Chapter 10

Madelyn washed all the jujubes she had in her pocket, placing them neatly on the coffee table.

Switching on the television, she curled up with a bowl of jujubes, lost in the enjoyment of her favorite treat.

Rosario came out from tidying up the kitchen and immediately frowned at Madelyn lounging on the couch in her grimy clothes. Raising her hand as if to swat at her, she chided, “You little scamp, I just changed that couch cover today, and you’ve already managed to dirty it. Go back to your room and change your clothes before you come back down.”

Madelyn, barefoot on the cool floor, dodged Rosario’s faux attack, hiding behind the couch with a giggle. “Can I get changed later, Rosario? I’m so tired. I just want to lie down for a while.”

“You and your shenanigans. If Mr. Jardin sees your uncouth manners, you’re bound to be punished again. Madelyn, be a good girl and go back to your room.”

“Can I finish this episode first, pretty please? There are only ten more minutes left.” Madelyn cooed sweetly at Rosario.

“No deal. You have exams coming up, and you’re still watching TV. I’m turning it off. Go upstairs and study.”

At that moment, Zach’s voice echoed from behind Madelyn. “Madelyn, Rosario has a weak heart. Stop making her angry all the time.”

Madelyn froze momentarily, her dainty brows creasing slightly. ‘How did he and Jadie come back so early? Without my meddling, shouldn’t Zach have been able to take Jadie out to live as he wished?

Then I could have lived happily by myself in this house.’

Rosario asked, “Mr. Jardin, you’re back so soon?”

Zach placed his keys on the table, nodding. “There’s an emergency meeting at the office, so I came back to pick up some documents. I’ll take Jadie over later. For now, she can stay here for a bit.”

Madelyn pretended to be engrossed in the television, choosing to ignore their conversation. To her surprise, Zach came over to her, his hand finding her soft, waist-length, wavy hair, affectionately tousling it.

“Spend less time watching TV, focus more on your studies. Aren’t you preparing for exams? I’ll check in on your progress when I come back tonight.”

Madelyn was aware that he was very busy. With only 24 hours in a day, apart from eating and sleeping, he scarcely had the time to waste on her. If he did have the spare time, he would only spend it with Jadie.

Nonchalantly, Madelyn replied, “Bro, I’ve finished my homework. If I don’t understand something, I’ll ask Sis Jadie. You should go back to work!”

Listening to her indifferent voice, Zach’s gaze narrowed when she called Jadie ‘sis.’ Even Jadie, who stood frozen on the spot, widened her eyes in surprise, and even Rosario found Madelyn’s behavior offbeat. Madelyn had never liked Jadie; she considered it a good day if she did not torment her, and now she was actually calling Jadie ‘sis’.

Rosario could not help but ask, “M-Madelyn… Are you okay?”

Madelyn popped a jujube into her mouth, her eyes fixated on the television screen, though she was not truly absorbing any of it. “I’m fine! Jadie is a few months older than me, shouldn’t I call her sis?

Besides, she’s always had better grades than me; I should learn from her.”

With the end of the TV show coinciding with her words, Zach’s familiar scent pervaded her senses, making Madelyn feel somewhat suffocated. Only when she was not in the same space as him would she feel slightly better.

Lowering her legs from their elevated position, Madelyn obediently said, “Alright, the show’s over. Bro, I’ll go to my room now.”

After all, Zach did not like seeing her around, so her departure would conveniently make room for them.

Zach glanced at her, attempting to glean something from her slightly pale face. Madelyn flicked her long hair over her shoulder and walked briskly toward the stairway. Zach’s brow furrowed as he watched her retreating figure. She used to become insanely jealous seeing him with Jadie, and she would do anything in her power to harm Jadie.

A frown marred Zach’s face as he pondered, ‘Has she truly moved on, or is she brewing a sinister plan in her mind? What exactly does Madelyn want to do?’