Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 686

"Returning the favor."

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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.

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. Even his own

have me, would he

like him-so extreme-might destroy what

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

always been this way, just hiding

of it all settled over me, leaving me silent the rest of the drive

stopped, Xander

you think was trying

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

car barreling toward me with clear intent. If it weren't for Xander, I would've been either dead or seriously

try to

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Chapter 696

anyone I'd crossed recently, at

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thoughts. He stepped out of the

put weight on my still-healing knee, It buckled.

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

and you'll find out," he

sighed and

me straight to the emergency department and told me to wait while he handled the receptionist. It felt... off, like

nurse called me over. Confused, I followed her into a treatment room. She gestured for me to sit

in your finger. We need to remove them," the