The words felt weirdly familiar—like something I'd just heard earlier today. Not straight from Ron, but him quoting the big boss.My eyes drifted to Hayden, and for a second, I wondered. But from what I knew about him, there was no way he had any connection to the mysterious CEO."Tough guy, huh?" The bald leader let out this cold, almost amused laugh. "Let's see what being tough costs you today."He cracked his neck, each pop sounding like a warning, before giving the command. "Smash it!"In seconds, his crew started wrecking the amusement park. But Hayden didn't move an inch. I knew why.He wasn't scared. He was calculating. These guys weren't just wrecking the park for fun—this was a direct hit on Jace's business. The stakes just got real.Right on cue, the amusement park's security team rushed in. They might not have cared about stepping in for Hayden, but when it came to protecting the park? That was their job.Even though the intruders were tough, they were outnumbered, an
"What's going on here?"Jace's voice sliced through the air, icy and commanding.Gone was the shameless guy who'd been messing with me back at OceanixCorp.People always said women could switch their attitudes in a snap, but guys? They were no different.The head of security, still looking freaked out from whatever went down earlier, rushed over and explained everything, his voice shaky.Jace's gaze locked onto Hayden. "So, all of this is because of Mr. Hart's personal grudge?"I could already tell Jace was gonna twist this to come after Hayden, and I had a bad feeling about it.But Hayden didn't even flinch. Jace's lips curled into this smug, mocking smile. "That right, Mr. Hart?""Yeah," Hayden said.Jace bent down, picking up a broken piece of debris from the ground. "So, how do you think we should handle this?""What do you want?" Hayden clearly saw through Jace's intentions.I stayed quiet. Saying anything now would only make things worse.If it weren't for me, Jace wo
Wayne, clearly in the loop, glanced at Hayden before saying, "Mr. Hart will handle this. His personal stuff won't mess with his work. Our security team also dropped the ball today, so we can't blame him entirely."Jace's face turned an alarming shade of purple, like he couldn't believe Wayne was backing Hayden and ignoring his authority."I'm in charge of the park now, so I'll deal with it," Wayne added, basically telling Jace to stay in his lane.Jace looked ready to explode. If anyone else had said that, they'd be fired on the spot. But it was Wayne—his brother—so he had to hold back."Fine," Jace spat through gritted teeth. "But if this happens again, both of you will pay for it."He stormed off.As soon as he was gone, I let out a long breath of relief.Wayne turned to Hayden. "You'll need to submit a report about what happened. I'll handle the park repairs, but you or your company will cover the costs."His tone was firm but fair, keeping personal feelings out of it.Hayd
Just because Tanya said she was waiting for me, did that mean I had to drop everything and go? Who did she think she was?I ignored the message, not giving it a second thought. Meanwhile, Jace kept staring at me, completely unaware of the notification that had flashed across the screen."Rea, are you seriously done with me?" Jace asked, his eyes bloodshot.I was so tired of this conversation. How many times did I have to say it? "What do I have to do to make you get it? Marry Hayden just to prove I'm serious?"I'd already kissed Hayden just to get Jace off my back, but he still refused to believe I meant it."Keira Kay! " he growled my name.That tone used to make me nervous. But now? I didn't feel a thing.It's weird how things shift when you stop caring about someone.I glanced down for a second before looking him straight in the eye. "Jace, it's really over. I don't know how else to say it. Even if every guy on this planet disappeared and you were the last one standing, I st
I went to see Lena, and luckily, she was home."What was with the late-night call? I was wiped after getting off the operating table and didn't call you back. Were you sick or something?" Lena asked, only just remembering the missed call as soon as she saw me.I kicked off my shoes and wandered across the carpet. "If I was really sick, I'd probably be dead by now."She wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "What's up? You mad?""Nah, I know you're busy. It was nothing, really," I said, deciding not to bring up Hayden being sick.Lena wasn't buying it. "You don't call me in the middle of the night for nothing.""It was about Hayden," I finally admitted. I didn't want her thinking it was something worse.She handed me half of the watermelon juice she'd just made. "He's a catch. If you don't lock him down, you'll regret it for life."My mind was still spinning from Jace. I took a sip of the juice. "Jace and I are officially done."Lena scoffed. "Weren't you two done forever ago?"
Was she actually planning to marry Jace?Why else would she ask something like that?But just two hours ago, Jace was still trying to get me back.Then Jace's words came flooding back: "Even if something happens to me—if I get hurt, or worse—still won't regret it?"Is this his twisted way of making me regret everything? If so, Jace has totally lost it. He's being so childish.I looked at Tanya, pretending to be confused. "Hmm?""I want to be with Jace, like... get married," she said, meeting my eyes.I gave her a small smile. "Is that so? Well, congrats.""But I'm worried his parents won't accept the baby," she added, her face full of hesitation and uncertainty.I tapped my fingers lightly on the table, staying quiet. This wasn't my problem, so I had no reason to chime in."Keira," Tanya said, her voice suddenly serious, "I know how much the Johnstons love you. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston treat you like their daughter, so..."She paused, then continued, "So, can you help me? I—"
Lindey liked women who were open and confident. As she always said, if someone looked meek and fragile, their heart and character probably weren't much bigger.Judging by appearance wasn't ideal, but Lindey had been around long enough to have her reasons for thinking that way."I can't help you," I said bluntly."Why not?" Tanya's voice had a hint of panic.I pressed my lips together for a second. "Lindey's strong-willed. You can't just change her mind that easily.""But she cares about you. She'd at least listen to you," Tanya said, her gaze dropping, trying to look pitiful. "You know my situation. Without Jace, I don't even know how I'll get through this."Desmond's death didn't make her this desperate, but now she couldn't imagine life without Jace?I almost wanted to laugh."If you know Lindey cares about me, then you should also realize she'll never accept you," I said, because in Lindey's eyes, I was her ideal daughter-in-law. If it wasn't me, no one else would ever be go
Social suicide, right on the spot!This was the second time. First, I walked in on Hayden fresh out of the shower, and now I'd just fantasized about him—out loud—right in front of him.I couldn't help but wonder if he did this on purpose. I'd been knocking forever, so why open the door now?The only way to save face? Act drunk, then pretend to black out. That way, I wouldn't be the one embarrassed—everyone else would be."Lena, look! He is home, huh?" I said, trying to sound casual, pointing right at Hayden like I hadn't just verbally undressed him.Lena's lips twitched. She was clearly suffering from secondhand embarrassment. "She's had a little too much to drink," she said."I'm not drunk," I chimed in, fully committing to the act.After all, a drunk person never admits they're drunk.Lena pinched my waist lightly. "Oh, right, of course. You only had one glass of wine. No way you're drunk, huh?"I was completely at a loss for words.Is this what betrayal feels like? My ride