Chapter 183

Lindey preferred women who were open and confident. As she often said, a meek and fragile exterior rarely indicated a substantial heart or character. Judging appearances wasn't ideal, but Lindey's experience had shaped her perspective.

"I can't help you," I said bluntly.

"Why not?" Tanya's voice held a hint of panic.

I pressed my lips together. "Lindey's strong-willed. You can't easily change her mind."

"But she cares about you. She'd at least listen to you," Tanya pleaded, her gaze dropping. "You know my situation. Without Jace, I don't know how I'll cope."

Desmond's death hadn't driven her to this desperation, but now she couldn't imagine life without Jace? I almost laughed.

"If you know Lindey cares about me, you should realize she'll never accept you," I said. In Lindey's eyes, I was her ideal daughter-in-law. If not me, no one else would suffice.

Tanya fell silent.

"Ms. Twain, if you want happiness, you must fight for it yourself—don't rely on others," I said, rising.

Tanya muttered, "But what if there wasn't a baby? Would his family accept me then?"

I frowned. Hadn't I made myself clear? I was done explaining, so I turned and left.

Later, telling Lena about Tanya's request, she laughed, shaking her head. "She's got nerve."

I pouted. "She might manage to stay with Jace, but gaining acceptance into the Johnston family? That's a whole different ballgame."

I knew Matthew and Lindey well. Matthew cared deeply about appearances and reputation. He might not demand Jace marry someone wealthy, but her background had to be impeccable. As for Lindey? No way would she ever accept her son having a step-mother.

"She knows she has no chance, so she came to you for a shortcut. You didn't give in, right?" Lena asked.

I clinked my glass against hers. "Do I look stupid or heartless to you?"

Lena chuckled. "Jace always seemed sensible. I don't know what's gotten into him this time."

"Whatever it is, it's not my problem anymore. Let's drop it—it's killing the mood," I said, finishing my drink.

The red wine was rich and smooth, with a hint of bitterness, warming me from the inside out. I usually handled my alcohol well, but after a few glasses, I felt a little tipsy. Lena practically had to drag me out. She offered to take me home, but I waved her off.

"I wanna go to my own place," I mumbled.

Lena grinned knowingly. "Oh, really? Got something on your mind? Hoping to bump into Hayden, your cute neighbor?"

I smiled, nodding. "Yeah, I wonder if that jerk's even home tonight."

When Lena dropped me off, Hayden's door was closed. I knocked, calling, "Hayden, open up! Don't avoid me—I know you're in there."

Silence. "He's probably not home," Lena said.

"He's home, he's just ignoring me. What, just because I kissed him and didn't follow up, now he's holding a grudge?" I complained.

Lena's eyes widened. "You kissed him? You made the first move? You totally pulled a sneak attack, didn't you?"

"I didn't sneak attack him. I just kissed him once. If we'd slept together, I wouldn't be mad at him acting like this," I said, shaking my head. "He's no fun. Can't even handle a little teasing."

Lena looked shocked. "Wait, are you really into Hayden?"

"Yeah," I admitted, hiccuping from the wine, feeling bold. "I've been dying to pull off his tank top, check out his pecs, and feel up those abs. And then maybe…"

Before I could finish, the door swung open. Hayden stood there, towel-drying his wet hair, staring at me.