Madelyn felt that there was more to the bracelets story than Zach had revealed. In her previous life, she had never seen such a jade bracelet on Cecilia, Jadie, or any other woman.
The bracelet appeared old, with noticeable imperfections. Coupled with Zach's decision to keep it for so many years, this suggested it had special significance to him.
Madelyn began to question her understanding of Zach. She remembered him as a businessman focused on profit, not one to dwell on the past. She just realized there were still secrets about him that she had yet to uncover.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtUpon arriving at the banquet venue, Zach's usual suit and air of superiority were evident. His charm had always captivated women, a trait that had not changed since his youth.
Zach turned to Madelyn and said, "You'll be fine, Mrs. Jardin." Each time Zach called her "Mrs. Jardin", Madelyn felt a strange emotion. She met his gaze briefly before looking away.
As they entered the bustling banquet hall, it suddenly quieted. Madelyn, usually comfortable in such settings, felt unexpectedly timid.
The employees of Jardin Corporation, including senior executives, stood up as Zach arrived, making him the center of attention.
"Mr. Jardin is here! | won the bet! | told you he'd come," a woman excitedly exclaimed to a colleague.
"Is that his wife? She's so beautiful! What a goddess." "It's no surprise. Ms. Jent and Mr. Jardin have known each other for almost twenty years. It's not strange that they got married.
Remember when..." Madelyn overheard former Azure Corporation employees discussing her past crush on Zach. She was surprised they still remembered.
At the main table, two seats were cleared for Zach and Madelyn. There was a microphone on the table. Zach took it and said, "Don't mind me, carry on with the program." Zach's short speech made the initially reserved attendees at ease.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmKevin, who was overseeing the event, came over. However, Madelyn did not catch what he said to Zach because of the emcee's voice blasting over the speakers. Kevin left for a while and returned with a lot of food.
Soon, only Madelyn and Zach remained at their table.
The event, filled with performances and skits, was more engaging than Madelyn expected. When Zach peeled a grape and offered it to her, she was startled but accepted it, feeling the curious gazes of others.
"These fruits were air-flown from the south. They're said to taste good,” Zach commented.
Madelyn smiled and said, "Thank you." Then Madelyn turned back to the stage, trying to focus away from Zach. She found it hard to concentrate on the performance, and soon she was unable to do so at all.
Zach continued peeling grapes for Madelyn. But she protested, "I can't eat so much." As Zach wiped his hands and reached for a cigarette, he paused, considering her presence. He said, "I'll step out for a smoke and be back soon.” Madelyn nodded and overheard someone commenting, "I can't believe it. The cold Mr. Jardin not only smiled at his wife but also fed her grapes. It must be so blissful to be his wife. | wish | could eat grapes peeled by Mr. Jardin."