Ch. 831..840

The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 831

Kevin was taken aback by the transformation in Zach since the accident that befell Madelyn.

Two hours later, Kevin walked into Madelyn’s room with a file bag in hand and said, “Sir, I’ve brought everything you requested.”

Zach, after carefully wiping Madelyn’s hands, covered them with a blanket. He said, “From now on, take charge of the company matters. Don’t come to me with every little thing-only the major contracts needing my signature. You’ve been with me long enough; you know what to do.”

Kevin eyed Zach, his disbelief clear. You’re walking away from everything? You built it all from nothing.” His gaze shifted to Madelyn, still and silent on the bed. “Is this permanent? What if she doesn’t wake up?”

“I owe her that much.” Zach’s voice was gentle, his touch tender on Madelyn’s face. “Now, go. Don’t disturb her rest any further.”

Kevin nodded after a pause. Understood, sir.” He couldn’t help but think, ‘Mr. Jardin’s lost it.’

True to his word, Zach left his empire behind, dedicating himself to Madelyn’s side. Ever since someone had sabotaged her IV with poison, he hadn’t left her. He was a constant presence, vigilant and unwavering.

Madelyn might be in a vegetative state, Kai informed Zach that her brain activity suggested she was somewhat aware. They hoped the right external stimuli might coax her back to consciousness.

By her side the next day, Zach played her favorite piano melodies, the music filling the room with memories. Amidst the soft tunes, while slicing an apple, he was interrupted by a bodyguard.

“Sir, a girl named Mya is here to see Ms. Jent.”

Zach answered without hesitation, “No.

The bodyguard turned to leave, but Zach called out, “Wait.”

“Anything else, sir?”

“Ensure the fifteenth floor remains off- limits,” Zach commanded, his gaze sharp and unwavering.

“Understood, sir,” the bodyguard confirmed before exiting. Zach’s mind raced with anger. ‘How dare she come here! I’d refrained from acting against her only for Madelyn’s sake.’

Zach had kept Ethan’s death a secret for so long. It infuriated him that Madelyn had disappeared and, by some means, found the precise location of Ethan’s demise right after they returned from the Harper family’s party. All this chaos erupted just as he was about to start a new chapter with her.

Zach suppressed his seething anger. With a swift motion, he skewered the apple with a knife and flung it into the bin, his expression cold as stone.

Outside, Mya and Kennedy were barred from entering. When the bodyguard reemerged, Mya approached with teary eyes. “So? Can I go in and see her now?”

“The fifteenth floor is off-limits by Mr. Jardin’s orders. You must leave,” the bodyguard stated firmly.

Mya’s tears spilled over as she begged, ” Just a moment with her, that’s all I ask. I won’t be a bother again.”

“No means no. If you don’t leave, we won’t be responsible for what happens next,” the bodyguard warned. Kennedy sighed, “Let’s go.”

Despite her daily attempts since learning of Madelyn’s plight, Zach’s resolve remained; he wouldn’t allow Mya to visit Madelyn.

 

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Mya was consumed by guilt. She questioned if the situation could have been averted had she not passed the note to Madelyn.

As Kennedy escorted her out of the hospital, Mya wiped away her tears and suddenly shoved him, her face flushed with anger. “This is your fault. If you hadn’t insisted on me giving Madelyn that note, she wouldn’t be in this mess.”

“Give her back!” Mya cried out in despair.

Kennedy’s eyes were heavy with regret as he murmured an apology, “I’m sorry, Mya. I never thought things would turn out

this way.”

‘She must have seen those emails I sent.’ He wondered if his emails had been the catalyst.

“Sorry? You knew, Kennedy! You knew Madelyn was sick. Why did you have to upset her? Ethan is gone, so what? Couldn’t you have waited until she recovered to tell her? Now the doctors aren’t sure she’ll even regain consciousness. What am I supposed

to do? She’s my only friend. Please, keep your distance. This is on you.”

The raised voices drew a nurse’s attention, leading to a stern reminder. “Keep it down. This is a hospital.”

Kennedy offered a swift apology before noticing Mya sprinting away. By the time he exited the hospital, she had disappeared.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Mya slipped into her car, her distress halted abruptly by an unexpected scene. A man in a black uniform sat imposingly before a woman in black lingerie, kneeling at his feet.

“Do you like what you see?” The man, Fred, asked and looked at Mya with eyes as sharp as a hawk’s.

Caught off guard, Mya leaped from the car, slamming the door behind her, and dashed off. A thought struck her mid-flight,’ Isn’t that my car?’

Then, a voice reached out to her, “Miss, over here.”

Mya, looking as white as a sheet, hurried to her private car where Dave Jackson, her driver, waited. “Dave, why’d you move the car?” she asked, breathless.

“The guard told us we couldn’t stay there, so I had to,” Dave responded. “What’s wrong? Couldn’t meet with Ms. Jent again?”

The unsettling sight Mya had seen lingered in her mind, along with the image of the man who had a chilling, predatory look in his eyes. A cold tremor ran through her. Shaking off the memory, she resolved, “I’m not giving up. If Madelyn can’t have visitors, I’ll wait at the hospital. After all she did for me… I owe her that much.”

Dave sighed, “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Ms. Harper. Ms. Jent will wake up soon.”

Half an hour later, Kai came to examine Madelyn as usual. He turned to Zach and said, “I can’t keep up her exams after today. I’ll pass the duty on.”

His hands in his coat pockets, his voice bore the weight of his message, “Brace for more, though. She’s fighting the treatments deep down. If there’s no change in a month, we may need to consider the worst.”

“No way!” Zach shouted. “She’s going to make it!”

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The stark truth hit Zach hard, demanding he face it despite its severity.

“I don’t care what it takes, I want you to cure her,” Zach demanded, his voice tinged with desperation.

“It’s not that simple. She’s resisting the treatment, refusing to wake up. At this rate, even a miracle wouldn’t be enough to save her,” Kai responded, weary resignation filling his eyes.

“Fine. If the medical treatments here can’t help, then I’ll take her abroad. Surely someone out there can do something,” Zach shot back, stubborn hope clouding his judgment.

Kai had to admit that Zach seemed to have lost his grip on reality. “Perhaps there’s one last resort,” Kai mused cautiously.

Avoiding any disclosure of Madelyn’s true background and the mysterious Hawk family, Kai sought the advice of Agustin.

He began, his voice laden with urgency, “Agustin, that’s how it stands. If you could perhaps share something about Alicia Wood, it might jolt her awake.”

Still recovering from surgery, Agustin sat in his hospital ward. Sorrow clouded his features after hearing everything from Kai. Agustin said, “You’ve been reckless, Kai. You’ve drugged Madelyn without grasping the whole picture. How am I supposed to face Ms. Wood now, knowing this?”

Kai felt a weight of guilt press upon him as he fell to his knees in front of Agustin. “It’s all my fault. I failed Madelyn. I beg you, Agustin, please help her.”

Sorrowful yet resolute, Agustin finally turned away, gazing out the window. “Fine, if doing so might awaken her, then I’ll give it a try. My score with Hayson is settled and I have no more regrets.”

Kai accompanied Agustin and walked into Madelyn’s ward. Kai motioned for Zach to stay back and mouthed silently, “Let him try.”

“Anyone can enter, but not you,” Agustin said curtly, his face stern. “Every offspring of Hayson is good for nothing.”

With those cutting words, Agustin closed the door behind him, leaving Zach standing there, his eyes darkening ominously.

“He’d better not disappoint me,” Zach muttered, narrowing his eyes at Kai, who quickly nodded in agreement.

Right now, nothing was more important than Madelyn waking up. As for Agustin’s identity, Zach did not delve too much into it.

Meanwhile, Serena returned home but did not do as Zach had asked. Instead, she boldly announced her artwork to the media, even planning an exhibition at the largest center in the capital.

When reporters asked, “Ms. Smith, we heard that Prof. Monet will also be attending your exhibition. Is that true?”

Smiling for the cameras, Serena confidently responded, “Absolutely!”

Another reporter chimed in, “One more thing, we’ve heard from sources that your name used to be Serena, but now you’re Madelyn Smith. What’s the story behind the name change? Could you share?”

“Did you go abroad for plastic surgery? You look strikingly similar to Madelyn Jent. Even your name is the same now! Both of you were also in the same class in high school; are you still in contact with her?”

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A reporter asked, “Ms. Smith, the international news reported that Ms. Jent’s artwork was just awarded the gold prize in Libertyville. What are your thoughts? Do you think your art could surpass hers?” a reporter asked.

Ignoring the question, Serena donned her sunglasses and walked away, flanked by her

bodyguards. She snapped, “Make sure those reporters who just asked those questions won’t show their faces around me again.”

“Yes, Ms. Smith.”

‘Madelyn Jent? The Jent family was nothing now. How is she an heiress? She only depended on that freeloading Zach of hers!’ Serena thought to herself. She found herself feeling superior, almost triumphant, thinking about the Jent family’s downfall.

“Make sure this afternoon’s papers please me. I don’t want to see that wretched name in them, “Serena warned.

“As you wish, Ms. Smith.”

When Serena returned home, her mother, Zoe Parker, looked at her transformed face with dismay because it reminded her of someone from the past. While sitting on the couch, Zoe voiced her displeasure, “Who are you trying to impress with that face? I’m warning you for the last time, change it back. Your father’s career is on the rise, and we can’t afford any scandals.”

“What’s wrong with it? You used to say I was too ugly to be seen in public. I’ve made changes, and still, you’re not satisfied. What’s it going to take?” Serena retorted.

Zoe rose from the sofa, a shawl draped over her shoulders. “You never excelled in school; we had to use our influence to send you overseas. You wouldn’t study finance like we wanted, choosing art instead. And your award? It’s all thanks to our connections. If that gets out, you’ll tarnish our reputation.”

“Yeah, I’m the failure, right? The constant disappointment. If I’m such an embarrassment, why don’t you just disown me? Dad has other kids,” Serena said with scorn, her words striking a nerve with Zoe.

Chadwick Smith entered amid the commotion. “What’s all the shouting about?” He just got back from a meeting, visibly irritated. Handing off his briefcase to the maid, he then faced his daughter, who looked different.

Although Chadwick was unhappy inside, he managed to hold it back. He asked, “I hear you’re looking to become a student of Leonardo Monet. So you’re serious about painting?”

“Absolutely, Dad. I want to prove that my choices were right,” Serena responded.

“How are you going to convince him to take you under his wing? He’s had many students, but I’ve heard he rarely accepts a protégé,” Chadwick asked.

“With talent, of course! Don’t you believe in me, Dad?”

“If you manage to become his student, I’ll buy you the car you want as a gift.”

“Really? Don’t worry, Dad! I can do it! After all, I am your daughter. If he doesn’t respect me,

he’ll respect you.”

With her father’s influence as the Secretary of Education, Serena was optimistic that Leonardo Monet would agree to mentor her. She went to her room to gaze at her own paintings, each a testament to her readiness for the upcoming show.

On the wall hung a torn landscape painting. Its original beauty was marred by several knife slashes. Fuming, Serena tore off a piece. She murmured bitterly, “Madelyn Jent… your pride irks me. You might be more beautiful, but you’ve lost it all. I want you to watch as I claim what was once yours. If you can win prizes, I can too.”

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The headline in the newspaper wrote that “Madelyn Smith Seeks Mentorship with Leonardo Monet for Upcoming Exhibition.”

Kevin stared at Serena’s picture on the newspaper, who had undergone plastic surgery to closely resemble Madelyn. He gestured toward a painting behind Serena and remarked to Mr. Jardin, “Look at these paintings. They look familiar, don’t they?”

Zach squinted and said, “You’re referring to the paintings behind her? They look like the ones from Madelyn’s album.”

Kevin confirmed, “Ms. Jent always carried that album around; it was dear to her. After she left Ventrocloud High, she said it went missing. I never suspected Serena might have it.”

Zach also remembered flipping through Madelyn’s art album. She told him that the places that she drew were all real and that they were places she wanted to go to. It seemed that the lost album was now in Serena’s hand.

“How foolish of her,” Zach said. “Is everything ready to go?”

Kevin nodded and replied, “We’ve gathered all the proof. From Chadwick Smith siphoning public funds over the years to his mistress flaunting her opulent life complete with million – dollar cars-”

“When’s the art exhibition?” Zach interjected.

“In seven days. Leonardo Monet is expected to return by then,” replied Kevin.

Zach just hummed in response, deep in thought.

Zach stayed close as Madelyn’s condition declined. He moistened her lips with a wet cotton. swab and whispered, “Hang in there a little longer. I’m going to take care of everything.” Admiring her peaceful expression, he was reminded of Sleeping Beauty and impulsively kissed her. Then he stepped out of the room.

Just then, the door burst open, and there stood Dalton, clad in a brown bear jacket complete with a cap that had two little ears, making him resemble a bear cub. He clambered onto the bed, babbling as he went.

At a year old, Dalton was crawling and Margaret had been looking after him. Zach had barely noticed him, but Madelyn’s presence was the bridge between them. Dalton had seized the chance when Margaret left for the market, escaping his crib. He had managed to make his way to the room all on his own. Grasping the bed sheets, he pulled himself up unsteadily. Catching sight of Madelyn, he began to cry.

When Madelyn didn’t respond, Dalton gripped the bed sheets and toddled over, wobbling with each step. With surprising determination, he hoisted himself onto the bed and gazed at the sleeping Madelyn. Silence fell as he lay down next to her, thumb in mouth.

“Mama…” Dalton murmured, his babble faintly echoing a call for his mother.

Upon returning from the market, Margaret noticed Dalton wasn’t in his room. She rushed to find him, relief washing over her when she spotted him in the next room. Fearing Zach’s reprimand for her lapse in supervision, she quickly scooped up Dalton and retreated to their room.

With a swift movement, she picked up Dalton and hurriedly went back to their room.

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As luck would have it, Zach returned to the room just in time to see the door slightly open. His expression grew stern. He turned to the bodyguard and asked icily, “Who’s been here today?”

“Margaret came in after her trip to the market. No one else,” the bodyguard responded.

Unconvinced, Zach decided to review the surveillance footage. The image of the child on the screen caused his frown to ease. Dalton had slipped his mind; amidst the chaos of Madelyn’s illness, Zach had overlooked the boy.

In the mall, Serena was picking out gowns for the upcoming art exhibition. She tried on several but noticed they didn’t fit quite right around her waist. For a moment, she toyed with the idea of breast augmentation but quickly dismissed it. Eventually, she settled on a white gown that flattered her shape with its revealing cut,

One of the bodyguards thought of something and mentioned, “It’s been two days with no word from Jardin Corporation. It seems you can relax now, Ms. Smith.”

Serena laughed softly. “I knew they wouldn’t pose much of a threat. My father mentioned Jardin’s intent to dominate the market, but the executives won’t let them off lightly. With his company in disarray, it’s uncertain if Jardin can even sustain itself.”

Serena’s confidence was clear as she added, “Zach Jardin is just another businessman. Once my father pulls strings, Zach’s project approvals will stall. He’ll have to come to me eventually. He’s not even capable of humiliating me.”

The memory of Zach’s smug face irked her, spoiling her shopping mood.

“Why did you mention him anyway? What a drag! Just take all the gowns I’ve tried, and let’s leave,” Serena ordered.

As Serena and her bodyguard were about to exit, they were abruptly confronted by Mya.

“Return what you took from Madelyn, you thief,” Mya demanded, glaring at them.

“Who is this person? Remove her immediately!” Serena exclaimed.

Before the bodyguard could act, Mya brandished a fire extinguisher and threatened, “Don’t lay a finger on me, or I’ll use this! Serena, no matter how much you try to disguise your past with a new name or look, your true, ugly nature remains!

What’s more, you’re not just ugly, you’re a thief as well!”

“Shut your mouth! Don’t you dare shout anymore!” Serena warned her. They were in a public shopping mall, doubling as the venue for the art exhibition. In Ventropolis, eyes were everywhere, watching her every move. Any scandal could derail her carefully laid plans, and if Mya caused such a disturbance, Serena would show no leniency.

”

“Oh, what’s the matter? Can’t handle the truth of your own misdeeds being exposed?” Mya retorted with rising volume. You’ve passed off Madelyn’s artwork as your own and even bragged to the press as if you were the artist. You have no shame! I’ll see to it that Madelyn gets justice!” Mya’s outcry drew the attention of the surrounding crowd.

Had Madelyn been well, Serena might not have been so bold. Mya’s guilt over Madelyn’s coma was a heavy burden-she’d been powerless to stop Serena when both had been abroad. But with Serena’s return, Mya saw an opportunity for retribution.

Seizing a fire extinguisher, Mya unleashed a choking cloud of mist at Serena, all the while shouting, “You’re no thief, no copy of Madelyn!”

Serena shielded her face, commanding her bodyguard, “Get this troublemaker and take her to the police.”

Mya discarded the extinguisher and dashed for the parking lot. Spotting a familiar car, she dove in and urged the driver,” Drive, Dave! That wicked woman is after us!”

“Wicked woman? Aren’t you the one who started the incident?” A playful and deep voice rang

Mya was shocked and turned around to see a man dressed in a black prison warden uniform with long boots. She was so terrified that she could not speak properly, “Y-Y-You Why are you here!”

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Fred had watched everything from the door and was impressed with her bravery. Mya, on the other hand, was terrified from just seeing him. It was just like seeing Zach. Both of them were like villains to her.

However, even if she wanted to leave the car, it was too late. Serena’s bodyguards had caught up and surrounded the car. She dared not get out of the car at that moment.

Mya shrank back, unable to meet Fred’s eyes as she stammered an apology, “I’m so sorry, sir. Your car looked just like mine. I didn’t mean to get in, really. And that woman… she’s bad news. Please don’t throw me out, okay?”

Fred gave her a cool glance. He wasn’t mad, but there was an intense edge to him that was undeniable, his scar adding to his fierce appearance.

Outside, Serena’s bodyguards appeared ready to attack the car. Fortunately, its tinted windows shielded Mya, allowing them to see out while preventing Serena’s bodyguards from seeing in.

Fred’s deputy lowered the window slightly, revealing his badge. Serena’s bodyguards paused, uncertain. Fred issued a stern warning, “Think carefully about the repercussions before you damage my vehicle.”

Catching sight of the emblem on Fred’s uniform, Serena faltered. After a quick look at Mya crouching behind the seats, she turned on her heel and left.

Mya carefully poked her head out to see the group leave. She let out a breath of relief and said, “That was terrifying…” She patted her chest while looking around fearfully.

“What’s your name, miss?” Fred asked. He could smell the sweet scent of a woman, yet it was different from other women. It was a natural body scent. Strangely, he did not hate it. Instead, he was having a reaction to it.

Mya’s nerves were still tense; hence, she looked at him warily. She gave him a forced smile and said, “I-I, thank you, mister, for helping me drive the bad guys away. I’m leaving now. I’ll treat you to a meal when I’m free.”

After rambling off, Mya swiftly got out of the car and ran. Who knew that this whimsical promise would bring her so many problems in the future.

After she got out of the car, Mya stared at the car nearby and slapped her forehead in frustration. She stomped the floor angrily and scolded, “Dave, why did you drive the car away? You made me get in someone else’s car.”

Dave said in resignation, “I didn’t want to. The mall guard wouldn’t let me park there.”

Mya gestured to a sleek black car nearby and questioned, “So why can that one be parked there?”

Dave replied, “Ms. Harper, that car isn’t like ours.”

“But it’s the same make,” Mya insisted.

With a helpless shake of his head, Dave explained, “Ms. Harper, that car has a line of letters beneath the model name. It’s a military edition-limited and not available for purchase. It’s not just any car; it’s in a league of its own compared to ours.”

Reflecting on Dave’s clarification, Mya felt a wave of embarrassment. ‘I’ve made such a fool of myself.”

Meanwhile, Fred asked, “Who was that just now?” His natural caution kicked in; Fred knew that once could be happenstance, but twice might suggest a pattern.

His deputy answered, “That is Mya Harper, a daughter of the Harper family.”

“The same Harpers to whom Zach sent an extravagant gift?” Fred asked, a smile playing on his lips.

At that moment, a woman exited the shopping mall, the skirt she had just purchased flowing around her legs. Her straight, black hair draped over her shoulders, enhancing her innocent demeanor.

She got in the car and sought Fred’s opinion, “I’ve changed, Mr. Turner. Do you like how it looks?”

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Fred had the woman sit on his lap, his fingers daring to explore beneath the soft fabric of her skirt. She caught his wandering hand, her voice a blend of reprimand and invitation, “Not here, Mr. Turner. Eyes are upon us.”

He inhaled deeply, the perfume enveloping her was rich and unfamiliar, a stark contrast to Mya’s subtle fragrance.

Fred was a man whose interest waned with the moon; no woman ever marked more than a week in his orbit before he found them as forgettable as the last.

As if on cue, a partition ascended, granting them a shroud of privacy. Her voice fluttered, a whisper of temptation, “Mr. Turner, might I assist you? This dress is quite delicate, after all.” Fred parted his legs in silent assent, and she slid to her knees, a willing accomplice to their hidden dance.

When Mya returned home, she was still thinking of how to ruin Serena Smith’s life. To claim Madelyn’s treasures as her own and flaunt them was an act of audacity that seared Mya’s conscience. Never had she witnessed such blatant shamelessness. Mya’s thoughts swirled into the quiet chaos of sleep, her grip on her plushy the only anchor to her reality. In the nebulous realm of dreams, she found herself adrift in an ominous forest, the breath of an unseen predator hot on her neck.

Then, without warning, a figure of menace materialized, thrusting her into a cage and clamping cold shackles around her wrists, his threat hanging in the air – obedience or eternal captivity. As the dream’s fog lifted, the man’s identity sharpened into focus. It was that man in the prison warden uniform.

Mya immediately woke up in a fright. She was sweating so heavily that her strawberry nightgown was soaked in sweat. She turned on the lights and held onto her plushy while shivering.

“Why did I dream of him out of the blue!” Mya said while patting on her face.

“That scared me to death! Thankfully, it’s just a dream and not real,” she comforted.

It was twelve midnight when Mya looked at the clock. She remembered that she still needed to visit Madelyn tomorrow at the hospital. Mya quickly held onto her plushy and fell asleep again.

The news of Serena becoming Leonardo Monet’s first mentee had spread throughout Ventropolis. The public did not know Leonardo had already taken a mentee before this.

A few days later, Kennedy picked up Leonardo Monet from Ventropolis Airport. On the ride back, Leonardo glanced at the newspaper headline and scoffed, “People will believe anything these days.” He tossed the paper aside and questioned, “Why didn’t Madelyn come with you?”

Kennedy paused, weighing whether to share the grave news. Leonardo pressed, “What’s going on?”

“Why aren’t you talking?” Leonardo continued to ask.

“Madelyn has advanced brain cancer,” Kennedy finally said. “She’s in a coma post-surgery.”

Leonardo was stunned. “Why am I just hearing about this? Take me to the hospital, now!”

“Grandpa, she didn’t want to worry you,” Kennedy assured him. “She’s getting the best care. There’s no need to worry.”

Unknown to many, Leonardo Monet was actually part of the Johnson family. He had taken up the surname Monet to forge his own path, away from the shadow of his family’s legacy, leaving few aware of his connection to Kennedy as his grandfather.

As Kennedy glanced in the rearview mirror, he saw Leonardo’s somber expression.

Kennedy thought to himself, ‘Grandpa’s mentored many, but only Madelyn became his protégé. She’s special to him beyond her talent.’

Leonardo broke the silence, “Where’s Madelyn now?”

“SereneCare Hospital,” replied Kennedy.

“I want to see her. Why wouldn’t she tell me something so critical? Does she still see me merely as a mentor?” Leonardo’s voice held a touch of hurt.

“Grandpa,” Kennedy ventured cautiously, “you’ve just returned. Aren’t you eager to get back to your studio? Zach’s with her at the hospital; visiting might be complicated.”

“Madelyn takes precedence over my work,” Leonardo declared firmly.

Understanding the depth of his grandfather’s concern, Kennedy made a U-turn at the next light.

 

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At Sky Studios, Clement’s phone rang, and after a brief conversation, he turned to the crowd awaiting Leonardo. “Prof. Monet’s been held up by unexpected business and will be delayed,” he announced.

Disappointment rippled through the students who had just arrived, hoping for a glimpse of the famed mentor. “We were supposed to meet him today,” they murmured.

One student’s curiosity peaked, “And Madelyn? We never see her here, Clement. Where is she?”

Another chimed in, “Especially after her award and the prize money last week. When will she grace us with her presence?”

Curiosity buzzed through the room. “Isn’t she the professor’s one and only protégé? And who’s this Madelyn Smith that’s been in the news with the professor?”

Clement, perusing his messages, replied without looking up, “Let’s stay out of the gossip mill. You’ll meet Madelyn when the time comes. For now, just focus on your art.”

He glanced up briefly, adding firmly, “And Madelyn Smith has no affiliation with Sky Studios. Now, let’s get back to work, everyone.”

Clement watched the students return to their work before making another call. As he reached the window-lined corridor, the person on the other end answered.

“Prof. Monet is back,” he said. “How long will you hold on to this grudge?”

From the other side came Jane Smith’s sharp response, “You all favored Madelyn, treated me as less capable, unfit to manage the studio. Now that I’ve left, why not let her return? And stop calling me. I’ll discuss my departure with Prof. Monet myself.”

1

Clement countered firmly, “Her skill outshines ours-that’s just how it is. She’s won that prize, a feat in itself. Doesn’t that count for something? Jane, you’re aware Madelyn is the youngest and isn’t savvy with the politics here. Deep down, you know whether your actions back then were justified or if they were unfairly directed at her.”

He paused, then offered a concession. “I’m offering you a final chance to return. Come back, and I’ll hand over the studio management to you.”

Yet Jane’s response was resolute, cold. “No need. I’ll show you that I’m second to none, certainly not to a rich man’s daughter who only got ahead through privilege. Had it not been for her background, she wouldn’t have caught Prof. Monet’s eye.”

With that, she ended the call. Clement frowned, pondering her persistent resentment.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Leonardo Monet found his path blocked by the familiar line of bodyguards outside the elevator.

“What is the meaning of this?” Leonardo, a renowned artist, wasn’t used to being barred from visiting anyone, let alone his

mentee.

Before Kennedy could respond, Margaret emerged from the ward, on her way to get groceries. Spotting Leonardo, recognition lit up her face.

“Oh my, oh my…,” Margaret exclaimed when she saw Leonardo. “Prof. Monet, is that you?” she gasped, hurrying over. You’re Madelyn’s mentor, right?”

With a nod from Leonardo, Margaret quickly said, “Madelyn thought you might come. This way, Professor.”

Kennedy, puzzled, turned to Margaret. “And the bodyguards?”

“Don’t worry about them,” Margaret reassured as she waved off Kennedy’s concern about the bodyguards. “I’ll clear it up with Mr. Jardin later.” With that, she ushered Leonardo past the guards, who didn’t stop her.

“Madelyn always speaks of you,” Margaret shared as they walked. “I’d have never recognized you without the photo she keeps in her room.”

Later, after his visit, Leonardo emerged from the hospital room visibly moved, tears rimming his eyes. “Four years I’ve been part of her journey, watching her succeed on her own,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “And now, to see her struck

down by illness so suddenly…”

Kennedy offered words of solace, “Grandpa, SereneCare Hospital is the best in Ventropolis. The care here rivals that of any country. She’s going to pull through.”

The thought of Madelyn battling her illness, while opportunists circled her position, ignited a fire of anger in Leonardo.

A week on, Serena’s art exhibition went ahead as planned, oblivious to the brewing storm. She had pulled out all the stops, even drawing celebrities and renowned photographers to her event.

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Everyone was present except for Leonardo. His attendance would elevate the event-his public appearances were rare, status in the art world was unparalleled and his Serena, in the makeup room, applied the finishing touches. The scale of her setup outdid even Leonardo’s past exhibitions. Gazing at her reflection, satisfaction evident, she asked, “Is everything prepared as I requested?”

“Yes, Ms. Smith. Everything’s in order,” came the reply.

“Bring it here, let me have a look,” Serena instructed, her confidence unshaken. She was certain that Leonardo would take her on as his apprentice.

Serena’s eyes lingered on the antique painting the bodyguard had brought in. It was a genuine piece by a renowned artist, the very masterpiece Leonardo had long sought.

Holding this, Serena was convinced it would be impossible for Leonardo to turn down her request. In her mind, she reassured herself, ‘Everything is in place, just as planned.’

After Zach finished changing Dalton’s diaper, the toddler moved quickly to Madelyn’s bed, gurgling “Mama.”

Drool threatened to escape Dalton’s mouth, hovering just above Madelyn’s face as if he were about to plant a kiss on her, Zach, hands freshly wiped, scooped up Dalton, a playful yet envious tone in his voice, “You think you’re going to kiss her, huh?

Zach couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy toward the innocent affection Dalton could express so freely.

Kevin’s voice cut in, “Mr. Jardin, it’s time to go.”

With Dalton in one arm, Zach used his free hand to tuck the blanket around Madelyn, his resolve clear, “I’ll reclaim what’s been taken from you.”

Zach had bundled up Dalton in multiple layers, leaving him looking round and cherubic. As Dalton murmured, “Ma-Mama,” he lay against Zach’s shoulder, reaching out his hand as if trying to catch hold of something unseen, but he didn’t cry.

Madelyn, in her haze of consciousness, wondered, ‘Who’s speaking?’

“Mama…”

In her dreamscape, bright lights swirled around her, and the baby she thought she was holding, Dalton, vanished into thin air. The only sound was his echoing voice. Panic surged through Madelyn’s thoughts as she frantically sought her child, ‘My baby, where are you?’

Once Zach and Dalton were settled in the car, Dalton began to cry without stopping. His neck and face reddened as he cried, his small voice growing raspy from the effort.

Dalton’s crying was giving Zach a headache. Zach’s face darkened as he asked Kevin to take Dalton back to Margaret.

Margaret had stepped out earlier for groceries.

Kevin, hearing the bathroom water running, presumed Margaret was nearby. He placed Dalton in the crib, thinking he would be safe there for a moment, and left.

Alone, Dalton’s cries intensified as he attempted to climb out of the crib. He lost his footing and tumbled to the floor, resulting in a noticeable bump on his forehead. His cries grew louder.

Face-down on the floor, blood began to trickle from his little nose.

The room’s soundproofing masked the distressful scene. After Kevin shut the door behind him, the cries were inaudible to the bodyguards outside.