Ch. 91..100

Chapter 91 Chapter 91 now Yeah, Jace was definitely jealous just now.

What a jerk. On one hand, he was fooling around with Tanya, and on the other, he wouldn't let go of me. He seriously thought he could have it all.

I stayed in the restroom for a few minutes, trying to pull myself together, but when I finally stepped out, I overheard Tanya's voice.

She sounded pitiful, almost like she was about to cry. "Jace, you still love Keira, don't you?"

"She's my fiancée," Jace replied, just confirming what I already suspected-he still had feelings for me.

"But she's already broken up with you," Tanya's voice was soft.

I had to hand it to her-she really knew how to play the helpless card in front of a guy. Even her voice was perfectly tuned to get sympathy.

That's just something she said out of anger. I didn't agree to the breakup. Besides, she can't live without me. She's just mad right now; once she cools down, she'll come back," Jace's words caught me off guard.

So, he thought the breakup was just me throwing a tantrum? That I couldn't live without him?

But then why was he saying all this in front of Tanya? Did he really have nothing going on with her?

"You guys are all the same-don't appreciate what you've got until it's gone, and then you refuse to let go," Tanya's words had a bite to them.

Jace didn't say anything, but Tanya kept going. "If Keira's the one you really want, then why do you treat me so well? Why make her misunderstand?"

My heart skipped a beat. This was the question I'd been dying to ask, too.

If I had heard this before today, I'd be convinced there was something between them.

But if that were true, would Jace really be so upfront about his feelings for me with Tanya right there? Jace stayed silent, and my confusion only deepened. I took a cautious step closer, straining to hear more. They were standing in the hallway, Just across from a large mirror. Through the reflection, I could see both Jace and Tanya Jace was staring down at his feet, his expression dark and brooding.

"Jace, if you love Keira, then why did you get close to me? Why did you kiss me?" Tanya's voice broke the silence, and my whole body went rigid.

They had been that close?

It felt like something had taken a bite out of my heart, and I could almost hear a string snapping inside me.

Jace, answer mel" Tanya's voice grew more desperate as she grabbed the front of his shirt.

"If you hadn't kissed me, Desmond wouldn't have seent, and..." Her voice trailed off, and then suddenly, she went silent. I watched as her body went limp, and Jace caught her in his arms. Chapter 91 +25 BONU "Tanya, Tanya," Jace called her name in a panic, lifting her up and rushing out.

I didn't move, frozen as I watched through the mirror while Jace hurriedly carried Tanya away.

Tanya had said that Jace kissed her, and that Desmond saw it. This meant whatever had happened between them wasn't new-it had been going on for a while.

Chapter 92 I spent the whole evening at this little dive bar, from three in the afternoon until nine, just sipping away. I didn't go overboard, but I drank for hours, enough to feel that numb buzz where everything else faded away.

The bar's owner, Mr. Seth, knew me well enough by now. I didn't have to worry about getting too wasted, even if I was on my own.

"When are you heading out? Is someone picking you up?" Mr. Seth asked. I never knew his first name- everyone just called him Mr. Seth.

He looked like he was in his fifties. If my dad were still around, he'd probably be about the same age.

"I guess I should get going." I said, though honestly, the last thing I wanted was to leave.

But I had work tomorrow. I needed to get home and at least pretend to sleep. Tonight's drinking was my way of saying a final goodbye to whatever I had left for Jace.

I tried to steady myself as I stood up, but Mr. Seth stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "I'm not letting you leave like this. I'll have someone take you home."

Mr. Seth was always looking out for people. He'd been running this cozy little bar tucked away in an alley for years, and it was always packed.

That's because the folks who came here were regulars, people who knew they could count on Mr. Seth.

I started coming here back in college days, the first time being when I saw Jace dancing with some girl who was all over him. Jealous and heartbroken, I ran to this bar and drank until I passed out. When I woke up, it was nearly dawn, and I was the only one left in the place.

I freaked out, but Mr. Seth just made me a plate of pasta and told me if I ever needed to drink again, I should come to his bar. He warned me to steer clear of other places where things could get sketchy if I wasn't careful.

Since then, whenever I was down, I'd come here. He never stopped me from drinking, letting me do my thing, but he always made sure I was safe, no matter how much I drank.

I also knew he once had a daughter who, after a bad breakup, drank too much and got assaulted. She never recovered and eventually took her own life. Mr. Seth opened this bar to give heartbroken girls a safe place to drink, where he could keep an eye on them. "Okay," I agreed, not wanting to stress him out.

"Wait here, don't leave on your own," Mr. Seth said as he turned to make some calls.

"Mr. Seth," a familiar voice called out just then.

I looked up to see Wayne walking toward me.

I smiled. "Mr. Seth, looks like I won't need that ride after all."

Wayne knew this place too. We'd run into each other here a few times before.

Tonight seemed like just another one of those 'coincidences."

Chapter 92 But I knew better-there were no real coincidences, just stuff that was bound to happen. I knew that.

"Settle up the tab," I said, tugging at Mr. Seth's sleeve.

"No need, next time," Mr. Seth waved me off.

I didn't argue. If not this time, I'd just pay double next visit.

But Wayne pulled out his phone and scanned the payment code without even asking the amount. He just sent over a couple hundred right away.

Mr. Seth looked like he was about to protest, but Wayne spoke first. "Whatever's extra, keep it to cover her next visit."

Another visit?

Did he think I was some kind of regular drunk?

Still, it was easier if he thought I was hammered.

Wayne came over, sliding an arm around me, and led me out of the bar. The cool night air hit me as we stepped outside, clearing my head a little.

"Want to grab a car, or take the bike?" Wayne asked.

I hesitated, caught in a foggy memory.

Back when Wayne was always around, I didn't even have a driver's license. I used to ride my bike everywhere, and whenever I drank here, Wayne would come to pick me up on his bike.

Chapter 93 It felt like forever since I last rode a bike.

"Bike," I mumbled, pointing at one nearby.

Now, we could rent them with just a scan of your phone, so Wayne pulled out his and scanned one.

I reached for my phone to scan another, but he stopped me. "You've been drinking-you shouldn't be riding."

"They seriously check for drunk driving on bikes now?" asked, tilting my head.

"Yeah, they do. And besides..." Wayne gently grabbed my arm. It was so different from Jace, who always gripped hard enough to leave marks. "It's dangerous to ride after drinking." Gentle and kind-tho words might as well have been made for Wayne.

I smiled. "Isn't that why you're here?"

"If you want to ride, we can do it some other time. But not tonight. I'll take you," Wayne said, guiding me to the bike he'd just rented.

Wayne got on the bike and pulled me onto the back seat. "Hold on tight, okay?"

I clutched his shirt around his waist. "Got it."

The night breeze brushed against us as we rode. The memory of a boy on a bike-this was something Wayne had given me. Jace? He was never into bikes. Motorcycles were more his thing. They were brothers, but you couldn't find tw people more different. One was the epitome of a gentleman, while the other was all wild and reckless.

"Rough day?" Wayne asked, breaking the silence.

"No, it's been fine," I replied, trying to sound casual.

"Still not over Jace, are you?" Wayne pressed gently.

I huffed and gave him a playful punch on the shoulder. Who says I haven't moved on? I'm so over him. After tonight, he and I are done. He's him, and I'm me."

Wayne didn't push it, just kept pedaling forward. After a while, I said, "Take me to Holiday Inn. I've got work tomorrow."

"Rea," Wayne suddenly said.

I was about to respond when he asked, "Why is it that in your eyes, there's only Jace? Why, between him and me, is it always him?"

My grip on his shirt tightened, and my heart skipped a beat.

I wasn't oblivious; I'd noticed his feelings a long time ago. But I hadn't wanted to admit it.

So it isn't just that he sees me as a little sister,' I thought.

"Because he's my fiancé. Everyone always told me he was the one," I replied.

1/2 Chapter 93 "But now that you're no longer with him.... what about me? Wayne hesitated before continuing, "Do I have a chance?"

My heart started racing! It took me a moment to respond. "I've always seen you as a brother."

Wayne didn't say anything. just silently biked all the way to the hotel. When I got off, the alcohol must have hit me harder because I almost stumbled. Wayne caught me immediately, parking the bike in one smooth move. "I'll walk you up," he offered.

"No, it's fine," I tried to pull away.

But Wayne held on, his grip firm. "Rea, I don't want to just be your brother. I want to take care of you, for the rest of my life."

I stood there, feeling a lump form in my throat.

"If you were still with Jace, I never would've said this. But now that you're not, I want to take my shot," Wayne's voice was deep, thick with emotion, like it carried all the weight of the night.

It was so heavy, I felt like I couldn't even breathe, like my throat was glued shut.

I dug my nails into my palm, forcing myself to speak. "I've only ever seen you as a brother, from the beginning to the end."

Wayne's eyes dimmed with disappointment, his voice cracking with pain. "But could you try, just once, to not see me as your brother?"

"Ms. Kay, burning the midnight oil again? Don't you have work tomorrow?" Hayden's voice suddenly broke the tension like a slap.

He walked over, looking casual in deep gray loungewear and hotel slippers, but his steps were steady, confident.

As I stood there, frozen in the moment, I felt a sharp tug on my wrist. Hayden had grabbed me, and Wayne's grip on my other hand tightened.

Chapter 94 This was a situation I definitely hadn't seen coming, and suddenly, everything snapped into focus.

It was, honestly, super awkward-being stuck between two guys like this.

I knew I had to do something to break the tension, and one thing was crystal clear: there was no way I was starting anything with Wayne.

If I had to choose between them, it was gonna be Hayden I'd almost married Jace; no way could I get involved with his brother after that breakup.

"Wayne, I'm tired," I said softly.

Wayne held onto my hand for a moment longer before finally letting go.

Hayden took my hand and started walking, and I didn't look back, but I could feel Wayne's eyes on me the whole time.

Whether it was the alcohol or my jumbled thoughts, I wasn't sure, but I ended up tripping on the hotel stairs. The next thing I knew, I was in the air as Hayden scooped me into his arms. "Put me down," I demanded, grabbing onto his shirt.

"If you want him to back off, just stay quiet and don't fight it," Hayden muttered.

Wayne's words replayed in my mind, and I decided to stay still, letting Hayden carry me. I could get caught up with any guy, but not Wayne.

Wayne was like a brother to me-a real brother, no romantic feelings at all. That connection was too important to mess up.

He was the kind of guy who kept things to himself, never wearing his heart on his sleeve. But if he thought. I was into someone else besides Jace, he'd probably distance himself. So, I let Hayden carry me all the way into the hotel lobby. But even when we got to my room, he didn't set me down.

Understanding Wayne's feelings made me realize something else too: Hayden had feelings for me.

Since I'd pretty much shut down Wayne's hopes today, was time to deal with Hayden's.

When Hayden finally put me down, I didn't let go of his shirt. I held onto it, looking up at him with a boldness I didn't usually have.

"Hayden, you're really good-looking." I said, my voice just as bold.

"Mm," he replied, letting me stare at him without flinching.

They said alcohol would give you guts. I reached up and traced the bridge of his strong nose. "Bet a lot of girls are into you, huh?"

"Mm," he responded again. Wow, this guy was seriously confident.

I smiled, letting my fingers trail to the corner of his eye. "Demi likes you too, you know,"

1/2 :

Chapter 94 I wasn't betraying Demi; her feelings were written all over her face. Hayden wasn't blind-he had to have noticed, even without me spelling it out.

"And what about you? Do you like me?" This time, Hayden didn't just "mm" me. He went straight for it, asking me directly.

I hesitated for a second, then shook my head. "No, I don't."

His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't push.

Still, I felt like explaining. "I'm not into guys who attract other girls. I don't like competing. I want someone who's just mine, even if he's not as handsome as you.

"Okay," he said.

I raised an eyebrow, smiling. "And what does 'okay' mean?"

He looked totally chill. "It means I get it."

His response threw me off a bit. I wasn't sure how to take it, and I wasn't about to overthink it. I let my hand slide down the sharp angles of his face and onto his shoulder. "Hayden, don't try to seduce me, and don't be too nice to me..." As I spoke, I started to pull my hand back and step away.

But Hayden caught me by the waist. "Liking you and pursuing you? That's my call. Not responding? That's yours. Just do your thing, but don't tell me what to do." Wait, what?

Now I was the one feeling a little disoriented.

He liked me, but didn't want me getting in the way?

"So, you're saying you're gonna keep hitting on me? Flirting with me?" I asked, not holding back.

Chapter 95 "Mm."

I was about to say something when he added softly. "I can't help it. I can't stop myself from wanting to be close to you, to take care of you, and yeah... even flirt with you."

He had a point. If love was something you could control, even gods wouldn't stand a chance against it.

For a moment, I didn't know what to say, but Hayden let go of me.

"Make sure you drink plenty of water when you get inside. And if you need anything, just call me," he said.

He pointed at my bag. "Your keycard-I'll get the door for you."

"No need," I said, snapping out of my thoughts and stepping back to put some distance between us. "I've got it."

I quickly fumbled for the keycard, swiped it, and slipped inside. Leaning against the door, I stood there for I a bit, trying to pull myself together.

the time Demi got back, I was already in bed. She moved around quietly, probably trying not to wake 1. me.

I kept my eyes shut because I wasn't in the mood to talk. I could hear her muttering under her breath," Wasn't she sleeping just fine? Guess I didn't need to come after all."

So, Hayden had called Demi to check on me.

My fingers curled into fists beneath the blanket.

Hayden Hart....

How did I even get mixed up with that guy?

I didn't have an answer, and eventually, I drifted back to sleep. But it wasn't peaceful. My dreams were a jumbled mess, full of uneasy images. I even dreamt about my parents, reliving the car accident that took them away.

I never saw the crash site with my own eyes, but I'd snuck a peek at the case files when I was at the police station. Those images were seared into my brain, turning into nightmares that haunted me When I first moved in with the Johnstons, those nightmares came almost every night, but they'd faded over the years.

Tonight, though, they were back.

I woke up while it was still dark, my phone showing 5:00 AM.

Lately, I've been waking up at this hour no matter how late I crash.

Even after all the alcohol last night, my head wasn't throbbing, and I felt strangely clear-headed.

1 noticed a few missed calls and messages on my phone, all silenced. Lena had called twice, and there was one from Lindey too.

Chapter 95 I couldn't figure out why Lindey would be calling, but I had a gut feeling it had something to do with Jace.

I'd already told Jace everything I needed to, and Lindey hadn't reached out in ages. Was this about Wayne?

Mulling it over, I decided to hit up Lena first. It was too early for a call, so I jumped on the chat app and spotted a bunch of messages from her.

[Why aren't you answering? Are you okay?] [Did Hayden abduct you?] [Call or message me back, or I'm calling the cops.] [Did something happen at Mr. Seth's bar?] Clearly, Lena had tracked me down at Mr. Seth's when she couldn't get ahold of me. If she hadn't, she probably would've been banging on my hotel door.

I shot back a sticker and typed: [I'm fine, just needed to unwind with a little drink] Almost instantly, my phone buzzed. Lena was calling.

She must've been on the night shift again; otherwise, she wouldn't have replied so fast.

Not wanting to wake Demi, I stepped out onto the balcony to take the call. Glancing down, I spotted Hayden jogging below.

This time, I turned away, focusing on Lena.

When I mentioned Hayden's reaction to her earlier message, Lena burst out laughing. "Rea, I think Hayden's worth considering. Why not give him a chance?"

"I shut him down last night. Not interested," I said flatly, "Alright, you're clearly still licking your wounds and not ready for love," Lena sighed.

After we hung up, I jumped in the shower. Emerging refreshed, my phone buzzed again-this time, it was Lindey.

I hesitated for a sec before answering. "Hey, Lindey."

Chapter 96 As expected, Lindey was calling to ask me to come back to the Johnston residence for dinner.

I knew the dinner invite was just a cover-she definitely had something else on her mind.

"I already had your gnocchi, but coming home right now isn't really an option," I said, trying to sound apologetic. "I'm working day and night to meet the deadline at the amusement park. I'll come home once I get a break." Lindey sighed dramatically. "Ugh, Jace is really something. Why's he pushing you so hard? It's not like the world's ending tomorrow. I'll give him a piece of my mind later."

"It's not his fault, Lindey. This schedule was set ages ago," I explained.

Business was business-Jace has never let our personal issues mess with work.

"Alright, alright, work's important," she said, though I could hear the disappointment in her voice before she hung up.

But what can I do? I really am drowning in work. And even if I weren't, I can't just drop by the Johnston residence whenever I feel like it anymore.

Maybe once her disappointment built up, she'd start to accept it.

Everyone would drift apart eventually-first my parents, then Jace, and now the Johnstons.

While Demi and I were having breakfast, Hayden was nowhere to be found.

"Hey, didn't Mr. Hart say he'd come with us to the amusement park? Where'd he run off to?" Demi grumbled.

I kept quiet, but Demi nudged me with her shoulder. "Keira, Mr. Hart really cares about you, you know. Last night, he specifically told me to come back and look after you since you'd been drinking. Did you drink with him?" "No!" I snapped.

"Then how did he know you were drinking?" Demi, full of curiosity, kept pressing.

""He saw me."

"Oh, I see," Demi said, staring at me like she was trying to figure something out.

"There's nothing going on between Mr. Hart and me, so you don't need to speculate," I cut to the chase, shutting down the question she was too embarrassed to ask.

Demi laughed. "It's fine if there was' something between you two! I do think Mr. Hart is handsome, but it's just admiration, like how I feel about celebrities."

She was surprisingly clear-headed.

"Then let's j just admire him together," I said, wrapping up the conversation. We finished our breakfast quickly and headed to the amusement park.

When we got there, Hayden was already hard at work.

Chapter 96 Demi greeted him, "Mr. Hart, you're here so early! Why didn't you wait to come with us?"

"It was more convenient this way," Hayden replied, making Demi stick out her tongue playfully.

We threw ourselves into the work, and the progress was fast.

Before we knew it, noon snuck up on us. Just as Demi was about to order food, a sleek luxury car rolled up, catching my eye immediately.

It was Lindey's.

She must really need to talk if she came all the way here, especially since I wasn't about to go to her place.

"You guys go ahead and order," I told Demi before heading over to Lindey.

She stepped out, and her chauffeur popped the trunk, revealing a bunch of food containers.

"Rea, I brought lunch for everyone," Lindey said, totally catching me off guard.

"You didn't have to go through all this trouble. It's way too much," I said, feeling a bit embard.

"You all eat takeout every day-it's neither tasty nor nutritious. Go on, call them over to grab the food," Lindey said, her eyes flicking toward Hayden and the others nearby. Hayden was still busy working, and Demi was about to hit 'order' on her phone.

I wasn't sure if I was imagining it, but it felt like Lindey was checking out Hayden.

"Demi, Mrs. Johnston brought us lunch. No need for takeout," I called out to Demi.

She looked surprised for a second, then sprinted over with a huge grin, practically bowing. "Thank you, Mrs. Johnston! This is amazing-getting to eat food made by our CEO's mom!" This girl always knew how to crack me up.

Lindey chuckled too. "If you like it, I'll bring you food every day."

"No, no, that's not necessary," Demi said quickly. "Just the occasional treat is more than enough."

Lindey started walking toward Hayden, and I trailed after her. She glanced around, "So, this is what's been keeping you all so busy lately."

Chapter 97 Chapter 97 "Yeah, we're having some issues with the lighting." I explained as Lindey made her way over to the scaffolding where Hayden was working.

"This technician isn't even wearing a safety harness. That's incredibly dangerous-safety should always come first," Lindey said, slipping effortlessly into her role as RiverwaveCorp chairman's wife. Actually, Hayden had been wearing a harness earlier, but he took it off when he came down. He only climbed back up for a quick fix, which was why he wasn't strapped in.

"Noted. We'll definitely keep that in mind," I replied, then called out to Hayden, "What are you doing up there without a harness? Get down now."

Surprisingly, Hayden didn't argue. He climbed down right away. "My bad. I'll be more careful from now on. Won't happen again," he admitted.

The way he said it, like a kid owning up to a mistake. It made me feel like I'd been too harsh, like I was picking on him.

Lindey turned to him and said, "Safety isn't just a rule-it's to protect yourself. You have a responsibility to take care of yourself. Only when you value yourself can you truly care for others, right?"

Lindey might not be running the show at the company anymore, but as the chairman's wife, she still got plenty of wisdom and life lessons to dish out.

But for some reason, her words didn't sit right with me.

"Yes, Mrs. Johnston," Hayden said, his tone all polite and proper.

"You all worked hard this morning, so I brought lunch. Go ahead and eat," Lindey's voice softened, taking on this nurturing, almost motherly vibe.

Hayden thanked her, then headed off to grab some food.

As he walked away, Lindey watched him, then said, "He seems like a strong, capable young man."

I caught the subtle shade in her words-she was basically dismissing Hayden as nothing more than a "blue-collar worker". Last night, Jace had looked down on Hayden with every word, and now it was Lindey's turn to do the same..

It hit me why Lindey showed up today. She must've heard something from Jace and decided to check out Hayden for herself.

"He's the lighting engineer," I said, trying to correct her view. "He's in charge of the entire lighting setup for this project."

But Lindey, who was used to mingling with people way higher up the social ladder, just gave me this faint, almost dismissive smile.

"You must be hungry. Let's go to the office and eat while we chat," Lindey suggested, her tone all gentle and warm "Alright," I replied, not wanting to turn her down.

Chapter 97 .

By the time we got to the office, the chauffeur had already laid out the food. The dishes looked incredible, and, no surprise, they were all my favorites.

I was pretty sure this wasn't the same food Demi and the others were eating.

"Thanks," I said, trying to sound grateful and happy.

"If you'd just come home, I wouldn't have had to go through all this trouble," Lindey said, motioning for me to sit down. "Hurry and eat before it gets cold."

I didn't need to be told twice and dug in.

*Slow down," Lindey chuckled, noticing how fast I was scarfing down the food.

"It's just so good," I said, matching her light tone perfectly.

I wasn't lying-after so many years with the Johnstons, I'd gotten used to this kind of thing.

Everyone was happy when I went along with it, so why not?

"Rea, is it really over between you and Jace?" Lindey finally asked, her voice dipping into more serious territory.

I paused, mid-bite, and nodded.

Lindey sighed. "Then it's his loss, and ours too-Matthew and I."

"It's really my loss," I admitted, a wave of sadness washing over me.

Over the years, I'd come to feel their genuine care. I wasn't particularly attached to Jace, but leaving the people who'd been so kind to me? That was a lot harder.

"Well, there's no use forcing things. If your mind is made up, I won't push," Lindey said, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

I'd been afraid she'd try to pressure me into something didn't want.

As I sipped my cream soup, Lindey added, "Even though you and Jace aren't going to be together, I still hope you'll find someone good."

I tightened my grip on the spoon, Wayne's words from last night flashing through my mind, sending a chill down my spine.

Was she about to suggest Wayne?

"I'm not looking for anyone right now," I said quickly, cutting off whatever she was about to say.

Chapter 98 Lindey was taken aback, but then she softened into a warm, knowing smile.

"What are you saying? You can't just swear off men because of Jace. Yeah, there are some duds out. there, but trust me, there's still plenty of good fish in the sea," Lindey said with her usual humor, still cracking jokes like she was half her age. Even in her fifties, she was as trendy and upbeat as ever.

I couldn't help but smile too. "There are good men, but I'm just not in the At least, not yet. I need some time."

right mindst for that right now I said it to gently steer her away from whatever else she might be planning to suggest. Some things were better left unsaid-crossing that line could make things awkward real quick.

"Fair enough," she replied, letting me breathe a little easier.

But then, she hit me with a curveball. "Just don't wait too long. Rea. Finding a good boyfriend is like anything else-the best ones get snapped up fast."

I laughed, and so did Lindey.

"You're so beautiful, seriously. Anyone who ends up with you is insanely lucky-like they must've earned some major karma in a past life," she said, making my heart race a little faster with anxiety.

But I wasn't about to let her get to me. "You said it-I'm too good to settle for just anyone. Only the best guy deserves me, and until he shows up, I'm perfectly fine waiting."

"Exactly," Lindey nodded in approval. "Never settle. And definitely don't... don't let a little heartbreak push you into just picking someone to fill the void."

Her words were a not-so-subtle reference to Hayden.

I responded just as directly, "I don't do things on a whim. If I choose someone, it's because he's the best in my eyes."

I needed Lindey to know that my choices are always thought through, even the one to walk away from Jace.

Lindey studied my face, but stayed quiet.

She'd known me for a decade; she'd practically watched me grow up. She understood how I tick.

"That's good," Lindey finally said, ending the conversation.

I kept eating in silence. Just as I was about to finish, Lindey suddenly asked, "Did you visit your parents' hometown a few days ago?"

I looked up at her.

"Jace told me," Lindey explained. "He's still worried about you."

She smiled softly after saying that. "Even if you two aren't meant to be together, you did grow up together. We've all been family for a long time."

Chapter 99 #25 BONUS "Mm," I murmured quietly.

"What made you decide to go back to your parents' hometown? I remember them saying they sold the house when they moved to Seavora, and that there weren't any relatives left there," Lindey asked, her voice cautious.

I paused for a few seconds, letting the silence hang in the air before I finally answered, "My dad always talked about that place when he was alive. He wanted to take me back there someday. I went to fulfill wish and to see where I was born." I didn't hold anything back from Lindey.

It was the truth, and there was nothing to hide.

"And did you find anything while you were there?" Lindey asked.

For some reason, the first thing that flashed through my mind was Hayden, followed by the courtyard and Macy.

"Everything's changed," I said.

I didn't want to dive into the details-those were mine, and they had nothing to do with Lindey.

"It's true, twenty-something years is a long time, Lindey sighed.

My parents brought me to Seavora when I was so little that I barely remembered anything about Chiverton. It really had been a long time.

"If you go anywhere in the future, just let us know. We were really worried about you," Lindey added with a note of concern, "I'm sorry, Lindey. That was my fault," I apologized.

"Silly girl, it's not your fault. It's..." She trailed off, but I got the message.

Lindey stayed with me until I finished eating. When I told her I needed to get back to work, she finally left, but not before reminding me, like a hundred times, to come home once I was done. She also made sure to say that the Johnston residence would always be my home.

Chapter 99 I agreed to Lindey's request for now, saw her off, and then headed back to work.

But when I got there, only Demi was around. Hayden was nowhere in sight. "Where's Mr. Hart?"

"Mr Lawson called him over," Demi replied, her eyes locking onto mine. "Keira, your future mother-in-law came to talk on Jace's behalf. You-"

I'm done with Jace. It doesn't matter who tries to interfere; it won't change anything. Don't overthink it," I cut in making sure she got my point-again Demi sighed "The Johnston family is great in every way, except for Jace She wasn't wrong. The Johnstons were impressive, but I wasn't marrying the family-I was supposed to marry Jace. If he wasn't right for me, then nothing else mattered.

Demi and I waited for Hayden, but after half an hour of nothing, I decided to call him. His phone was just sitting in the nearby break area "Mr. Hart definitely doesn't have a girlfriend. Look, he doesn't even keep his phone on him. If he had a girlfriend, he'd be glued to that thing." Demi said, with that know-it-all vibe that only came from experience. But I wasn't in the mood for that conversation. I checked the time and got up. "I'm going to find out what's going on with Mr. Lawson."

As I reached the door, I heard Hayden's voice from inside. "I can guarantee that if you pull me off this project, it'll take at least two extra weeks to finish the lighting adjustments, maybe longer."

I froze. Were they seriously planning to pull Hayden off the project?

What the hell was going on?

Just as I was about to push the door open, Gavin's voice cut through. "Mr. Johnston has made it clear I that this issue will be our responsibility, not yours."

Suddenly, everything clicked. I shoved the door open. "I don't agree."

Gavin's face flashed with awkwardness as he scrambled to explain. "Ms. Kay, this is Mr. Johnston's decision"

"I don't care. I'm in charge of this amusement park project now, and I don't agree with switching out the team. His decision doesn't change that," I shot back, standing my ground Gavin looked uncomfortable, but I knew he was just the messenger.

So I said. "Gavin, go back and tell Mr. Johnston that this is my stance. If he wants to replace someone, he'll have to replace me as well "

"Ms Kay-"

"Mr. Hart, let's get back to work!" I cut him off, not giving Gavin a chance to argue, and called out to Hayden Hayden hesitated for a second, so I walked over, grabbed his arm, and started marching him out the door. Chapter 99 But just as we reached the exit, we ran right into Jace. His gaze zeroed in on my hand, still holding Hayden's.

First, he sent Lindey to feel things out, and now he was trying to pull Hayden from the project? How had! not seen how low Jace could be?

I could clearly see the anger in his eyes, followed by that cold, mocking tone. "Ms. Kay, do you really think I wouldn't firé you both?"

"Then do it!" I snapped back, not backing down.

Jace's face reddened with rage.

Hayden stepped in, "If you're going to replace me, I'd like to know on what grounds?"

"For disobeying orders, taking unauthorized breaks, and delaying the project timeline-that's the justification," Jace shot back, sharp and biting.

"I already told you, I approved his break," I quickly defended Hayden.

Jace glared at me. "You think your approval absolves him of responsibility?"

Sensing the tension spiraling out of control, Eugene hurried over, trying to smooth things over. "Mr. Johnston, it's true Hayden shouldn't have taken that break, but it won't happen again." "Why shouldn't it? Taking breaks is my right," Hayden refused to back down.

"Even if he doesn't take a break, I'll need one. And if I'm resting, he won't be able to get anything done anyway." I added, not budging an inch.

Jace's face darkened as his eyes dropped to my hand, still holding Hayden's. "Come here. We need to talk, "he said to me

Hello 100 Hello 100 Chapter 100 He was pissed, like he was ready to rip me apart, but I wasn't about to back down. I had a few things to say too. I let go of Hayden's hand, but before I could take a step, Hayden squeezed it tighter.

I looked at him, and he stared right back, his eyes holding that same look he had back in Chiverton when Molly tried to make me fall. It was the look of someone who wasn't gonna let anything happen to me.

But I didn't need saving. Not right now. I gently pulled my hand free and said. "Jace isn't gonna do anything to me."

Hayden didn't stop me this time. I followed Jace as he stomped off, practically shaking with anger. Gavin tried to follow, but Jace threw a glare over his shoulder. "This isn't your business."

Gavin froze, shooting me a worried look.

Jace kept walking, not even bothering to see if I was behind him. I had no clue where he was taking me, so I called out, "Whatever you've got to say, just say it here."

He didn't stop, but I did. "Let's talk here. I've got stuff to do, and you're already wasting my time."

Finally, he turned around, his eyes ice cold.

I started to walk toward him, but before I could get close, he grabbed my arm and yanked me, slamming me into the nearest wall, Everything spun, and suddenly, his face-the one I used to be so crazy about- was inches from mine, his breath icy against my skin. "You've got some nerve," he sneered, his nose almost touching mine. "Trying to use yourself to threaten me?"

My back ached from the impact, but I didn't flinch.

Jace had always been quick to blow up, and for years, I'd tiptoed around him, scared of setting him off But now, all I felt was disgust.

I stared right back at him, not even a little scared. "I'm just trying to stop you from screwing up this project with your tantrum."

Jace didn't say anything right away. He just stared at me, like he was trying to figure out if I was for real. So, you're really with that lighting guy?"

"No," I answered honestly He let out a bitter laugh. "You've been defending him, holding his hand, and you think I'm gonna buy that there's nothing going on? Do I look stupid?"

I almost laughed at how ridiculous he sounded. "If holding hands means we're involved, what would you call kissing?"

Jace's eyes widened in chock, nearly bulging out of his head. "You kissed him? Did you...?" He didn't finish, but I knew exactly what he was implying-if I'd slept with Hayden.

He didn't finish the sentence, but I knew what he was implying-whether I'd slept with Hayden "Jace, I was talking about you and Tanya," I shot back, loying it all out there.

#25 BONUS Chapter 100 His grip on my arm faltered. "Wh-What are you talking about?"

"Yesterday, at the restaurant. I heard you. Am I making that up?" I kept my voice steady. "I never thought you could be such a jerk-hooking up with your friend's wife while he was still alive." "I'd never go after my friend's girl," Steve had said once, I'd thought he was just parroting Jace at the time, but now it seemed like he was trying to warn me.

"It's not what you think," Jace stammered, his anger melting into panic.

I didn't say anything. The fact that they'd kissed was all needed to know. What else mattered?

"I-I was drunk... I-I..." His words tangled up, like he couldn't figure out how to talk his way out of this one.