“Jadie, head upstairs and rest,” said Zach.
Jadie glanced from Zach to Madelyn, then replied, “Alright. Madelyn just went through a car crash, so let’s give her a break, okay?”
Jadie wasn’t comfortable leaving Zach alone with Madelyn.
Every now and then, Jadie found herself wondering if Zach genuinely loved her. If he didn’t, she couldn’t help but question why he was so nice to her. But he had never actually said he loved her, which made her feel insecure about their relationship.
Jadie went upstairs.
Margaret noticed the tense atmosphere and stammered, “Sh-Should I leave too?”
Zach shot her a cold glare, and she hurriedly fled the scene.
Now, it was just him and Madelyn in the living room.
An oppressive feeling hung in the air, making it a bit hard for Madelyn to catch her breath.
“Am I just talking to myself here?” Zach approached her, his demeanor cold. Even without looking at him, Madelyn could sense his anger.
This was a stark difference from the Zach who seemed genuinely concerned about Madelyn in front of Ethan. He had a knack for concealing and maneuvering his emotions.
“I haven’t forgotten,” Madelyn nervously wiped the cold sweat from her palms, avoiding his gaze. She explained further, “George came to pick me up today, and I couldn’t refuse. I took. this chance to tell him I would not meet him anymore. I followed your instructions, so what else do you want from me?”
“Look at me,” his voice was commanding.
Madelyn lifted her head, locking eyes with his.
Zach smirked, “You know your biggest flaw when you lie? Madelyn Jent, no lying to me!”
After all those years side by side, he knew her favorites, her not-so-favorites. He could figure out what she was thinking with just a look.
Madelyn had the words bottled up inside her. She had intended to say them outright, but she held back and settled for just two words, “Got it.” Then she tacked on, “If that’s all, I’d like to head back upstairs and rest.”
She turned to go upstairs, but Zach’s voice halted her, “It’s not even twelve yet. Come here.” He pulled out two chairs, settled into one casually, and gestured for her to sit.
Madelyn was uncertain about his intentions. She hesitated.
“Do I need to repeat myself?”
Madelyn slowly moved over, taking the seat beside him.
“You always enjoy Rosario’s cooking, right? It’s a shame to let today’s dishes go to waste.”
Madelyn looked at him with surprise The food Rosario had prepared was now cold, and given her stomach issues, eating cold food would likely make her feel unwell.
“Are you trying to make me sick?” she said.
Zach was well aware of her health condition.
He said, “You did not listen to what I had said, so it’s time for some discipline That’s the rule.”
This might be your rule, but it’s not mine!” Madelyn shot up from her chair, sending it tumbling “You’re not even my real brother. You have no right to control my life. Believe it or not, there’s no future between Ethan and me Whether it’s you or Ethan, I’m not letting myself fall for anyone ever again. If you’re so keen on this meal, enjoy it yourself.
Madelyn spun around, her foot just hitting the first step of the staircase, when Zach abruptly. yanked her to the dining table. A swift, forceful motion and Madelyn found herself pressed against the chilly floor. She struggled to rise, but he had a firm grip on her neck. “Maybe next time you’ll listen to me,” he hissed.
His gaze were terrifying, and for a moment, Madelyn almost thought he was going to kill her. His grip grew tighter, causing discomfort and a sense of suffocation. However, she didn’t utter a single word, her brow furrowing.
