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

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

was low, almost

his gaze and asked, "Why does it bother you so much if I get involved with Wayne? Is this about your pride? Scared of losing face if

+25 BONUS

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

reason.

heavily. "You heard what Wayne said, didn't you? His feelings for you- they're not all about love.

me."

Jace saw, I'd

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

figured

to ask how he

trust him-not anymore. Hayden had

in a life-or-death moment, Hayden

had a hand in Hayden's

had no proof-just too many loose ends that didn't add

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

that, I

unit and the one above it were both dark-no lights, no movement. I'd noticed it for days now. The unit above mine had stayed quiet, unlit. Tanya wasn't staying there