Chapter 528

The lights in the Johnston main hall were blinding, making everything feel sharper, more intense.

Lindey didn't give me her usual warm welcome. Instead, her expression was all nerves.

Matthew just sat there, still as a statue.

I couldn't ignore how frail he looked now—thinner, with hair that had gone almost completely white. But as Hayden and I stepped in, he barely reacted, his face a blank slate.

Lindey got up, awkwardly. "Rea, Hayden... you're here."

"Lindey. Matthew," I greeted, same as always.

Matthew gestured for us to sit, and Isabel brought over tea.

"Are you hurt?" Matthew asked, breaking the silence.

I wanted to shrug it off, but my wrist burned—a painful reminder of hours spent tied up, bruises still fresh and sore.

Lindey noticed. Her hand twitched like she wanted to reach out, but she held back. It was like she wasn't sure if she could still show that kind of care.

"Let Lindey put some ointment on that later," Matthew said, his voice calm.

A bitter taste filled