Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

+25 BONUS Chapter

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Xander got some serious guts. He knew Wayne had been after me, yet he still stepped up like it was nothing. Bold move, honestly-I didn't see that coming from him.

But with Demi possibly hanging around DracoLux, I had to prioritize that. "Sorry, I've

told him.

Sot other plans tonight," I

Xander? Totally unbothered. "Alright. If you need anything just let me know." Then he left without a fuss.

At the elevator, someone called him "Mr. Hart" again. He just nodded, cool as ever

gave me a polite nod and

not correcting them.

chimed in. "He really does look like Hayden. So, what

it down too fast, or Wayne would get suspicious. So, I kept it casual

food container in my hand a little shake. "Hayden used to get all fancy with his meals, so I figured I'd see if Xander can

Wayne's benefit. If he thought Xander was stepping into Hayden's shoes, he might snap, and I couldn't have that-yet. At the same time, I needed Wayne to think he still had a shot. A little stringing

yesterday," I said, popping open the container.

Xander mentioned, were slider buns and a cup

was top-notch. Just looking

DracoLux, this feels like a serious side hustle," Wayne remarked, sounding oddly impressed. "With cooking like this, he could run his own private

I said, leaning into the double meaning as I handed him a set

"It's meant

all this solo." I smiled and held the utensils out

them, though he didn't actually eat. Whatever.

you didn't eat meatballs," Wayne

flavor hit, I froze. The rich,

throat, my hands trembling slightly. How could Xander possibly nail this? Unless... he was

dad worked for us, which