Ch. 651..660

Chapter 651

Nate left the hospital with Lena, and she just assumed they were headed for a hotel. But as soon as they got in the car, he asked, "Mind if we go to your place instead?"

Lena blinked, caught off guard. "You're just trying to see if there's some guy at my place, aren't you?"

"Nope," he said.

She rolled her eyes. 'Sure, Jan. Guys and their fragile egos.

Before she could call him out, he added, "I just don't want to be treated like every other guy."

Lena froze. Well, that shut her up.

So, yeah-she caved and brought him back to her apartment.

Her place wasn't exactly Grand Central Station; aside from her parents and Keira, no one ever stopped by. Not like she had anything to hide anyway.

When they got upstairs, she unlocked the door but didn't step inside. Instead, she threw her arms around Nate's neck. Barefoot now, she realized how much shorter she was. Standing on her tiptoes didn't help much either.

Frustrated, she commanded, "Pick me up."

Nate obliged. He lifted her easily while she clung to his neck.

"Nate, let me just clear this up real quick-that whole hotel stunt was a joke, okay? Keira was doing her little drama queen act. Neither of us was with any guy that night. We shared a room, no dudes involved. And for the record, no man has ever set foot in my apartment. If you don't believe me, take a look around-"

"Mm, I already noticed," Nate said, his eyes casually scanning over her head.

"Exactly! No man here," Lena said, looking way too pleased with herself.

"Then who's that?" Nate's voice cut through her smugness, and before she could process it, a man's voice came from the living room.

"Lena, you brought a guy home?"

Lena whipped around, her heart nearly stopping. Standing right there, bold as day, was a man.

""Who's he?" Nate asked, his gaze sharpening.

Lena's brain flatlined for a solid three seconds before she practically yelled, "Uncle Aaron?! What are you doing here? And how did you even get my passcode?"

She already knew the answer. Only her mom would pull something like this.

Aaron, tall, elegant, and rocking a no-nonsense vibe, strolled over. His sharp gaze flicked to Nate. "You didn't answer me. Who's he?"

"Her boyfriend," Nate said smoothly, carrying Lena into the living room and setting her on the couch.

Lena shot up from the couch. "Uncle Aaron! You show up once in a blue moon, and today you just pop in unannounced? No heads-up from you or Mom? Seriously?"

As if Nate didn't already have the wrong idea, now her so-called uncle had to walk in and make things worse. Sure, he was her grandparents' adopted son, but with him only being a year older than her, explaining this was going to be a nightmare.

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"Your mom said you haven't been home in a while and asked me to check on you," Aaron said, calm as ever.

Lena blinked, stunned. 'If Mom was so worried, why didn't she just come herself? Why send him?'

"I've just been busy," she said quickly.

Aaron's eyes flicked to Nate. "That much is obvious."

Lena stuck out her tongue like a kid.

Nate stepped forward and extended a hand. "Nate Neumann. Nice to meet you."

"Aaron Ace," he said, shaking Nate's hand briefly before stepping back.

Lena felt her cheeks warm. "Sooo... work or family?"

Aaron, who'd been out of Seavora for years, rarely made appearances-even during the holidays. Most of her memories of him were from when they were kids, walking to school together until he switched schools in middle school. "Work," Aaron said, his tone as clipped as ever.

"Oh," Lena muttered, though something about his sudden arrival felt off. "So... are you

Aaron gave a short nod. "Mm."

back for good?"

Her scalp prickled as she glanced between the two men, both standing on either side of her like they were in some silent standoff. "Uh... are you planning to crash at my place tonight?"

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Aaron's gaze locked on Nate. "I'll stay at a hotel. I just came to check on you."

Lena let out a relieved breath. "Oh, good. Did you book one yet? If not, I can-"

"No need," Aaron cut her off. "You two sit. We need to talk.

His tone was pure authority-like some family elder calling the shots-even though he was only a year older than her.

Nate caught on instantly. After sitting down, he took Lena's hand, his voice calm but firm. "Lena and I are in a serious relationship, with marriage as the goal." Aaron didn't even blink. "And has she agreed to marry you?

Nate glanced at Lena. "Not yet."

Lena jumped in. "I've liked him since school. If he wants to marry me, my answer's yes.'

Aaron stayed silent, his expression unreadable, but the tension in the room felt suffocating.

"Mr. Ace," Nate said, his gaze steady. "You can be sure-if Lena agrees, I'll visit Mr. and Mrs. Lane to make everything official."

Lena could feel the pressure closing in on Nate. If she'd known the night would spiral like this, she'd have never brought him over.

She'd started dating Nate just for fun-not to end up talking about marriage. But now, it felt like she was accidentally shoving him into a corner.

Still, Nate's calm confidence surprised her. Standing his ground in front of Aaron? That took guts.

"Uncle Aaron," Lena chimed in, trying to ease the tension, "you're only a year older than me. Stop acting like some strict elder. Nate and I are just dating, okay? No need to rush into meeting parents or talking marriage."

"So, what you're saying is, he's not your only option?"

The question hit her like a ton of bricks.

Lena nearly choked but managed to nod. She wasn't about to make sweeping promises-not to Nate, not in front of Aaron. Plus, the last thing she needed was Aaron reporting back to her mom. "Exactly. If he doesn't treat me right, I won't stick around."

"I'd never let that happen," Nate said, his tone steady and unshakable. "Since I've chosen Lena, I'll make sure she's happy. Always."

His response was so perfect it left no room for doubt-or escape. The message was clear: Lena wouldn't get the chance to leave him. Aaron gave a faint nod as he stood. "I'll leave you two, then."

His tone was polite but carried an unmistakable distance.

"Uncle Aaron, don't go blabbing about tonight, okay? I'll treat you to dinner another time," Lena called after him, trying to smooth things over. Aaron frowned slightly, then replied with a single word: "Fine."

As the door clicked shut behind him, Lena let out a long, relieved sigh. But when she turned back around, Nate's

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gaze was locked on her, intense and unyielding.

"Why are you looking at me like that? He really is my uncle" Lena said, her tone defensive.

"I know," Nate replied evenly. "He cares about you a lot."

Lena grabbed his hand, teasing, "Don't tell me you're jealous of my uncle now?"

"Mm," Nate hummed, not even pretending to deny it.

She laughed, light and teasing. "Nate, you're so petty-"

Her words were cut off as he pulled her close, his lips crashing into hers. The kiss was fiery, possessive, and so intense it left her dizzy.

The heat of his kiss stirred something deep inside her, and the passion escalated so quickly it left her breathless.

Before she knew it, they'd gone from the couch to the bathroom, and then to the bedroom. Nate, always so composed and polished, shed every ounce of restraint. His desire was overwhelming, consuming her completely. Clearly, the hotel stunt had struck a nerve. Or maybe it was Aaron's surprise visit that tipped him over the edge, pouring fuel on the fire of his possessiveness.

When it came to guys-human or animal-they all had that one defining trait: they didn't share.

"Did you come here tonight just for me?" Lena asked, her voice soft, her body completely melted against Nate's chest after the whirlwind of their night.

"I was afraid if I waited any longer, someone else might take my girlfriend," Nate murmured, pressing a kiss to her hair. Then, his voice dipped, tender but firm. "Lena, come with me overseas, okay?"

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Nate finally brought it up. Lena had thought about it before, so when he asked her now, she didn't even hesitate with her answer.

"What about you? Why not come back and work here?" she countered instead.

Nate stilled for a moment. "I can't right now."

He didn't offer an explanation, and Lená didn't push. Instead, she said, "I don't want to move overseas."

That was the end of it. Sensing her mood dip, Nate pulled her close. "I'll apply to come back next year." "Okay," Lena murmured, her eyes fluttering shut.

"You get some rest. I'll take a quick shower," Nate said, getting up and heading to the bathroom.

Lena opened her eyes but didn't move, staring blankly at the ceiling. She'd always thought long-distance

relationships were no big deal, but now she knew just how exhausting they could be.

Suddenly, Nate's phone buzzed. Lena glanced at the screen, spotting the name. "Nate, it's Retta," she called out. "Answer it," Nate replied casually from the bathroom, his tone completely unfazed.

Lena smirked as she picked up the call. "Hi, Retta."

There was a pause on the other end before Retta's voice came through. "Where's Nate?"

"He's in the shower," Lena replied, adding with a little extra cheer, "He told me to take the call if it was important."

"I just wanted to remind him that Prof. Ridley is coming the day after tomorrow. He needs to attend the meeting. He should head back as soon as possible."

"Got it. I'll let him know. Anything else?" Lena asked, keeping her tone casual, though she knew this wasn't just

about a reminder.

Retta could've texted or waited. She'd called now, at this exact moment, for a reason.

Retta spoke again. "Lena, do you really think this kind of relationship with Nate can last?"

And there it was. Retta wasn't even trying to hide her feelings.

"I don't know," Lena answered. "But I'm not worried about forever. I'm focused on the love we have right now."

Lena wasn't trying to pick a fight with Retta; she was just being real. Nobody could promise forever, but right now? Nate was the only one she cared about. Retta went silent for a moment, then hung up without another word.

Lena snorted softly, setting Nate's phone on the windowsill. With a quick tap, she opened the automatic curtains.

She glanced up at the night sky, but something below snagged her attention-a sleek black car parked outside. It was definitely not one she recognized.

The window was rolled down just enough for her to spot a figure inside. She squinted, trying to make out the face, but before she could, the window slid up, and the car drove off.

"What are you staring at?"

 

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Nate was fresh out of the shower.

"Just the stars and the moon," Lena said, turning back to him and handing over his phone. She relayed Retta's reminder about the professor but left out the rest of their chat.

Nate knew exactly how Retta felt about him, and the fact he wasn't doing anything about it said enough. If it didn't matter to him, it didn't matter to her.

***

The next day around noon, Lena texted me: [Do you want to see Nate while he's here?]

I mean, duh. Of course, I wanted to see him-Nate didn't visit often. But there was one small problem: I was still stuck in Lindale.

Not because I wanted to stay. No, it was because Demi refused to leave.

I'd seen the awful setup she was living in, and there was no way I could just walk away and leave her here.

I'd already spent a whole day trying to talk her into coming back with me, but she kept shutting me down with the same line: "Keira, you should go. I'm fine here." Fine? Yeah, right. I wasn't buying it.

"Demi," I said, "If you don't give me the real reason you're staying, I'm not leaving. I'll stay here with you.'

She caved under my stare. "Keira," she finally said, her voice shaking, "if I go back, I won't survive."

She swallowed hard before continuing. "I... I accidentally found out someone's secret.'

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"Whose secret?" I asked, keeping my tone casual.

Demi glanced at me, her lips parting like she wanted to spill, but something held her back.

Then I remembered what she'd said about it possibly costing her life. Raising a hand, I stopped her. "You don't have to tell me. I'll figure it out myself."

"Keira, don't. You don't need to dig into this, and you definitely don't need to get involved in my mess anymore," she said, her voice tinged with guilt. "You've already done enough-helping me pay off all that debt. I'm grateful, okay? That's enough." I studied her, my mind running wild with guesses about the "secret" she was hiding.

"I'll pay you back. Bit by bit," she said quietly, avoiding my gaze.

We both knew the truth. With the way she was earning now, it would take her a decade-probably longer-to pay back the $500,000 I'd lent her.

"You don't have to worry about that," I said firmly. "All I care about is you being safe and okay."

But Demi just shook her head. She was set on repaying me.

I didn't argue. Everyone has their principles, and I wasn't about to trample on hers.

Since Demi refused to come back with me, I focused on making sure she'd be in a better place. I rented her a small studio apartment, paying the rent three years in advance.

On top of that, I pulled some strings with Ron and got her a job at a local company. At least this way, she wouldn't have to grind herself into the ground just to survive.

Once everything was squared away, I called Lena to set up a meeting with her and Nate..

"Sure, I'll let him know," Lena said. "Once we lock down a time and place, I'll send it to you."

She said it so casually, like she was inviting me and Nate out instead of the other way around. I didn't mind, though, and just went along with it.

But Lena didn't get back to me for a while. What I didn't realize was that she had something unexpected going on at her end.

***

Nate's sudden announcement about visiting Lena's parents had her totally thrown.

"You want to meet my parents because of what happened with my uncle yesterday?" she asked, trying to make sense of it.

"Nope," Nate said, pulling her closer. "I planned this from the start. We've just gone official, sure, but I've been in love with you way before that."

Lena knew he meant it-she could feel it but still, this felt way too fast. "Do you even get what meeting my parents means?"

He laced his fingers with hers and nodded, dead serious. "Of course I do."

Her breath caught. "Think about it. When it's just us, it's us. But bringing my parents into it? That's a whole other level."

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Nate spun her to face him, his eyes locked on hers. "Lena, I want to marry you. It's not just you I need-it's their blessing too."

Her chest tightened, warmth spilling through her. But still she had to ask, "Are you sure I'm the one you want to spend forever with?" The question hung there, heavy and surreal, like stepping into a dream you weren't sure you were ready for.

"Yes," he said. "From the first moment I saw you, I knew it was you." He leaned in, brushing his nose against hers, all soft and sweet. How could she say no to that? This was Nate. Not just the guy she loved-he was her whole childhood, her biggest "what if," turned real. Marrying him wasn't just a new idea; it was the idea, the one she'd been dreaming about since the first time her heart skipped a beat for him. "Alright," she said. "I'll let my parents know, so they're ready for you."

***

Lena texted me later, saying we'd have to reschedule.

Apparently, she and Nate were meeting her parents-definitely a big-deal kind of thing. I wasn't pressed. Waiting was no biggie.

By evening, I'd swapped my casuals for something sleek and headed to DracoLux, the Drago family's infamous nightclub.

The name screamed bougie drama, and yeah, DracoLux was basically the crown jewel of Seavora nightlife. Not just for rich folks-for the rich folks. Like, "I summer in Monaco" vibes.

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I'd been here once before with Jace for some business thing Back then, it gave off major upscale corporate vibes.

But after hearing Demi's take? Yeah, I realized I'd been way too naive.

Blending in here was key. Rolling in like a clueless tourist? Total no-go. So, I stuck with the same routine I'd used at that bar.

Where there were women offering "questionable services," there were usually guys doing the same.

I'd already scoped out "young hunks" before, so asking again wouldn't raise any red flags. Even if the Drago family heard about it, they'd probably shrug it off like, 'Sounds about right.' Sometimes, the best covers just fall into your lap.

I booked a private room and waved over a server. "I'm looking for... services. Preferably someone handsome," I said casually.

The server didn't blink. "I'm sorry, Miss. We don't provide those kinds of services here. If you want someone to serve drinks, I can arrange that."

Locked down tight. Every shady detail buried so deep it barely existed. No wonder the Drago family was untouchable-they were pros at this.

I stayed in character, rolling my eyes. "Fine. Send me the hottest guy you've got to pour drinks." Spoiled diva mode: activated.

It didn't take long for someone to show up.

And, of course, it was Cole,

My glare could've melted ice. "What are you doing here?"

Clearly, my little request had tripped some security wire, and Cole swooped in to handle it himself.

That kind of hyper-vigilance? It was why their operation thrived. They didn't just cover their tracks-they erased them. Outsiders like me? Total long shot.

Still, if Demi said something was going down here, then something was going down. This wasn't the kind of place randoms just wandered into. Regulars came for "special services"-and they weren't talking bottle service. Cole didn't bother asking if he could join me-he just slid into a seat and poured me a drink. "I heard there was a stunning, wealthy lady looking for... entertainment. Didn't expect it to be you, though.

"Why?" I smirked. "Is that so hard to believe? Or are you just out of the loop?"

He handed me the glass. "Impressive. Your taste in entertainment's gotten... bold."

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"Why not?" I shot back, lounging into the carefree act. "Guys do it all the time. Why shouldn't I?"

"Oh, women can indulge," he said, leaning back. "Plenty here do. But you? You're not like them. If you're gonna play, at least keep it classy."

He tugged at his collar.

H

Teasing and testing me. Obvious.

I laughed. "Please. You? Not my type."

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His brows rose. "Oh, really? You'll flirt with those guys at the bar but not me? What's that about?"

"Never mix business with pleasure." I swirled my wine. "Plus, you'd be way too expensive-and clingy. No thanks.

"So, you're into the kind you can pay and dismiss? No strings?"

I shot him a look. "Got any of those here?"

Cole's fingers skimmed his glass. "Nope. DracoLux is respectable. We don't do that."

His guard? Bulletproof. I smiled back. "Relax. I'm not here for me."

I reached into my bag and slid a contract across the table. "Our company's hosting an event. We need a few handsome greeters."

Cole flipped through it. "You've come to the right place. I can help-but let's be clear: these guys are professionals. No extras." "Even if they did, I wouldn't be interested."

He chuckled, pulling out his phone to make a call. Business handled.

"I'm heading to the restroom," I said, slipping out.

And I actually went-because if anyone was watching me, anything else would've blown my cover.

But on my way back, I caught a shadow flickering at the edge of my vision.

I froze for half a beat. Then, instinct kicking in, I bolted after him.

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I took one step forward, then froze. Demi's words replayed in my head: someone had a secret. Could it be him, the guy I just spotted?

If so, was he wrapped up in the Drago family's shady business too?

The thought of the Johnstons and Dragos teaming up to take out my parents made my blood boil. I was so caught up, I didn't notice someone behind me until Cole's voice broke through. "Lost on the way to the restroom?" he teased.

Snapping out of it, I played it cool. "Nah, just got my period. Need supplies."

His smirk was straight-up smug. "What a coincidence. I'll have someone grab them for you."

And he actually did. A staffer brought me some pads, leaving me no choice but to take a quick restroom break and roll with it.

By the time I got back, Cole's so-called "models" had already lined up. All six feet tall, ripped, and ridiculously good-looking, like they'd been plucked straight out of some glossy magazine ad. They greeted me, perfectly synchronized.

"These guys are pros," Cole bragged. "Guaranteed to impress."

I nodded. "Not bad. DracoLux really knows how to pick 'em."

My comment was suggestive-I wanted to see his reaction.

He chuckled. "So, what do

you think?"

"Very satisfied. I'll let you know when I need them. Just keep them ready," I said, keeping my tone confident.

"Don't worry. I've got you covered," Cole assured me.

But my mind wasn't on the models. I couldn't stop thinking about the guy I'd seen earlier. Hoping to dig deeper, I said, "You can go now. I want to drink alone for a bit." Cole didn't ask questions. As he left, he tossed over his shoulder, "Tonight's on me."

He even left a server-a young hottie-to pour my drinks.

I started drinking, though I'd already downed something Mr. Seth gave me earlier, a remedy to keep me from getting drunk no matter how much I drank.

Cole had left fancy imported liquor, so I went through a whole bottle like it was water.

For most people, that much would've been a one-way ticket to blackout city.

Pretending to be tipsy, I leaned into the server, only to shove him away a second later. "Don't touch me," I slurred. "The man I love is Hayden. I'm calling him to come get me... I grabbed my phone and dialed. But it wasn't Hayden I called-it was Wayne.

Because he was the guy I'd seen earlier.

Wayne picking this spot wasn't random, but given his past schemes with Hernan and Bruno, I couldn't ignore the chance he was tied up with the Dragos too.

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The phone rang three times before he answered, but I didn't let him speak. "Hayden," I crooned, "I miss you. Where are you? Can you come get me?" Nothing.

I kept going. "Hayden, talk to me! Do you even know how miserable I've been? Please, hurry..."

The call ended. Wayne didn't say a word.

He must be angry.

But I knew he wouldn't just ignore me. When I called again, he let it ring.

I calculated how long it'd take for him to get here, then turned back to the server. Staying in character, I draped myself over him, still slurring Hayden's name.

It worked. Wayne stormed in to find me clinging to the server, calling him Hayden like it was some rom-com cliché.

His hand wrapped around my wrist, his icy glare landing on the poor guy.

"Mr. Johnston, I—"

"Get out." Wayne's tone was sharp enough to cut glass.

The server bolted so fast he nearly tripped.

I watched, pretending to be out of it, but my thoughts were crystal clear. That kind of reaction? That level of fear?

Wayne wasn't just here by coincidence. He's definitely hiding something.

 

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I grabbed Wayne's collar and yanked him down, locking eyes with him as I slurred, "Hayden, you finally showed up... You jerk. What took you so long?"

His face hardened, and his grip on my wrist tightened. "Rea, you're drunk. I'm not Hayden."

"No, you are Hayden," I said, tracing the curve of his brow with my finger. "You've changed. You don't love me anymore... You left me..."

If there's one thing men can't stand, it's being someone else's substitute. And for Wayne, who'd always had feelings for me? My words were like twisting a knife straight into his heart.

Pain shot through my shoulder as he pinched it, giving me a small shake. "Look at me. Who am I?"

I stared at him for a beat, then let my lips quiver as I broke into full-on sobbing.

"Hayden, you're such a jerk!" I wailed, tears streaming. "You're the worst! Why are you bullying me?"

Tears: the ultimate trump card. Like clockwork, Wayne's grip on my shoulder loosened.

I threw a few weak punches at his chest, more for show than anything. Instead of reacting, he just sighed, bent down, and scooped me up bridal-style. Without a word, he carried me right out of the private room. The moment we hit the hallway, Cole materialized, smirking. "One bottle of pure white Scotch? Enough to knock anyone out cold."

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from cursing him out. He thought he had me fooled. What a snake.

Fortunately, I'd come prepared.

Wayne ignored him, walking past as if he didn't exist. Cole called after him. "Don't forget to thank me later for setting you up with such a perfect night."

Bingo. That smug little comment just confirmed my suspicions-there was definitely more going on between them than I'd realized.

Wayne carried me out of the club. Despite the danger screaming at the back of my mind, I knew I had to see this through.

He brought me to a penthouse I'd never been to before-not some sprawling estate, but sleek, modern.

He set me on the couch, his stare heavy and unrelenting.

I let myself slump sideways, selling the whole passed-out act. Dead weight, no sounds.

Then he leaned in. Close. I could feel his breath warming my skin, sending an icy shiver down my spine. When his lips brushed against the edge of my cheek, my whole body stiffened. Stay still. Stay calm.

I knew he wouldn't cross the line. Wayne wasn't the type to act impulsively or force anything. If he'd wanted that, he wouldn't have waited this long. No, this was him testing me-checking if I was drunk or faking it.

Just like I thought, he lingered, hovering close, but he didn't go further. When I didn't budge, he finally straightened up and moved away.

I cracked an eye open, scanning my surroundings. The penthouse was sharp and minimalist, almost identical to his house in Houston. Same taste, same vibe.

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Same obsession.

People say obsessive men are terrifying, and now I got it.

Wayne was on the phone in another room. I couldn't make out the words, but the call didn't last.

Suddenly, loud pounding echoed from the front door, making my heart skip.

I didn't flinch. Couldn't blow my cover now.

Wayne hurried out of the room, ending his call as he opened the door.

Bang

The noise ripped through the penthouse. I saw it-Wayne staggered, clutching his chest, his face a mix of shock and pain. For a second, it looked like he was about to hit the floor. Chapter 658

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Moments later, Jace barged in, heading straight for the bedroom without even glancing at me on the couch.

Wayne wiped the corner of his mouth. For a split second, I saw it-a faint smear of red.

Jace returned, and Wayne, as unbothered as ever, spoke up. "You don't always have to assume the worst of me."

Jace's eyes finally landed on me. His tense expression eased slightly when he saw I was still fully clothed, but his voice stayed sharp. "You shouldn't have gone after her."

Wayne grabbed a tissue, dabbing at his mouth before strolling to the liquor cabinet. He poured himself a drink, taking a slow sip. "She came after me," he replied, calm as ever.

His words sent a chill through me. Had he figured out I was trying to get close to him on purpose?

"Or is it you who's been watching her all along?" Jace fired back, cutting straight to the chase.

Wayne leaned casually against the cabinet, the top two buttons of his shirt undone, giving him an almost devil- may-care edge. "Don't forget, Jace-you're nothing to her now. She's single. She can start fresh if she wants, and me liking her? That doesn't break any rules." I had to admit, Wayne's composure was on point. Technically, he wasn't wrong.

But Jace's frustration was written all over him. "Like anyone you want-but not her."

"Because she used to be with you?" Wayne sneered. "I don't care about that."

The words hit hard. I couldn't help but remember what Wayne once told me: my past didn't matter to him. As long as it was me, nothing else did.

"I care," Jace snapped, his voice tight and unrelenting. "Anyone but her. Pick someone else."

Wayne let out a low chuckle, his confidence unwavering. "Why? Afraid she'll choose me? Or is it..." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "You still want her, don't you? Hoping to fix things?"

Jace's fists tightened, his knuckles white. His voice dropped to a deliberate, almost menacing tone. "You don't need to know why. Just understand this: I. Forbid. It."

Each word hit like a hammer, final and immovable.

Without waiting for a reply, Jace walked toward me and scooped me up in his arms.

I couldn't help but wonder-was his arm injury healed? Could he even carry me like this?

"Where are you taking her?" Wayne's voice cut through the room.

The tension was unbearable. Were they really about to throw down over me?

Jace didn't answer. He carried me to the door without looking back. To my surprise, Wayne didn't stop him. As we crossed the threshold, I exhaled in relief. Playing drunk to get closer to Wayne had seemed like a smart move at the time, but being in his space had put me on edge. Oddly enough, I felt safer with Jace. Maybe it was because, despite everything, Jace had always respected my limits-well, except for that one time in

his office.

Jace brought me downstairs and placed me gently into his car. I had no clue where he planned to take me, but I wasn't up for more drama.

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Feigning nausea, I grabbed the door handle and stumbled out, heading for a flowerbed nearby.

I bent over, pretending to throw up, making sure my act was convincing.

Jace didn't rush to help. He just stood there, letting me "recover."

When I finally straightened up, swaying unsteadily, I started walking off in a random direction.

Still, he didn't stop me. He watched as I flagged down a cab and climbed in.

As the cab drove off, I couldn't shake the feeling that Jace had seen right through my lousy performance.

Once I got home, I soaked in the bath, trying to wash away the tension of the night. But Wayne's face at DracoLux kept flashing in my mind.

He was hiding something-I was sure of it. Maybe even the secret Demi had mentioned.

But after tonight, it was obvious Cole and the others were onto me. Going back wouldn't get me any closer to the truth. Not now.

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Chapter 659

So, who could I actually turn to for help in exposing the Drago family's shady business?

Yara came to mind first, but she was a Drago.

She had a strong sense of justice and used to work alongside Hayden, but with him gone, I doubted she'd lift a finger to help me now. The Drago family was her bloodline, her safety net. I couldn't see her betraying them, no matter how noble she once seemed.

Then there was Sasha. She'd told me before how much she hated Thorsten, but after the way she stabbed me in the back last time, trusting her again would be delulu. If anything, she'd sell me out before I got a word in.

After running through every option, I came up empty. But the Drago family's operation needed to be stopped. This wasn't just about avenging my parents anymore-it was about saving the countless women they'd exploited and destroyed.

Demi's story hadn't been detailed, but it was enough to reveal a twisted pattern.

The Dragos had created an insidious network. They groomed men like Demi's ex-boyfriend, Jorian, to seduce women, pretending to love them. Once these women were hooked, they'd be manipulated into taking out loans, sinking into debt they couldn't repay. That's when the Dragos swooped in, forcing them into "special services" to settle up.

And this was just the surface. Their black market schemes probably went deeper than I could imagine.

I tossed and turned all night, my thoughts too loud to let me sleep. But no matter how impossible this seemed, I wasn't giving up.

By dawn, I gave up on sleep altogether and decided to go for a run. They say exercise clears your mind, right?

But as I stepped outside, I spotted Jace.

There was a pile of cigarette butts on the ground near his car. His hair was a mess, and his hollow eyes told me he hadn't slept either.

Had he been here all night? Watching to make sure Wayne didn't show up? Or... was it something else?

"Breakfast?" His voice was hoarse, almost strained.

It wasn't about breakfast. He clearly had something to say.

"No thanks. Just get to the point," I replied, brushing him off.

The dim light in Jace's eyes flickered out completely. For a few seconds, he just stood there, silent, before finally speaking, his voice heavy. "Can you stop messing around?"

I didn't reply.

He took a step closer, his face tight with desperation. "I'm begging you. Please-just stop."

The answer was still no.

If this was only about getting back at the Johnstons, I might've found another way. But now that Wayne might be tied to the Drago family's crimes-and my only lead-I couldn't back down. "Jace," I said evenly, "we've already been over this. Who I'm with, what I do-it's my call. Not yours."

"Not Wayne," he said, his voice cracking. "Anyone but Wayne. I didn't say a word when you were with Hayden. But not him."

1/2

 

Chapter 659

"Why? Is it just about your bruised ego? Because I remember you once said my being with Wayne humiliated you."

He held my gaze. "Stay away from him. He's not who you think he is."

That hit somewhere deep, sending a ripple of uncase through me. Did Jace know something about Wayne I didn't?

"What's wrong with him?" I pushed.

Jace's jaw tightened, but he didn't answer.

His silence confirmed it. He knew. And whatever it was, he wasn't planning on telling me.

Fine. I wasn't going to push further.

"I'm an adult, Jace," I said. "I know what I'm doing. And you're my ex. From one boyfriend ago. Even if my parents were alive, they wouldn't have the right to control me."

His face hardened, the frustration in his eyes obvious.

"Oh, and by the way," I added, switching gears. "I ran into Tanya. She's working as a hostess now, at some bar. Not looking too great. If you're that bored, why not let her... take care of you...?" I trailed off, though, as something clicked in my mind.

Chapter 660

When Lena saw me, her eyes widened. "Did you mug someone last night or something?"

Even with makeup, my dark circles were glaringly obvious. I didn't bother pretending. "Just couldn't sleep."

Lena didn't pry further, probably assuming it was about Hayden again.

"Where's Nate? Why isn't he here?" I asked, steering the conversation. I'd invited Nate to discuss something about Yuna.

"What, missing him already?" Lena teased.

"Yep, been pining away for him forever," I shot back, grinning.

She poured me a glass of water and slid it across the table." He got called in to check out some case for a friend. Said he'd swing by after he's done."

I sipped the water. "So, how did meeting his parents go? All smooth?"

"Smooth enough. My parents love him-already pushing us to tie the knot as soon as possible."

Her tone was far from excited.

I'd known her long enough to catch it instantly.

"You don't sound too thrilled about that."

"It's not that I'm unhappy. It's just... everything feels rushed, like we don't even know each other that well yet," Lena said, shaking her head slightly. "Am I being too picky?" "Kind of," I admitted, not sugarcoating it. "You've liked him for so long."

"I have liked him," she said, sighing. "But we've barely even dated, and now it's all about marriage. And with him living abroad..."

She trailed off, her worry loud and clear-she wasn't ready for a long-distance marriage.

It was clear she felt stuck, unsure how to resolve the distance problem.

"One of you is going to have to sacrifice," I said bluntly. "Otherwise, it's either long-distance or separate lives."

Lena pouted but stayed quiet.

Being together isn't just about love.

Honestly, with my own life still a train wreck, I wasn't exactly equipped to play couples counselor. This was something Lena and Nate needed to figure out for themselves.

"Have you been losing sleep a lot lately? If it keeps happening, don't ignore it. Come to the hospital tomorrow, and I'll check you out," Lena said, steering the conversation back to me.

"No, it's just last night," I said, yawning mid-sentence. Drowsiness was creeping in, but I couldn't leave before Nate arrived.

"Why don't you head back?" Lena suggested, her tone concerned. "If it's important, you can call him tomorrow."

"I'm fine. I'll wait," I insisted, waving a waiter over to order a double shot of coffee.

By the time Nate finally showed up, the caffeine had worked its magic, and I was wide awake.

1/2

 

Chapter 660

"Sorry I'm late," Nate said, sliding into the seat..

"Rea's already caffeinated herself into alertness," Lena teased, though there was a hint of scolding in her voice.

Nate apologized again. I waved him off before signaling the waiter to bring out the food.

Over lunch, I brought up Yuna's health.

"I've looked through her checkup reports," Nate said. "She's doing great. If she avoids rejection for the next three years and stays this stable, she should be fine long-term."

His words eased some of my worry, but then I thought about Yuna's heart-Narelle's heart. And Wade. Yuna liked him, but Wade only cared about her because of that heart. The thought made my stomach twist. "Has she been feeling sick or acting differently?" Nate asked, catching the shift in my expression.

I avoided mentioning Wade and instead told him about Yuna's plans for college. Both Lena and Nate were very supportive, with Nate stressing that a normal routine would help Yuna adjust to her new life.

After the meal, they offered me a ride, but I turned them down. Nate's visits were rare, and I didn't want to cut into their time together.

Or so it seemed.

Instead of heading home, I made my way to the bar where Tanya worked.

I ordered a drink and settled into a seat, letting the music buzz around me.

It didn't take long for Tanya to notice me.

I noticed her too, right away. I could feel the dissatisfaction radiating off her at the sight of me.