Chapter 858

I stayed quiet after leaving the prison. Hayden didn’t push me; he could tell I wasn’t in the mood. When the car stopped, he pulled me into one of those warm, Hayden-style hugs, his hand stroking my hair. “If something’s eating at you, just say it. Keeping it in will mess you up.”

“How can someone’s life be trashed so easily? Tanya… she deserves to die!” I mumbled into his shoulder, my voice shaking. She’d destroyed so many lives. For what? Money? Power? She even killed her own husband to climb the social ladder. And then she used girls who trusted her, selling them out for more cash. The girl Demi mentioned—the one who went to Tanya for help—was assaulted by someone Tanya set her up with. After that, she couldn’t take it anymore and ended her own life. I couldn’t even figure out how to tell Demi.

“She’ll get what’s coming to her. Karma always hits back,” Hayden murmured against my ear. But what difference does it make? Lives don’t come back. Like my parents. Even though the people who caused their deaths paid for it, it didn’t bring them back. They’re still gone, buried forever.

Hayden didn’t take me home after the prison. Instead, we ended up at a yacht. I blinked at him. “What’s this?” “Fishing.” I almost said, Seriously?, but he looked so hopeful, I couldn’t. He was trying, and I didn’t want to ruin it. “Where’d you even get a yacht?” I asked instead.

“Rented it.” I snorted. “You’re not the Hart family heir anymore. Renting this must’ve drained, like, three months of your paycheck.” I was teasing, of course. Even without the family name, Hayden had his own businesses to keep him afloat. “Good thing I’ve got you, sugar mama.” Wow. He really just said that. Like freeloading was some kind of flex.

It reminded me of a video I saw the other day—a guy who refused to work, mooched off his wife, and spent his days doing nothing. When people called him out, he blamed her for starting rumors.

“Don’t even joke about that. I’m not funding your yacht addiction,” I said. Sure, I grew up with money, but wasting it wasn’t my thing—thanks to my parents. They taught me to appreciate what I had, and Matthew and Lindey drilled in the same lessons. Later on. Maybe it was life’s way of keeping me grounded after taking so much away.

“Noted, I’ll behave. But since we’re here, let’s have fun, yeah?” Before I could argue, he scooped me up bridal-style. “Hayden!” I yelped, clutching his neck. “What are you doing?” “Carrying you onboard. Gotta test if I’ve still got it,” he said, smirking as he climbed the stairs with me in his arms. I knew what he meant—he wasn’t just carrying me anymore. It was me and the baby.

“Wait, have I gained weight?” It’s a question no woman can resist asking. His smirk grew. “A little.” “Put me down!” I swatted his chest. “Why?” His eyes sparkled with mischief. That smile—it was the kind that made everything feel lighter, like the world wasn’t such a mess for once.

“Hayden,” I said, unable to look away. “You’re really hot when you smile.” His grin didn’t fade as he carried me to the deck, setting me gently on the railing. I grabbed his neck, panic bubbling up. “I’m scared,” I admitted. “Relax,” he said softly, his arm around my waist. “With me, you don’t have to be.” Then he leaned in, and I tilted my head to meet him, our lips crashing together in a deep kiss.