Ch. 901..910
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 901
Inside a black velvet box was a unique ring, gleaming with a red gemstone as precious as any treasure and circled by 520 tiny diamonds glittering in the light. Each diamond was meticulously chosen to ensure a perfect fit within the setting. This red gem stood alone in its splendor, unmatched anywhere else in the world. Its worth was astronomical-over $3 billion in Venturian currency.
Madelyn finally drifted off to sleep. But suddenly, she felt the bed dipped beside her, and her hand was grasped; something cold slid onto her ring finger. Her eyes snapped open to find Zach sitting next to her, a ring with a sparkling red gemstone now on her finger. She quickly withdrew her hand and bolted upright.
“What’s going on?” she asked, struggling to remove the ring from her finger. Zach observed her attempt for a brief moment, then with a weary yet resonant voice, he said, “I’m proposing to you.”
Surprise washed over Madelyn, and her fingers froze. Zach’s voice was gentle as he confided, “I’ve broken off my engagement with Yvonne. It’ll be in the news tomorrow.”
Madelyn tried over and over, but the ring remained stuck. Reeling from his proclamation, she grabbed a pillow and tossed it at him, “Zach, are you out of your mind? Do you realize what you’re saying? You’ve stripped the Young family of everything, and now Yvonne’s dead. What’s left for you to take from me? You possess all I own. With Hayson dead and Azure Corporation in your hands, what more do you want? Why can’t you just let me go?”
Zach reached out and steadied her, aware of her rising distress. His voice was a deep and soothing murmur meant for her ears alone, “I wasn’t behind Hayson’s death, and I haven’t interfered with Azure Corporation. It’s in your name, and I’ve been managing it for you. If you want it, it’s still yours.”
“I don’t want this. I don’t want any of it, and I certainly don’t need your proposal. Zach, you’re supposed to dislike me or send me away. What you’re doing, it’s wrong–it’s just wrong!”
Zach’s hand was gentle on her back, offering silent comfort as he felt the wetness of her tears on his shirt, ” You’ve got it all wrong, Madelyn. There’s nothing wrong about love.””
Zach’s proposal was unexpected, catching Madelyn completely off guard. In her previous life, she had fantasized about him proposing in many ways, yet it was she who had to force him to marry her. Their wedding had been put together hastily, with no true proposal involved. ‘Why is Zach proposing now when everything is so different?’ she wondered silently.
Her voice quivered as she pleaded, “Please, find Cecilia, okay? She’s the one you should be with. She can support you and be the partner you need, both in your personal life and at work. I bring nothing to the table; I’m just a complication. Please, go to her.”
Madelyn struggled to remove the ring, pulling at it desperately, but it stubbornly refused to come off.
Zach gently grasped her hand to cease her attempts, noting the reddening of her finger. “You can’t take this ring off, not in this lifetime,” he said.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 902
Rapid footsteps approached the door, followed by a sharp knock. “Mr. Jardin, “called a voice from the other side.
Zach turned from peering at the door to Madelyn, noting her swollen red eyes and the tear tracks on her face. He softly brushed away her tears with his thumb. “I’ve got some things to take care of, but I’ll be back soon,” he assured her with a gentle tone.
Zach stood up, and Madelyn, looking mad, chucked a pillow at him. He did not even flinch. Picking up the pillow, he put it back behind her.
“I’ll never marry you!” Madelyn snapped, her eyes fiery. Zach smoothed her hair gently, “Hey, just be good, okay?”
Zach exited the room and closed the door behind him. As he walked, he heard sounds echoing–a sign the hallway was not soundproof. Upon going one floor down, he asked his bodyguard, “What’s the situation?”
Speaking softly, the bodyguard replied, “We caught a paparazzi snapping photos.”
The warmth in Zach’s eyes turned to ice, “Where is he?”
“He’s detained in the lobby, waiting for your instructions.” A reporter was sprawled on the ground in the lobby, his pricey camera lying nearby.
Patrick Berry, the reporter, was desperately trying to free himself. He said in a strong voice, “Let me go! I’ve done nothing wrong. Just so you know, my friend has already called the cops. If you don’t let me out of here, I’m going to sue you guys.”
Zach said defiantly, “Go ahead and try calling them then.”
Descending with a presence that turned heads, Zach caught the eye of the paparazzi. Known for his dramatic climb from a foster child to the CEO of Jardin Corporation, his influence was unmatched in Ventropolis. Now, face to face with Zach, Patrick found himself speechless.
“It-It was all a joke, Mr. Jardin,” Patrick stuttered in haste. “I swear, there are only pictures of sceneries on that camera–nothing of you, I promise.”
Zach received the camera from the bodyguard. He sat with an ease that belied the intimidating air around him, making Patrick uneasy.
At first, Patrick thought Zach was just a tough CEO who had muscled his way to the top, no big deal. However, once he actually met Zach, Patrick regretted ever messing with him. “You’ve looked through everything, Mr. Jardin. May I leave now?” he asked.
Zach quickly went through the photos on the camera, showing no emotion. For a brief second, Patrick hoped he might get away with just a warning. However, Zach’s command came quietly but with an edge, “Break his leg. The bodyguard gave a grave nod, “Yes, sir.”
Patrick’s face turned white as he stammered, “W-Wait, please. This is a mistake. The cops are on their way!”
Zach tossed the camera aside and gave Patrick a stern look, “Start talking now, or you’re in for more trouble. Three, two…”
Before Zach could reach ‘one,’ panic overtook Patrick. “Okay, okay! It’s on me,” he admitted, fear overtaking him.
Following Zach’s silent signal, the bodyguard allowed Patrick to stand up. Quickly, Patrick’s gaze shifted to the door, and he made a break for it. He had not gotten far when an ashtray flew at him, striking him right behind the knee. The impact sent him crashing down to his knees.
“You’ve got a death wish,” Zach snapped with a hard gaze, his impatience evident. “Find the camera on him and break his leg.”
Perplexed at how Zach knew about the concealed camera, Patrick could only stammer his remorse, “I-I’ve made a terrible mistake, Mr. Jardin. I only did it to provide for my family; I have a wife and kids. Please, I implore you.” His head hung low as he collapsed to his knees, the image of regret and desperation.
“If you want to live, help me with something,” Zach said.
“Sure, sure,” Patrick replied hastily, his hands shaking as he held out the camera. “I’ll follow your orders. This is the camera I had hidden on me. If you think I’m holding back, go ahead and search me.”
Known for his attention to detail, Zach watched as the bodyguard thoroughly searched Patrick. They only managed to find a set of car keys and a pack of cigarettes with just three left inside, proving that no stone was left unturned.
“You’ll receive a call at 7 a.m. For lying, you’re fortunate to keep your left hand, “Zach said with finality.
“Thank you, Mr. Jardin.”
To Patrick, being left with one hand was merciful compared to a fate far worse. Having only heard tales of Zach’s uncompromising nature, experiencing it was a sobering reality. He cast one last cautious look before carefully sliding into his car and accelerating away. As he merged onto the freeway, leaving the winding mountain road behind, he finally felt a sense of escape.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 903
‘This is seriously a nasty weather. If they broke my leg and I had to crawl all the way back home, I wouldn’t stand a chance. That place is isolated, with that highway cutting through where wild animals roam. I’d be toast,’ he thought with a grimace. ‘And that Jardin, he’s downright cruel!’ The sharp pain in his leg was a harsh reminder of Zach’s aggressive behavior.
Zach put out his cigarette in the downstairs ashtray and headed back up once the scent had faded. At the far end of the third-floor hallway, Madelyn stood by the window, the cold wind softly lifting her hair. Zach approached her.
With a look of concern, Madelyn questioned him, “When will you stop harming others? Surely, there’s a better solution. Why did you feel it was necessary to break his arm?”
Madelyn turned to Zach with eyes so sad and so full of disappointment that it made something inside him ache. He defended his action, “I needed to show them what happens if they mess with us, to keep anybody from trying to stir up trouble here again.” He had increased the guards around the place not because he wanted to but to make sure she felt safe and content.
“You’re no better than Hayson; you can’t escape the wrongs you’ve done. You never change,” Madelyn said coldly, her voice flat and distant. She walked to her room and closed the door.
Zach let out a heavy sigh, pressing the bridge of his nose. At three in the morning, he stood by the study’s large windows, watching as snow blanketed the world outside. He thought, ‘A whole year has just flown by.’ Tonight was different; in his study, he rested on a basic bed. This was the first night he had spent without joining Madelyn in her room since he returned to stay at the Jent residence.
Madelyn lay awake, unable to find sleep. Her frustration grew with each painful attempt to remove the stubborn ring from her swollen finger. She had tried every type of lubricant–body wash, shampoo–but nothing freed the ring. An hour later, spent and defeated, she gave up. Gazing into the bathroom mirror, her reflection showed red, weary eyes. The glaring light sharpened the lines of fatigue on her face.
‘So, Zach, what’s the game this time? What role have you cast me in now?’ she pondered in weary frustration.
As dawn broke and the last snowflakes gently landed, Madelyn curled up in a cozy armchair covered with a blanket. Despite the room’s warmth, she shivered, hugging herself for comfort.
No matter how hard she tried, she could not wake up, not until she felt an enveloping warmth that seemed to melt away the frost around her. Clinging to this comforting heat, she finally let go of her fight against the cold. A gentle whisper in her ear lulled her into a deep, restful sleep.
“Why does Ms. Jent have such a high fever? We need to take her to the hospital,” Margaret said. “She struggled to recover from her last surgery, and now she’s sick again. I’m worried about how bad it could get.”
“Hurry with the fever medication,” Zach said, pressing cold compresses to Madelyn’s forehead. But even after several hours, her fever would not break.
The clock read 6:30a.m. as Kai arrived home. He eased the master bedroom door open to find Lana fast asleep. Moving closer, he carefully drew the blanket over her. Lana sensed his presence and slowly opened her eyes. “Is that you, Kai?” she murmured.
“Did I disturb your sleep?” he asked softly.
“No,” Lana reassured him, lifting herself slightly and reaching out to grasp his hand. “Are you home to stay?”
Kai sat on the edge of the bed, softly brushing Lana’s hair away from her face. He did not answer her question but said, “It’s still quite early. Maybe you should rest a bit more.”
Lana looked at Kai, her eyes showing worry when she saw the tiredness and redness in his. “You’ve just returned home. Let me cook breakfast, and then you can get some sleep,” she said. “I’ll wake you when it’s ready.” While Kai was away, Lana found herself with nothing to do and ended up washing all the clothes in the house. They still have not dried yet. Just as she was about to push the covers off and get out of bed, Kai stopped her.
“No need. I ate at the institute already, ” he said.
Hurt was evident on Lana’s face. “Kai, we’re married. Aren’t we supposed to be closer than this?” she asked, feeling the weight of their emotional gap. ” Have I upset you in some way? I’ve made a point of not going to your institute, worrying I might be a nuisance,” she added.
Kai’s chest tightened suddenly, and he was lost for words. He really did not like that he had tricked her into staying with him. Every day, he noticed her tummy getting bigger. He caressed her cheek and said, “You’ve got a baby on the way; I’m just worried about you. Try not to think too much.”
“Lie down for a while,” Lana said, sliding over to give him space on the bed.
Right then, Kai’s phone rang. He pulled it out, checked the caller ID, and met Lana’s gaze. “I need to take this,” he said, stepping onto the balcony.
Through the open door, Lana, cozy in her maternity wear, watched him put on his jacket. She followed him and asked, “You just got here. Must you leave so soon?”
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 904
Kai’s resolve melted as he looked into Lana’s eyes, glistening with the trails of recent tears.
“Madelyn’s sick,” Kai said with a soft voice. “She’s fresh out of surgery and still not out of the woods. I need to go see how she’s doing.”
Lana moved closer and wrapped her arms around him, “Can I tag along this time? I won’t make any fuss, I swear. I just want to stick by you. We need you around more, for me and the baby, deal?”
Down in the underground parking lot of their apartment, Kai made sure Lana’s seat belt was secure, “Stick with me when we get there, okay? And don’t worry about the folks there; they’re harmless.”
“Got it. I’ll stay put, no worries,” Lana said, her voice laced with excitement at the prospect of accompanying him.
The previous night’s snowstorm had left a chill in the air, prompting Kai to crank up the car’s heat before he gently straightened her scarf, “If anything feels off, you tell me, alright?”
“Alright,” she answered. Kai got lost in Lana’s smile for a moment as they drove. The car glided steadily over the snow-cleared streets until they arrived at the Jent residence. Once the car was parked, Lana gripped Kai’s hand and said, “I’m scared I might slip on the slippery ground.”
A maid approached to relieve Kai of his medical kit. Kai wrapped his arm around Lana’s shoulder and said, “Watch your step on those icy patches.”
As they made their way upstairs, Lana stayed close behind Kai. Once he had finished his examination, she placed his stethoscope back into the kit.
Kai then spoke to Zach, who had a serious expression, “Don’t worry. There’s no major issue. Madelyn has a high fever, but I’ve given her the medication to bring it down. She’ll likely feel much better after she wakes up.”
Noticing a ring on Madelyn’s hand while he was checking her, Kai pondered, ‘Zach acted quicker than I thought. He doesn’t strike me as the kind to get all romantic and propose on one knee to Madelyn.’
Then he suggested to Lana, saying, Head down and wait for me, will you? If you’re bored, you can take a stroll in the yard.”
“Sure.” Lana nodded in agreement. The maid escorted Lana out of the room. After the door closed, Kai and Zach went to the study in silent understanding. Kai sat on the couch,leaned back, and crossed his legs comfortably. “Aren’t you rushing into this a bit too much? Considering her health and the unresolved Young family issues, why the rush to propose?
“Kai asked.
Zach felt the sting of Kai’s words but maintained a steady voice, “She will adapt to her new role.”
Kai took a cigarette from the coffee table, lighting it up. Recently, his research at the lab had consumed all his time, leaving him no moment for relaxation, much less for a smoke. As the sharp taste of nicotine filled his mouth, he posed a thought to Zach, Perhaps consider her perspective for a change. Have you thought maybe she doesn’t want what you’re offering?”
Lana was carefully balancing two steaming bowls of chicken broth as she walked upstairs. Finding the bedroom door cracked open, she peered inside and saw that it was empty. Then, she heard distant voices from the study.
“Hypnosis isn’t a cure-all; Lana is an anomaly. It won’t be effective on Madelyn. Effects like that don’t last,” came Kai’s voice from the room.
Lana tapped lightly on the door, silencing the voices inside. Her name linked with hypnosis did not seem to trouble her. She entered the study, and Kai immediately went to take the bowls from her.
“The maids could have brought these up. Just be mindful of the baby,” Kai said.
Lana smiled gently. “I wanted to bring them myself. Also, the lady in the bedroom seems to be awake,” she said.
At that, Zach quickly excused himself from the study. With a hand supporting her waist, Lana made her way to sit by Kai, “Is that gentleman a friend? The one who reserved an entire hospital floor recently?”
Taking one of the bowls, Kai carefully blew on the hot broth before offering it to her, “Yeah, that’s him. Have a taste; their maid makes good broth. We’ll have some lunch here before we go.”
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 905
Lana took a sip and said, “This is actually quite good. I’ll ask the maid later how it’s made so we could try it at home.”
Kai agreed, “Sure.”
Half an hour later, Madelyn woke up in a foul mood, not feeling her best. While arguing with Zach, she got so annoyed that she ended up throwing a pillow at him, which hit his face. This happened just as Kai and Lana came out from Zach’s study and entered Madelyn’s room.
Kai said, “Seems like Madelyn’s feeling better now.”
Madelyn’s relationship with Kai was cold; she maintained her usual distance from him. Seeing an unfamiliar pregnant woman at Kai’s side, Madelyn offered him a nod of acknowledgment. Zach spent the day picking up pillows, a task that had become routine whenever Madelyn lost her temper. Kai and Lana, acknowledging the situation but choosing not to engage, intertwined their hands and left the room together.
Zach handed Madelyn a cup of water and said, “Take your medicine before leaving the bed; you’re ill. If you’re worried about work, remember that Jardin Corporation has many capable hands. Anyone could step in for you.”
Madelyn replied, “So you say. I’ll get up after the medicine, then.”
“Really, I mean it.”
Madelyn quickly grabbed the medicine from Zach’s hand, gulped it down, and then finished her water in one swift motion. Knowing her well, Zach had preemptively prepared fuzzy socks for her feet. As he layered her in warm clothing, he softly said, “Getting sick even while at home, how should I handle you?”
“I’ll overheat,” said Madelyn.
“You need to listen, or you’re staying put,” Zach replied. Madelyn fixed a stern look on him, ” Tyrant. Dictator. Jerk.”
Zach responded with a slight chuckle, ” Which tyrant would care to put socks on you and make sure you’re dressed comfortably? You’re not giving any credit where it’s due.”
Madelyn wore a cream-colored knit cap that covered her increasingly long hair. Zach, preferring the indoors cozy, had asked the maids to keep most of the villa’s windows closed.
Outside, in the Jent residence’s expansive garden, Kai asked a maid to fetch a warm shawl for Lana. Wrapped up, they ambled through the yard, their fingers entwined. Lana looked up at Kai, “Will you leave tomorrow?”
Kai squeezed her hand reassuringly, ” I’m not leaving. The experiment’s done, and I’m awaiting the details of the next project. Besides, I want to spend the New Year with you here. It wouldn’t sit right with me to leave you on your own.”
“Good. You’ll be able to spend more time with me at home now,” Lana said. After a pause, she called out softly, ” Kai?”
“Yes?”
“How did we first meet? And why did we decide to get married? I’m struggling to remember these things.” She sighed, “All I recall is waking up to find you next to me. Was there an accident that I can’t remember?”
Furthermore, Lana was haunted by recurring dreams of a man dressed in white. His face, always out of focus, eluded her grasp in the dream world. She would reach out, but he would always slip away. This left her in a wakeful state, her heart aching with a mysterious pain that refused to fade with the morning light.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 906
Stolen feelings never last long. Kai had understood this for a long time. He quietly thought to himself, ‘I’m not the hero in Lana’s story; Andrew is always the one she cherishes.’
Lana was really hurt when Andrew passed away. The hypnosis helped her forget for a little while, but it was not a fix that would last forever. If she tried hard to peel away the false memories and look for anything about Andrew, her memories would come back to her. For now, she remembered things in bits and pieces. Sometimes, she had brief moments when things made sense, yet she could not recall Andrew’s name.
During that time, Lana did not call out ‘ Andrew’ when she woke up. Kai, grappling with his thoughts, admitted to himself he was self-centered and flawed. He longed to have her close but feared the intimacy; his turmoil left him unsure of his next move.
Kai said in a soothing tone, “You seem worried about starting a family. Let’s not let it trouble us too much. I’ll make more time for us to be together at home, alright?” He held her hand gently, blowing on it to warm it up.
Lana said, “It means a lot that you’re here with me, but I wouldn’t want to distract you from your commitments.”
He tucked her hand into his jacket pocket, reassuring her, “Don’t worry. I’ve been keeping things light at work lately.” He cherished this opportunity to just be with her, unsure when he might get the chance again once life sped up.
Lana’s first dinner at someone’s home was quite a social affair. Kai and Zach were engrossed in a business conversation, something Madelyn found utterly uninteresting. Earlier, she had taken her medication, leaving her feeling overheated and slightly dizzy with a sheen of sweat on her forehead.
Her doctor had put her on a specific diet. When she went to grab a slice of roast beef, Zach’s hand reached out and stopped her. “You’re still on the mend. No rich foods for now,” Zach said gently.
Kai laughed and ribbed him, “You’re not worried Madelyn will hold a grudge with rules like that?” He then expertly placed a forkful of flaky grilled fish onto her plate beside a scoop of buttery mashed potatoes, “Fish is light and easy; it’s good for you.”
Upon noticing Kai’s gesture, Lana remained silent. She bowed her head slightly and idly moved her fork over her plate, her discomfort hidden just beneath the surface. Soon after, Kai reached out with a serving spoon, his voice filled with warmth.
“Help yourself to more, Lana. It’s not like Zach can’t afford to spoil us a bit; we’re not hurting his pocket. Even without Jardin Corporation, he’s doing just fine,” Kai said, flashing a teasing smile.
“Madelyn, make a note: from here on out, only take the food you served yourself, okay?” Zach lightly admonished.
Madelyn remained silent, feeling sick and not wanting to start a quarrel. Zach frowned upon seeing the grilled fish on Madelyn’s plate-the one Kai had placed earlier – and looked like he was about to remove it for her. However, before he could act, she quickly used her fork to take a bite, ignoring the unwanted help. Zach’s frown grew even more pronounced.
On the table were two fish dishes: one was a lemon-butter baked fish, and the other was grilled, seasoned with herbs. The chef had been considerate of Lana’s dietary needs due to her pregnancy and had prepared several appropriate options for her. When the meal concluded, Kai was quick to leave, taking Lana with him without delay.
A maid handed Lana a beautifully wrapped package. “This is a little something from Mrs. Jardin,” she said. “She regrets if the dinner wasn’t to your satisfaction and sends her apologies. Mrs. Jardin tends to be private and might not seem overly social. She ensured the chef prepared the dishes you would enjoy tonight.”
Lana felt unexpectedly valued. She had been concerned about possibly causing discomfort with her attendance, yet Madelyn’s considerate gesture pleasantly surprised her.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 907
“Thanks a lot. I’m happy to visit today, “Lana said with a smile.
Madelyn stood at the third-floor window and saw Kai’s car pull away. She squinted at the pregnant lady beside him, trying to remember where she had seen her before. ‘Wow, Kai’s been really secretive. He got married and is having a baby,’ Madelyn thought. ‘He looked like he genuinely cared for her at dinner. It’s unbelievable. Kai and Zach made sure I’d never become a mom. And now, Kai thinks a simple “sorry” makes everything okay? No way. Guys like him deserve to be alone, just like Zach probably will be.’
Zach crept up from behind and wrapped his arms around her. “You seem better. Maybe it’s time to pay back what’s due?” he murmured.
“Do I owe you something? You’ve got it all wrong, Zach. I’m not the one in debt here,” she snapped back.
Zach pondered her sudden anger. He had not made out with her in ages. ‘If this keeps up, I might as well take a vow of celibacy,’ he mused.
As she left the bedroom, Zach was about to go after her, but his ringtone cut through the silence. He watched her fade away as he picked up the phone and strode into his study. “Speak up,” he said with an icy tone.
The caller stumbled over his words, ” Um, M-Mr. Jardin, I followed your instructions and sent the piece to the media. It’ll be in the newspapers within the hour.”
“Put Kevin on the line,” Zach said. Kevin’s voice came through, “Mr. Jardin.”
“Tell the PR team to prepare for a press briefing in two hours,” Zach said.
“Will do.”
Zach ended the call and changed into a clean shirt and pants. He found his expensive watch in a little drawer at Madelyn’s dressing table and snapped it onto his wrist. Then, he went to the studio where Madelyn was busy with her draft. “I’m off to the office and will return shortly,” he said. Madelyn barely glanced at him, “Yeah, do whatever you like.”
Zach did not want her to sit there stewing in her thoughts. Squatting next to her to catch her eyes, he said, ” How about we try the new strawberry cake from Maple Street Patisserie? It’s supposed to be delicious.”
Madelyn gripped her paintbrush and swirled it in the blue paint before facing Zach, “I’ve outgrown those things, Zach. Go ahead and leave if that’s what you want. Just let me be, alright?”
Zach’s smile was slight and restrained as he rose to his feet. “Remember to rest. And if you feel sick, call me.” He reminded her softly. He wondered when he last heard from her; it had to be at least four years, maybe five.
Leaving the house, Zach made his way to Jardin Corporation. About forty minutes later, standing outside the company, Kevin informed him, “The reporters are all here.”
“Got it,” Zach acknowledged with a brief nod.
With a push, Kevin swung open the conference room door.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 908
As soon as Zach arrived, all the cameras pointed at him. He looked straight ahead and took the most important seat. Cecilia, serving as the Deputy CEO of Jardin Corporation, sat right next to him.
The room buzzed when Zach came in. Every reporter held up the day’s newspaper, ready for the scoop. Right when Zach sat down, a reporter asked the first question.
“Mr. Jardin, is what is reported in today’s paper correct? Have you really called off your engagement with Yvonne Young? And if so, was the decision based on the belief that there’s no longer any value in the alliance with her family’s company, YTCorp?”
Zach answered, “Calling off my engagement with her doesn’t change our relationship with YTCorp. We work in different areas, and their agreement with Jardin Corporation is meant to last.
Before Zach could continue, another journalist jumped in with a new question, “So, are the rumors of you and Yvonne Young having troubles true?”
Kevin firmly answered, “Please, we’re not here to talk about Mr. Jardin’s private life. This conference is for questions about the company’s operations and future plans.”
A young reporter with a hint of curiosity asked, “Mr. Jardin, as the CEO of Jardin Corporation and a public figure, could you please share more details during this conference?”
After briefly checking his phone, the reporter continued, “There’s speculation online that your engagement to Yvonne Young was broken off because you’ve been in a discreet relationship with someone you’ve financially supported for the past four years. She was studying in France and has only recently returned. And there have been reports of her being seen with a child. Is the child yours? If so, is that why your engagement ended?”
Cecilia glanced at Zach beside her with a hint of smug satisfaction. She silently mused about Madelyn’s fate without Zach, ‘In your past life, you amounted to nothing. It seems nothing has changed; two lifetimes, yet no advancement. What’s left for you once Zach is out of the picture?’
Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzz of excitement from the reporters seated below. They were capturing every moment of the rare press conference, focusing on the leading figure of Ventropolis onstage.
Cecilia leaned closer and whispered to Zach, “I understand you’re considering giving Madelyn an official role. Just be aware that first impressions are powerful. If you end your engagement with Yvonne, Madelyn could be branded as a homewrecker. That’s unless you decide to announce that Yvonne and Ethan have met with a tragic accident during their overseas journey.”
Widowers remarrying was common, but Zach’s situation was delicate. Exposing past scandals could devastate his reputation. He might have had no choice but to disclose his past if he wanted to change how people viewed Madelyn. Without his honesty, Madelyn risked being labeled as nothing more than a kept woman, even as his lawful wife.
Cecilia quietly wagered that Zach would keep Madelyn’s matters to himself. Yet, without giving Cecilia a single look, Zach leaned back, grasped the microphone, and settled into his chair with an air of nonchalance.
“Those of you eager to learn about her, “Zach said coolly, “are welcome to a private interview in my office after this press conference.”
The rest of the reporters had picked up on Zach’s stern vibe. Clearly, the inquiring journalist was a newcomer who was bold enough to broach such topics.
“Our PR team specifically stated that we’re not addressing any private matters at today’s press conference,” Zach said as he rose from his seat and made his way to the edge of the stage. A silent respect filled the room; everyone’s gaze followed him intently. Then, the focus shifted to the young journalist who looked to be in their early twenties.
Clad in a crisp black suit, Zach nonchalantly put one hand in his pocket. He carried himself effortlessly, and each gesture carried an unspoken command. In Jardin Corporation, Zach was a force to be reckoned with. His influence was felt well beyond the conference room walls.
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 909
Zach looked at the reporter’s badge and saw the big letters that spelled ‘Intern.’ “Why is the entertainment news outlet sending interns to Jardin Corporation’s press events?” he asked.
The reporter did not look scared of Zach one bit. She said, “Mr. Jardin, don’t interns have the same right to be here? Or are you just mad about my question and trying to scare me in front of everyone?”
The PR manager of Jardin Corporation got up fast, “So sorry, Mr. Jardin. She’s probably a new intern and doesn’t get the rules yet. I’ll take her out right now.
The bodyguard was ready to move, but Zach stopped him with a hand, “I’m sure that all the top executives at Jardin Corporation do their jobs right.” He then turned to face the reporter who was taking on the company by herself.”
Would you have the courage to publish it if I tell you?”
The reporter stood tall and said with sureness, “Of course I will. Reporters are supposed to write the truth, to share what they’ve found so everyone can know the real story.”
Kevin gave her a serious look, trying to tell her to back off. But it seemed like she wanted to keep going. Zach’s smile was small and icy, “Yeah, she and I have a kid. But I’m not here to talk about my private life. I don’t want our story to bother her or get people mixed up in our business that doesn’t belong there.”
Cecilia sat on the stage with a frown, feeling jealous. Her hand was in a fist so tight it started to hurt. She thought, ‘ So, he’s really going through with it.’
“Listen up, everyone,” Zach said to the crowd. “The deal that tied our companies together was about the cash, not the heart. It was going to end at some point. And Jardin Corporation stands strong on its own.” He quickly checked his watch, showing he did not have much time. “We’ve decided to give YTCorp a small part of our company, just 1% of the shares, to make things right.”
The crowd reacted with surprise, ‘1%? Even 0.1% of Jardin Corporation’s shares are worth hundreds of millions.’
The same reporter stepped up with a question, “It’s well-known that YTCorp was a big part of Jardin Corporation’s success. And now, after all that success, it looks like you’re parting ways with them. Mr. Jardin, some might say that’s pretty ungrateful. What’s your response?”
The people in the room murmured among themselves, impressed with the reporter’s nerve. ‘Wow, she really dared to say that straight out!’ they thought.
Zach laughed, but there was no warmth in it. He looked sharply at the people around him, “In business, a loveless marriage is just a trade. But she’s different; she’ll always be the one and only Mrs. Jardin.”
Cecilia stood up, unable to stay quiet, ” Enough, Zach. You’re the CEO of Jardin Corporation, and what you say can shake up our stocks. Think before you speak.” She faced the crowd, her voice full of apology, “I’m sorry, everyone. Zach’s not himself right now. He drank more than he should have.”
The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning by Max Charming Chapter 910
“Who do you think you are to interfere with my business?” Zach said without holding back at all. The veins on Cecilia’s forehead popped. She looked extremely ferocious with the makeup on her face and her bright red lipstick. She stared intensely at Zach with eyes filled with jealousy.
“Mr. Jardin, she’s here,” Kevin came over and spoke. Zach shifted his gaze and took another look at the time. ‘I should be able to have dinner with her.’ He thought to himself.
Then, he put his hand into his pocket, saying, “The President of YTCorp will take over and conclude this press conference personally.”
One of the male reporters asked, “Mr. Jardin, are you not going to attend the coming meeting?”
Zach smirked, “My future wife is sick, and I’ve got to go back and take care of her.” Then, he left the conference venue without waiting for other reporters to ask any other questions.
Zach had only appeared in the venue for a little over ten minutes, and all the time for questions was wasted on the rookie reporter.
All the other reporters felt resentful.
They all sat down and ridiculed the rookie reporter softly, “Why did she ask such useless questions? Not only did she waste this important opportunity to interview Mr. Jardin, but she also offended him.”
“I wonder which school she graduated from. It seems just anyone can work as an intern nowadays. This is such an embarrassment to our profession.”
“I know, right? It’s going to be difficult for us to have the opportunity to interview Mr. Jardin again.”
“Please stop talking about her. I’m already very annoyed. Her questions were so unconstructive. Paparazzi work is all people like her can do.”
However, just a few minutes after Zach left, Frida entered the room with a group of bodyguards. Her hair had turned much grayer. She wore a blue suit with her hair delicately styled, exuding an independent woman’s presence.
Cecilia had already gone after Zach. In the slightly opened door, Frida’s voice rang out, “…Jardin Corporation and YTCorp have already signed an agreement to cancel the engagement long ago…
“The reason why he made this decision was indeed for the interests of the two companies…”
With her high heels, Cecilia caught up to Zach, “”The company has just got back on track, and you announced something like that?
“Zach Jardin, stop right there!
“How could you say those things in front of so many reporters? How could you treat me like this? Zach Jardin, don’t forget what you promised me when I helped you establish the Jardin Corporation.
“You’re a heartless and ungrateful man. Kevin was following Zach, and both of them stopped walking when they arrived at the elevator. Then, Zach said, “I told you that I’ll give you what you deserve for helping me. However, you’re simply too greedy.
“If you’re going to bring up what happened in the past life again, don’t bother! What happened in the past has nothing to do with what I’m doing now. If something like this ever happens again, I’ll make you leave the company once and for all!”
Zach’s words left Cecilia utterly speechless. The elevator arrived right after Zach said those words, and he stepped inside. Suddenly, Cecilia’s scornful and sharp laughter echoed across the hallway.
‘Zach, I’ll never let you be with Madelyn. You destroyed me and ruined my life…
‘I’ll do everything I can to ruin yours too!”
Then, a man wearing a cap and black shirt walked over, “Ms. Samford, I’ve recorded everything you asked for.”