Chapter 46

As Zach strolled off, Madelyn remained rooted in place before the bus stop sign. Clad in her Ventrocloud High School uniform, she proudly sported the emblem of a knight on a horse shooting an arrow, emblazoned across her chest.

Standing amidst the bustling street, anyone observant enough could easily identify her as a student of Ventrocloud High School. Coupled with her remarkable beauty, it was inevitable to avoid drawing the attention of unsavory characters.

At that moment, three thugs approached. It was still the year 2000, and surveillance cameras. weren’t yet widespread in Venturia’s streets. In fact, the technology of that time paled in comparison to what we have today. So, if anything were to happen, it would be challenging to find evidence. Even if the culprits managed to escape and hide, tracking them down would be truly arduous.

Seeing the three thugs getting closer, Madelyn lowered her head, hoping they wouldn’t come any closer. However, unfortunate circumstances sometimes strike regardless of the day.

“Hey there, beautiful, where are you headed? Need a ride?” one of the thugs jeered.

“I never would’ve guessed you were a Ventrocloud High School student. I’ve heard that the kids who go there are either loaded or from wealthy families. Do you have any spare cash for me, sweetheart?”

another one sneered.

Surrounded by the three individuals, Madelyn found herself with no means. of escape. Onlookers simply turned a blind eye, avoiding any involvement in such matters.

Feeling frightened, Madelyn instinctively took a few cautious steps backward, her trembling hands reaching into her backpack. She retrieved a black purse, but before she could even open it, one of the thugs snatched it from her grasp. His eyes gleamed with delight as he laid eyes. on the bills nestled within. “Didn’t expect you to be carrying this much cash!”

“There’s a student ID in here too,” remarked another thug, holding up the card. Hist expression subtly shifted as he read the name, and the trio exchanged a quick glance.

With a lecherous gleam in their eyes, one of them spoke, his hand inching toward Madelyn. ” School lets out so early. How about you join us for some fun?” His words dripped with an unsettling intent.

Across the street, Jasmine leaned against the car window, her hand resting on her forehead as she calmly observed the unfolding scene. “Darling, aren’t you going to rescue her? Or perhaps it’s better if you don’t. That way, our little affair won’t be exposed,” she murmured, leaning in closer and linking her arm intimately with Zach’s. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy as she gazed at Madelyn’s beautiful face and figure.

“Jasmine, aren’t you afraid for your own safety?” Zach’s eyes grew cold, his demeanor turning chillingly intense.

But Jasmine clung to him, unfazed by the danger, wearing a smile filled with affection. Her red manicured hand glided across his solid chest as she spoke. “Well, then! Let’s face death together, like Romeo and Juliet. It wouldn’t be so terrible. We could be lovey-dovey in hell.”

He forcefully grasped her hand on his chest, pushing her away with impatience. “Do you truly believe Hayson wouldn’t uncover your infidelity? Jasmine, be careful not to push the limits. too far, or you may end up burning yourself.”

“What can he possibly do, even if I push it too far? I have you. You’ll protect me, won’t you, Zach?”

Zach met her gaze with a cold, piercing stare. “Do you believe your demise would affect me in any way? If Hayson discovers the truth, do you think he’d want you dead or me? I am a businessman motivated solely by self-interest. Don’t attempt to test your significance in my heart.” He reached out and pinched Jasmine’s cheek, a smug smirk playing on his lips. “What if you can’t even compare to Madelyn as a mere pawn?”

In Zach’s eyes, there existed only two categories of individuals: pawns to be exploited and friends who could provide him with advantages. Women were nothing more than disposable toys to him. He held no regard for whether any woman would marry him or bear his children.

The warmth in Jasmine’s eyes gradually faded, her lips still curved in a smile, but her gaze turned icy.

“We’ve known each other for a decade, and I can’t even measure up to a Madelyn? Zach, you’re heartless!”

“Are you even worthy?” he retorted.

As Zach watched the thugs laying their hands on Madelyn, a moment of hesitation enveloped him, unsure whether to intervene. Suddenly, a group of well-dressed bodyguards swiftly emerged, overpowering the assailants, their screams piercing the air. Even from across the street, Zach could hear their cries distinctly.

Trembling with fear, Madelyn clung to a nearby billboard, her clothing disheveled, buttons torn off, and her once neatly tied hair now a messy cascade over her shoulders. Her expression was one of sheer terror and apprehension, tears glistening in her eyes.

A sleek black Cayenne pulled up by the bus stop, and the window glided down slowly. The handsome young man came into Madelyn’s view, his voice tender as he inquired, “Are you alright?”

Madelyn resembled a forlorn princess amidst the bustling street, a tragic beauty. She timidly shook her head, sniffled, and trembled, tears streaming down like scattered pearls.

The person before her was the charming teenager she had encountered at the hospital. As she caught sight of the curve of his lips, Madelyn felt a soothing sensation wash over her, the intensity of her fear diminishing. It was as if she was being healed by his mere presence.