Ch. 581..590

Chapter 581

 

Herman's gaze flicked to Hayden holding my hand, and he raised an eyebrow. "So, it's because of this, huh? Haddy's loyal, you know that, right?"

In the middle of what felt like a showdown, Hernan was somehow calm enough to be all chatty.

"Haddy," he went on, "you thought breaking up with this girl and parading around with someone else would fool me? You must think I'm a total idiot." My heart skipped a beat, hard.

I glanced at Hayden, hoping for a reaction, but he stayed silent.

Herman, ever the drama queen, turned to me. "Keira, I bet you don't even realize how loyal this guy is.

"He once had a dog, and after it died? Never got another one. Won't even look twice at a dog on the street now.

"A guy like that? Once he loves someone, he's not sharing his heart with anyone else."

He gave a smug little smirk. "Right, Haddy?"

Something tightened in my throat. I got what Hernan was implying-that Hayden's breakup with me and his engagement to Yara had all been a setup, a way to keep me safe from Herman. My heart felt like it had been hit by a truck. I turned to Hayden, desperate for him to say something, anything.

But Hayden just stared down Hernan. "Are you done talking?"

"I'm done. Now it's your turn," Hernan said with a smug grin. "Don't you think you owe the girl beside you an explanation? Or she might get the wrong idea about you."

Hayden stayed silent, but I couldn't hold back anymore. I grabbed his hand, my voice shaking. "Hayden. is it true? Is it really like Herman said?"

Bang!

Before Hayden could respond, a deafening blast tore through the air. I hit the ground, and everything around us exploded into chaos.

Shouts, cursing, fighting, gunshots... the whole world became a blur. Somewhere in the middle of it, I could feel Hayden's heartbeat close to my ear-a sound I hadn't felt in so long. Bang! Bang!

Two more shots rang out, then a commanding voice shouted, "Everyone, freeze!"

Suddenly, everything went silent, and I looked up to see who had arrived.

It was Steve.

He stood there, gun aimed right at Hernan's head. "Anyone moves, and I'll blow his brains out."

I had no clue how Steve got that close, but it was clear he knew what he was doing. All of Hernan's men

1/2

Chapter her

froze in place.

 

Hernan didn't flinch, though. He sneered, turning his gaze to Hayden. "Haddy, so now you're stooping to these low-level tactics?"

"Coming from you, that's rich," Steve shot back, motioning for Hayden to get me out of there.

But Hayden didn't leave right away. Instead, he stared Hernan down and said, "I've handed over all the evidence of your crimes and illegal betting ops to the police. If you've got anything to say, you can explain it to them."

Hernan let out a cold laugh. "Your guy's got a gun to my head, and you still think you can call the cops? What am I, a kid?"

Hayden just shot Hernan a mocking look, ignoring his taunts as he led me away.

But as we turned to leave, Hernan called out, "Haddy, you think turning me over to the cops is the end?

You're wrong.

Hayden hesitated for a split second but then kept walking, pulling me along in quick strides.

A chill ran down my spine, remembering how Hernan had hinted at someone pulling the strings behind the scenes.

"Hayden," I started, wanting to warn him, but Jace appeared, motioning for us to hurry up.

At the entrance, we ran into the police. Hayden exchanged a few quick words with them, and they began filing inside.

Then one of the officers called out, stopping Hayden. He released my hand, signaling for Jace to take me

out.

I refused to let go, gripping his hand tighter. "Hayden.... was what Hernan said true?"

Chapter 582

Hayden looked at me, his expression unreadable. The he turned to Jace. "Take her away"

onessed

Those three words snapped me back to reality

What was I doing? Was I really letting a few words from him mess with my head?

loosened my god, and Hayden glanced at me once before striding off without another word. Jace tugged my arm "Come on, let's go

Though my traind was still reeling I realized the whole takedown of Herman had been part of a plan-

something Hayden and Jace had set up well in advar

lang

Apparently, I was the only one who hadn't been told

"When did you set all this up asked Jace

He hesitated, "after I got back from Houston last time

It was right after that top that Hayden broke up with me

Heman was telling the truth?

I didnt have time to fully process it, so I pressed Jace Why didn't any of you tell me?"

He looked conficted, like he didn't want to answer

like he didn't want to answer

I placed it together myself. "This was Hayden's idea, wasn't it?"

He didn't want to drag you into this mess. It was his way of protecting you," Jace explained, speaking for Hayden

It was almost funny. They'd been rivals once, and now here they were, teaming up.

T

"Even breaking up with me... that was for protection too, wasn't it?" I asked, needing to know. Hayden's abrupt breakup had been something I'd never fully accepted.

Jace gave a strained smile. "Maybe it's better if you let Hayden explain that himself. Your relationship with him that's not my place to comment on."

He was right about that

"Kers," he added, "whether it's Hayden, me, or even Steve-we're all just trying to protect you."

This wasn't the same Jace I used to know. Now, even while looking out for himself, he was actually giving

credit to others for stepping up to protect me, too.

They all wanted to protect me. They weren't wrong.

*I'll take you to Wayne's place-a villa this time, not the apartment. Safer," Jace said, guiding me to the

1. ar. "Stay there until things settle. We'll come get you when it's safe."

They had this whole plan and kept me in the dark. Now, even in the middle of all this chaos, they were still trying to keep me safe. I realized to them, I was more of a liability-a burden. Leaving would make things easier, so I agreed. ted on indiced the price coming of the YA PAA overly his hands

*offers twit ng www veten myyyying this

kuar anca të mat

hard Hem Herbed as had that site a frendly face hiding something way dates

do you thank Harts adfly going to posen this time, WA

Hapan handed om

erything All the stay Muff Harman's been up to for years. The coss haha to take ta dom, bet they didn't have the smoking gun until now," lace said, glancing at

pets she didn't hurt your His voice had that skeptical edge, like he couldn't believe someone With

1 stk my head

ker

scatted

pe, he said he was using me to get to Hayden But honestly today's showdown? He than I thought he'd ha

And as soon as I said it, something felt off "Don't you think it was way too easy to bring him down today?

sace's brow furoned, and i kept going, "Like even with all your planning, someone like Heman doesn't post get caught that early"

After all, Herman was the one who set this whole mess up. For him to get tangled in his own trap? It felt a little 100 perfect

Through the car window, I watched as they shoved Heman into a police car. He'd been preparing for this, but somehow his whole plan fell apart way too fast. For someone who supposedly ran the Houston underworld, he was looking way too lame

Chapter 583

Jace was staring out the window like me, his lips pressed together. "Yeah," he muttered.

It was just one word, but it was all I needed. He knew.

I turned to him. "So you knew? Then why the whole act? Why bother with all this?"

Jace's jaw tightened, but he didn't say anything.

As the police car drove past us, Herman gave a tiny wave in my direction.

We were in our car with tinted windows, so there's no way he could've seen me....but then that wave. It was like he knew exactly where I was, exactly who was sitting here.

So, this whole thing was under his control the whole time? Yet, he still let himself fall into Hayden's trap

That's when it hit me. Herman's capture? That wasn't the end. It was just the start of whatever mess was coming next.

A cold shiver ran down my spine as I remembered what he'd said. "Jace, Herman told me there's someone else pulling the strings."

*Hm? Jace glanced at me, clearly waiting for me to explain more, but I just pressed my lips together. Herman hadn't said who the mastermind was.

*Hernan knows how to mess with your head, Jace added after a long pause, like he was trying to warn me not to get caught up in Hernan's games.

I wasn't dumb enough to trust Hernan, but there was something about what he said that felt way too important to just ignore.

Still, without any clue who this other person could be, I had nothing to work with.

One by one, the police cars pulled away, and it hit me- hadn't seen Hayden. Or maybe I had, but I'd been too caught up in my own head to notice. "Where are Hayden and Steve?" I asked.

Jace gave me a quick look. "They went to the station."

I went quiet, letting Jace drive me away. The road stretched on, endless, like it was mocking how far away we were from figuring this out. I felt drained and shut my eyes. Half asleep, I heard Jace's phone ring. "Yeah, we're almost there... alright, I'll be there soon."

He went quiet after that, and I shifted in my seat, trying to get comfortable.

Then, out of nowhere, Jace spoke up. "Rea," he said, "If Hayden broke up with you 'cause he had his reasons... would you forgive him?"

My eyelids fluttered but I kept them shut. I didn't answer right away.

He didn't push me. I guess he figured silence was a pretty clear answer.

"I wouldn't want him back," I finally said, dragging out the words.

125 BONUS

Chapter 583

Jace seemed caught off guard. He even hit the gas a tle harder, making the

car jerk forward.

I glanced over at him, then added, "If he'd just ended things with me and actually had a good reason, yeah, I could get it. I could forgive him. But he..." The image of Hayden and Yara together flashed in my mind.

"But he went and got involved with someone else." I said it out loud this time, opening my eyes and meeting Jace's gaze, watching for his reaction. His expression went all stiff.

I

And maybe, just maybe, Jace was finally getting why I had to let him go.

On this topic, Jace really had no ground to stand on. He didn't say another word.

When the car finally stopped, I kept my eyes shut, and I guess Jace thought I was asleep. "Rea, we're here. Wake up."

I cracked my eyes open, and he repeated, "We're here.

I sat up and reached for the door handle, but Jace had already grabbed his phone. "I'll get it."

My eyes caught the screen, and I saw it was still connected to an active call.

"Jace," I said, just enough to get his attention.

He blinked, looked at me confused, then followed my gaze to the phone in his hand. The realization hit, and his eyes widened a little before he put the phone to his ear. "Hayden, we're here. You can hang up now."

Chapter 584

Chapter

584

I froze. What the actual heck?

Had he seriously been on the phone with Hayden this whole time?

Jace hung up and glanced at me. "He called me earlier I thought he hung up, but I guess he left the line open... worried about you."

"You think I'm an idiot?" I shot back, sarcasm dripping from my voice.

It was so obvious now. Jace had left the call open on purpose-and that whole question about whether I'd take Hayden back? That was for Hayden's ears.

Jace didn't even try to explain himself. He just sighed. "Yeah, guess that was my bad. But at least now Hayden knows where you stand. He needs to get it through his head... you're not someone he can just drop and pick up whenever he feels like it." Honestly, I didn't mind that Hayden knew how I felt. Actually, it saved me from having to spell it out.

"Thanks for your heartfelt concern," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm, before I hopped out of the car.

Jace followed me, launching into a mini tour of Wayne's place.

"This is a place Wayne bought with his own money," Jace said. "He's been living here solo for the past four years. See the garden? He takes care of it himself-never hired anyone to clean or garden."

I was pretty surprised. I didn't know any of this. Wayne had never brought it up. Even when I was living with the Johnstons, they barely talked about him. Whenever they did, it was just some random update like, "Wayne called, said he's doing great in U.S. Wayne never really felt like part of the family-more like a distant cousin you'd forget about unless someone reminded you.

So this was how he'd been living for the past four years-keeping this whole mansion in check on his own. Maybe he just liked being independent, or maybe he'd been a little lonely, finding comfort in the garden while stuck in U.S.

"This yard was Wayne's design, too," Jace added, surprising me again.

"Wayne's the whole package-smart, driven, always cunous. He's way ahead of me, you know that." Jace let out a soft, self-deprecating chuckle.

But there was real pride in his voice when he talked about Wayne. I couldn't help but think about Wayne's ambition and wonder if Jace had any idea about the bigger picture.

Topened my mouth like I was going to say something, but then stopped myself.

Jace might not have Wayne's book smarts, but in the business world? He was untouchable. Years of navigating the corporate grind meant he couldn't be blind to someone's real nature.

Maybe he knew more than he let on. Maybe he just chose to ignore it out of loyalty-seeing it but never talking about it.

"Why so quiet?" Jace asked, clearly noticing my silence.

1/2

Chapter 584

 

"Just listening to you." I looked around, impressed. "Seems like Wayne's doing pretty well for himself.

"Yeah, and this place isn't even his best asset. He's got more," Jace said, like it was no big deal- completely chill, not a trace of jealousy in his voice.

Not that he had any reason to be jealous. With his own fortune, he was basically set for life.

This was a little surprising, though. In the past, Jace had always been that guy-the one who couldn't stand anyone being better than him, even if it was his own brother.

Back in school, he couldn't handle Wayne's grades. Every time he brought home his report card, if Wayne got even a hint of praise from their parents, Jace would shut himself in his room, slap on the headphones, and blast music or dive into video games for hours. He wouldn't even come out to eat with the family. For days, he'd just avoid them.

And after Wayne moved abroad? If their parents talked about him, Jace would just... ignore it. No acknowledgment, nothing.

But now, here he was, casually complimenting Wayne like it was no big deal. In the short time we'd been apart, Jace had really changed.

"He never mentioned any of this," I said, keeping the convo rolling.

Jace gave this half-smile. "Yeah, he's low-key. Not like me... I'm more of the loud, in-your-face type."

He paused, looking thoughtful for a second. "He once told me he regretted being so quiet. Said it made him miss out on a lot."

Chapter 585

 

Jace turned to look at me, like he was waiting for my reaction. "You know what he regrets missing out on?

Oh, he was testing me. Trying to see if I got the whole Wayne-likes-you thing.

I played it cool. "Guess only Wayne knows what he missed."

Jace didn't push it. We kept walking, and when we passed a koi pond, he casually mentioned, "He's got a lot of fish in there. I heard when he calls 'Dinner time, they all swim right up to him."

"Wait, so Wayne's a fish whisperer now? I laughed.

"Don't believe me? Let's test it out," Jace said, grinning as he led me to the edge of the pond. Sure enough, the water was full of koi-red, yellow, white, even some speckled ones. They looked plump and healthy, like they had their own personal chef. And they were way too cute. "Go ahead, give it a try," Jace encouraged.

I reached out to touch the water, but as soon as I did, the fish scattered like I was some kind of monster." Uh, how exactly am I supposed to try this?"

*Just call out 'Dinner time," he suggested, laughing.

"But I don't have any food. If they actually come over, look like a total fraud."

Jace cracked up. "I'll grab some food," he said, already walking off toward a container.

Feeling like a complete dork, I cleared my throat and shouted, "Dinner time!"

But the kol? They completely ignored me.

Jace turned around, his grin getting bigger. "You gotta be louder. They can't hear you from underwater."

I rolled my eyes, knowing he was just messing with me, but I raised my voice anyway. "Dinner time! Dinner

time!*

Still nada. The koi were like, 'No thanks, we're good."

I was convinced Jace was totally messing with me.

He returned with the fish food. "Why didn't it work?"

"Because you're pranking me," I huffed.

"I swear, I'm not! Maybe we just didn't get the timing right. Next time, we'll ask Wayne for the secret." He handed me a handful of fish food. "Throw some in. They'll definitely come for that."

I couldn't summon them with my voice, so I figured I'd try the universal language: food.

As soon as the fish food hit the water, it was like a feeding frenzy. The koi practically jumped on it. They weren't even scared of me-one of them swam so close I could've pet it if I wanted.

After the fish had their fill, Jace led me up to the front door. He rattled off a string of numbers, and I typed them in, unlocking it.

Chapter 585

 

The interior was understated but still had that vibe of quiet luxury. It wasn't like Jace's style, which was all sleek and modern. This house had a cozy, homey feel to it-like a place you'd want to hang out in, not just look at. I stepped inside and instantly felt at ease, like I belonged here. Jace noticed me taking it all in. "Wayne designed everything here himself," he said, gesturing around. Every single thing-from the decor down to the teacups-was personally picked by him."

"He really knows how to make a place feel... welcoming," I said, genuinely impressed.

"Yeah, Guys like him? Always a hit with the ladies," Jace added with a hint of humor, which reminded me of what he'd said earlier about Lindey setting Wayne up on blind dates.

Curious, I asked, "Did any of those dates work out?"

"Nope, he didn't like any of them. But apparently, one of them was super into him." Jace chuckled." Classic drama-'I love you, but you don't love me."

I didn't respond to that, but right then, Jace's phone rang. He glanced at the screen. "It's Wayne," he said before answering. "Yeah, Rea's here. She even fed your fish... Yeah, I'll let her take the call." He handed me the phone.

Chapter 586

"Wayne," I greeted, holding the phone up.

"I heard everything from Jace. Are you okay?" Wayne's voice was warm but concerned,

"I'm fine. I just feel bad for bothering you," I replied, trying to sound polite.

There was a brief pause. "Just make yourself at home. You're safe here-don't worry about anything."

"Alright," I said quietly, unsure of what else to add.

Normally, Wayne would've ended the call there, but this time, he surprised me. "You don't need to worry. Nothing's going to happen to you

That's not something anyone can guarantee. Since Heman chose to target me, I wouldn't feel safe unless Hayden and the others took him down for good this time. But I didn't say any of that. Instead, I just murmured a soft "mm-hmm."

"If you need anything, just call me. Also... there'll be a part-time maid coming over to cook and tidy up," he said before hanging up.

I handed the phone back to Jace. He took it from me, then mentioned, "Wayne should have a couple of spare phones around here. I'll grab one for you."

Not having a phone had been... inconvenient, and with me off the grid, Lena was probably freaking out enough to call the police by now.

"I'll grab one for you," Jace repeated, heading over to a nearby cabinet. He opened a drawer like he'd done this a thousand times before, pulling out two phones. "Pick one." "Sure."

"You still have your SIM card?" he asked.

"Yeah."

"Want me to put it in for you?"

"No, that's okay."

I kept my answers short, curt. Jace seemed to notice, giving me a faint, slightly awkward smile. "Want me to show you around?"

"Don't you have more urgent things to deal with? You should get back to that."

Jace studied me for a moment. "Alright. Feel free to look around on your own. I've only been here twice myself... haven't even fully explored the place."

I stayed quiet. He seemed kind of uncomfortable with the distance I was putting up. "Alright then, I'm off. If the maid comes, she'll let herself in, so don't be alarmed. And if you need anything, just call me... or Hayden." This time, I didn't even bother responding. I just gave a small nod.

 

Chapter 586

Jace didn't say another word before he just left, leaving me standing there alone in this massive, empty villa. The silence was so loud, it felt like the walls were closing in, and I couldn't shake this weird, abandoned feeling.

I took in the place, checking out the style of Wayne's house. Honestly? I kinda loved it. It was like the Pinterest dream home I'd always imagined but never thought I'd get.

After I finished wandering around like a tourist, I found a phone, ripped open the box, set it up, and slid in my SIM card. I opened my chat app, and, bam, notifications flooded in. Yuna, Jace, Wayne, Lena, even Demi-everyone was trying to get in touch. Everyone except Hayden.

Yuna's messages were filled with pics of her and Wade-seriously, how many different places could they eat at?

I

Wayne and the rest were just checking in, asking if I was alright.

Lena, though... Lena. She was on me like a hawk, asking why I hadn't replied, why my phone was off, why! was basically MIA.

Her last message was from two hours ago. She knew the competition was today and said if I didn't message her back, she was about to call the cops.

Feeling a twinge of guilt, I quickly typed: [My phone broke. I'm fine, don't bother the cops.]

She responded in milliseconds: [Your phone broke, and you didn't think to buy a new one? I've been freaking out for two days! Thank god Jace told me you were fine, or I would've already called the cops on you!]

Of course, Jace had told her I was okay-but conveniently left out the whole "your best friend got kidnapped by a kingpin" part. He probably didn't want to freak her out or get the cops involved in whatever mess had gone down.

Chapter 587

Lena sent another message: [Seriously, if you hadn't responded in another hour. I was going to call the cops. Do you even know what was going through my head? I was lowkey convinced Jace had done you in after you know, having his way with you I had to laugh Lena's imagination was next level. I just hit her with a thumbs-up emoji

Lena: [it's not that crazy. Stuff like that makes the news all the time, you know? Anyway, when are you coming back? Are you flying home today? Did Steve win the competition??

I glanced at her barrage of questions, then at my situation, and hit her back with the safest reply I could think of [Not sure yet]

Lena: [777]

Me: [Might stay here a bit longer. Not sure I'll be back to this place anytime soon]

I didn't want Lena to freak out, so I threw in a little white lie.

Lena: [Alright, live your best life then. Let me know when you're back-III throw a mega welcome-back_party. *]

Reading her message, I suddenly felt this weird, heavy feeling in my chest. Like, this irrational fear that I might not make it back. It hit me out of nowhere.

I didn't know where it came from, but I couldn't shake it So I sent her a voice note:

"Lena, the password to all my bank accounts is the date my parents passed away. If anything happens to me, you're in charge of... well, everything. Keep half as, like, my gift for you or whatever, and donate the rest. To people who need it. Or sick kids. I don't know. You'll figure it out."

No sooner had I hit send than my phone started ringing with a video call from Lena.

I knew she was probably freaking out, so I quickly picked up.

"What do you mean, leaving stuff behind? What is going on? Where are you right now?" Lena's voice was full-on panicked.

I turned the camera around to show Wayne's massive villa. "See? I'm in a giant mansion, totally safe and

sound."

"Then why are you talking like that? You nearly gave me a heart attack," she said, looking way more relieved now, though she was still in her surgical scrubs. I couldn't tell if she was heading into surgery or just coming out.

"I was just being careful. You were the one who mentioned how crazy things have been lately, and with all these plane crashes... I figured I'd let you know, just in case..."

"Just in case what?" Lena interrupted. "Turn the camera around so I can see your face."

Guess she wasn't going to relax until she saw me for real.

I flipped the camera to show myself, throwing in a goofy peace sign for extra reassurance.

After a long, serious stare, Lena finally chilled. "If you ever pull something like this again, I'll literally

murder you"

"Go for it." I teased, moving my face closer to the screen

"Out it out. So whose mansion are you staying at? Is it Jace's? Her curiosity was off the charts now. "Nope. It's Wayne's"

"Oh." Lena sounded totally caught off guard. Then she asked. "Why are you staying at his place?"

I couldn't exactly spill the beans, so I lied. "It's safer here than in a hotel

"Fair point Just don't let Jace get any weird ideas," she said, all smug which deserved exactly one response from me

"Shut up."

Lena burst out laughing, but then she got all serious. "Hey, you should totally bring home an American boyfriend while you're there."

I knew exactly what she was getting at-it was her subtle way of bringing up Hayden and his engagement

to Yara

That's the plan. Why do you think I'm not rushing back? I said, hoping it'd put her mind at ease.

"Alright, I'll be waiting to meet your American boyfriend. Lena joked, but right then someone called for her, and she had to head into the operating room. When the video call ended, I felt that goofy smile slip right off my face. I glanced down at Demi's latest

message.

It was just one line, but it made my heart stop.

Chapter 588

Keira, I don't want to live anymore.]

I stared at it for a few seconds, my pulse racing. Without thinking, I called her on voice chat. She didn't pick up.

I wasn't giving up. I dialed Demi's number again. Still no answer. So I tried her office instead.

"Is Demi there?" I asked as soon as someone picked up.

"She's on leave," the voice on the other end said, and for a second, it felt like my heart had dropped into my stomach. Before I could even ask anything else, the guy added, "Are you Ms. Kay?"

I hadn't expected him to recognize my voice.

T

"Yeah, that's me. Do you k why Demi's on leave? How long is she off for?" I pressed, starting to panic. "She took personal leave, I think for three days. She's supposed to be back tomorrow. If you're looking for her, you could try her cell," he replied politely, even though I was no longer the CEO's fiancee.

I was genuinely worried about Demi, so I pressed further. "I've tried calling her, but it's not going through. Is there any other way to reach her?"

"No, I'm afraid not."

The bluntness of that response made my anxiety spike Something was definitely wrong with Demi, but being stuck here made it impossible for me to check on her in person.

I had to ask for help. "This is urgent. I've tried everything. Can you please go check on her? Like, now? I'll call your department head and explain."

"....Alright, I'll go after my shift."

But I couldn't wait that long.

"Go now. Just let your department head know- I'll sort it out with them."

"Understood, Ms. Kay."

The

person agreed, and I quickly hung up, dialing Demi's supervisor. Thankfully, they were cool about it and gave me the green light immediately. Even though I wasn't technically their boss anymore, it seemed like they still didn't want to mess with me-especially with my connection to the Johnstons.

When the call ended, I stared at Demi's message again, my stomach in knots. I quickly typed out a series

of texts.

[What's going on? Why aren't you picking up?]

[You've always said nothing matters more than surviving this crazy world. What happened to that? Why would you even think about giving up now?]

[Demi, please. Think about your parents. Think about the people who care about you. If you hurt yourself, I swear I won't forgive you.]

[Demi, please just reply.]

 

1 send one text after another, but it was like I was sending messages into a void. No reply. Nothing.

I sat there, trapped in my anxiety, not sure what else to do.

Then the part time maid showed up. She must've been prepped by Wayne, because she didn't look the least bit shocked to see me. In fact, she greeted me like we were old friends and even brought me a plate of freshly washed fruit Her name was Lizzy Honestly, her arrival was a nice distraction from the storm of worry inside my head. At least I had something else to focus on for a minute

"Miss Kay, you should really check out the rooftop terrace. Mr. Johnston has an amazing setup up It's perfect for someone like you, Lizzy suggested with a smile.

I didn't have the energy to argue. Sitting here was only making me more restless.

there.

I followed her up to the rooftop, and when I saw the view, I actually gasped. There was a pool, a bar, bookshelves and the awning-motorized, of course-was closed for the day to provide shade, but would open up at night for stargazing. Wayne really knew how to live.

But what really caught my eye was the big lounge chair. The exact same kind I used to love back at the Johnston residence. I stood there, staring at it for a second.

Could it just be a coincidence? Or had Wayne bought it because he knew I liked that style?

Chapter 589

I thought about it for a second, then strolled over to the bookshelf, grabbed a random book, and flopped down into the lounge chair to read. I stayed there for what felt like forever, lost in the quiet, until Lizzy called me down for dinner.

1

"You're even prettier in person than in the paintings," Lizzy said, just as I was about to take a bite of my food. I froze, fork mid air, totally caught off guard. "Paintings? What paintings?"

She smiled. "Mr. Johnston's paintings. All of them are of you. They're in the studio upstairs."

Wait What?

When I went up to the terrace earlier, I'd passed the second floor, but I hadn't bothered checking any rooms I had no idea there was even a studio up there, And the craziest part? Wayne points? I'd never known that.

We grew up together before he went abroad, and as far as I knew, art was not his thing. Did he pick up painting in the last few years? And he's been painting... me?

I glanced over at Lizzy, busy in the kitchen. She had to be messing with me, right? I mean-maybe she couldn't tell us apart, like how sometimes I struggle with distinguishing some faces.

But then again, the curiosity hit me like a wave. So, I put my fork down, barely touched my food, and decided to check it out.

I had no clue which room was the studio, so I just started opening doors, one by one.

Wayne's bedroom. A study. A workout room. A walk-in closet... Finally, I found a door that was locked with a keypad.

This had to be the studio.

It's only natural to be curious, especially when it might have something to do with you.

Lizzy's words got me thinking. I had to see these paintings for myself, but I didn't have the code to get in. I tried Wayne's birthday first. Wrong.

Okay, if it wasn't his birthday... then what could it be?

I racked my brain, but honestly, I didn't know Wayne that well. Back when we were close, he was always so quiet, and I was way too caught up in Jace to pay him much attention.

Then Wayne went abroad, and we barely kept in touch. I really didn't know anything about him anymore

Then it hit me-what Lizzy said about the studio being full of paintings of me. Could the code be my birthday?

I typed it in and, after a beat, the door unlocked with a soft beep.

But instead of the usual thrill of cracking the code, a weird tightness gripped my chest.

Okay, that was unexpected. Wayne's feelings for me clearly ran a lot deeper than I'd realized.

look deep breath of the doors we were comet samenge

Just like

yet every sign

josing the Johnson family

fying everytime of

of Summe

greetings

pitting on the mesos

They didnt fee pennings. They est the mente THE

atory

As I looked at the tones to te SHAD SAATH TESTING tank

I moved from one to the next the verse sorting of the planes

So, even way was gone for four ons een watching the congestings

canvas

y

A weight settled in my chest a fock in the fircle ssom My eyes triffies over the

i an i took THE NATIVE draped with a cloth

ell

if every painting here was about the figures whatever was on that ease proca

What part of my life was he santing now?

1 reached out and yanked the cloth off The haffinched santing came now-and the im

Chapter 590

 

In it, there was a man standing beside me, dressed in a tux, holding me close. I was in a wedding gown, glowing like a fairy-tale bride.

My smile was soft, joyful, like I was the happiest person in the world.

But his face... it was just a blank. No details, no features-nothing. The groom was a mystery.

Was it Jace? Had Wayne started this when I was planning to marry him? Maybe it was meant to be a gift for us.

Or... was it Wayne himself?

I had a strong feeling it was the latter.

The whole room was full of portraits of me-memories of my life. If I couldn't figure out Wayne's feelings after seeing all of this, then I was completely clueless. Standing there, I felt a sinking realization. Wayne's feelings for me ran way deeper than I ever realized. And they'd been there a lot longer than I'd imagined.

1 let out a heavy sigh. This room, filled with memories and emotions, was starting to feel stifling, making it hard to breathe.

To be loved-especially to be deeply loved by someone you don't love back-can sometimes feel like a tremendous burden.

I couldn't stay there anymore.

In the end, I hurriedly left the room.

In fact, I regretted staying here in Wayne's villa, and I regretted even more discovering this secret of his.

But he probably wouldn't know, right?

After all, he'd set a password on the door, never expecting me to get in.

With a hint of self-deception, I hurried downstairs, just as Lizzy was finishing up her cleaning. She looked

at me with a polite smile. "Miss Kay, is there anything else you need help with?"

"No, thank you," I replied, my voice sounding hollow as I walked over to the couch and sat down.

My heartbeat was erratic, my thoughts scattered.

Lizzy notic

my mood right away. "Are you... okay?"

I shook my head lightly.

She nodded toward a room on the first floor. "That room's ready for you. You can rest if you like."

"Alright. I'll stay here for a bit."

Lizzy didn't press further. She gave me one last concerned look before leaving.

And with the silence came a growing unease. I didn't want to be there anymore, but I couldn't just leave. without a plan-especially not after everything that had happened. Chapter 590

I reached for my phone to call Jace, but before I could dial, my screen it up

It was the person I'd asked to check on Demi.

I answered quickly. "Did you find her?"

"Yes, Ms. Kay, we found her, but... The voice on the other end trailed off

My breath hitched. "But what? Where is she?"

"Ms. Kay... Ms. Young attempted suicide. She's in the hospital now

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My mind went blank

dap "What happened?" It took me several seconds to find my voice again is the is the chaf

"She's stable, but her mental state isn't good. As for why we're still trying to figure that or

T

I felt like I was drowning. "Are any of her family there? Can I talk to someone?

"Sure, I'll see if I can put her mom on the line."

A moment later, an older woman's voice came on the line. It was low, careful. "Helo?