Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 632

Hayden could be cold, sure. But he wasn't the type to stand by and let someone die. Especially not after I begged him.

Even if he didn't love me anymore, there was no way he'd be that indifferent.

And yet, that day, he just stood there. Watched. Let the crocodiles get to Jace before stepping in.

There had to be a reason.

For a month after Hayden's death, I replayed that moment over and over, trying to piece it together. If it wasn't about Hayden, maybe it was about Jace. Jace frowned. "You're asking me?"

My eyes flicked to his arm-the one that still hadn't healed. "If he didn't save you right away, there must've been reason."

His tone turned sharp. "What are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying it's weird. You two were allies against Hernan and Bruno, right? But when your life was on the line, he hesitated. Doesn't that strike you as... off?"

"I don't understand it either," he said stiffly. "But it doesn't matter. Hayden's gone. He can't explain himself."

Fair. Hayden was gone. And Jace wasn't about to give me the truth either-I'd known that before I even asked. But I couldn't help pushing, testing him.

I didn't know why Hayden had waited, but it wasn't simple.

make him do that? Maybe his hatred for the Johnstons ran too deep to forgive what they

family and want the money, take it. Just... don't hurt yourself trying to hurt us. And

voice was low, almost

it bother you so much if I get involved with Wayne? Is this about your pride? Scared of losing face if I

+25 BONUS

Jace admitted, his exhaustion bleeding through. "But that's

reason.

didn't you? His feelings for you- they're

me."

saw, I'd already

the middle of their feud. If they tore each other apart, the Johnstons would never find peace. And only then could I take the revenge my parents-and Hayden-deserved. "If your goal is to destroy my family, I'll help you," Jace said, cutting straight to the point. "But don't throw yourself

he'd figured

ask how

couldn't trust him-not

died. And even in a

a

too many loose

my tone firm, "You don't need to worry about me. How I live my life is none of your

that,

leaving the Johnston residence, I made my way back to my apartment. Before heading upstairs, I glanced up instinctively at my floor. My unit and the one above