Chapter 90

If I could have disappeared on the spot, I would have. But I couldn't. I knew the longer I avoided this, the more Hayden would overthink it. He was the type who never held back—always blurting out whatever came to mind, regardless of how bold or inappropriate it was. He certainly didn't treat me like an outsider.

With that in mind, I forced myself to look up casually. "Really? Words alone don't prove anything."

"Mm," Hayden hummed, taking a sip of water. "I can—"

The second he started, alarms went off in my head. "Hayden, shut up."

I surrendered.

"I was going to say, if you need proof, I can go to the hospital," Hayden finished.

Even though it sounded innocent, it felt loaded with hidden meanings. Why would I need him to prove anything? I wasn't his girlfriend.

"Save that proof for your future wife," I retorted, standing and heading to the restroom.

Just as I rounded the corner, a hand grabbed my arm. The familiar scent identified Jace before I even turned. His grip was firm. "Rea, don't you think it's a bit much to be having lunch with a lighting engineer in a place like this?"

His face was a mask of anger, jealousy practically radiating from him. I couldn't help but laugh. "Are we not allowed to eat here? Did you buy the place?"

"Keira Kay!" Jace's forehead throbbed, veins bulging. "If you're going to find a guy, at least pick someone decent."

From the moment he arrived, everything he said dripped with contempt for Hayden—and, of course, me.

"Hayden's a senior engineer with dual degrees from Cambridge. How many of those do you have?" I shot back, the sarcasm dripping.

I'd only learned about Hayden's impressive background that morning.

Jace's face reddened with embarrassment. Sure, he was a successful CEO, but his academic record was nothing to boast about. He didn't even come close to Wayne. But Jace possessed a sharp mind and a natural talent for business. That's why he'd inherited his father's company and, in a few years, turned RiverwaveCorp into an industry leader. It's true what they say—"Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses"—but Jace was too proud, always focused on his accomplishments, never giving credit where it was due.

Chapter 90 (continued)

"In your eyes, am I really that awful?" Jace asked.

"You're not awful," I replied, unwilling to crush him completely. After all, he was someone I'd loved for ten years. If he was terrible, what did that say about me?

"But you're not better than Hayden," I added, knowing exactly how much it would sting.

Jace's grip tightened painfully. The memory of his gentleness with Tanya sent a sharp pang through my heart.

I pressed on. "Like I said, we're done. Who I eat with, what I do—it's none of your business."

My words only darkened his expression further, but he sneered, "If you want to prove your worth, then find someone better than me. Someone actually superior."

I couldn't help but laugh. "You're not worried about what people think when you're with a pregnant widow, so why should I care? And here's a reminder—if you find someone better than me, I'll genuinely wish you well. But instead, you've chosen a widow carrying your buddy's child…"

I paused, then added with a smirk, "Though I guess that just highlights your kindness and generosity."

"You…" Jace sputtered, speechless.

I yanked my arm free and headed for the restroom. There, I stared at my reflection. My composure was shattered. Even though Jace and I were over, his words still stung. So Jace had already cheated on me long before.

"Are you Ms. Kay?" A server's voice broke through my thoughts.

I turned. "There's a Mr. Hart waiting for you outside," she explained.

I dug my nails into my palm, grounding myself before exiting the restroom. Hayden stood a short distance away, his tall figure silhouetted against the light, a steady anchor in the storm.

He approached, his voice low and rough. "What's wrong?"

I swallowed. "Hayden, I can't stay for lunch."

"Alright, then let's skip it," he said, reaching for me.

But I pulled away. "You go ahead. I need to leave."

Without waiting for his reply, I turned and left.

Chapter 92