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.

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

wanted to reach out, but she held back. It was like she wasn't sure

some ointment on that later," Matthew said, his

my mouth.

Lindey's voice was barely

He looked at me directly. "Rea, ask what you came

throat tight. "Is what Thorsten

been like a father for so long.

wreck

dreaded still came from his

hit like

him, my gaze shaky. Matthew held my eyes, steady.

world collapsed

to the hope that without Matthew's confession,

But now he'd confessed.