Chapter 769

At dinner, Zach noticed Madelyn was lost in thought. He added some mashed potatoes to her plate.

“What’s on your mind?” he asked.

“Nothing,” Madelyn said, fidgeting with her fork.

Zach just watched her, not pressing further. After dinner, the two shared a close moment in the bathroom. When they came out, Zach was supporting a tired Madelyn. He wore a dark robe, loosely tied, revealing a bit of his toned chest. He helped Madelyn into bed, making sure she was comfy in her pajamas. After giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead, he headed to the study.

In the dimly lit study, Zach stood by the large window. His reflection showed piercing eyes that had a mysterious aura about them. The phone rang, and he answered.

“Mr. Jardin,” the voice on the other end said, “Everything’s been done as you asked. Tomorrow, Ms.

Young will be on the plane with him.”

Before the voice finished speaking, Dalton’s cry interrupted it. Zach quickly hung up and looked toward the door. Outside, he found Madelyn, her blanket fallen, revealing her pale skin. He carefully covered her and adjusted the room’s heat.

Hearing the noise, Madelyn asked with sleepy eyes, “Is Dal crying?”

“Yeah,” Zach replied. “I’ll see what he needs. Rest up.”

Still drowsy, Madelyn murmured, “He might be hungry. There’s milk in the kitchen.”

After hearing Dalton’s cries from the next room, Zach quickly went to check on him. He found Dalton sitting on the floor, looking upset. Zach gently lifted Dalton onto the bed.

Trying to comfort him but still looking a bit annoyed, he said, “It’s okay, try to calm down.” Dalton stopped crying for a brief moment when he caught Zach’s gaze, but then he started up again. Soon after, Zach, with Dalton in one arm, walked into the kitchen. Using his other hand, he prepared some milk. Dalton, smelling the milk, drooled on Zach’s robe.

Margaret entered and looked stunned. ‘Well, this is a surprise!’ she thought.

She then said, “Mr. Jardin, do you need my help?”

Zach answered, “I’ve got it, thanks.” He tried to offer the milk to Dalton, but the baby pulled back as if it was too warm. With a hint of frustration, Zach said, “If it’s too hot, just wait.”

Margaret gave Zach a look. “Mr. Jardin, he’s only four months old. He doesn’t get what you’re saying.

Want me to take over for a while?”

Margaret had intentionally arrived now, aware of the baby’s habit of waking up at night. She recalled the hefty bonus she had received for her help during those hours. For her, the extra money was worth all the sleep she had sacrificed, as long as Zach got some rest.

Zach said, “I’ve got it handled. Thanks.”

Margaret responded, “Alright. Remember, babies can be challenging, but they’re a joy.”

She left quickly, thinking, ‘It’s easier for me if he declines my help.’

Zach carried Dalton upstairs. Standing outside his bedroom, Dalton fussed, tilting his head toward the direction of Madelyn’s room. Zach, however, was determined. He took Dalton to his own room, laid him on the bed, and gave him a bottle of cool milk.

“If you don’t settle down, you’ll be sleeping by yourself tomorrow.”

Understanding Zach’s tone, Dalton stopped crying and began to sip on his milk. It did not take long for him to find comfort and calmness.

Madelyn peeked into the room, worried Zach could not soothe Dalton. She overheard his stern words and thought, ‘Is he willing to cast Dalton aside just because he’s not his?’

She stepped in, saying, “Dalton’s usually good. He just cries when he’s hungry.”

“Why are you up?” Zach asked.

“Just checking on things.”

Upon seeing Madelyn, Dalton’s cries intensified Madelyn, with her tousled hair and slipping shawl, sat beside Dalton. As she held him close, a motherly tenderness was evident in her.

“You should get some rest,” she told Zach.

Deep in thought, she wondered, ‘Does Zach even care for this child? Why’d he bring Dalton here?’