Chapter 810

That slap wasn't just aimed at Wayne—it was Thorsten's way of smacking down the whole Johnston family. Classic Thorsten move. No subtle shade, just a straightforward way of venting on his son's behalf.

“Kid,” Thorsten sneered, taking a silk handkerchief from his assistant, “even when your dad was alive, he knew better than to cross me. And you? You’re still too green to change the game.”

Wayne’s lip was bleeding, but instead of blowing up, he plastered on a calm, submissive smile. Wiping the blood away, he said, “You’re absolutely right. My mistake. I’ll be more careful.”

Ugh. Watching Wayne grovel was awkward. But I knew him too well—this wasn’t submission. It was strategy. With Aaron already stirring the pot, Wayne wasn’t about to pick another fight with Thorsten, not with everything riding on tomorrow.

Thorsten wasn’t here to mourn Matthew. He was here to send a message: ‘stay in line.’ And Wayne got it, loud and clear.

Tomorrow was supposed to be about peace, but now? It was shaping up to be a total disaster.

I glanced at Matthew’s portrait. Did he ever think his death would come with this level of drama? Probably not. But hey, karma doesn’t play favorites. What goes around comes around. Justice might take its time, but it never skips a beat. Thorsten, satisfied with his little show of power, walked out without another word.

Wayne just stood there, staring at the door. The fury simmering behind his calm facade was almost tangible. But he didn’t explode. Not yet. Patience, as he loved to say, was his greatest weapon.

Lindey moved toward him, her worry etched in every line of her face. She reached out, but Wayne stepped back, dodging her touch.

“Isabel, get the first-aid kit,” Lindey said.

“There’s no need,” Wayne snapped.

Lindey started to say something else, but Wayne cut her off. “Don’t bother pretending to care.”

Chapter 810

Ouch. That hit hard.

Thorsten had humiliated him, and now Lindey was the easiest target for all that pent-up frustration. She didn’t argue, though. Just stood there, her face a mix of sadness and helplessness. It wasn’t anger; it was pure heartbreak.

I knew the story. Jace, with his charm and sweet words, had always gotten more attention. Not intentionally, but enough to make Wayne feel like he didn’t matter. And now, years of resentment were bubbling over.

If Lindey had seen it sooner, maybe things could’ve turned out differently. If she’d prepared Wayne better before shipping him off abroad… But what-ifs don’t change reality.

Isabel returned with the kit, but Wayne didn’t even glance her way. He spun on his heel and stormed out.

“Completely unreasonable,” Lena muttered under her breath.

“Lena, go check on your uncle,” I said, figuring Aaron had stayed behind for her anyway.

Lena nodded and left.

I moved closer to Lindey, wrapping my arms around her in a small, comforting hug. She sighed, the sound heavy and resigned.

Jace joined us. “Mom, he’s lost it. Don’t waste your energy on him.”

Lindey’s gaze shifted to Matthew’s portrait. “I just want your father to find peace tomorrow.”

Lena found Aaron in the lounge, standing by the window. The dim light outlined his tall frame, his broad shoulders radiating quiet strength. For the first time, she noticed just how much taller he was now. It reminded her of something she hadn’t thought about in years, when she was little, Aaron used to pick her up and carry her on his shoulders so she could see whatever exciting thing was happening. Back then, she’d nicknamed him “Uncle Giraffe.”

She could almost feel it again. From up there, it had felt like she could do anything.