Chapter 218

Hayden's hand tightened around mine. I glanced up at him; for a split second, his soft gaze met mine before he turned back to Jace. His voice, low and steady, carried undeniable weight. "I'm not leaving until the final inspection is done."

That was just Hayden. The more someone pushed him, the more determined he became. He added, his grip tightening again, "This is something I promised Kiki."

His calling it "Kiki," claiming it was all for me, sent my heart racing. Jace's face turned an alarming shade of red; Wayne didn't look much better. A heavy silence descended.

I took a steadying breath and addressed Jace and Wayne directly, locking eyes with them. "Even though I'm no longer in charge and have left the company, I never forgot one rule: the company's interests come first, above all else. No one should jeopardize those interests, regardless of the reason."

This was a clear reminder to Wayne: protecting someone required facing the consequences. Responsibility couldn't be avoided simply because of a title. Even royal figures weren't above the law; running a company was no different—lead by example or risk losing everything.

Wayne and Jace understood my logic, but my loyalty was with Hayden. The tension between them thickened, their expressions darkening as they realized they were at an impasse.

Just then, Tanya rushed in, clearly intending to take the blame. She rushed over, disregarding her pregnant belly. "I was the one who set this up. It's my responsibility."

Jace's face darkened further, his temples throbbing. He was on the verge of losing control, ready to explode. Anyone else would be in serious trouble, but this was Tanya—the woman for whom he'd abandoned ten years of our relationship, the one he'd alienated his family to protect.

I anticipated his next move and started to leave with Hayden, having zero interest in Jace's excuses or witnessing him shielding Tanya.

But then Jace said something that stopped me cold.

"Ms. Twain," he said, his voice low but firm, "it's your responsibility. You'll handle it. You'll cover the losses."

I stared, shocked. His face was hard and cold, resolute. Tanya stood frozen, her face draining from red to ghostly pale. I hadn't anticipated this—I never thought Jace would actually punish the woman he so adored.

As he walked away, Tanya composed herself. She turned to Wayne, attempting to salvage some dignity. "Wayne, I'll talk to the finance department about covering the damages."

"Good," Wayne replied, his voice devoid of warmth. He added, twisting the knife, "And during work hours, it's Mr. Johnston."

Tanya's humiliation reached its peak, courtesy of the Johnston brothers. She didn't look my way, though I didn't care to watch her squirm. She'd already inflicted the ultimate humiliation by stealing my fiancé.

"Let's go," I said to Hayden.

"Mm," he replied quietly, still holding my hand as we walked away.

After a while, I glanced down at our intertwined hands. "You know, no one's around anymore."

"I'm not holding your hand for anyone else's sake," he said, instantly understanding. His comment was a subtle jab at my earlier performance for Jace.

"Just because you're not doing it for show doesn't mean you can hold my hand whenever you want," I teased, pulling my hand free. I shot him a playful look. "Or do you go around holding other girls' hands this easily?"

He didn't hesitate. "I don't. You're the only one I've ever held."

It was simple…and rather sweet.