Chapter 859

“Do you remember him?”

Madelyn asked, “Did I know him before? Or were we supposed to?”

Zach replied, “You don’t need to know him. If you see him, just keep your distance; you don’t want to be on his radar.”

Madelyn tried to recall anything about Fred. After Zach carried her to her room, he told Margaret to keep an eye on her and ensure she did not wander around.

As Zach came downstairs, a black car pulled up outside the Jardin residence. A man stepped out, his scar over one of his eyes giving him an intimidating look. Snowflakes clung to the badge on his shoulder and his tall boots. The maids were hesitant to approach.

“Sir, who are you looking for?”

“I’m looking for the master of the house,” a man who appeared to be a prison officer replied.

Fred gestured for his deputy to step back, “Where’s Zach? I’m a friend of his.”

“Mr. Jardin is-”

Before the maid could finish, Zach interrupted, “Got a lot of free time lately?”

Fred’s cold eyes met Zach’s as he approached, and the maid quickly stepped aside. “Heard you’re out of the game,” Fred said. Just as he was about to enter, Zach stopped him at the door.

“Change your shoes before coming in, Zach said, glancing at the rug by the entrance. He was not sure Fred could cover the cost if it got damaged.

Fred scoffed, “Now that you got money, you think you’re all that?”

Zach replied, “Having money does make a difference.

A maid brought a pair of fresh slippers, placing the snow-dusted military boots outside. Not many dared to challenge Fred due to his intimidating presence. The deputy warden quickly switched out Fred’s shoes. Familiar with the strict ambiance of prisons, Fred marveled at the house’s luxury as he stepped into the living room.

“With all your money, you’re living here? Didn’t you already get the deed to the Arnold residence? I also heard you left your business for a woman. She’s your enemy’s daughter, right?” When Zach stayed silent, Fred felt he had guessed correctly, “I didn’t really see her when we were at Portsmouth Fishing Village. What makes her so special?”

Zach said firmly, “Enough.”

Fred chuckled, “You’ve changed so much, all over a woman. I miss the old you.” They had always been alike. For them, relationships and women were just part of life’s many games.

A maid set two cups of coffee before Zach and Fred. Fred, usually preferring liquor, looked at the coffee thoughtfully. After taking a sip, he said, “It’s been ages since I had coffee like this.” Shifting the topic, he continued, “I’ve got a shipment worth $5 million. Interested in a share?”

Zach shook his head, “I’ve left that world behind.”

Fred’s laughter echoed in the room, a sound both jarring and chilling, “Turning down all that money?

What if I offer you a better cut, given our history?”

Zach replied, “No thanks.”

Fred seemed upset with Zach’s rejection. They had been partners for so long, and now Zach had changed, all because of a woman.

The doorbell interrupted their thoughts. Both men looked toward the entrance. The maid quickly said, “It’s Ms. Harper. She brought the snacks Mrs. Jardin wanted,”

Zach asked, “Did Mrs. Jardin ask her to come?”

The maid nodded, “Yes, she did.”

Zach said, “Let her in.”

“Of course,” the maid replied and opened the door for Mya.

Outside, holding a food container, Mya stared nervously at the car in the yard. As the maid opened the door, she looked up.

“Ms. Harper,” the maid greeted.

“Where’s Madelyn?” Mya asked.

“She’s resting upstairs. You can head up.”

“Thanks.”

Mya changed her shoes by the entrance. Hearing her speak, Fred’s attention was drawn to her. He recognized her voice immediately.

Mya wore a fluffy coat with a hood that shielded most of her hair, revealing her delicate face. Two fur patches adorned her coat. Feeling someone’s gaze, she switched her shoes and handed her coat to the maid. As she turned to go upstairs, her eyes landed on the man on the couch, widening in surprise.

Fred, catching her look, became curious. He was amazed by the swift change of emotions on her face.

With her food container gripped firmly, Mya made her way upstairs.

Fred smirked, thinking, ‘She’s intriguing. Reminds me of the pet I kept in prison.’

Mya hurried to the master bedroom on the third floor. Inside, Madelyn sat on the floor, watching Dalton play with his toys. Noticing Mya’s distressed look, sweating profusely, Madelyn asked, “What’s wrong?”

Catching her breath, Mya replied, “You won’t believe who’s downstairs.”

Madelyn’s eyes narrowed, “Fred?”