Chapter 835

The headline in the newspaper wrote that “Madelyn Smith Seeks Mentorship with Leonardo Monet for Upcoming Exhibition.”

Kevin stared at Serena’s picture on the newspaper, who had undergone plastic surgery to closely resemble Madelyn. He gestured toward a painting behind Serena and remarked to Mr. Jardin, “Look at these paintings. They look familiar, don’t they?”

Zach squinted and said, “You’re referring to the paintings behind her? They look like the ones from Madelyn’s album.”

Kevin confirmed, “Ms. Jent always carried that album around; it was dear to her. After she left Ventrocloud High, she said it went missing. I never suspected Serena might have it.”

Zach also remembered flipping through Madelyn’s art album. She told him that the places that she drew were all real and that they were places she wanted to go to. It seemed that the lost album was now in Serena’s hand.

“How foolish of her,” Zach said. “Is everything ready to go?”

Kevin nodded and replied, “We’ve gathered all the proof. From Chadwick Smith siphoning public funds over the years to his mistress flaunting her opulent life complete with million – dollar cars-”

“When’s the art exhibition?” Zach interjected.

“In seven days. Leonardo Monet is expected to return by then,” replied Kevin.

Zach just hummed in response, deep in thought.

Zach stayed close as Madelyn’s condition declined. He moistened her lips with a wet cotton. swab and whispered, “Hang in there a little longer. I’m going to take care of everything.” Admiring her peaceful expression, he was reminded of Sleeping Beauty and impulsively kissed her. Then he stepped out of the room.

Just then, the door burst open, and there stood Dalton, clad in a brown bear jacket complete with a cap that had two little ears, making him resemble a bear cub. He clambered onto the bed, babbling as he went.

At a year old, Dalton was crawling and Margaret had been looking after him. Zach had barely noticed him, but Madelyn’s presence was the bridge between them. Dalton had seized the chance when Margaret left for the market, escaping his crib. He had managed to make his way to the room all on his own. Grasping the bed sheets, he pulled himself up unsteadily. Catching sight of Madelyn, he began to cry.

When Madelyn didn’t respond, Dalton gripped the bed sheets and toddled over, wobbling with each step. With surprising determination, he hoisted himself onto the bed and gazed at the sleeping Madelyn. Silence fell as he lay down next to her, thumb in mouth.

“Mama…” Dalton murmured, his babble faintly echoing a call for his mother.

Upon returning from the market, Margaret noticed Dalton wasn’t in his room. She rushed to find him, relief washing over her when she spotted him in the next room. Fearing Zach’s reprimand for her lapse in supervision, she quickly scooped up Dalton and retreated to their room.

With a swift movement, she picked up Dalton and hurriedly went back to their room.