Chapter 155

Madelyn mused, ‘Zach’s willingness to go to any lengths to achieve his goals is almost frightening.’

However, a glimmer of optimism surfaced as she considered, “Yet, with Ethan’s support… Maybe I can study overseas after high school. It seems like a better plan. I won’t have to wait for Ventropolis’ annual foreign exchange program.”

“Ethan…” Madelyn’s uncertainty grew as she grappled with how to broach this topic. Her rapport with Ethan was still developing, and she wasn’t sure if she could rely on him for help.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, “Yeah?”

Madelyn’s words stumbled out hesitantly, “I… um…”

Just as Madelyn was about to voice her thoughts, a blinding light suddenly engulfed them.

“Look out, Mr. Arnold!” Leyton swiftly turned the steering wheel, and George held tight to the handle above the passenger seat.

Madelyn saw it too – a huge truck, heavy as anything, barreling straight at them.

Right before the crash, Madelyn prepared for the worst, squeezing her eyes shut, until a strong, comforting hand pulled her close.

Ethan’s deep voice came, “You’re safe, no need to be scared.”

His voice was soothing. Madelyn nestled into his chest, hearing the quick thump of his heart. She realized he was trembling too.

Even though he was in the same danger, he acted just like Zach, protecting her when things were really bad.

A memory popped up for Madelyn – the picture of a dog jumping at her when she was small. Zach had shielded her even though he got hurt himself, his arm still showing the deep scars. In his arms, Madelyn listened to his heartbeat. Strangely, unlike Ethan’s, it was calm and steady.

Zach seemed almost unaffected by fear, like nothing could scare him. In Madelyn’s previous life, everyone in Ventropolis knew Zach ruled the city. But even though he had all that power, he kind of ignored his wife, treating her less important than his pet dog, which people found funny..

“Madelyn…”

Madelyn snapped back to reality at the voice cutting through her thoughts.

Leyton had swerved to avoid the oncoming truck, but it resulted in crashing into the guardrail. The fancy Cayenne was now a complete wreck.

Madelyn still looked visibly shaken.

“I’m sorry…” Madelyn’s mind was foggy. The idea of what might have happened if that truck had collided with them, wiping everyone out, brought tears to her eyes.

Ethan smiled. His face was pale with beads of cold sweat on his forehead. He was holding back the pain. “It’s not your fault. What are you apologizing for?” 1 Madelyn lowered her head, tears streaming down.

She was apologizing because she knew it wasn’t an accident. She knew who was responsible. But she couldn’t reveal it.

Azure Corporation held her late mother’s hard work and effort. If the Jent family crumbled, her mother’s legacy would crumble too.

The crash impact was substantial, causing Leyton’s hand strained, but he looked mostly unhurt.

George wasn’t as lucky; blood trickled from his forehead.

Meanwhile, in an Audi, Jadie sat in the passenger seat, hugging a huge pink teddy bear. She asked, “Zach, do you think something happened up ahead? I feel like I’ve seen that car before.