Chapter 427

Madelyn’s absence from the Math Olympiad had Albert growing increasingly anxious. Mya waited at the school gate, hoping for her arrival.

Ethan received news of Madelyn’s disappearance through a call from the school. He rushed to the school, understanding the significance of the Math Olympiad to her. Madelyn had dedicated countless sleepless nights to prepare for it.

The word of Madelyn’s disappearance eventually reached Hayson’s ears. Despite distancing himself from his former underground connections, he decided to tap into his old resources when Ethan urgently needed information to locate Madelyn. Surprisingly, within just half an hour, Hayson obtained crucial information about Madelyn’s whereabouts from his underground contacts.

Upon reading the message on his phone, Hayson frowned and said, “Mr. Arnold, please relax. Madelyn went to Portsmouth Fishing Village for some fun last night and had a minor injury. Zach is with her at the hospital now. She’ll be fine.”

Ethan said, “Hospital? How did she end up there?”

Leyton, standing behind Ethan, had a foreboding feeling. ‘I think Miss Jent won’t easily forgive Mr.

Arnold this time.’

Madelyn heard faint voices. Slowly opening her eyes, her vision was blurry. As it cleared, she noticed an IV tube above her. ‘Am I not dead yet?’

She recalled that in her final moments of consciousness, Zach had helped her, but by then, she had lost consciousness.

The door opened, and Madelyn saw Ethan. Uncertain if it was a hallucination.

Ethan gently held her hand. “…I’m sorry I’m late.”

‘It’s his voice. Not a hallucination. I can feel his hand.’ Madelyn gazed at him with indifference. “It’s okay.” She turned her head to look at the sunlight streaming in through the window, finding it a bit too bright.

“I can explain what’s been happening over the past few days,” Ethan began.

He spoke at length, detailing how Donna had fallen into the clutches of a loan shark, coerced into using her body to repay the debt. He emphasized that during his most challenging moments, Donna had steadfastly stood by his side, and out of gratitude for their shared history, he couldn’t simply turn a blind eye.

Madelyn, however, seemed absent-minded throughout, struggling to absorb his words.

“Madelyn… I never wanted to be separated from you,” Ethan confessed, his grip on her hand tightening.

“Ethan… I’m feeling a bit tired. I need to rest.”

“Alright.” Ethan said, reaching out to gently feel her forehead. “I’ll stay here with you, and we can discuss the Math Olympiad later.”

“No need. I was the one who missed it, so let it be. You don’t have to keep breaking rules for me; I can’t bear the consequences.

Ethan responded softly, “Alright.” He had never seen her so shattered before, and a sense of unease washed over him, as if she were slipping through his fingers like sand.

Madelyn closed her eyes and started to breathe steadily, as if she had drifted off to sleep.

Ethan quietly left the room.

In the hallway, a small crowd had gathered. Jadie, upon hearing the news, had rushed over and inquired, “Zach, how’s Madelyn?”

Zach replied sternly, “You should go back for now.”

“But… I’m really worried about her,” Jadie protested. “I said go back!”