Chapter 728

Chapter 728 Madelyn tied up her long hair and checked on Dalton’s diaper. She lifted her baby into the center of the large bed and settled herself on the edge. With such a big bed, she did not have to worry about accidentally rolling over him, especially since she was a peaceful sleeper.

Zach walked over and sat on the edge of her bed. He asked, “How about I make you some pasta? You could use a bite.”

Madelyn sat up, holding a book, her eyes downcast. She responded without lifting her gaze, “It’s okay. I’m not hungry.”

As Zach reached out a hand toward Madelyn, she leaned back, avoiding his touch. When their eyes met, she quickly averted her gaze. She hastily closed her book, shoved it under her pillow, and said, “Goodnight.”

Madelyn lay down, her back to him, and closed her eyes. Zach tucked her in, looked at her silently, and then went out to the balcony to smoke a few cigarettes.

He pondered, “If he really matters to her so much, why’s she acting so indifferent?‘

Downstairs, Yvonne was kneeling at the front of the residence, driven by her concern for her mother and Ethan. After the scathing words her mother had spoken to Madelyn, Zach had demanded an apology. Given Frida’s health condition, she could not bear that strain, so Yvonne had to do it.

Yvonne lifted her head, gazing at the still–lit room on the third floor, her heart sinking deeper and deeper. She realized she was no match for Madelyn. Marrying Zach had always been part of his plan, and Yvonne had given up her best years for him, pouring her heart and soul into a marriage that seemed to mean nothing to him.

As night fell, a torrential downpour began. The servants had just finished with their chores and were about to leave. The servants had acknowledged Yvonne as their master’s wife for four years. They had not expected their master to be so ruthless to his own wife for a third wheel.

One maid approached Yvonne holding an umbrella and said, “Ma’am, you should get up. You can’t take it much longer.” Yvonne shook her head, letting the rain drip from her hair. She said, “I’m fine, you can leave. If he finds out, all this kneeling will have been for nothing.”

“We could plead with Mr. Jardin for you. He must have a soft spot for you after all these years,” the maid suggested.

‘There’s no need for that. Just take good care of her,” Yvonne responded, referring to Madelyn.

Since Madelyn’s arrival in the residence, there had not been a single peaceful day for her. Even the smallest tasks around the esidence seemed to have grown complicated. Though they paid her lip service, not a single person in the residence actually ared for Madelyn, the outsider woman brought back by Zach.

Chapter 729 Chapter 729 Rain hammered against the floor–to–ceiling windows as a sudden clap of thunder exploded in the sky. Instantly, Dalton burst into inconsolable wailing.

Madelyn, who had been deeply asleep, woke up with a start. Zach let out a sight, his arm that was wrapped around her waist loosened, and he repositioned it behind his head. Madelyn reached over to the nightstand and flipped on the light. She tossed aside the covers and got out of bed. Their room in the Southern Haven Villas was more austere compared to the extravagance they were accustomed to, and the villa itself had seen its fair share of years.

Adjusting her slipping spaghetti straps, Madelyn picked up the crying Dalton and carefully made her way to the kitchen, not wanting to disturb Zach. She murmured, “There, there. It’s okay. Don’t cry, my sweet Dalton.”

For some reason, Dalton was crying even more intensely than usual. Madelyn tried her best to soothe him, but it was futile. She moved to draw the curtains, but her eyes caught sight of a figure kneeling in the rain below. She froze, her hand still gripping the curtain. Dalton’s cries seemed to fade in the background.

Madelyn failed to notice Zach’s presence. She suddenly felt his arms wrapping around her from behind. He was wearing black-

striped pajamas. His warm breath brushed her ear as he leaned down to plant a soft kiss on her shoulder. “Let me hold him. Why don’t you get some sleep, hm?”

Madelyn looked down at the figure kneeling in the rain. It was Yvonne, who seemed to have reached her breaking point, collapsing, then struggling back up to her knees. Madelyn asked, “Why’s she down there?”

“Do you feel sorry for her?” Zach murmured.

Something shattered in Madelyn’s eyes, perhaps a recollection. She said, “She’s the wife you married. Can you really bear to watch her like this and not feel a single shred of pity?”

The scenario was all too familiar, a stormy night with flashes of lightning and peals of thunder. Just like the night when Madelyn had her first and last argument with Zach. A momentary lapse had led her to throw their wedding ring out the window, demanding a divorce to make room for Cecilia. But Zach had thrown Madelyn out of the villa, telling her she could not return until she found the ring. She had knelt outside all night in the rain, while Cecilia was present.

Whatever Zach’s answer might have been, it did not matter anymore. Madelyn left Yvonne to her fate and returned to her bed.

Only when the rain finally let up did Dalton finally calm down.

Madelyn held him all night, her sleep restless and fragmented.

Early in the morning, as Madelyn was preparing to make some formula, she was met by a group of anxious servants in the hallway. “Ms. Jent, it’s bad. Madam... the lady outside has collapsed,” one said.

“Call an ambulance. Get her to the hospital!” Madelyn ordered.

“We can’t do that without Master’s permission,” a servant responded hesitantly.

Madelyn paused, then said, “Fine. Bring her upstairs, change her clothes, and brew her some ginger tea to warm her up. Do we still have cold medicine?”

A maid nodde We do.”

“If her fever dot break, take her to the hospital,” said Madelyn.

“As you wish, Ms. Jent.”

Just then, another person climbed the stairs. “Ms. Samford!”

Cecilia nodded with a subtle smile. “Good morning.”

As Cecilia took the last step and saw Madelyn, her smile widened. “You should dress warmer. You don’t want to catch a cold.”

It was directed at Madelyn.

“Is Zach around? I’m looking for him.” Madelyn asked.