Chapter 260

Lindey put down her cutlery, turning to face me. "Yes, the contract was about to be signed."

It was the same contract I'd found in my father's notebook.

"Was it the accident that prevented the signing?" I asked, my voice trembling.

She nodded. My breath hitched; a storm brewed inside me. Lindey sighed. "That contract was supposed to be the first for your father and Matthew's joint venture."

Wait, what? I'd always assumed it was solely my father's deal. But Matthew was involved?

"Alan and Matthew worked tirelessly to secure that partnership with Thorsten Drago of VastReach Group," Lindey said, shaking her head. "They went fishing with him, raced cars, even went skydiving! Thorsten came from a tough background and was known for manipulating people. But Alan and Matthew knew securing that deal was crucial, so they did whatever it took, even risking their lives to appease him."

She continued, "Once, while fishing, they were caught in a typhoon. There were only two life jackets, and Alan and Matthew insisted Thorsten and the other person take them."

"After that, Thorsten stopped playing games and agreed to the contract. Since Alan was more legally savvy, Matthew asked him to review it thoroughly. Alan found an issue; Thorsten had it redrafted and asked both men to sign. But who could have guessed Alan would have a car accident on the way?"

Lindey's words were heavy with detail, painting a vivid picture. So, it wasn't a conspiracy as I'd feared. That was a relief. Deep down, I'd been afraid my suspicions were correct, despite always viewing Matthew and Lindey as my parents.

I let out a long breath and remained silent. Lindey seemed lost in the past. "Back then, the four of us had it all planned. Alan and Matthew would sign the contract, and your mother and I would wait outside. We even planned a surprise—hugs and flowers upon their return with the signed contract…"

So that's why my mother would have been there.

Everything made sense now. I'd almost let my doubts poison my view of people who'd always treated me like family. A wave of guilt washed over me for even momentarily suspecting Matthew of causing the accident to seize the deal. I knew how much they'd done for me, how kind and respectful they'd always been. How could I have doubted them? I felt so ungrateful.

"Lindey, I'm sorry," I blurted.

Lindey looked at me and shook her head gently. "We should apologize. Perhaps if Matthew hadn't partnered with your father, your parents wouldn't have been in that accident."

Was that true? Maybe. Or maybe it was simply fate.

"My parents just didn't have that kind of luck," I said softly. Even now, she radiated elegance and grace. If my mother were alive, I imagined she'd be just as dignified.

"Rea, I'll say it again: you are our daughter," Lindey said, squeezing my hand.

I knew she meant it, but I wasn't truly their daughter. And with everything happening with Jace, true closeness felt impossible.

I nodded; Lindey smiled warmly. "Come on, let's eat a little more."

I wasn't hungry, but I couldn't refuse. I forced down a few bites before claiming I needed to leave because Hayden was waiting.

Hayden and Ron were still finishing lunch when I dropped Lindey off at the Johnstons'. Afterward, I returned to Signature Soirée and sat in my car. I wasn't really waiting for Hayden; I needed time to process everything.

When Hayden arrived, I was still lost in thought.

"Have you been waiting long?" he asked, sliding into the passenger seat.

"Not too long," I replied, seeing Ron waving from across the lot.