Redmption 197


    But I had to find out the truth behind my dad’s death.


    I decided to approach Conrad after much deliberation, though I needed a good reason.


    While I pondered on that, I received Bree’s call. Her voice was filled with anger. “That rascal, Chris,


    is trying to drive us to our graves! If he dares to get together with that woman, I will die right in front


    of him with Zack.”


    I wasn’t surprised by her reaction. I tried to soothe her. “Don’t be upset Bree. Parents shouldn’t


    dictate matters of marriage.”


    “We can’t dictate, otherwise we wouldn’t have let things between the two of you get to this point. If


    he thinks he can marry a widow, he can forget it,” Bree–firmly dered,


    It felt oddly depressing, but I didn’t know how to console her. Honestly, I didn’t even want to.


    Chris and Jewel owed me an apology, so why should defend them? I wasn’t some kind–hearted


    saint. I was magnanimous enough not to add insult to injury.


    “Maddle, Zack is so mad that he’s staging a hunger strike in protest. Could youe over and talk


    him out of it? He only listens to you.” Bree finally revealed the true reason for her call.


    It seemed the heavens were helping me. Going back to the Gildon family could give me ess to


    the Gildon family car and gather the information I needed without involving Conrad.


    I agreed. Bree continued to rant about Chris before hanging up.


    Entering the Gildon family home didn’t guarantee ess to the car. I still called Conrad to make


    sure my n would work


    “Maddie,” he greeted me warmly.


    “Conrad,” I addressed him respectfully to remind him of our rtionship.


    I realized how hypocritical and maniptive I was. On one hand, I didn’t want Conrad to have


    feelings for me, but on the other, I was exploiting those feelings.


    “Zack is upset and refuses to eat. Bree wants me toe over, but I’m afraid I can’t handle it alone.


    Can youe too?”


    Conrad hesitated for two seconds before agreeing to it


    I could tell he wasn’t surprised. He must have known about it.


    When I arrived at the Gildon estate, Conrad was there. He seemed to be waiting for me instead of


    going


    1. in.


    “You know my father. No amount of persuasion will likely change his mind,” Conrad reminded me


    once he


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    saw me.


    I understood, Zack still hoped that I could get back with Chris.


    I gave a mocking smile. Conrad didn’t say anything about my reaction.


    We entered together. Bree seemed surprised to see us return together, but I ignored her reaction


    and asked, “Where’s Zack?”


    “In the study. He refuses toe out or let anyone in. He spent the whole night there.


    “If he didn’t asionally yell at us, I would’ve suspected he was in there trying to take his life,” Bree


    spoke


    bluntly.


    “Mom, Dad isn’t that vulnerable. Stop thinking that,” Conrad replied.


    “Bree, let me check on him.” I went upstairs with her nod of approval.


    I knocked several times but heard nothing from Inside, Getting worried, I spoke up. “Zack, it’s me,


    Maddie.” There were finally footsteps. The door opened after a moment, and the sight of the study


    gave me a fright.