Chapter 499

“Who was at the door just now?” Lena asked, clearly trying to dodge any conversation that might bring me down.

“Tanya,” I said, tugging the curtains open to see rain starting to patter outside. “Last time, she wanted to talk ‘collaboration.’ Today, she was all chatty again. I ignored her.”

“Her kid’s set to be discharged in a month,” Lena said, meaning Tanya’s preemie. “The baby’s actually doing well, but she hasn’t visited even once.”

I thought back to the last time I saw that tiny baby. “All she cares about is money. If Jace got custody, she’d be clinging to him so fast it’d make your head spin.”

“What could she possibly want to ‘collaborate’ with you on?”

“No clue, but whatever it is, I’m not buying it. She’s just… drama on two legs. Best to keep my distance,” I said, not budging.

Lena stretched and got up. “You’re right. Less contact, the better. But let’s be real—if she’s set on getting to you, she’s not going to back off after one or two brush-offs.”

She laughed, heading to the bathroom. I picked up my phone and ordered breakfast.

After we ate, Lena headed out, and I made my way over to the Johnston residence. Both Jace and Wayne were there. The second Lindey spotted me, she was all over me, studying my face. “You look pale, sweetie. I bet you haven’t been resting or fully recovering.”

Her eyes got all misty. “Rea, why don’t you come stay with us for a while? At least until you’re healthy again. Wouldn’t that be better?”

Uh, no, it wouldn’t be better. Not even close.

Matthew must’ve caught my hesitation because he quickly jumped in. “Let Rea sit down first. Standing around like this must be exhausting.”

“Oh, I got so caught up worrying,” Lindey said, guiding me to the couch. Then she bustled off to the kitchen, probably to bring me some rice pudding.

Matthew gave me a long, thoughtful look. “You’ve lost weight. Is it just your health, or is there more to it?”

He knew me too well, but there was no way I’d tell him the truth. If I said it was health, they’d feel guilty; if I said it was about Hayden, they’d start jumping to conclusions.

I forced a small smile. “Just work stress. New project’s got me running in circles.”

“That’s no good. Jace, maybe you could talk to her boss?” Lindey suggested, setting the rice pudding in front of me.

Jace, ever ready to stir the pot, smirked. “Her real boss is the Hart family.”

The room fell quiet.

Finally, Matthew spoke up. “So… are you and Hayden having issues?”

Last time, I brushed it off, thinking Hayden and I could work things out. But now? That ship had sailed.

“We broke up,” I said.

Lindey’s eyes widened. “You really broke up?”

I nodded. Jace cut in, “Because of what happened in Houston?”

“Yes,” I replied firmly. I wanted him to know he was the reason Hayden and I were over—and that he shouldn’t get any ideas. I wasn’t giving him another chance.

“You didn’t try to explain?” Jace pressed.

“I did,” I said, letting the silence sink in before adding, “even begged him.”

My words hung heavy in the air, freezing everyone into silence. I knew they’d be shocked—that was the point. I wanted them to realize just how much Hayden meant to me, that he was it for me. No one else would ever compare.

Jace got up, signaling for me to follow him to the door. “Come on. There’s something I need to tell you.”

Chapter 500