Chapter 459

Hayden didn't push the conversation further. He must've sensed that I was still upset.

When I finally saw Steve, he was in a prison jumpsuit, his once stylish hair shaved down to almost nothing. I'd never seen him like that before. It almost brought tears to my eyes.

Steve had clawed his way up to success, earning a spot in Jace's circle purely on his own. But now, everything he worked for could be destroyed.

"Steve," I called softly.

He looked up and smiled. "What are you doing here?"

That smile—same as always, like nothing could break him. No matter what, Steve always had a bright smile for me, like his world was all sunshine.

I couldn't speak for a moment, and he laughed. "What? Do I look so bad you don't even wanna talk to me?"

I shook my head. Jace said Steve had been in a bad place, but here he was, still smiling like nothing was wrong. But I knew better. He was putting on a show, hiding his pain for my sake.

"You'll always be handsome," I teased, playing along.

He let o