'My father chose Zach as his successor since I wasn't born a boy. Now that Zach's here, I'm just like an afterthought. Thanks to Cecilia, Zach's back in charge of Jardin Corporation. It seems like everyone's path is changing except mine. Going home would mean facing loneliness; I have no family waiting for me there.' Madelyn was swamped with feelings of heartbreak, suffocation, and loss. 'I wish things were easier. No matter how long they're away, most people always have a family to return to.'

Zach tried to figure out what she was thinking about so intently. He had always been patient with the Jent family. He could have taken action against Hayson years ago if he had wanted to. But after waiting so long, what was one more day? Distractedly, he played with her hair.

"You don't need to hurry and grow up. Just rely on me," he said.

Madelyn's eyelashes fluttered, but she did not speak. A sharp feeling of pain gripped her heart. Zach had effortlessly defined her destiny, making her feel