Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 528

+25 BONUS

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.

it off, but my wrist burned-a painful reminder of hours spent tied up, bruises still fresh and

noticed. Her hand twitched like she wanted to reach out, but she held back. It was like she wasn't sure if she

on that later," Matthew said, his voice

taste filled my

was

Matthew raised his hand, stopping her. He looked at me directly. "Rea, ask what you

swallowed, my throat tight. "Is what Thorsten told

looked at him-the man who'd been like a father for so

wreck everything

dreaded still came

hit like

him, my gaze shaky. Matthew held my eyes, steady. "Your parents' deaths... I

world collapsed right

it all out, I'd clung to the hope

But now he'd confessed.