Chapter 99

I agreed to Lindsey's request for now, saw her off, and returned to work. But only Demi was there; Hayden was absent. "Where's Mr. Hart?"

"Mr. Lawson called him away," Demi replied, her eyes fixed on mine. "Keira, your future mother-in-law came to discuss Jace's behalf. You—"

"I'm done with Jace," I interrupted, ensuring she understood. "It doesn't matter who interferes; it won't change anything. Don't overthink it."

Demi sighed. "The Johnston family is wonderful, except for Jace."

She wasn't wrong. The Johnstons were impressive, but I wasn't marrying the family—I was supposed to marry Jace. If he wasn't right for me, nothing else mattered.

Demi and I waited for Hayden, but after half an hour, I called him. His phone lay in the nearby break area.

"Mr. Hart definitely doesn't have a girlfriend," Demi declared, with her characteristic air of experience. "Look, he doesn't even keep his phone on him. If he had a girlfriend, he'd be glued to it."

I wasn't interested in that conversation. Checking the time, I stood. "I'm going to find out what's happening with Mr. Lawson."

As I reached the door, I heard Hayden's voice. "I guarantee that if you remove me from this project, it'll take at least two extra weeks to complete the lighting adjustments, maybe longer."

I froze. Were they really planning to remove Hayden? What on earth was going on?

Just as I was about to open the door, Gavin's voice cut through. "Mr. Johnston has made it clear that this issue is our responsibility, not yours."

Suddenly, everything clicked. I flung open the door. "I disagree."

Gavin's face registered awkwardness as he stammered, "Ms. Kay, this is Mr. Johnston's decision."

"I don't care. I'm in charge of this amusement park project, and I don't agree with changing the team. His decision doesn't alter that," I retorted, firm in my stance.

Gavin looked uncomfortable, but I knew he was merely the messenger. "Gavin," I said, "tell Mr. Johnston that's my position. If he wants to replace someone, he'll have to replace me as well."

"Ms. Kay—"

"Mr. Hart, let's get back to work!" I cut him off, preventing Gavin from arguing, and called to Hayden.

Hayden hesitated, so I walked over, took his arm, and steered him out the door.

Chapter 99

But as we reached the exit, we encountered Jace. His gaze fixed on my hand, still holding Hayden's. First, he sent Lindsey to assess the situation, and now he was trying to remove Hayden from the project? How had I not seen how low Jace could sink?

The anger in his eyes was evident, followed by a cold, mocking tone. "Ms. Kay, do you really think I wouldn't fire you both?"

"Then do it!" I snapped back, refusing to yield.

Jace's face flushed with rage.

Hayden interjected, "If you're going to replace me, I'd like to know why."

"For disobeying orders, taking unauthorized breaks, and delaying the project timeline—that's the justification," Jace retorted sharply.

"I already approved his break," I defended Hayden immediately.

Jace glared at me. "You think your approval absolves him of responsibility?"

Sensing escalating tension, Eugene rushed over, attempting to mediate. "Mr. Johnston, Hayden shouldn't have taken that break, but it won't happen again."

"Why shouldn't it? Taking breaks is my right," Hayden refused to back down.

"Even if he doesn't take a break, I will need one. And if I'm resting, he won't be able to get anything done anyway," I added, unwavering.

Jace's face darkened as his eyes fell to my hand, still clasped around Hayden's. "Come here. We need to talk," he said to me.