Chapter 858

Zach was always spontaneous. He guided Madelyn to the driver’s seat in the garage and fastened her seatbelt.

“No lectures today,” Zach said. “Start by reversing the car. Remember how I taught you?”

Madelyn gripped the steering wheel. “It’s been a while; I think I’ve forgotten,” she said with a hint of nervousness. “Can you show me again? I promise I’ll pay closer attention.”

Zach looked at her sternly. “You excel in many areas, but driving isn’t one of them. When will I ever trust you behind the wheel alone?” He was just commenting offhand. Even if she learned the basics, she would not be allowed to drive alone.

Madelyn’s driving skills were clearly lacking for Zach to be so direct. Yet, she was not the type to back down easily. With a resolute tone, she said, “I’ll improve with more practice. Not everything’s as clear-

cut as you think.”

Zach chuckled, nodding, “All right. I’m eager to see your progress.”

Madelyn had a tough time driving, taking nearly twenty minutes to back out of the driveway and even hitting a parked car in the process. Zach was not bothered about the damage to the car, but he was frustrated. Despite his efforts to teach her, she was not catching on.

After an hour of practice, Zach stepped out of the car for a smoke. Madelyn stayed inside the basic Panamera from Zach’s collection-the car he had bought specifically for her lessons. Hesitating, her foot hovered over the gas pedal. She caught Zach’s gaze, and it felt like he could read her thoughts for a brief moment. She quickly averted her eyes.

Zach said, “You’ve been practicing for quite some time. Why not try driving back on your own?”

Gripping the wheel and staring at Zach’s back, a look flashed in Madelyn’s eyes that she rarely ever showed-like she wanted to end him. Suddenly, without giving it much thought and focusing on his back, she floored the gas. The car shot forward. She thought, If he were gone, everything would be over.’

As Madelyn drove quickly toward Zach, a bodyguard rushed up, whispering something to him. Zach, eyes locked on the speeding car, waved off the bodyguard With Zach just a few feet away and not moving, Madelyn hit the brakes hard. The force of the sudden stop made her lean forward, twisting her wrist and causing her to be in pain.

Without hesitation, Zach was at her side. He silently opened the car door, unbuckled her seatbelt, and carried her out. Madelyn was startled by his actions. She felt nervous and did not look at him, worried about what he might think. She wrapped her arms around Zach’s neck. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Fred’s here,” Zach replied. “I’m taking you to your room. Don’t come downstairs until he’s gone.”

“Fred? Who’s that?”

All Madelyn knew of Fred was from whispers about his shady dealings in her past life. She wondered.

about his presence at the Jent residence.