Chapter 632

Hayden could be cold, sure. But he wasn’t the type to stand by and let someone die. Especially not after I begged him. Even if he didn’t love me anymore, there was no way he’d be that indifferent. And yet, that day, he just stood there. Watched. Let the crocodiles get to Jace before stepping in. There had to be a reason.

For a month after Hayden’s death, I replayed that moment over and over, trying to piece it together. If it wasn’t about Hayden, maybe it was about Jace.

Jace frowned. “You’re asking me?”

My eyes flicked to his arm—the one that still hadn’t healed. “If he didn’t save you right away, there must’ve been a reason.”

His tone turned sharp. “What are you trying to say?”

“I’m saying it’s weird. You two were allies against Hernan and Bruno, right? But when your life was on the line, he hesitated. Doesn’t that strike you as… off?”

“I don’t understand it either,” he said stiffly. “But it doesn’t matter. Hayden’s gone. He can’t explain himself.”

Fair. Hayden was gone. And Jace wasn’t about to give me the truth either—I’d known that before I even asked. But I couldn’t help pushing, testing him. I didn’t know why Hayden had waited, but it wasn’t simple. What kind of grudge would make him do that? Maybe his hatred for the Johnstons ran too deep to forgive what they did to his dad.

“Rea,” Jace said, “If you hate my family and want the money, take it. Just… don’t hurt yourself trying to hurt us. And don’t get involved with Wayne. Please.”

His voice was low, almost pleading.

For once, I didn’t snap back. I held his gaze and asked, “Why does it bother you so much if I get involved with Wayne? Is this about your pride? Scared of losing face if I end up with him?”

Chapter 639

“Yes,” Jace admitted, his exhaustion bleeding through. “But that’s not the real reason.” He sighed heavily. “You heard what Wayne said, didn’t you? His feelings for you—they’re not all about love. To him, you’re just another move in his game against me.”

What Jace saw, I’d already seen. And maybe that was exactly why I wanted to wedge myself into the middle of their feud. If they tore each other apart, the Johnstons would never find peace. And only then could I take the revenge my parents—and Hayden—deserved.

“If your goal is to destroy my family, I’ll help you,” Jace said, cutting straight to the point. “But don’t throw yourself away to do it.”

So, he’d figured me out. I wanted to ask how he planned to help. But I didn’t. I couldn’t trust him—not anymore. Hayden had warned me before he died. And even in a life-or-death moment, Hayden had saved him. Maybe Jace had a hand in Hayden’s death. I had no proof—just too many loose ends that didn’t add up.

“Jace,” I said, my tone firm, “You don’t need to worry about me. How I live my life is none of your concern. Focus on yourself.”

And just like that, I shut him down.

After leaving the Johnston residence, I made my way back to my apartment. Before heading upstairs, I glanced up instinctively at my floor. My unit and the one above it were both dark—no lights, no movement. I’d noticed it for days now. The unit above mine had stayed quiet, unlit. Tanya wasn’t staying there anymore.

The next few days blurred together, a chaotic shuffle between the notary office and the settlement center. By the end of it all, the slice of Johnston family assets that landed in my lap came out to nearly $40 million. Since I already owned an amusement park, I didn’t bother looking for some new investment. Instead, I tossed the money into my account and, just like that, leveled up to “wealthy woman” status.

Funny thing about money—it’s essential, sure, but it doesn’t exactly come with a side of happiness. Even with my bank balance screaming a number I’d never seen before, I felt… nothing. No thrill, no satisfaction. Still, cash opens doors. Like getting Yuna into Kelhmark Royal Academy.