Chapter 314

Hayden’s eyes narrowed, and I instinctively gripped him tighter. “Is it true?”

“Why would you think that?” he countered.

I was about to mention Lindey when Yuna’s voice called from a distance, “Keira, your phone’s been ringing nonstop!” She was hurrying over, despite her heart condition—she wasn’t supposed to be running.

“Okay, I got it!” I quickly jumped off Hayden’s lap and rushed to her.

It was Lindey calling—multiple times. Something was up.

“Lindey?” I answered immediately.

“Rea, why haven’t you been picking up? I thought something happened!” Her voice was laced with panic.

“No, I just didn’t have my phone on me.”

She let out a relieved breath. “You scared me. I was imagining the worst.”

“I’ll keep it with me next time,” I promised. “What’s going on?”

“I’m furious!” Lindey’s voice was sharp and angry.

I couldn’t help but smile. “Who got you mad this time? Matthew?”

“If it were him, I’d knock some sense into him! No, it’s Jace.”

I sighed. Lena was right—no matter how over things were between Jace and me, as long as I remained connected to the Johnston family, his name would keep resurfacing in my life.

“What did he do now?” I asked.

“He’s cut us off because of Tanya Twain! Now, he’s just… gone,” Lindey fumed, her voice shaking with frustration.

But I already knew from Wayne that Matthew had cut ties with Jace. Knowing why things had escalated, I didn’t push for details. “Lindey, he’s probably just mad. Give him time.”

“It’s not like that,” she snapped. “He’s told Wayne everything. He’s not coming back. He’s done with the Johnston family.”

My brow furrowed. “What did he say?”

“He told Wayne to take care of us because he can’t anymore. He even handed over the company to him. And get this—he wants Wayne to look after you too. Can you believe that?”

“He’s acting like this is goodbye forever, like he’s walking out on all of us,” she spat, clearly hurt.

I wasn’t sure how to respond. This was their family business, and I didn’t want to be drawn into the drama. But something Hayden had said earlier made me suspect there was more to the story. “Lindey, maybe there’s something else going on,” I suggested carefully.

She didn’t seem to pick up on my hint. “What could be going on? He just wants to marry that widow who’s carrying someone else’s baby!”

That left me speechless.

“Jace thinks he can manipulate us with this stunt, but I won’t fall for it. If he wants to leave, fine. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t have a son anymore,” Lindey declared, her voice hard.

But I knew she didn’t mean it. If she truly didn’t care, she wouldn’t have called me.

“Just try to calm down,” I said gently. “You know how he is—he’s been like this since he was a kid. Maybe once he cools off, he’ll come around.”

I could feel frustration building. This conversation was draining.

“He’s going to be the death of me,” Lindey vented.

I stayed silent, realizing how much other people’s negativity could weigh on you. Venting might make them feel better, but it leaves you feeling drained.

After a beat, Lindey shifted the conversation. “Rea, where are you? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

I glanced at the river, its surface sparkling under the fading light. Hayden and his siblings’ soft laughter floated in the air. A small smile tugged at my lips. “I’m with Hayden, visiting his hometown.”

There was a pause before Lindey spoke again. “He proposed, didn’t he?”

I was about to reply when she added, “I saw your post on social media.”

“Yeah,” I said, unable to hide my smile. “I said yes.”