Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 620

"Rea, you're back?" Wayne's voice carried a mix of surprise and excitement as his eyes met mine.

"Yeah, just got back today." I replied, putting extra weight on today."

Lena didn't miss a beat. "Just got back and already bumped into you? What are the odds?" Her tone was all innocent charm, but the undertone was sharp enough to slice through Wayne's polished demeanor. He gave a quick nod toward the upper level. "Some high school friends organized a get-together here a few days ago.

Before I could respond, someone called out to him. "Wayne, we're heading out!"

He waved toward the group but lingered, glancing back at our table. "Do you two need anything else?" His tone was casual, but the offer was clear-he was ready to cover the bill.

Lena beat me to it, flashing a polite smile. "Already paid through my phone. Thanks, though,

Wayne's focus shifted back to me. "Rea, after you've had time to settle, come over for dinner. My parents have been asking about you."

"Let me treat you to dinner instead," I said, pausing just long enough to add, "And thanks for handling things in Houston."

I watched his face carefully, searching for even the smallest crack in his composure. But his expression stayed smooth. "Alright," he said simply.

With a nod to Lena, he turned and walked off. Through the glass, I tracked him as he climbed into his car and drove away.

non

snapping my attention back. "What's

soup, swirling my spoon in the broth. "I think Wayne's

Her jaw dropped. "What?"

do might sound insane, but

everything I'd

You're not seriously thinking about getting close to Wayne to dig

My

"I can't let

Hayden was k

the one pulling the strings- the person who wanted

life for this," Lena said. Then she hesitated. "And... what about Jace? He's your ex. If you

She reached over and gripped my hand tightly. "Fine. Do what you have to. If it comes to it,

1/2

my throat lighten. It wasn't easy to find a friend like -someone who'd stick with me, no matter how reckless or irrational

when I went to see Jace, I arrived just as they were changing his dressing. The scene was brutal With no way to numb the pain, he had a towel shoved in his mouth to muffle the sounds,

would've been sick just watching. But now? Nothing. I'd become numb to it

nurses finished and left, Jace lay there, his face pale, his hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. He looked like he'd been through hell-and