Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 754

"Wayne, I know what you want, but don't waste your breath. My answer's still no," I said cutting straight to the point.

"You can't take on the Drago family," he replied, half warning, half trying to intimidate me.

I smiled faintly. After everything I'd been through, his words barely scratched the surface. Maybe. But I'll still try. Who knows? I might pull it off."

"Like a mouse going up against a lion," he scoffed, his tone laced with mockery. "You know how pointless that is, don't you?"

I pressed my lips together for a second, then said, "Do you know what sets humans apart from animals? Courage. The courage to resist, to fight, and to push boundaries."

Wayne didn't answer right away. My resolve caught him off guard. Finally, he sighed. "If you want Hayden safe, hand over what you're hiding. Then you two can take the money and live however you want. Wouldn't that be better?"

It wasn't like him to say something so... reasonable. Maybe he was finally letting go of his obsession with me.

But his plan wouldn't work. If I followed it, Hayden and I would end up in an even worse

situation.

"You want me to scrape by?" I asked, shaking my head lightly. "My parents taught me to live with dignity. To walk this earth with a clear conscience, so I can sleep at night and eat in peace."

drifted toward the sky. "If I took the easy way out, I wouldn't even have the face to meet my parents after I'm

do as you like. But let me

worth a fortune," I

for a second before hardening. "Since this is the path you've chosen, there's nothing

took a step, I spoke up, my voice steady despite the knot in my stomach. "If anything happens to Hayden, I'll make sure everyone involved goes

heartbeat, but didn't look back before walking out

out a long breath, the weight of worry and longing

chest.

Chapter 754

+25 BONUS

who knew where it was, and if they couldn't find it, they'd come after me. And

someone I could trust-someone who could keep the secret safe

of the day, she was still tied to the

For now,

the only way I knew how-at the pool hall that

sold, and the new owner had taken over. Judging by the vibe, the people running

owner recognized me and said, "Steve left instructions-if you ever come by, you're welcome to play

Steve's thoughtfulness amazed me. He'd made sure I'd