Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 686

"Returning the favor."

+25 BONUS

Xander's reply was blunt, and I immediately caught the hifit of that earlier misunderstanding he had about me.

"So, you just happened to show up when I was in danger? Should I be suspicious you staged the whole thing?" I shot back, using his own accusation against him.

He didn't flinch, his eyes fixed on the road. "I'm sorry. I was wrong about you."

Wait-what? I froze. He'd figured it out that fast?

"Earlier, I overheard that fat guy on the phone. Today's setup was orchestrated by Wayne Johnston of RiverwaveCorp."

I froze. That guy had clearly mentioned Jace...

"You don't believe me?" He glanced my way briefly. "I recorded it."

Without missing a beat, he handed me his phone. The screen lit up, and I tapped the recording.

[Boss, it's done. Ms. Kay thinks it was Jace Johnston...]

My hand trembled slightly, but it wasn't fear-it was disbelief. Wayne had really gone this far?

It all added up now. Jace refusing to let me go must've pushed Wayne to the edge, desperate enough to pull something like this.

time Wayne's schemes had nearly taken him out. Back then, it was all about eliminating Hayden, Jace, and Steve in one go. I hadn't fully grasped just how far gone Wayne was even then. Wayne's obsession with me had spiraled into something dark, something unhinged.

have me, would

extreme-might

down my spine. Outwardly, Wayne always played the part of the charming, warm guy. But how had

he always been this

settled over me, leaving me

we finally stopped, Xander spoke

trying to hit

Wait, what?

blinked, caught off guard. The memory of the car's blinding headlights came rushing back. Honestly, I'd shoved that moment so far out of my head I'd

toward me with clear intent. If it weren't for Xander, I would've been either

actually try to kill

1/2

Chapter 696

I'd crossed

+25 BONUS

He stepped out

still-healing knee, It buckled. Xander grabbed my arm before I hit

my arm free once I'd steadied myself. Then I glanced at him. "Where are you hurt? What department are

find out," he said,

sighed and

It felt... off, like I was the one who needed help. He didn't even

over. Confused, I followed her into a treatment room. She gestured for me to sit down and hold out my