Chapter 27

Following one another, they stepped into the study, Zach closing the door behind them. The tension in the room was thick enough to touch, enveloping them.

Hayson lit a couple of candles in the room, creating an almost sacred ambiance. “Made some new friends recently?”

The sudden question caught Madelyn off guard, her breath hitching as her heart pounded in her chest.

“Y–Yes… Father, have I done something wrong?”

Hayson took a seat at his desk, his gaze fixed on her as Zach stood by his side. “Madelyn, do I frighten you?”

Madelyn lowered her gaze, weighing her words before she meekly replied, “No… it’s just that you’re often too strict. I’m afraid of making mistakes and being punished.”

This was unexpected. Hayson studied her carefully. His daughter was changing. The brashness of her youth was fading. “When did you become acquainted with the Arnolds?”

‘The Arnolds? I only know one person by that name. Something must’ve happened. Given Father’s tenacious nature, if something has gone wrong, he wouldn’t just stand by. The only explanation for his questioning… could it be that Ethan is involved? This is the only thing that makes sense. Even if I don’t tell him now, he will find out sooner or later.‘

Madelyn decided to be truthful.

“I just met him a few days ago. He lives next door. We chatted a bit under the jujube tree in the backyard.”

“Really?” The Arnolds are in Southern Haven Villas too?

Madelyn continued. “His name is Ethan. Honestly, he’s a good guy, Father.”

Hayson rose and walked over to Madelyn, patting her shoulder. “I’m just worried about you. The Jent family has many eyes on it, and I don’t want you to be misled.”

“I understand, Father. I’ll be careful.”

“If you have time, invite your friend over for dinner.”

Though Hayson’s statement felt like a hint at something, Madelyn simply nodded in agreement. “I understand, Father.”

“Go home now.”

“Yes, Father.” Madelyn left the study, closing the door behind her.

“What do you think about this?” Hayson asked Zach.

“I suspect Madelyn is still unaware of Ethan’s true identity.”

“The information about Ethan has been well protected by the Arnolds, but I’ve heard that Ethan was in a car accident a few years ago and was paralyzed. Forrest could likely replace Ethan as the heir to the Arnold family.”

“But the Young family is of equal standing with the Arnold family. They’re business rivals, and their longstanding feud is bound to result in one of them losing.”

Hayson nodded approvingly. “Your analysis is good. The Young family is currently under the control of a woman. But, a woman can only do so much in the business world.”

“Despite being an Arnold, it’s a pity that he’s just a useless pawn now due to his condition. A piece that has lost its value will naturally be discarded.”

Hayson turned his question to another topic. “I heard the Young family is grooming a new heir?”

Zach nodded in agreement. “Yes. As it stands, she’s Ethan’s half–sister from the same mother. The husband married into the Young family, but the daughter the Youngs are raising is too carefree and ditzy to be taken seriously.”