The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning (Madelyn)

Unsure of what Zach was contemplating after being silent for a while, the technician offered another possibility, "If the laptop hasn't been tampered with, another reason could be a sudden power outage. If the battery is depleted and the plug is pulled directly, it can cause an improper shutdown that could damage the system files. To fix the laptop, we have to reinstall the operating system. There's no other way." What the technician said was something Zach should have thought of earlier. He played a rhythmic pattern on his desk with his fingers. Then, he lifted his wrist to check the time. "Prepare a new laptop for me immediately," Zach ordered, "and notify the senior executives to send copies of all important documents for the year to my email." Kevin, observing that Zach was not showing much emotion on his face, figured that the laptop's malfunction was probably related to last night's international video conference. He had been taking notes when suddenly, the laptop made a noise, and the screen went black. It must have had something to do with Madelyn.

'A laptop breakdown like that was no minor matter as it contained contracts and agreements worth billions. If anyone else had been responsible, they would have been in severe trouble. But for Mr. Jardin to remain expressionless and unconcerned, it must have been Madelyn's doing. Aside from her, no one else would dare tamper with Zach's laptop, as the important data inside could lead to legal liabilities if lost." Kevin thought.

After the technician left, Zach tried to turn on his laptop a few more times but without success. He handed the unresponsive device to Kevin and said, "Destroy it." "Yes, Mr. Jardin," Kevin responded. Then he inquired, "Should | reschedule the morning meeting later?" "No need," Zach replied.

Kevin left the CEO's office with a nod.

In Southern Haven Villas, while Madelyn was finishing her painting, Margaret brought her freshly made stewed chicken potato soup.

"Ms. Jent, you should rest your hand and eat the soup,” Margaret urged.

Without looking up, Madelyn replied, "Just leave it there. I'll drink it later.” Margaret protested, "Oh no, that won't do. Mr. Jardin has instructed that you eat your chicken potato soup every day and insisted that | watch you finish it. He even threatened my bonus if | didn't ensure you did. Plus, the soup is good for your health, especially since you've been going to the hospital so often. You're getting too thin, so you really should have some." Madelyn preferred some peace and could not stand Margaret's chattering. It disrupted the serenity she cherished. She offered a solution to Margaret's dilemma, "I'l pay you whatever he's offering, and I'll let you off this chore. | really can't drink this now. If you like, you can have it and tell him I've finished it." Margaret would have liked to take the easy way out, but she refused, "Oh, | couldn't possibly do that!" Madelyn finally set down her paintbrush and turned her full attention to Margaret. Madelyn asked, "Wasn't it always this way before?" Margaret hesitated, clearly conflicted, but eventually relented with a wave of her hand. She said, "Before was before, but now, Mr. Jardin is being too generous. If | don't do as instructed, | won't feel right accepting the end-of-year bonus he's promised.” Madelyn pursed her lips, firm in her resolve. She said, "I will pay your salary, and the year-end bonus will be just as much as the last time. You won't miss out on anything." Margaret was tempted by the offer. She said, "Ms. Jent, you know that whether it comes from you or Mr. Jardin, it's all the same to me! After all, we're all family here.” Margaret's last remark was meant to be teasing, but it caused Madelyn's expression to darken. Margaret quickly realized she had crossed the line and kept quiet. Then, she leaned in close to Madelyn and conspiratorially whispered when she was sure they were alone, "It's all because Mr. Jardin is giving too much. | simply can't help but do as he says." "How much did he give you? I'll triple it," said Madelyn.

Margaret's eyes lit up with excitement. She responded, "Mr. Jardin said he'd give me ten thousand dollars as a bonus at the end of the year and even sponsor my eldest grandson to attend a private kindergarten. You know those private kindergartens only have a dozen spots each year!" Madelyn's eyes widened. She exclaimed, "Ten thousand?!" Margaret nodded earnestly and said, "Yes, indeed! Mr. Jardin is incredibly generous, and | just can't resist his offers. Normally, | wouldn't dare to speak of such matters. Ms. Jent, please don't be upset with me." Madelyn spoke evenly, "I donate a sum to the orphanage from my pay each month. | only keep enough for myself, which is barely enough to cover your monthly wages. | can't offer you thirty thousand dollars.” Margaret's astonishment was palpable. She said, "My goodness, Ms. Jent. You're not pulling my leg, are you? If you really don't have the money... Well, | could perhaps lend you some?" Madelyn's monthly income, which included occasional custom orders, was quite substantial at the time. A couple of thousand a month was a respectable amount back in those early years. The wages for household staff and nannies like Margaret hovered around two thousand, not counting what Zach contributed.

Margaret did some calculations with Madelyn on their monthly income and found out that Margaret earned more than anyone else in the villa. In fact, Margaret had the easiest job of all: looking after Dalton while other staff managed the household chores.

As Madelyn began to drink her chicken potato soup, Margaret watched her take a sip, "Ms. Jent, take your time. I'll record a video for Mr. Jardin to see. It'll help in my report to him." With technology advancing rapidly, even mobile phones can record videos now.