Chapter 582

Hayden looked at me, his expression unreadable. Then he turned to Jace. "Take her away."

Those three words snapped me back to reality.

What was I doing? Was I really letting a few words from him mess with my head?

I loosened my grip, and Hayden glanced at me once before striding off without another word. Jace tugged my arm. "Come on, let's go."

Though my mind was still reeling, I realized the whole takedown of Hernan had been part of a plan—something Hayden and Jace had set up well in advance.

Apparently, I was the only one who hadn't been told.

"When did you set all this up?" I asked Jace.

He hesitated. "After I got back from Houston last time."

It was right after that trip that Hayden broke up with me.

So Hernan was telling the truth?

I didn't have time to fully process it, so I pressed Jace. "Why didn't any of you tell me?"

He looked conflicted, like he didn't want to answer.

I pieced it together myself. "This was Hayden's idea, wasn't it?"

"He didn't want to drag you i