Chapter 530

If Hayden hadn't said anything, I might have forgotten he was even there.

His face was unreadable, but his eyes? Dark and intense, like he was drilling straight into Matthew. He was talking about his dad. But Thorsten had already mentioned Hayden's father was involved—bribed, apparently. Hayden himself admitted it was all about the money on the way here.

So why was he bringing it up again? What was he really digging for?

My head started to pound, like a jackhammer revving up. I glanced at Matthew, who somehow looked perfectly calm. Lindey, on the other hand, was a bundle of nerves, fingers clutching Matthew's arm.

After a long, tense silence, Matthew finally replied, "Your father was bribed. That has nothing to do with me."

"Are you absolutely sure about that?" Hayden shot back, his voice ice-cold.

"Hayden," Lindey jumped in, defending Matthew. "He's already admitted what he did to Rea's parents. If he'd been involved with your dad, he wouldn't hide it now."

Hayden's jaw clenche