Ch. 531..540

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 531

“Forgot who you’re working for?” Ethan’s voice was icy. Doubt flashed in his eyes, but he was firm in his choice. He knew the consequences of his decision today but felt he had no other option. “She’ll get it,” he told Leyton, then drove off from the office.

Leyton pursed his lips, deep in thought. ‘I hope Mr. Arnold doesn’t end up regretting this. If Ms. Jent had other options, she might not have chosen to get engaged to him. She’s just trying to escape her current situation. With her talent, she made it into Ventropolis College of Art. Someday, when she no longer needs him, he’s going to really regret it.’

The highway was a mess. There were two wrecked silver cars, but the driver who caused the crash was nowhere to be found. A police officer said, “Mr. Arnold, by the time we arrived, one of the cars had already exploded.”

Ethan, with wild eyes, grabbed the officer by the collar. “Who told you to chase her?”

Other officers quickly stepped in to break them apart. One of them said, Mr. Arnold, even though you’re a prominent figure in Ventropolis, the law still applies to you. Attacking an officer is a serious crime. You were informed over the phone: Donna Jolie is under suspicion of murder in a mental hospital. We’re simply doing our job.”

“A mental hospital?” Ethan thought, ‘ She was in prison. How did she end up in a mental facility?”

The officer continued, “Yes, we’re still investigating the details. We’ll document her situation and step up our search. If you have any information, please report it to us right away. She’s a mental patient, so predicting her next move is impossible.”

The relevant authorities were now managing the accident site.

Ethan was torn between Madelyn and Donna. But after Donna’s accident, he could not think of anything else. The sky started to drizzle, making the day seem even sadder. In his car, Ethan laid his head on the steering wheel, worn out. ‘Donna’s gone! And it’s all because of me.’

Just then, his phone on the passenger seat buzzed with a new text. Seeing the message, Ethan’s face became serious. He pressed hard on the gas and drove into the drizzle.

In a villa on the outskirts of town, Donna looked around the living room she had not seen in forever. Everywhere she looked, memories with Ethan flooded back: laughing on the couch, cooking in the kitchen, or watching stars on the rooftop. It felt like they had once been a part of each other’s every moment.

Donna waited on the couch. She had not been in a real accident; she had set up the crash scene to gauge Ethan’s reaction to her “death.” The photos of Ethan’s breakdown at the scene said it all.

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 532

Donna already knew the answer. An hour and a half later, the villa’s front door swung open. The code? Her birthday. ‘See, he still remembers.’

Upon seeing Donna, Ethan was filled with fury. But as he noticed the scars on her face and arms, along with the clothes from the psychiatric ward she was wearing, his anger slowly faded. He stared at her with a troubled look. ” Who got you out of prison? I don’t have time for your games.”

Ethan was about to leave when Donna’s voice, filled with hysteria, halted him. I was imprisoned because of a comment you made! Do you realize the torment I endured? They held me down, cutting me with sharp blades, leaving marks all over my arms and body. They labeled me as delusional, shameless, and so much worse!

“After I said, ‘We used to be together,” they turned against me. Everyone acted like they could push me around. I was brutally attacked, almost killed. If someone hadn’t found me in the nick of time and put me in a mental hospital, I’d be gone by now. What did I do to deserve such cruelty? Ethan, can’t you recall? You never let anyone harm me before. You’d always protect me from bullies.”

Tears filled Donna’s eyes. She seemed almost mad from all the pain she had endured, and her spirit had been shattered long ago. Ethan, unaware of everything she had endured, was left speechless.

“They sent me to a mental hospital, made me get injections, and take medication. I’m not sick,” Donna sobbed, “but they wouldn’t listen. I wanted to leave, but even if I felt fine, they made me take the meds.” Her shaky voice and cries filled the silent villa. Ethan replied coldly, “What do you want as compensation? Is five million dollars enough?”

Hearing the offer, Donna burst into laughter. “Five million, Ethan? You really think money can make up for everything I’ve been through? Are you trying to buy my life, too? If that’s your plan, I’d rather have died in that car crash. I’ve got nothing left. And without me around, you’d be free to marry whoever you want.”

Donna’s physical injuries were nothing compared to the pain she felt inside. As heavy rain poured down, she stepped out, hoping it would cleanse Anthony’s blood from her. But the rain could not wash away her emotional pain. Seeing her outside, Ethan rushed to her side and led her back into the living room, away from the downpour.

“That’s enough! You chose to leave once; you shouldn’t have come back.”

“I’ll leave then. To you, I’m just some crazy woman who doesn’t care what people think.” As Donna tried to walk away, Ethan grabbed her. “You took someone’s life. There’s no just walking away from that.”

Donna laughed. “Can’t you just admit you still care about me? If you didn’t, why show up today?”

Both drenched from the rain, their clothes stuck to them, making them look a little disheveled. She reached out to touch Ethan’s face, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. She then tiptoed to kiss him. Ethan tried to push her away, but in her passion, she bit his lip in frustration.

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 533

After the exam, Madelyn waited at the school entrance, her umbrella shielding her from the rain that had dampened her long stockings. Ethan usually picked her up and was rarely late. When ten minutes passed without seeing him, she tried calling him.

Her phone indicated that his number was out of service. With a shiver, she sent him a text but received no reply. ‘We had our engagement photo shoot today. There must be a good reason for him being late.’ She considered contacting Ethan’s assistant, Leyton, but then remembered she did not have his number.

As the rain intensified, Madelyn took shelter in a convenience store and pulled out her homework from her backpack. After a while, an employee approached. “Excuse me, it’s almost eight. We’re closing.”

“Sorry, I lost track of time. I’ll head out. Madelyn quickly packed her things, amazed at how much time had passed. Outside, it was already dark. Apart from a few Ventropolis High School students leaving their evening classes, the streets were quiet. She had only been waiting for Ethan for an hour and a half, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment. It felt like she was always waiting for him.

To hail a cab, she would need to walk to the city square. Out of nowhere, a drenched ginger cat approached, rubbing against her legs and meowing. Madelyn crouched down. “Are you sick? I’m sorry, but I can’t take you home tonight. But I promise to come check on you tomorrow, okay?”

The little cat meowed again, as if understanding.

“Ms. Jent?”

Madelyn turned to see the familiar car parked nearby. It was George. She hadn’t expected George to come and pick her up today. Glancing down at the cat, she said, “Looks like I can take you home after all.” She took off her school jacket and picked up the little ginger cat. Closing her umbrella, she dashed through the light rain and got into the back seat. Once inside, she felt a comforting warmth.

George pressed the accelerator. “Ms. Jent, stray cats can have diseases. It’s best not to take them home just like that.”

Madelyn grabbed some tissues and began drying the cat. “Don’t worry. I’ll get him shots and treat him for worms at home. Although he does look like he’s almost grown up.”

George checked the rearview mirror and saw Madelyn’s unfazed expression. “I hope you’re not too upset about today. Mr. Arnold had some business issues and couldn’t make it.”

Madelyn stopped grooming the cat for a moment. “Got it.”

Seeing that she was not bothered, George stayed quiet. In no time, they pulled up to the Arnold residence. A servant came over to take Madelyn’s backpack.

“Dinner’s ready, Ms. Jent. Why are you all wet?”

“I’m good. Could you give this cat a bath, dry it off, and then bring it to my room?”

“Sure thing.”

After a quick shower and slipping into fresh clothes, Madelyn settled down for dinner. It felt odd eating alone at such a massive table. With study materials from Kennedy in one hand, she ate at a leisurely pace while quietly reviewing.

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 534

Madelyn wrapped up her dinner swiftly and made her way upstairs. She couldn’t afford any distractions now. With exams just around the corner in less than ten days, she needed to be on top of her game, even if she had already secured her spot at Ventropolis College of Art.

A slip-up on this test wasn’t an option. By 11:30 PM, having committed a series of Etlinish phrases to memory, she set her book aside. She was about to switch off the lights and sink into sleep when her cat leaped onto the bed, making itself comfortable by her pillow, its paws kneading rhythmically.

Leaving a soft glow from the bedside lamp, Madelyn stroked its fur. “Even all grown up, you still bake cookies. Goodnight, Ginger.”

As she settled in with her eyes shut and hands tucked under her chin, sleep took her swiftly. It was half-past two when Ethan got back.

Upon noticing the small wound on Ethan’s lip, the servant knitted her eyebrow. “Mr. Arnold,” she began, recognizing the type of wound and drawing from past experiences.

Earlier in the day, Ethan had been just fine. Now, his lips told a different story, and it wasn’t hard to guess why.

Despite his weariness, a profound gloom enveloped him. “Where’s Madelyn?” he asked. The servant responded, “Miss Jent has turned in for the night.”

A fleeting, inscrutable look flashed in Ethan’s eyes. “Did she mention anything?”

The servant shook her head. “No. But… when she returned, it was almost nine. She had dinner and went upstairs to rest. She must be exhausted as well.” She then asked, “Sir, have you eaten? Dinner is still warm.”

“No, thank you.” Ethan’s face remained expressionless as he headed upstairs. “If she asks, just tell her I didn’t come back.”

The servant’s eyes followed Ethan’s departing form, thoughts racing. ‘Did he and Miss Jent have another spat? He seemed just fine when he left this morning, but now he’s like a different person.’

As dawn broke, golden sunrays kissed the hilltops, heralding a pristine morning following the night’s rain.

Madelyn rushed down from her room, her hair neatly braided. “Starting today, I’ll have exams for two hours daily, which means I won’t be home for dinner. If Ethan returns, please pass on the message. If he gets tied up at work, I can manage with a cab. I must go now.

Taking a swift sip of her hot chocolate, Madelyn picked up a breadstick, wrapping it in a tissue. The servant asked, “Are you sure that’s enough? How about I make you a sandwich?”

“It’s fine,” Madelyn responded. Every second counted for her, and she didn’t have any to spare. In the days that followed, Madelyn hardly caught a glimpse of Ethan in the Arnold home. More often than not, she found herself alone.

One night, as she went downstairs to get some water, Madelyn was met by the sight of Ethan on the couch, a cigarette between his fingers. The room was heavy with the musky scent of tobacco.

“You’re back?” Madelyn asked, her eyes barely focusing on his face in her drowsy state.

“I’ve been back for some time. Why aren’t you in bed?” Setting his feet down from the coffee table, Ethan snuffed out his cigarette. His eyes, as they landed on Madelyn, seemed distant, almost detached.

“Just needed some water,” Madelyn replied, brushing her fingers through her hair. Dressed in a knee-length nightgown, she added, “I’ll head back up now. You should try to rest as well.”

“Madelyn,” Ethan’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

Holding her glass, she turned to face him. “Yes?”

“I spoke with Grandma. We’ll delay our engagement for the time being.”

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 535

Madelyn paused to take a sip from her glass. The weight of Ethan’s words dispelled her sleepy haze, and her mind began to race.

The soft ticking of the living room clock filled the brief silence. After a moment’s reflection, she met Ethan’s eyes, her lips pursed thoughtfully. Alright then, should I move out?” she asked.

There was an eerie calm to her demeanor, no trace of irritation discernible in her voice.

She had observed, of late, that the warmth once evident in Ethan’s eyes when he looked at her had dwindled. It was as though he now regarded her as a stranger, his gaze searching, almost as if he sought to peer into her very soul. This shift in his attitude hadn’t come out of nowhere. His frequent late-night returns and prolonged absences were clues she couldn’t ignore.

Madelyn wasn’t naive, nor was she oblivious on the matter. She had experienced what it was like to love someone deeply and unconditionally. She figured that he would not easily forget Donna, whom he had loved so profoundly. Moreover, Donna hadn’t done anything wrong.

Ethan held Madelyn’s gaze but remained silent, the weight of unspoken emotions thick in the room.

Madelyn nodded. With a hint of a smile on her lips, she said, “You don’t need to tiptoe around my feelings. I respect your choices. I’m going to head to bed. You should try to rest as well.”

Back upstairs, Madelyn entered her darkened room. She took a moment to sit at the edge of the bed, finishing her glass of water.

Then, as she cast her eyes toward the vanity, a silhouette emerged from the shadows, occupying the chair. The figure’s face remained indistinct, shrouded in the room’s low light. “It’s alright to let go, Maddie,” the figure whispered soothingly. “Don’t hold back your emotions. In my eyes, you’ll always be my little girl.”

Madelyn lowered her head, looking at the cup in her hand. Her fingers twirled the bottom of the cup as she replied, 11 I’m not upset because I’ve done what I wanted to do. Mom… I’ve always wanted to be as great an artist as you. I want to follow in your footsteps forever. Father never supported my choices. No matter what decision I make, you’ll support me, right?”

“Of course. Always stand your ground, Maddie, and follow your heart…”

“Thank you, Mom!”

“Meow.” Ginger hopped off the vanity chair. The cat approached Madelyn, sniffing the familiar scent of her owner, then clambered onto Madelyn’s lap, rolling over and purring, seeking affection. Sleep was elusive for Madelyn that night.

The next morning when Madelyn came downstairs, she unexpectedly saw Ethan and Evelyn, who was dressed in worn, somewhat tattered attire. Her appearance suggesting she had just finished tending to her garden.

The wall clock hanging above chimed the precise hour of seven. A servant, eyeing Madelyn descending from upstairs, called out, “Good morning, Miss Jent.”

“Madelyn, come and join me for breakfast.”

Madelyn nodded and walked downstairs. “Good morning.”

Ethan, dressed in casual light-colored attire, sat at the dining table, engrossed in the morning paper with a cup of coffee by his side. Evelyn asked Madelyn, “Did you sleep well, dear?”

“I did,” Madelyn responded, albeit a tad unconvincingly.

Evelyn’s demeanor shifted; her gaze intensified with a mix of warmth and concern. Holding Madelyn’s hand gently, she said, “I heard about the postponed engagement from Ethan. I made it a point to come early today to ensure you’re truly okay with the decision. If you wish to proceed with the engagement as planned, give me a sign. No matter what Ethan decides, I will ensure he’s present.”

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 536

Ethan set aside his newspaper up from the couch. “We’re only and got pushing the date of the engagement party. We can easily adjust the invitations,” he remarked, directing a scrutinizing look toward Madelyn, as if trying to gauge her feelings.

Evelyn sharply retorted, “Hold on, Ethan. I didn’t ask for your input. Remember, you were the one adamant about this marriage. The entire Ventropolis is aware of it now. If you pull the plug on the engagement party at this stage, have you considered the talk that will follow? Or how Madelyn might be feeling?”

It was rare for Evelyn to use such a stern tone with Ethan.

Madelyn, feeling a lump in her throat, kept her eyes lowered. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke up, “… maybe Ethan’s just not sure yet. His decision might be due to reasons we aren’t privy to.”

She continued, “I get it; this is a big decision. For now, I’m cool with pushing it back. I’ll talk to my father about it; he’ll be fine.

With a sigh, she said, “And with exams around the corner, I’ve got enough on my plate. Can we chat about this after my exams, Evelyn?”

Evelyn said nothing further. Behind Madelyn’s seemingly indifferent facade, she sensed an underlying pain. Her gaze toward Madelyn was filled with nothing but compassion.

Once breakfast was over, Evelyn suggested that Ethan drive Madelyn to school. He nodded in agreement, without much resistance.

Madelyn slid into the passenger seat and clicked her seatbelt into place. Only then did Ethan ease his foot onto the gas pedal.

As they halted at a red light, Ethan lowered the car window, lit up a cigarette, and leaned his arm on the door frame. “Look, about the engagement delay,” he began, “I just need a bit more time to think. But what I promised you still stands.”

Madelyn, gazing straight ahead and absentmindedly playing with the ring on her right hand, replied, “When you like someone, you just do. And when you don’t, you don’t. Relationships don’t have to be as convoluted as we make them out to be. Engagement or not, I appreciate all you’ve done for me.

She glanced down at the ring, one they had chosen together during the early days of invitation planning, and slowly slid it off her finger.

“Ethan,” she began, her voice steady,” I’m not that little girl anymore. Even if you’re a bit older than me, I get certain things. You haven’t truly moved on from her, have you? If she’s still who your heart wants, then chase after her. Be with her. Because, you know, I’m not just some default option.” Her words were firm, but internally, a pang of sadness stirred. She did her best to keep her face neutral.

She placed the ring in the middle between them and added, “Evelyn was there just now, so I couldn’t say much. But now I’m giving this back to you.’

Ethan looked at the ring, his expression darkening. The frustration and panic he had been holding back for a long time finally erupted in this moment.

The car smoothly took off again as the light turned green, but soon after, Ethan pulled to the side and extinguished his cigarette. He looked over at her sharply, “…Are you trying to threaten me? Suggesting you’ll leave if we don’t follow through with the engagement?”

Madelyn said, “You don’t need me now. Your leg’s healed. Your emotions are in check. Beyond us dating, what’s keeping us together?”

Inside, Ethan’s thoughts raced with suspicion. ‘That innocent face… I was always so quick to believe her. But it’s been a game, hasn’t it? All to marry into the Arnold Corporation and give Zach Jardin a foot in the door.”

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 537

Ethan’s temper blazed. He sped to school, jamming the gas pedal down with every ounce of his vexation. Madelyn was baffled by the sudden shift in his demeanor. The air in the car was thick with tension.

“Out. Now.”

Madelyn unbuckled her seatbelt and silently got out of the car. As she walked further away, Ethan’s eyes followed, seething with anger and jealousy. ‘How could she betray me like this? Should I even consider forgiving her? How am I expected to just overlook this and go on? Despite everything, my love for her is undeniable, yet she’s deceived me more times than I care to count,’ he pondered.

In a fit of frustration, Ethan’s hand crashed against the car window. The impact was so forceful that the skin at the base of his fingers split open, letting a few drops of blood escape.

For what felt like an eternity, Ethan’s car stood idle at the school’s entrance. Inside, he grappled with his tumultuous emotions, trying to calm the internal tempest. Clasped in his hand was a ring, Before long, Ethan received a call from Leyton, who sounded hesitant, “Mr. Arnold, I’ve found what you asked for.”

Ethan’s eyes darkened, “Speak.”

“Miss Jent… indeed had an intimate relationship with Zach. We traced his spending, and he bought quite a lot of… lingerie at a lingerie store, all in her size. When she went missing, she spent most of her time with Zach. Street cameras also captured him entering the apartment she rented. In addition, we hacked into Zach’s email and found numerous messages and photos related to her.”

When it came to the photos, Leyton seemed reluctant to continue, his voice unusually unsteady. “What photos?”

“Well…” Leyton hesitated.

“Spit it out!”

“I’ve already sent those messages to your email.” Even without looking, Ethan knew exactly what those photos were.

Ethan’s voice chilled to a steely tone. Bring out the share acquisition contract we had prepared for the Azure Corporation. Tonight, I want to see the signatures on it.”

“Uh… alright, sir.”

Leyton didn’t dare to delve into Ethan’s thoughts. Had Ethan not expressed a sudden interest in probing Madelyn and Zach’s relationship, they would still be in the shadows.

Leyton was shaken by the revelations.” I never would’ve imagined Madelyn to be so duplicitous. She’s played her part masterfully.’

Indeed, Madelyn’s past wasn’t spotless. She had a reputation: preying on the vulnerable, frequent visits to bars and nightclubs, and undertaking audacious acts, mostly for Zach.

Leyton took it upon himself to validate these claims meticulously. But to his astonishment, the evidence was genuine.

Back in the day, Madelyn often played truant to hover around Azure Corporation, clinging to Zach. She had even once brazenly claimed to be his girlfriend in public. But Zach showed no signs of reciprocating her feelings; it was Madelyn who was always on the chase.

Within Azure Corporation, any female employee who displayed even a hint of allure would find themselves out of a job, courtesy of a mere whisper from Madelyn. And if they resisted? Madelyn would ensure they faced public ridicule until their morale crumbled, forcing them to resign. This wasn’t some secret; every member of Azure Corporation was aware of the extent of their boss’s daughter’s obsession with Zach.

Leyton pondered, ‘Mr. Arnold never dug deeper into her actions in the past, all because he had faith in her.’

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 538

However, as Leyton delved deeper, the complexity of the situation began to unfold, and the disparity between the Madelyn in the past and the girl he was investigating was jarring. ‘Despite everything, she betrayed Mr. Arnold by having affair with Zach Jardin, and all seemingly to profit Azure Corporation,’ he ruminated.

But the more he thought about it, the more Leyton found the timing suspicious. ‘Right before the engagement? All these revelations? It’s too convenient, isn’t it?’

From his research, Leyton had in his possession solid proof of Madelyn’s communications and liaison with Zach. Each piece was solid enough to have Madelyn condemned, yet Leyton couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, even though he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

The very idea that Zach, heir to Hayson and trained by such a cunning man, would leave incriminating photos so easily accessible was puzzling. ‘It’s too easy. Why were these image files. unprotected. What’s even stranger is that the inbox contains only these photos, without any other correspondences or documents…’

The Jent family had skillfully evaded the police’s covert scrutiny into their illicit endeavors for two decades. To Leyton, unearthing these photos without much effort was almost too good to be true.

In the evening, Ethan, thoroughly intoxicated from drinking, risked driving while unwell and made his way back to the Arnold residence. There sound of ‘bang’ echoed as he slammed into the front door.

Midway through her meal, Madelyn jumped at the abrupt disturbance. A servant darted to the door, eyes widening at the ruined entrance. “Oh, dear! The door!”

Setting aside her plate, Madelyn approached and instantly recognized the indentations left by a car’s front bumper.

The servant opened the door and found the familiar car, now wrecked. Ethan stumbled out of it, his clothes disheveled, his face a patchwork of bruises and dried blood, as if he had been in a fight. Rushing to his side, the servant exclaimed, “Mr. Arnold! What happened? Why are you hurt?”

“Back off!” Ethan’s voice was a sharp rebuke. Ethan walked into the foyer and saw Madelyn on one side. However, he pretended not to notice her and walked past her.

Madelyn watched him and followed behind him at a steady pace. Noticing him nearly trip over his own feet, she swiftly stepped forward to steady him.” Ethan,” she began, her voice tinged with concern, “driving under the influence is dangerous.”

“Are you still putting on an act after all this time? Aren’t you tired?” said Ethan. He then glanced at the servants in the living room. “Get out, all of you, get out!”

The servants lowered their heads and silently left. Ethan leaned on the hallway railing, his steps unsteady, and he swayed as he went upstairs. Madelyn was worried. She had the servant make some ginger tea and then followed him upstairs.

Ethan entered a room with a liquor cabinet. He opened an expensive bottle of red wine and started drinking straight from it. Madelyn reached out to stop him.” Don’t drink anymore. Your leg isn’t healed yet.”

“I told you to get out! Why haven’t you left yet? What are you still doing here?! 11 Ethan erupted in anger, and he

slammed the bottle of red wine onto the floor, shattering it into pieces. Glass shards sprayed across the room, and one of them grazed Madelyn’s leg, causing her to feel a sharp, stinging pain.

At this moment, Ethan seemed completely unhinged, just like the Ethan from the past, who was always volatile and often wanted to end his own life.

Madelyn didn’t say anything; she simply stepped forward and embraced him, resting her head against his chest and patting his back gently. “…It’s okay, don’t be angry anymore, okay? I’ve said it before, whatever it is, we can solve it together…”

 

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 539

Ethan forcefully pushed Madelyn away, causing her to stagger backward and fall, her hand landing on scattered glass shards. Pain surged through her as her palm began bleeding, the crimson hue staining her clothes and widening rapidly.

A fleeting glimmer of regret appeared in Ethan’s eyes, prompting him to move slightly toward her. But just as quickly as it came, the emotion receded, and he froze.

Purposefully turning his back to her, he grappled with his internal conflict. Gazing out the French windows, he closed his eyes, and his voice, filled with restrained emotion, whispered, ” You should go.”

He didn’t want to cause her any more harm, but the sting of her betrayal was too fresh, too raw. In his mind, thoughts swirled. ‘I loved her with everything I had, ready to lay the world at her feet. But she made a fool out of me, deceiving me at every turn. Did she laugh at my expense while with Zach, sneering at my naivety?’

Madelyn endured the pain as she carefully extracted the glass piece embedded in her palm. Her injured hand dangled, and she averted her eyes to the floor. “…Fine. Once you’ve gathered your thoughts, we can speak, “she murmured, making her way out of the room.

Once the door clicked shut, Ethan pivoted, his gaze landing on the scarlet stain where Madelyn had been. His eyes mirrored profound anguish as he fixed his stare on the now closed door. A servant came upstairs and was taken aback to see the injured Madelyn.

‘Miss Jent is hurt, and Mr. Arnold didn’t even seem to care. He used to be so protective of Miss Jent. If she ever tried to cook, he wouldn’t even let her touch a knife, fearing she might cut herself,’ the servant thought.

Quickly securing a first-aid kit, the servant began attending to Madelyn’s wound, silently relieved to find it wasn’t too severe.

Madelyn said, “You should leave for now. Remember to bring some food to his room later and remind him to take his medicine.”

“All right, Miss Jent. You get some rest, “the servant said before leaving, still concerned about Madelyn, who was sitting at the foot of the bed.

Finally alone, Madelyn had a moment of quiet. Suddenly, her phone, placed on the desk, started ringing. Madelyn wasn’t in the mood to answer it, but the call persisted. She glanced at the flashing caller ID.

Her heart skipped a beat, and just before the call was about to disconnect, she nervously picked up the phone.

“F-Father…”

Why did the Arnold family postpone the engagement party?” Hayson’s tone sounded angry. Madelyn stammered, involuntarily lowering her head. “I don’t know.”

On the other end of the line, Hayson furrowed his brow. The following silence seemed to stretch on endlessly until Hayson’s voice sliced through once more, “Have you been aware of Ethan’s secret meetings with Donna Jolie these past days?”

‘Donna Jolie?’ A pang of unease lodged in Madelyn’s chest. “I… wasn’t aware,” she admitted softly.

Hayson’s voice grew colder, “What exactly are you aware of? You’ve been in the Arnold residence for so long, yet you’re oblivious to Ethan’s unusual behavior?”

Madelyn couldn’t find any words to say. Hayson continued, “…If there are any issues, remember to tell us. No matter what happens, both Zach and I will help you, alright? I’ll handle the Donna Jolie situation when I return. I’ll ensure you secure the position of Ethan Arnold’s wife.”

Madelyn hesitated and cautiously asked, “How do you plan to handle her situation?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. Just focus on doing what you need to do. No matter what methods you have to use, you must ensure that the engagement proceeds as planned. Do you understand?” Hayson replied firmly.

Madelyn softly agreed, “Alright, Father.

 

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 540

In the Jent residence’s study, Hayson hung up the phone and stared deeply at Zach. “How did you find out about Ethan Arnold wanting to postpone the engagement?”

As Hayson delegated more and more responsibilities to Zach, he had come to realize that Zach’s mind was especially shrewd. Zach was no longer the easily manipulated child he once was.

“The success of Madelyn marrying into the Arnold family also affects our company’s interests. For Father’s sake, I naturally have to pay close attention to Madelyn’s affairs,” Zach replied.

Hayson was pleased with this response and had nothing more to say. “I’m glad you’re thinking about the company. It shows that over the years, you’ve come to accept me as your father.”

A hint of something inscrutable flashed in Zach’s eyes, gone almost as soon as it appeared, too quick for Hayson to notice. Hayson looked at him. “Have you planted someone on the Arnold family’s side?”

Zach nodded. “I placed someone there shortly after Ethan took over the company. One reason was to monitor his every move, and the other was to be informed promptly if anything unexpected happened between him and Madelyn.”

The sudden appearance of Donna Jolie was indeed what he considered an unexpected turn of events. Hayson patted Zach on the shoulder. ” You’ve never given me a reason to doubt you. All these years, my faith in you has remained unshaken.”

A small, appreciative smile formed on Zach’s lips. “I’m doing it for Father.”

At the Arnold residence, Ethan’s patience had worn thin. The dishes the servant had presented were scattered and discarded. The poor servant also bore the brunt of Ethan’s temper.

Rushing to the scene, Madelyn gently helped the servant up. “Are you alright?

The servant nodded, trembling with fear. “…Miss Jent, please go check on Mr. Arnold. He’s returned home like this night after night, neglecting meals and opting for alcohol instead. If he persists in this state, I fear for his well- being.”

Madelyn’s eyes reflected her concern. Thank you for letting me know. Prepare another meal, and I’ll ensure he receives it.” She gazed toward Ethan’s room, her heart heavy with worry. The toll of consecutive nights like these was undeniable, and no matter how resilient Ethan was, this self-destructive path had its limits.

A different servant approached, bearing an envelope. “Miss Jent, you might want to see this,” he said, offering the sealed paper. “It was discovered in Mr. Arnold’s vehicle.”

Madelyn took it. “I will pass it on to him. You can go about your tasks; I’ll handle this.”

The servant was eager to leave. As Madelyn prepared to return the envelope to him, a photo slipped out of an unsealed part of the envelope. She picked it up and, upon seeing the image, her heart trembled.

The person in the photo was utterly repulsive, striking provocative poses on a bed. ‘It’s him again!’ Madelyn could only think of Zach, no one else. Her hand holding the envelope trembled.

‘Does he want to destroy everything I have so eagerly?’ Madelyn’s nose tingled, and her throat ached, making it hard for her to say a word.

However, Madelyn didn’t recall ever taking such photos. If these were screenshots from video footage, they wouldn’t show her in these positions.

Madelyn examined them closely and realized something was amiss. She thought, ‘Could these photos be fake? Is Ethan so angry because of these?’

She stood before Ethan’s bedroom door for a moment, indecisive. Then, taking a deep breath, she gently pushed the door open. It emitted a soft creak, but Ethan, deep in conversation, seemed not to notice.

On the other end of a hands-free call, a voice relayed, “…Mr. Arnold, your travel arrangements to Avalon are confirmed. However, the upcoming flights are all booked to capacity. The earliest we could get you a seat is a week from now.”