Chapter 21 Madelyn had always been arrogant and unyielding , a woman accustomed to having the world at her feet . The predicament she was now in , Zach had foreseen it long ago . After lighting the candles , Hayson turned . " What exactly happened to Madelyn ? Do we know the full story yet ? " Hayson had rushed back as soon as his plane landed , not even taking the time to change clothes . He was a burly figure , appearing clumsy , his wrist adorned with a tough - looking bracelet , eyes stern and a bit intimidating . Hayson had engaged in some rough business in his youth , his exterior not reflecting the terror he could instill . His expressionless face gave a false impression of mildness , of gentleness , yet nobody dared overlook his ability to deliver punishment . " Yes . " The Arnold family , the preeminent name among the Big Four Families of Ventropolis , controlled the city's economic lifeline . They were true aristocrats , the upper crust . By comparison , the Jent family was a mere stepping - stone at their feet . " When did Madelyn start associating with the Arnold family ? With Forrest ? " " No , it appears to be someone else . I suspected that Forrest had ordered the attack on Madelyn . It doesn't seem possible that Forrest would come to Madelyn's defense . " Forrest was the Arnold family's adopted illegitimate son . He had indeed had some disputes with the Jent family before joining the Arnolds . If anyone was going to harm Madelyn , it would be Forrest . Perhaps they had grown too complacent , forgetting who granted them their safety . No matter what , Madelyn was Hayson's daughter . Daring to harm her would be akin to slapping him in the face directly . " Are you sure someone from the Arnold family is helping Madelyn ? " Zach nodded . " Yes . " Hayson pondered for a moment , his brow creased . " If someone's stepped in , then we'll leave things be . That Forrest is nothing more than a stray dog I once fed . Teach him a small lesson , but make sure it doesn't trace back to us . " 1/2 A shadow crossed Zach's eyes , he nodded slightly . " Understood , Father . " @ " How's Madelyn doing ? " " She's stable for now . " " I brought some gifts from Sinagora ; you can give them to her later . She inherited my temper , a bit too fiery . You , as her brother , should be more understanding . " " I treat Madelyn as my own sister . Every young girl has her temper , " he said with a mild tone , but his eyes held a glacial chill . " Good , as long as you understand . You should go . " Zach bowed his head slightly . " Rest well, Father . " The day was resplendent with sunshine, a clear sky stretching as far as the eye could see . The temperature was just right , neither too chilly nor too warm . Madelyn savored a bowl of creamy potato soup served by Rosario , as delicious as ever , a taste that filled her with a sense of nostalgia . Now , on her fifth day , her wounds had scabbed over and begun to heal , albeit a bit itchy , which sometimes made her want to scratch . " Madelyn , who sent you the flowers ? " Madelyn turned her head to look at the roses by her bedside , a small smile playing on her lips . " A friend asked to have them sent over . He's a bit unable to get out and about , but the fact he sent someone with flowers to see me makes me very happy . " Among the nineteen roses , there was a card tucked away . It read , [ I hope you leave the hospital soon . I look forward to seeing you again - Ethan . ] 19 was her lucky number . " When you get out , be sure to invite him over . I'll cook you guys a feast . " " I will . Once I get out , I'll definitely meet him . " She was supposed to meet him , but who knew she would get hurt and have to delay their meeting . Madelyn had never met Ethan ; they usually chatted through a window or over the phone . She was looking forward to the day they would finally meet face - to - face . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!