Chapter 317

As Wayne's words sank in, an image of Jace from our school days flashed in my mind—back when he was carefree, wild, untouchable. He had no worries then.

I used to think he'd always be that way, but he changed. And now, here we are. The future's unpredictable, I guess.

"Jace also told me to take care of our parents...and you," Wayne said softly. "He said when you get married, I should let him know so he can personally give you his blessings."

My chest tightened. Frustration washed over me. Jace had everyone on edge, fearing something drastic, when it seemed he just wanted to disappear.

"So, he wasn't actually making end-of-life arrangements," I muttered bitterly.

Wayne sighed. "Maybe he's struggling with things we don't understand. Everyone has their struggles."

I laughed mockingly. "Struggles? He's got a wife, a child, and a booming career. What struggles? Is this some melodramatic 'poor me' act?"

"You're still holding onto something, aren't you?" Wayne assumed my sarcasm stemmed from unresolved feelings for Jace.

"No," I said firmly. "I stopped loving or hating him the second we drew that line."

Wayne was silent for a few seconds. "It's not so easy to let go of love or hate, is it?"

His words reminded me of Hayden's perspective on my situation—and of Wayne's long-suppressed feelings for me. I almost asked him, Have you let go? But I couldn't.

Instead, I changed the subject. "What are you planning to do?"

"Hm?" He seemed surprised by the shift in topic.

"Jace has left everything to you," I clarified. "What's your plan?"

Wayne understood. "Our parents, and you—whether he left or not, I'd always do my best to take care of you all. As for the company… I'll oversee things until he returns."

I knew Hayden was right. If you're not aiming for the top, what's the point? In school, Wayne was always the overachiever, constantly seeking his parents' approval. He wouldn't be content just managing things temporarily.

"Matthew kicked him out of RiverwaveCorp. Even if he returns, I doubt he'll be able to go back," I said, hinting at something more.

Wayne was sharp; he'd understand.

And I wasn't worried if he did. If not for his kindness over the years, I wouldn't have hesitated to be more blunt.

"Rea," Wayne's voice dropped. "You think this is all connected to me, don't you?"

He'd understood my implication.

"Wayne, actions have consequences," I replied, then hung up.

I trembled. We hadn't argued, but a wave of emotion hit me after the call.

Suddenly, a warm jacket was draped over my shoulders. Hayden stood there; I hadn't noticed him approach.

"I—" I started, but he interrupted.

"Let's go home," he said, his voice soft but firm.

I didn't move, just stared at him. I saw his Adam's apple bob as if he was holding something back. Finally, he spoke. "The accident… it was brake failure."