the bodyguard left. Zach said, “Is it clear now? I’ve arranged for people to guard the villa these days. That was why you had such illusions.
“Now, let’s go back to eat, okay?”
Madelyn was not convinced. She turned her head to glance as she pondered, Was I really mistaken?”
When she arrived at the entrance, Dalton suddenly ran over with a toy airplane. His running posture made Madelyn worried, “Mama…”
When Madelyn was about to pick him up, Margaret took Dalton, “Ms. Jent, let me do it.”
Madelyn glanced at her hands before withdrawing them, “Okay.”
Zach held Madelyn’s hand and went to the dining table. They both knew her hand injury was from back then.
Now, Madelyn could not carry heavy objects. Her hands would become sore, weak, and tremble if she carried heavy objects after a while.
Margaret had seen Madelyn suddenly loosen her hands when she carried Dalton for a while. Dalton almost fell. Both Margaret and Madelyn were startled.
If it were not for Margaret to hold Dalton in time, he might have been admitted to the hospital. Madelyn could only hold Dalton when she was sitting.
The scars on Madelyn’s body were slowly fading. At night, Zach would apply scar removal cream on her while she slept. Madelyn still had not noticed that the scars on her body had started to fade.
During their meal, a servant suddenly brought an invitation over, “Mr. Jardin, this was left on the table last time. It looked valuable and I didn’t know where to put it, so I put it in the drawer for you.”
Madelyn reached out and took it. This had been sent over along with the reports last time.
She asked, “Are you going?”
Zach nonchalantly rolled up his sleeves before helping her peel a shrimp and put it in her bowl, “Yes. This place doesn’t suit you. Stay at home and wait for me to come back.”
Madelyn curiously asked, “What place is that?”
Zach responded, “Do you want to know? Kiss me, and I’ll tell you.”
Madelyn did not know why Zach suddenly acted this way. She immediately returned the item to him and said, “Fine, don’t tell me.”
Zach still told her, “This place is nothing more than a place where money is spent on entertainment, pretending to do a charity event but doing behind-the-scenes activities.”
Madelyn took a shrimp and handed it to Dalton to let him bite it on his own. She asked, “The relevant authority doesn’t care about it?”
Zach replied, “Some things aren’t that simple. And for some matters, once you’re involved, it won’t be easy to get out of it.”
Madelyn did not want to know too much about it. These behind-the- scenes activities were inevitably illegal. She knew that even if she knew that truth, she would not be able to do anything about it.
In such a competitive environment, individuals fought for their own interests to thrive.
Zach and the Jent family had spent many years freeing themselves from illegal activities. Although Hayson had stopped doing illegal activities back then, Zach actually took charge of those affairs for him.
As for what Zach had done, only he knew.
Zach had managed to distance himself from those illegal activities long ago. Perhaps, he had already covered up those illegal activities that he had done.
Madelyn found it laughable that Zach was recognized as a prominent philanthropist.
Chapter 1078
Zach said, “Are you worried about me?”
As he said that, he held Madelyn’s hand. She withdrew it without responding. Zach knew the answer from her gaze. However, he did not mind. What he wanted was to have her by his side.
He continued saying, “Those kinds of events aren’t suitable for you. If you want to have fun, you can go to beauty salons with those wealthy ladies or play cards with them.”
Madelyn responded, “Since when did you know women like to do these things?”
Indeed, Madelyn occasionally indulged in those activities with the wealthy ladies.
The way Zach looked at her was as if he was worried that she would misunderstand something. He explained, “Whenever you go out, the bodyguards will report your schedule to me. That’s why I know what you do every time you go out.”
He noticed she looked unhappy. He quickly changed the subject before she could get angry, “I’ve already taken care of Blake’s matter for you. Madelyn…” With that, he seized the opportunity to pull Madelyn’s hand and made her sit on his lap. He held her waist with his hands as he continued, ” How will you thank me?”
Madelyn tried to push his shoulders to get up, but she failed. She responded, That’s what you should’ve done in the first place.”
When the servants saw this scene, they silently left the area. Even Margaret carried Dalton and hurriedly went upstairs.
Zach slipped his hand into Madelyn’s beautiful dark hair. Her hair had grown quite a lot. But it was still slightly short. If she wanted her hair to be as long as it used to be, she would need to wait for a few more years.
Zach held her head and moved closer to her. Madelyn knew exactly what he was trying to do. She did not want to let him succeed.
He said, “Let me kiss you for a while.”
The atmosphere was very romantic. It was too late for Madelyn to leave. The kiss was long and intense, leaving Madelyn weak in his embrace.
Zach gently stroked her hair, “Don’t go out when I’m not around. It’s very safe with the bodyguards at home. If you miss me, just give me a call. I’ll come home quickly.”
The way Zach said it seemed like he knew something and was sure that she would be in danger. A few days later, Zach arrived at the destination as scheduled according to the invitation.
At nine-thirty in the evening, Zach appeared at the crowded event dressed in a suit and caught countless women’s attention. He was attractive and elegant. When they saw him, the most powerful man in Ventropolis, all of them fantasized about spending a passionate night with him.
However, the ring on his ring finger showed everyone that he was already married.
Kevin was sitting at the auction, representing Zach. Meanwhile, Zach was led by a receptionist in a pink dress into a private elevator.
She was charming and her physique was great. She twisted her hips as she pressed the button for the basement floor.
She said, “Mr. Jardin, please go in.”
The private room was huge. It was spacious enough to accommodate several hundred people.
As Zach entered the room, he heard the intimate sounds of a man and woman panting. The man engaging in the intimate act was a fair-skinned foreigner with golden hair. His pants were down to his ankles, and the woman was bent over with watery eyes.
The foreign man gripped the woman’s waist as he vigorously moved his hips. The woman weakly screamed and fell to the ground.
The woman then turned her head. She panted and stood up.
Meanwhile, Frida Young and Fred, the man whom Zach had not met for a long time, had already arrived at the venue. Fred looked absent-minded while playing with a lighter in his hand.
The blond man, Enrick Felipe, fastened his belt before extending his hand and greeting Zach with a smile. He spoke ineloquently, “Mr. Jardin, I’ve heard a lot about you. Pleasure meeting you. Heard that you’re doing pretty well for yourself in business.”
Zach just ignored him and sat at the side.
Enrick was not offended. Instead, he poured a glass of wine and placed it in front of Zach, “Mr. Jardin, we’re businessmen. Let’s be straightforward. I heard that you used to be in the same business as I am, and you’ve already quit the business to become the CEO of Jardin Corporation. Today, I’ll be expressing my earnest effort to show that I want to work with you.”
Chapter 1079
Enrick continued saying, “Are you interested in working with me?”
Zach sat with his legs crossed and hands rested on his leg, “Tell me about it.”
Enrick waved his hand, and a few bodyguards walked over. They carried ten briefcases and placed them on the table before opening them to reveal stacks of Avalon Dollars. Enrick said, “Consider this my gift to you.
“If you sincerely want to work with me, you can earn even more money. We can discuss the profit-sharing percentages. As far as I know, you have the greatest influence both domestically and internationally. The whole of Ventropolis, and even all of Venturia is under your control.”
Zach responded, “You think too highly of me.”
Enrick replied, “You have the most extensive connections, and I have the best products. I’ve been working with Mr. Turner for many years, and he’s my best partner.
“It’s my honor to meet you today.”
Frida chimed in, “Zach, if you’re hesitant to take this money, don’t worry. Mr. Felipe has his own methods of laundering money. This money can be converted into Venturia currency and transferred to your account in just a few days. If you agree to work with him, you can earn billions of Avalon dollars in a day without any problem.
“The money you make will be much more than what you can make from Jardin Corporation. You’re merely returning to your old profession. I believe it won’t be difficult for you at all.”
Zach lowered his head. He continuously turned his wedding ring as he pondered. After a moment, he slowly said, “The resources and connections I have can indeed bring unimaginable profits.
“However, Ms. Young, you seem to have misjudged the situation. I’ll treat what happened today as if it never happened.”
Zach stood up. Frida anticipated his next move. She immediately stood up to stop him, “Zach, don’t be ungrateful. If you dare to leave, you won’t be able to bear the consequences later.”
Zach silently walked away and left the private room.
“Fuck,” Enrick angrily cursed in the room. He then kicked all the briefcases to the floor. A waiter pressed the button to open the elevator. Fred followed Zach into the elevator.
Fred said, “It seems like you’ve really distanced yourself from that kind of business after you got married. What’s the matter? You don’t care about a business that’s worth tens of billions of dollars because of the woman you love?
The elevator moved up slowly. Zach put his hand in his pocket, “I didn’t gain what I have easily. Being too greedy can easily backfire.”
Back then, Zach had no choice but to do the dirty work he used to do. Now, with Madelyn in his life, he could not afford to take such risks. Besides, the money he already had now was enough for him.
Fred responded, “I’m surprised. I came here because I wanted to see your reaction. I didn’t expect you to reject him.”
In just a few minutes after Zach walked out of the elevator, Kevin was already waiting outside.
When Kevin saw Zach was safe, he followed behind Zach and said, “I’ve successfully bid on all the items at the auction. They’ll all be delivered to Mrs. Jardin in a few days.”
“Ha,” Fred laughed mockingly before he said, “Zach, you seem to be regressing more and more.
“It’s just a marriage. What’s wrong? Are you afraid of your wife? Grow up.”
Apart from Madelyn, the only person who could mock Zach to his face was Fred. A car was parked not far away. Mya was standing next to it. She was holding a hot baked sweet potato, flipping it back and forth, and blowing on it.
Zach said, “In the future, if you and this fool ever step into Southern Haven Villas again, I’ll break her legs!”
Mya cringed in fear when she noticed Zach’s fierce gaze.
She thought, ‘Madelyn’s husband is so fierce! He’s terrifying!”
Chapter 1080
Zach got into the car and sat in the back passenger seat. He asked, “What’s the situation at Southern Haven Villas?”
Kevin answered, “Everything is normal. Mrs. Jardin hasn’t gone out. There won’t be any problems as long as she doesn’t leave the villa.”
Zach closed his eyes. He twirled his silver ring, feeling a little uneasy, ” Let’s go back and see.”
He never felt at ease leaving Madelyn alone at home. Moreover, up until now, Zach had rarely allowed her to be alone outside. Even with bodyguards accompanying her, he would still be worried if he was not with her himself.
Madelyn was in the art room discussing with Blake on the phone about the character designs for Liam’s book.
Only an hour had passed since Zach left. Just as Madelyn put down her phone, the lights in the villa suddenly went out. Not only that, but the entire Southern Haven Villas blacked out.
The servants were confused, but they immediately thought of Madelyn.
“Oh no, we should quickly check on Mrs. Jardin.”
“It’s bad. The flower room Mr. Jardin gifted Mrs. Jardin is on fire.”
Everyone immediately rushed to put out the fire. In the chaos, a dark figure entered the villa.
Madelyn saw the fire spread downstairs. She supported herself against the wall and had to rely on the light from the fire to see. Madelyn slowly walked to the door and heard footsteps approaching from the corridor.
She could not see the person’s face. She could only see her body figure. Madelyn asked, “Who are you? What do you want?”
Madelyn heard the person walk quicker toward her, and it seemed threatening. Madelyn realized something was off and immediately closed the door.
She could then hear something sharp hitting against the door. It was clear that the person was coming for her. Madelyn then heard a faint, hoarse voice filled with resentment from the other side of the door, “I want you dead!
Madelyn had a chill down her spine. She thought the voice sounded familiar. At that moment, the lights above her lit up, and it seemed like the person outside the door had left.
The door was a security door specifically installed by Zach for her. It was extremely solid and impenetrable.
“Mrs. Jardin, it’s us!”
The door was knocked.
Madelyn opened the door and saw a group of bodyguards dressed in black suits standing outside. A bodyguard said, “Mrs. Jardin, are you okay? Are you injured?”
Madelyn shook her head thoughtfully. She turned to look at the door and saw the faint white mark on it. It had clearly been caused by something sharp.
She responded, “I’m fine. Why was there a blackout?”
The bodyguard replied, “We noticed a blown fuse. That’s what caused the power outage.”
Madelyn asked, “Why did the flower room downstairs catch fire?”
The bodyguard answered, “We don’t know yet. We came to check if you’re safe. You’re fine, and that’s what matters.”
“Oh my, I saw a ghost! Ms. Jent! I saw a ghost!” Margaret walked over with Dalton in her arms. Dalton was crying.
Madelyn said to the bodyguards, “The power is back now. You guys can go downstairs.”