"What did she tell you?" Madelyn tried to read Zach's expression in the mirror, looking for signs of guilt. But Zach appeared calm as if he already knew.
When Cecilia approached Madelyn, she shared that she had memories of her past life, just like her. Knowing Cecilia's honesty, she likely told Zach everything—about their past relationship, their secret meetings, and even their child. With this knowledge, Zach could be thinking about rekindling their old relationship.
"It doesn't matter what | know,” Madelyn turned to face him, "Jadie or Cecilia, they're the ones important to you. You're wasting your time on me." "I've booked a flight in three days." "I'm done running," Madelyn said firmly. "You keeping an eye on me won't change a thing. | don't need a home or family to stand on my own. Since you've pulled away from the Jent family, | have no reason to show respect like | used to. Our past should stay in the past." Zach replied sternly, "Ending this isn't your call. Accept it for both of us if you can't see that." Turning Madelyn to face him, he placed the necklace back around her neck in one motion. His cold eyes locked onto hers as he whispered, "Don't even think about returning to Ventropolis or getting back with Ethan. The Arnold family can't stand up to me. Listen to me if you want Ethan safe." With rising panic, Madelyn asked, "What did you do to him?" With a chilling grin that could be straight out of a scary movie, Zach pinched Madelyn's cheek. As he spoke, she felt the warmth of his breath on her face, adding to her discomfort. "Forgot what | told you already? You should be showing some respect,” he reminded her.
Disturbing thoughts raced through Madelyn's mind, ‘Could that dream have been true? Is Ethan in some kind of danger? Did Zach seize control of the Arnold family? They just took away his job; they never really hurt him." She knew, however, that Zach never let go of past grudges. With a trembling voice, she confronted him, "Is this about Ethan and me not being in Ventropolis? Whatever was between us is over. Why target someone who has nothing to do with it?" Zach's eyes grew cold, "It's not your place to decide what's necessary. You know me; | don't tolerate interference. Don't bring up his name again, or you won't like what happens. Behave, and you'll get what you want," he said.
"I... I just want to go home," Madelyn said hesitantly.
Zach smirked, "Say 'please’.” Pushing down her fears, she whispered shakily, "Please... let me go home?" He arched an eyebrow, "And how should you address me next time?" Reluctantly, she replied, "With respect?" His smile was both cold and mocking, "Remember that. Nice girls get their way."