Chapter 27 Following one another , they stepped into the study , Zach closing the door behind them . The tension in the room was thick enough to touch , enveloping them . Hayson lit a couple of candles in the room , creating an almost sacred ambiance . " Made some new friends recently ? " The sudden question caught Madelyn off guard , her breath hitching as her heart pounded in her chest . " Y - Yes … Father , have I done something wrong ? " Hayson took a seat at his desk , his gaze fixed on her as Zach stood by his side . " Madelyn , do I frighten you ? " Madelyn lowered her gaze , weighing her words before she meekly replied , " No … it's just that you're often too strict . I'm afraid of making mistakes and being punished . " This was unexpected . Hayson studied her carefully . His daughter was changing . The brashness of her youth was fading . " When did you become acquainted with the Arnolds ? " ' The Arnolds ? I only know one person by that name . Something must've happened . Given Father's tenacious nature , if something has gone wrong , he wouldn't just stand by . The only explanation for his questioning … could it be that Ethan is involved ? This is the only thing that makes sense . Even if I don't tell him now , he will find out sooner or later . ' Madelyn decided to be truthful . " I just met him a few days ago . He lives next door . We chatted a bit under the jujube tree in the backyard . " " Really ? " The Arnolds are in Southern Haven Villas too ? Madelyn continued . " His name is Ethan . Honestly , he's a good guy , Father . " Hayson rose and walked over to Madelyn , patting her shoulder . " I'm just worried about you . The Jent family has many eyes on it , and I don't want you to be misled . " " I understand , Father . I'll be careful . " " If you have time , invite your friend over for dinner . " Though Hayson's statement felt like a hint at something , Madelyn simply nodded in agreement . " I understand , Father . " " Go home now . " " Yes , Father . " Madelyn left the study , closing the door behind her . " What do you think about this ? " Hayson asked Zach . 1/2 " I suspect Madelyn is still unaware of Ethan's true identity . " " The information about Ethan has been well protected by the Arnolds , but I've heard that Ethan was in a car accident a few years ago and was paralyzed . Forrest could likely replace Ethan as the heir to the Arnold family . " " But the Young family is of equal standing with the Arnold family . They're business rivals , and their longstanding feud is bound to result in one of them losing . " Hayson nodded approvingly . " Your analysis is good . The Young family is currently under the control of a woman . But , a woman can only do so much in the business world . " " Despite being an Arnold , it's a pity that he's just a useless pawn now due to his condition . A piece that has lost its value will naturally be discarded . " Hayson turned his question to another topic . " I heard the Young family is grooming a new heir ? " Zach nodded in agreement . " Yes . As it stands , she's Ethan's half - sister from the same mother . The husband married into the Young family , but the daughter the Youngs are raising is too carefree and ditzy to be taken seriously . " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!