Chapter 267

From that day on, things got a bit tricky between Madelyn and Yvonne.

At first, Yvonne had wanted to become friends with Madelyn so she could get closer to Zach. But now that she’d accomplished that, it was kind of obvious she didn’t need to pretend to be close with Madelyn anymore. Madelyn also had her own reasons for becoming friends with Yvonne.

“Regarding the trouble Yvonne caused, I’ll bring her here to apologize to you,” Ethan assured.

Madelyn glanced down and noticed his hand covering the back of hers. The warmth from his palm provided some comfort to the arm with the IV drip, easing its chill.

“It’s partly my fault that Yvonne acted that way. She was aware of my feelings for you, but her impatience got the better of her… I’ll also repay you for what Forrest owes you. And I won’t come between your friendship with him either. The conflict between Forrest and me is more intricate than it appears. You’re still young: I’ll reveal the details gradually in the future,” he implored, his tone earnest.

“All I ask is for you to give me a little more of your heart, even if it’s just a bit. It’s enough, even if you treat me differently than others.”

Ethan hoped that her feelings for him would accumulate like drops of water added to a bottle each day.

With time, that bottle would eventually be brimming after countless days, months, and years.

Madelyn stared at him, perceiving desire and possessiveness in Ethan’s eyes. Yet, he was attempting to restrain that possessiveness. He resembled Zach in some ways, but there were subtle differences.

In her previous life, Zach’s possessiveness had bordered on the pathological, holding her captive. He had been brooding, consumed by paranoia. Ethan’s feelings sort of made her feel like she couldn’t breathe. It was hard to explain. Ethan being near her felt heavy, even though he didn’t mean it.

In her future plans, there wasn’t room for anyone else. All she wanted was to get away from others telling her what to do. Ethan’s feelings surprised her, and she didn’t know how to deal with them. Plus, she didn’t know what to do next. He waited for her answer.

“…” Madelyn looked down and said, “I would feel the same no matter who it was. Ethan, I’m not something someone owns. I’m just me. not someone’s extra thing. I have things I want to do, things I haven’t done yet. Right now, I want to do things on my own, go to Ventropolis University, and finish my studies.”

She added, ‘And I don’t quite understand what you meant about me being young. As for Forrest… my treatment of him is merely a way to repay a favor.”

Ethan responded. his tone reassuring. “I get it and I’m glad you told me everything. Whatever you choose, I’ll always support you and respect what you want.” He touched Madelyn’s hair gently, making her feel better. “If you ever want to leave the Jent residence, you could stay with me. How about that?

You could come to my place. I’ll make sure you’re sale.”

Madelyn hesitated, thoughts swirling in her mind. ‘Leaving my home… would Hayson allow it? And there’s Zach too. I don’t know how Zach would react if I tried to break free from his hold.’

But then another thought emerged, ‘Zach’s focus has always been on the Jent family’s assets, not me. Could Ethan really do that?”

“In the future, if I chose to leave, would you let me?” Madelyn asked.

A soft smile brightened Ethan’s eyes. “Madelyn, you’re an independent individual. If you genuinely wanted to leave to pursue your own path, I would respect your decision.”

Ethan also knew that Zach was mostly interested in the Jent family’s wealth, and Madelyn was in the way. But Ethan cared about Madelyn for more than just her family’s stuff. He would let her have it If that’s what she wanted.

Madelyn was aware that such a decision would complicate their relationship even further. But it seemed better than being with the Jent family, especially if Zach was part of i