Female Novel
Chapter 840
Chapter 840
Everyone was present except for Leonardo. His attendance would elevate the event-his publicappearances were rare, status in the art world was unparalleled.
and his
Serena, in the makeup room, applied the finishing touches. The scale of her setup outdid evenLeonardo’s past exhibitions. Gazing at her reflection, satisfaction evident, she asked, “Is everythingprepared as I requested?”
“Yes, Ms. Smith. Everything’s in order,” came the reply.
“Bring it here, let me have a look,” Serena instructed, her confidence unshaken. She was certain thatLeonardo would take her on as his apprentice.
Serena’s eyes lingered on the antique painting the bodyguard had brought in. It was a genuine pieceby a renowned artist, the very masterpiece Leonardo had long sought.
Holding this, Serena was convinced it would be impossible for Leonardo to turn down her request. Inher mind, she reassured herself, ‘Everything is in place, just as planned.’
After Zach finished changing Dalton’s diaper, the toddler moved quickly to Madelyn’s bed, gurgling“Mama.”
Drool threatened to escape Dalton’s mouth, hovering just above Madelyn’s face as if he were about toplant a kiss on her, Zach, hands freshly wiped, scooped up Dalton, a playful yet envious tone in hisvoice, “You think you’re going to kiss her, huh?
Zach couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy toward the innocent affection Dalton could express sofreely.
Kevin’s voice cut in, “Mr. Jardin, it’s time to go.”
With Dalton in one arm, Zach used his free hand to tuck the blanket around Madelyn, his resolve clear,“I’ll reclaim what’s been taken from you.”novelbin
Zach had bundled up Dalton in multiple layers, leaving him looking round and cherubic. As Daltonmurmured, “Ma-Mama,” he lay against Zach’s shoulder, reaching out his hand as if trying to catch holdof something unseen, but he didn’t cry.
Madelyn, in her haze of consciousness, wondered, ‘Who’s speaking?’
“Mama…”
In her dreamscape, bright lights swirled around her, and the baby she thought she was holding, Dalton,vanished into thin air. The only sound was his echoing voice. Panic surged through Madelyn’s thoughtsas she frantically sought her child, ‘My baby, where are you?’
Once Zach and Dalton were settled in the car, Dalton began to cry without stopping. His neck and facereddened as he cried, his small voice growing raspy from the effort.
Dalton’s crying was giving Zach a headache. Zach’s face darkened as he asked Kevin to take Daltonback to Margaret.
Margaret had stepped out earlier for groceries.
Kevin, hearing the bathroom water running, presumed Margaret was nearby. He placed Dalton in thecrib, thinking he would be safe there for a moment, and left.
Alone, Dalton’s cries intensified as he attempted to climb out of the crib. He lost his footing and tumbledto the floor, resulting in a noticeable bump on his forehead. His cries grew louder.
Face-down on the floor, blood began to trickle from his little nose.
The room’s soundproofing masked the distressful scene. After Kevin shut the door behind him, thecries were inaudible to the bodyguards outside.