Chapter 10

Madelyn washed her jujubes and put them on the coffee table. She turned on the TV, sat down and enjoyed her favorite treat. After finishing cleaning the kitchen, Rosario saw Madelyn on the couch in dirty clothes. She frowned and playfully scolded, "You little scamp! I just changed the couch cover today, and now it's dirty again. Go to your room, change your clothes, and then come back." Barefoot on the cool floor, Madelyn giggled and dodged Rosario's playful swat, hiding behind the couch. "Can I get changed later, Rosario? I'm so tired. I just want to lie down for a while." "Naughty girl, if Mr. Jardin sees you misbehaving, you'll get punished again. Go to your room," scolded Rosario. "Please, just let me finish this episode. It's only ten more minutes," Madelyn pleaded sweetly. "No way. You have exams coming up, and you're still watching TV. I'm turning it off. Go upstairs and study." At that moment, Zach's voice echoed from behind Madelyn. "Madelyn, Rosario has a weak heart. Stop making her angry all the time." Madelyn froze briefly, her eyebrows showing a slight frown. 'Why did Zach and Jadie come back so early? Without my meddling, Zach could have taken Jadie out to live as he wished. Then I could have lived happily by myself in this house.' Rosario asked, "Mr. Jardin, you're back so soon?" Zach put his keys on the table, nodding. "There's an emergency meeting at the office, so I came back to pick up some documents. I'll take Jadie over later. For now, she can stay here for a bit." Madelyn pretended to be engrossed in the television, ignoring their conversation. But to her surprise, Zach walked over to her and tousled her hair. "Spend less time watching TV, focus more on your studies. Exams are coming up. I'll check your progress when I come back tonight." Madelyn knew Zach was busy and didn't have much time for her. His attention was mostly on Jadie. "I finished my homework," Madelyn said casually. "If I need help, I'll ask Jadie. You should get back to work!" Listening to her indifferent voice, Zach's gaze narrowed when she said she'd ask Jadie for homework help. Even Jadie seemed surprised and stood frozen. Rosario also found Madelyn's behavior strange. Madelyn had never really liked Jadie, and she usually found ways to bully her. Now, she was saying she'd go to Jadie for help, which was unexpected. Rosario could not help but ask, "M-Madelyn... Are you okay?" Madelyn popped a jujube into her mouth and stared at the TV screen without really paying attention to it. "I'm fine! Jadie always got better grades than me, so I can learn from her." The TV show ended as she spoke. Zach's presence made Madelyn feel a bit suffocated. Putting her legs down from the elevated position, Madelyn said, "Okay, the show's over. I'll go to my room now, Brother." She knew Zach didn't like her being around, so leaving would give him more space. Zach glanced at her, attempting to read her face. Madelyn flicked her hair over her shoulder and hurried toward the stairway. Watching her leave, Zach frowned. He remembered how Madelyn used to get jealous whenever he spent time with Jadie, and she would try to harm her in any way she could. He wondered, 'Has she really moved on, or is she up to something? What does she want to do?'