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The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 731

“Your shirt’s a little wrinkled; let me smooth it out for you. “Cecilia made her way down the stairs, straightening out the creases on Zach’s striped pajamas. She then looked toward the kitchen and said, “See you at our usual place tonight. Don’t bail on me, okay?”

Madelyn chose not to react to Cecilia’s words. After washing and drying the pan, she returned it to its spot.

When Cecilia was gone, Giovanna came downstairs, cradling Dalton she had just fed. “Ms. Jent, Dal’s up,” Giovanna announced. “I get the feeling he’s looking for you whenever he cries.”

Madelyn dried her hands. “Pass him here,” she said, taking Dalton into her arms. “Did he get his meds?”

“Yes, he did.”

Madelyn moved to the couch, clutching Dalton tightly, while doing her best to disregard Zach. Seeing this, Giovanna wisely backed away to give them room.

Zach noticed Madelyn’s deliberate attempt to keep distance. Yet, in his mind, everything was falling into place: they had a child together, and he believed that this only deepened her ties to him.

Taking a seat beside Madelyn, Zach pulled her closer. In that moment, he felt a happiness and completeness he had never known before. Madelyn didn’t pull away, not because of Dalton in her arms, but out of concern for Ethan’s safety.

“There’s a dinner party tonight. Will you join me?” Zach asked. Holding a toy, Madelyn tried to soothe Dalton. “I can’t go,” she said. “If he wakes up and I’m not there, he’ll cry nonstop. He’s still not well.”

It was odd that Dalton was so attached to her. Others could hold him for a short while, but within ten minutes, he would be in tears, and he seemed to calm down only when Madelyn held him.

Zach lightly pinched Dalton’s cheek. ” I’ll ask Kevin to call off the dinner party tonight, so I can stay home with you.”

Madelyn did not really want Zach to stay, but she hid her feelings.

“Oh no!” A maid rushed downstairs to Zach, her face filled with concern. “Sir, you need to see your wife. She was caught in that rainstorm last night and she’s really not doing well. She’s running a fever and can’t keep her meds down,” she told Zach.

Zach ignored the maid’s plea and glared at Madelyn. “Who gave you permission to interfere?”

Dalton reached out, playfully touching Madelyn’s face and giggling. Forcing a smile, Madelyn said, “She’s your wife, and technically my sister-in-law. I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing when she’s so sick. I know it’s not my place, but I wanted to help. Next time, I’ll steer clear. Now please, go take care of her. I’ll get Dal wrapped up.”

This mansion had once been Madelyn’s sanctuary, but now it felt oddly unfamiliar to her. Zach, who had been adopted into her family, had kept her here in an attempt to make her his mistress. And he was doing this in a house where the staff knew his wife. The complexity of their relationship made her feel completely out of place. Aside from a few personal items, everything in her surroundings felt jarringly alien.

Seeing Zach’s growing irritation, the maid shuddered. ‘Did I do something wrong?’ She quickly averted her eyes and moved out of the way.

Madelyn had just started to ascend the stairs when Zach, momentarily losing his cool, kicked the coffee table near the couch, flipping it over.

The maid close by jumped, alarmed by his sudden fury. It had been years since Zach had displayed such a temper, not even when Madelyn had decided to get engaged to Ethan. A few simple words from Madelyn could provoke him so powerfully.

Zach found himself wishing Madelyn was here for a less complicated reason, like wanting the house or seeking a share of his wealth.

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Zach would have gladly given her anything she wanted. But now, Madelyn seemed distant and pushed him away more than anything else. People would often crave more, even when they had plenty. But he never got the one thing he truly desired.

Yvonne, along with the maids she hired for the Jent residence, had been shown the door. Eager to restore the past, Zach rehired the original staff and also brought back Margaret. What Madelyn did not realize was that the mansion was actually in her name.

Margaret was doing laundry in an old building when a few bodyguards approached her. They said they wanted her back at the mansion. She looked scared and quickly refused, but her eyes widened at the mention of the salary, and she could not resist getting into their car.

Once seated, Margaret shook her head in disbelief, thinking, ‘I can’t believe I’m going back to that creepy house. Oh yeah, Yvonne Young fired me out of the blue and even docked half my pay. What am I getting myself into?’

It felt like Zach was doing all this as some kind of performance just for her. Giovanna was cleaning up after Dalton had made a mess on her clothes when a bodyguard escorted her out. This caught Madelyn off guard.

“What’s happening? I didn’t do anything wrong!” Giovanna exclaimed. Concerned about Dalton being left alone, Madelyn scooped him up and followed. In the main hall, each maid held an envelope, likely their final pay.

The bodyguard warned, “Once you’re out, stay silent about this place. Spread any rumors, and there will be consequences.”

The seasoned maid stepped forward. ” Sir, did we do something wrong? Why are you sending us away now?” She had worked at the Jent residence for a long time, earning significantly more than she could have elsewhere. Needless to say, a lot of the maids were unhappy about being sent away.

“Zach, what’s happening?” Madelyn asked, drawing closer to him. “Is Giovanna gone too?”

Zach shifted the topic. “I hope I didn’t interrupt your relaxation. Is it nap time?”

“It’s not my nap you disrupted,” Madelyn answered, “but Dal’s. Why’d you let the whole staff go?”

Zach looked into her eyes. “If they can’t figure out who runs this place, why keep them?” Madelyn felt that Zach wanted only loyal people around him and that he was taking things too far.

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A bodyguard walked in, holding a food container. Seeing it, Madelyn felt uneasy. “Mr. Jardin,” the bodyguard said, “we found this in Ethan’s room.”

Zach glanced at the bodyguard and smirked, “Oh? What’s in there?”

“It’s pumpkin cream soup,” the bodyguard replied, opening the container to reveal it was half empty.

Madelyn felt nervous.

Zach’s voice chilled. “Who helped her deliver this to Ethan?”

“It was Ms. Jent’s maid.” Zach responded quickly, “Break her hand. Make Ethan throw up whatever he ate. From now on, he gets no more food without my approval.”

Giovanna paled. “Ms. Jent told me to do it. It wasn’t my idea,” she stammered. ”

I have a family to feed. I swear it won’t happen again.” Tears welled in her eyes as she pleaded with Zach.

She then turned her gaze to Madelyn. ” Please, help me.”

Madelyn stepped forward. “Zach, it was my call. Don’t take it out on her. Ethan barely woke locked him up, and you’ve already away. He-”

“Upset about it?” Zach cut in, his voice dripping with jealousy.

Madelyn felt the coldness from Zach. You’ve got it all wrong. He’s in this situation because of me. I couldn’t just watch him die,” Madelyn said, looking away. “I was the one who made the cream soup and had Giovanna deliver it. If you’re thinking of hurting someone, target me, not the innocent ones. If anything bad happens to Ethan, I’ll never forgive you.”

She looked at Zach, trying to get through to him with her words, but she quickly realized the futility of her efforts. Zach was the type who would rather destroy something than allow anyone else to have it. Threats had no effect on him.

“Think you can stand up to me? Remember, you owe everything to me. If I kill him, what are you going to do about it?”

Swiftly, Zach took Dalton from Madelyn’s arms and handed Dalton to a bodyguard. He then led her to a garden, a space that had replaced the mansion where Ethan used to live. The soil was still damp from a recent downpour.

As they walked, Madelyn tripped, scraping her hand against the ground and drawing blood. Zach hoisted her back up, his face betraying no emotion. “This should give you an idea of what I’m capable of doing to Ethan.”

The sharp pain in her hand made her focus. “Fine, if he dies, I’ll go with him. It’s only fair – a life for a life!” Madelyn felt she had nothing more to lose.

She thought to herself, ‘Zach probably won’t even miss me. If I’m gone, maybe he’ll finally leave everyone else alone. I’m exhausted with this life anyway…’

Madelyn’s words enraged Zach even further. “If you even think about dying, ” he warned, “I’ll ensure the entire Arnold family goes down with you.”

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Zach let go Madelyn and she hit the ground hard. Nearby, one of Zach’s bodyguards pulled Ethan toward them. He looked beaten down, his messy, dark hair covering his empty eyes. His arms were full of bruises, and spots of blood dotted his shirt.

Zach snatched a golf club from the ground, advancing toward Ethan with a threatening glint in his eyes. Seeing this, memories flooded back to Madelyn of the tales she had heard about Zach’s time with Hayson, filled with dangerous confrontations. It was evident in his gaze: he wanted Ethan out of the picture. With his control over Ventropolis, nobody would dare oppose him, even if someone vanished. And this was not the fiercest she had seen him.

As Zach raised his arm, Madelyn scrambled to her feet, darted to Ethan, and hugged him tight, using her body as a shield. A sudden numbness raced up her shoulder, soon replaced by a sharp, searing pain that left her arm feeling heavy. The pain was so overpowering that a ringing sound echoed in her ears.

Zach’s eyes widened in shock. ” Madelyn!” he exclaimed. Fighting the pain, Madelyn said, “He wouldn’t have made it if you’d hit him. I don’t want him to die.”

Zach said, “You shouldn’t have jumped in!”

Dropping the club, he gently picked her up, his face filled with worry. In the room, he gently assessed the injury on her back. A large, painful-looking bruise was evident. Zach had swung with a lot of force. If he had been off target and hit her head, the consequences could have been severe.

Madelyn did not want to go to the hospital, so Zach called their family doctor to come over. The doctor checked Madelyn and said, “You hurt your muscle. But I’m not sure if there’s damage to your bone. Mr. Jardin, it’s a good idea to go to the hospital for more tests.”

“I won’t go to the hospital,” Madelyn said. Zach looked at her seriously. “Okay, understood. Thanks, doctor.”

The doctor gave Madelyn medicine for her bruises, but it hardly eased her pain. “Let me go,” she said. “I don’t want to go to the hospital.”

“Just hang tight.” Zach gently lifted her and headed to the car.

As they stepped outside, Madelyn spotted Margaret getting out of a nearby van. Margaret looked up, concern evident. “Hey, Ms. Jent! What happened to you?”

Zach carefully placed Madelyn in the car and drove to the hospital. After about forty minutes, they arrived. He rushed her into the emergency room where the medical staff, recognizing them, immediately attended to Madelyn. Before long, she was settled in a hospital room.

Despite the severe pain making even slight movements challenging, Madelyn stayed silent throughout the journey.

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The nurse set up an IV for Madelyn. “Could you call Dr. Stewart? I need to speak with him,” Madelyn said.

The nurse replied, “He’s in surgery and won’t be available for another two hours. I’ll let him know once he’s free.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Madelyn’s face was pale, likely from pain. She closed her eyes, seeming miles away. Just then, Zach walked in after making a phone call outside. He settled beside her.

“Father will be back in a few days,” he said while adjusting her blanket.

Madelyn was taken aback to hear Zach still calling Hayson ‘Father,’ considering their history. She kept her thoughts to herself. They often had these stretches of silence between them, and this time, after letting it linger for a bit, she was the one to break it.

“When will you release Ethan?”

“Madelyn, don’t make things more difficult. What if you acted like you were in the dark? Just follow instructions, and you’ll regain your freedom, living life on your terms.”

Madelyn opened her eyes, her expression distant. “I can’t,” she murmured. ‘Zach’s always been this way, and he hasn’t changed a bit.’

An hour later, Kai entered Madelyn’s room holding a medical report. The room was silent except for the steady drip of the IV. Madelyn’s eyes were shut, but Zach, sitting beside her, knew she was not sleeping. He reached over, taking her cool hand, and adjusted the IV.

The mood was off. Even the ever- energetic Kai seemed exhausted, Still, he could not resist joking. “You sure have a way with ladies, Zach! Your wife, and now your girlfriend in the hospital? If you keep boosting our business like this, I might give you a break on those bills.”

Zach, clearly not entertained, asked, ” The report?”

Handing it over, Kai said, “Madelyn probably knows her body better than any of us, huh?” Zach quickly scanned the report. Aside from a few minor external injuries, Madelyn was internally fine.

“I’m hungry,” Madelyn spoke up. “Can you get me something? Thanks.”

Zach knew Madelyn wanted him to leave, so he did. As Kai watched Zach exit the room, his face showed a mixture of surprise and amusement.

Once Zach had exited, Kai casually sat down, his hands resting in the pockets of his white coat. “Surprised to see you here. What do you need?”

“I’ve run out of my medicine. Do you have any?” Madelyn asked. Kai chuckled. “You once wanted to escape life. I have what you need, but what’s in it for me?”

“I’ll manage even if you don’t help,” she said.

With a playful smirk, Kai teased, ” Afraid I’ll mess with the meds?”

Madelyn just stared at Kai silently. She felt Kai cared enough not to let harm come her way. Once, Kai had given her a bottle of cancer medication. At first, she did not want to take it, but the pain became unbearable.

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The medicine took effect quickly. After receiving a call, Kevin drove Yvonne back to the Young residence and showed her some alarming photos. The images showed Ethan looking severely injured, and it distressed her deeply.

“How could anyone do this to my son? Zach Jardin, you monster!” Although Frida was already mentally fragile, seeing the pictures heightened her anguish. Kevin, keeping his composure, said, ” You’re aware of what Mr. Jardin wants, aren’t you?”

With emotion in her voice, Frida replied, “Is he doing all this for the Arnold residence?”

Kevin merely smiled, affirming her guess.

“I’ll give it to him. But he has to stop hurting Ethan.” Frida retrieved the long -stored deed from upstairs and handed it to Kevin. “I want my son. Whatever he demands, it’s his.”

Kevin accepted the deed. “You’ll have him back in three days.”

“Three days? I need him back now, Kevin!” As Frida tried to chase Kevin, her high heels betrayed her, causing her to trip. A nearby maid was quick to assist.

“Hang in there, Ma’am. Ethan will be just fine. And don’t forget your meds – YTCorp depends on you.” What the maid said reignited Frida’s spirit. “Right. I’ve got my company, my home.”

She realized Zach never planned to team up with the Youngs; he wanted everything for himself. She might have confronted him in the past, but now, with the Arnold residence gone and Ethan at risk, she would not dare. Her feelings of guilt toward Ethan overshadowed everything she owned. She had always been distant with her son. To protect him, she would even let go of YTCorp. If it ensured Ethan’s safety, she would sacrifice it all.

As Kevin prepared to exit, Cecilia stepped forward. “Give it to me. I’ll take it to Zach.”

Kevin shook his head. “I can’t, Ms. Samford. Mr. Jardin didn’t instruct me to hand it to you.” He then left the Young residence, making his way to the hospital.

Cecilia’s expression hardened. ‘Zach, after everything I’ve done for you, this is how you treat me? Without my help, you wouldn’t even be in your current position. Cross me, and you’ll regret it.’

When Kevin got to the hospital, Zach was applying medicine to Madelyn. Hearing a knock, Zach said, “Come in.” As Kevin entered, Zach positioned himself to shield Madelyn.

“Mr. Jardin, I’ve got what you asked for, “Kevin said. Zach replied with a flat tone, “Wait outside.”

“Alright.”

Madelyn bared one shoulder, her pale skin contrasted with her hair, which was swept to the side. Zach gently applied the medicine, making sure not to hurt her. With a hint of concern in her eyes, she asked Zach, “Did you do something bad again?”

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Every time Kevin showed up, Madelyn felt uneasy, worried about what Zach might be up to. After giving Madelyn her medicine, Zach assisted her with her clothes. “I’ll be back in a flash,” he said.

He threw the used cotton swab in the trash and then poured some water into a cup, placing it on the nightstand. Once he had settled things in the room, he made his way out. As he did, Kevin handed him a package.

Kevin said, “On my way over, Ms. Samford came by the Young residence. She said you wanted her to hand- deliver the deed of the Arnold residence to you.”

Zach examined the item Kevin gave him, nodding in approval. “Good job. Once we finish up here, I want you to take a three-week vacation. However, I’ve got one last task for you first.”

“What’s our plan?”

A determined glint appeared in Zach’s eyes. “Within two days, I want everyone out of the Arnold residence,” he instructed. “Then, I’m taking over.”

“You got it.”

Zach stepped into the room, finding Madelyn lying on the bed, her eyes shut but clearly not asleep. He sensed she was avoiding him. Her moods never bothered him; he always felt he knew just how to console her. No one, he believed, knew Madelyn as he did. He took her hand, his expression softening as his fingers gently brushed against hers.

“You still upset with me, Madelyn?” he asked. “Look, I had my reasons. Giovanna? She’s tied to the Youngs. Frida controlled most of Jardin Corporation’s shares and had eyes everywhere in our business. You know I can’t stand betrayals.”

Madelyn thought, ‘Giovanna is with Frida? I didn’t know. But Zach shouldn’t have threatened her.’

“Madelyn, you’re too trusting,” Zach said. “You let Giovanna go with the child, even giving her your savings. She was going to abandon the kid at an orphanage. If I hadn’t stepped in, who knows where the child would’ve ended up? I just didn’t want to see you hurt.”

Madelyn locked eyes with Zach. “After everything your crew put me through, you claim you didn’t want to hurt me? Giovanna might not be innocent, but Ethan? He only tried to help me escape. What was his reward? If not for me, he’d be seriously hurt or worse.” She touched the marks on her skin, silent testimonies to Zach’s deeds. “Enough with the tricks, Zach,” her eyes shimmered with disdain.

Zach was a master of deception; he tricked Madelyn into handing over Hayson’s will to him in their past lives. His eyes briefly darkened, yet his face remained unreadable with a hint of a smirk. “If you take the medicine, Ethan will be free.”

“Really? Do you promise?”

“When have I ever lied to you?” Zach said, running his fingers through her sleek black hair.

With Ethan no longer serving any purpose to Zach, keeping him at the Jent residence seemed unnecessary. A defeated man like Ethan was no threat to Zach, past or present.

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Madelyn began to sit up. “Okay, I’ll take the medicine, just let Ethan go,” she said. Zach helped her sit and showed her a pill. “I can do it,” she said, trying to grab the pill.

Zach shook his head. “I’ve got this.”

Seeing Zach’s stern look, Madelyn hesitated briefly before accepting the white pill. As she did, his eyes flashed with a deeper intensity. When she tried to take a sip of water, he abruptly took the glass away and overwhelmed her with a passionate kiss. Concerned about Ethan, Madelyn didn’t push Zach away.

Being mindful of her injuries, Zach was careful in his approach. Madelyn, though, was clearly uncomfortable, her teeth gritted with every move he made. Zach noticed and kept trying to find a better position for her, but in the end, exhaustion took over Madelyn.

Every time after, Zach would clean her up and take care of her. Hayson was supposed to be back in Ventropolis in three days, but a major rainstorm delayed his flights. Madelyn saw Ethan return to the Young residence.

After Madelyn spent three days in the hospital, Zach found himself overwhelmed with work. Realizing he had no one at home to look after Madelyn, he opted to have her stay at Southern Haven Villas rather than Floral Loft.

At the Young residence, Frida gazed at Ethan, lying injured on his bed and barely breathing. Tears streamed down her face as she buried it in her hands. The recent events had aged her, leaving her looking visibly older and exhausted. She was thinner, with pronounced, shadowed eyes.

That afternoon, Margaret visited, assuming the child with Madelyn was hers. With Zach away and the weather pleasant, Madelyn relaxed outside, soaking in the sun and reminiscing.

“Ms. Jent! Long time no see! Who’s this little guy with you? Reminds me of when my son was young, though he’s now grown and still causing me headaches.”

Madelyn said, “He isn’t my son.”

Margaret looked surprised. “Really? Those eyes are so much like was sure he was your child.” yours. I Madelyn felt a pang of nostalgia hearing Margaret’s gossipy tone. Margaret nudged Dalton closer and pointed at its eyes. “Look at these eyes – they’re just like yours.”

Though Dalton did bear some resemblance to Madelyn, she was sure he couldn’t be her child. Being only a few months old, his distinctive features were still developing. “Maybe there’s some family resemblance,” she said, engaging Dalton in a game of peekaboo. Her mind then wandered, “By the way, where’s Jadie? What happened after I left?”

Margaret let out a sigh. “I don’t really know all the details about Jadie. But not long after you left, Yvonne Young fired me. She was heartless, even keeping half of my pay. Cost me many sleepless nights.”

A gentle smile graced Madelyn’s face.” Don’t stress over it. I’ll cover that money for you.”

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“You’re so kind! I’ll be super hungry when I get home. I’m not sure about her, but Rosario’s going through a lot. She barely eats, just had a costly surgery, and is now dealing with kidney disease. Nobody’s there for her. I could barely recognize her the last time I saw her. Even with some savings, she chose to donate it all. Now, she’s at home, just waiting for what’s next.”

Madelyn’s smile faded. Rosario and Zach had drugged her for over ten years, causing her to miss out on motherhood. She’ll never shake off that regret.

A custom pink Bentley pulled into the driveway. Out stepped Zach, looking sharp in his suit. Spotting Madelyn’s smile, he approached with a key in hand and his other hand tucked in his pocket. “What are you two laughing about?”

Madelyn’s smile disappeared. “We were just talking,” she said. As he got closer, she noticed an odd, musty smell coming from him. “Maybe you should take Dalton to his room. He’s fallen asleep,” she suggested, her tone soft as she glanced down at the sleeping Dalton. Margaret stepped in, carefully taking Dalton from Madelyn’s arms, and quickly left.

On the wicker bench, Zach slid next to Madelyn, holding her hand and kissing her fingers. A breeze carried Madelyn’s unique scent to Zach. “What did you have for lunch?”

Madelyn replied, “You always know what I’m up to. Why even ask?”

“I just wanted to hear it from you.”

“We have nothing to talk about. I need to rest.”

As she attempted to leave, Zach spoke up. “The unit in Floral Loft is now in your name.”

“I didn’t ask for it.”

“Just in case you need it.” Zach looked at her earnestly, causing her to pause.” I got you a car, too. Business is slow, so I can teach you to drive.”

“Why get me a car? I can’t go anywhere right now, especially with my injured arm.” “Once you’re better, you can.” Zach handed her a pink keychain. “Check it out and tell me what you think.”

Madelyn stared at Zach, her lips pressed firmly together. “Thanks for the gesture, but I can’t accept these gifts. If you knew me better, you’d realize luxury isn’t what I value.”

Looking at the key he gave her, she noticed it was for a Bentley, painted in her favorite color no less. Between this, the upscale house, and the jewelry, it was evident that Zach was trying to surround her with luxury, perhaps wishing she would become his mistress. That was a role she would not play. She handed back the key, saying, ” Someone else might appreciate this more. But thank you.”

Throughout the day, Madelyn kept her distance from him, acting aloof and indifferent. However, when evening came, he always managed to find ways to share intimate moments with her.

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Madelyn felt trapped and believed that accepting the situation would protect her loved ones. After she told Zach how she felt, she expected him to be mad. But he just smiled, pulled her closer, and gently played with her wavy hair. “So, how do you see us?”

Hesitantly, she lowered her eyes. זיי wish we could just be brother and sister, she said. Zach chuckled, a wicked look in his eyes. “Since when do siblings share a bed?” His gaze was icy and there was something unsettling about it, like a wild animal trapped behind bars. You’ll see things my way eventually. And one day, we’ll watch our child grow up together.”

“Dal isn’t our child. It was all make- believe,” Madelyn said. “If you want a child, you and Yvonne should have one.

That would be your true child.” She felt her life was confusing, but she thought Zach seemed even more lost. “I know this might upset you, but it’s the truth.”

“You’ve become pretty good with words, haven’t you?” Zach teased, pinching her cheek lightly before giving her a quick kiss. He wished they could start fresh.

Madelyn winced when Zach touched a sore spot. Noticing her pain, he softened his touch. The horizon’s gentle glow highlighted Zach and Madelyn. From a distance, their bond was unmistakably profound.

As evening brought light rain and the sound of distant thunder, the once- grand Arnold residence showed its age, but still looked impressive. A line of black sedans followed a Rolls-Royce into the courtyard. A bodyguard with a big umbrella opened a car door, and Zach stepped out, surrounded by other bodyguards. These men used to work for Hayson and had changed from shady jobs to become expert guards. Those who misbehaved were sent away. Raindrops created a soft pitter-patter on the umbrella.

Zach led the way into the grand foyer. Marta, dressed in a black dress, stood quietly by a table, lighting a row of white candles in memory. Nearby, a closed wooden casket was surrounded by flowers. The room carried the scent of freshly lit candles, occasionally mixed with the subtle undertone of a floral fragrance.

“Why couldn’t you wait until Mrs. Arnold Sr. was buried before trying to take over the house?” Marta asked.

The echoing footsteps on the marble floor added to the room’s tension. “You still have two hours,” Zach replied with a shrug. He sat back in a comfortable chair, appearing relaxed, thinking, ‘ After tonight, the Arnold residence will be history.’