Chapter 41

Hayson’s voice turned icy as he said, “Either you stay in Ventropolis, or you don’t further your studies at all What’s the use of getting into university anyway? Sooner or later, you’ll end up getting married We have a banquet in a few days, and I want you to come with us. Some of my friends are eager to meet you.

Madelyn knew he would say that In her previous life, Hayson had never respected women. In his eyes, women were mere tools for procreation, and once they got married, they were only fit to stay at home, tending to their husbands and children.

“Father, things have changed now,” she said. “I’ve made some friends, and they’ve all gone. abroad for their studies. Do you know Serena Smith?

Hayson raised an eyebrow. “Chadwick Smith’s da ghter?”

“Yes, Serena mentioned that she’s preparing for a foreign language test. She wants to study abroad and settle there permanently, even change her nationality,” Madelyn continued “But Father… compared to that, I just want to go to Lorville At least during vacations, I can come back home.” She paused for a moment before adding, “And what if someone asks about my education? If I only have a high school diploma, won’t it become a laughingstock? It’s fine if others laugh at me, but I can’t let you lose face.”

Madelyn’s words hit Hayson’s thoughts precisely. He frowned, displeased. “Must it be Lorville University?” Hayson cared deeply about his reputation. With his own limited education, he relied entirely on Zach to manage his company.

Madelyn nodded, her voice unusually gentle. “Father, I know you’re worried about me. But think about it, if I go to Lorville University, someone will take care of Grandma. I promise, I won’t cause any trouble for you.’

Grandma was her final trump card. Despite Hayson being a jerk, he was a devoted son. He had been trying to convince Grandma to come to Ventropolis for years, but she insisted on staying in Lorville, a remote and impoverished place, to spend her old age. Hayson was concerned, but he always visited Lorville every Chinese New Year.

Madelyn pushed further, giving it her all. “What if I can persuade Grandma to come back?”

Hayson was contemplating her words.

Jasmine raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on her red lips. “Actually, Madelyn has a point.

Nowadays, besides looks, education is also crucial for girls. Since Madelyn has her own aspirations, why not just agree to it? Besides, I graduated from Lorville University’s education degree program. It’ll be easier for her to find a job when she is a Lorville graduate.”

Madelyn nodded in agreement. “Mhmm.”

Hayson finally compromised. “If you perform averagely in school and fail to graduate, you’ll come back immediately and get married.”

“Don’t worry, Father. I won’t let you down,” she thought to herself, ‘By the time I graduate, the Jent family will probably be long gone.”

Hayson looked content, his gaze filled with satisfaction. “It’s rare to see you show some ambition. Clear out your room and let Jasmine move in.”

“Ahem…” Madelyn choked on her sip of cream soup.

Jasmine chuckled and patted Madelyn’s back. “Let’s wait a bit longer! Madelyn might not be ready for it just yet.”

“No, no…” Madelyn quickly denied, “Ms. Manning, I’m just really happy that you can move in. Now I won’t be bored at home anymore. I can chat with you when there’s nothing else to do.”

But if you doesn’t excel in her studies, I’ll be strict,” Jasmine teased.

“I promise to submit assignments on time,” Madelyn replied. She was caught off guard because she remembered that in her previous life, Jasmine and Hayson’s relationship had not progressed this quickly. But Madelyn didn’t want to dwell on it. After all, in just five or six months at most, she would be free from this household.

Madelyn lowered her head, pretending not to notice the intriguing scene happening under the table.

She couldn’t even imagine what it would be like when Jasmine moved into her room…

She couldn’t stomach the food anymore. Setting down her utensils, she quickly made up an excuse and left, leaving them to continue their meal. She poured herself a glass of water and headed back upstairs to her room because she still needed to take her medication.

For Madelyn, the most challenging part wasn’t dealing with Jasmine; it was the constant need to put on an act in front of them every day.