“Wayne, Jace is an adult. He has to deal with the consequences of his choices,” I said.


    Whether Matthew kicked him out or cut ties, it was all on Jace.


    “I get that,” Wayne sighed, “but seeing him and Dad at each other’s throats is stressful. And if he


    leaves thepany, it’s definitely going to affect business.”


    I gave him a small, knowing smile. “Isn’t that why you’re here?”


    Wayne looked taken aback. “I’ve never wanted to run thepany. That’s why I left in the first


    ce.”


    Only he knew if that was the whole story, but it wasn’t my ce to judge.


    Still, I shared my thoughts anyway. “Matthew must have a backup n. If he’s ready to let Jace go,


    it’s because he knows the business will keep running without him,” I said, keeping my tone practical.


    The world doesn’t stop turning for anyone.”


    Wayne just stared at me, speechless. He finally gave a bitter smile. “I guess I’ve been too narrow–


    minded.”


    “You just care too much,” I said, giving him an out.


    He looked at me. “Rea, you’re different from four years ago.”


    Four years ago?


    He had to be kidding. Even a kid can grow up a lot in four years.


    “That’s called growing up,” I said with a faint smile.


    Wayne sighed softly, his gaze lingering on me with a mix of emotions. “Yeah, Little Rea has grown


    up.”


    Hearing him call me “Little Rea” tugged at something deep inside. After my parents died and I


    moved into the Johnston residence, Wayne and Jace used to call me that. It was teasing, but with a


    warmth that made me feel like I belonged.


    But it had been such a long time since I’d heard that nickname.


    “Wayne, let them figure it out. It’s not good for you to get too caught up in it,” I said, offering more


    advice than I usually would. Maybe because that old nickname brought back memories I thought I’d


    buried.


    Wayne nodded. “I know.”


    He looked at me intently and asked, “Are you sure you’re okay? If anything’s wrong, just tell me. I’ll


    always be your family. II—”


    The door opened, interrupting him.


    Hayden walked in, carrying food containers. He didn’t look surprised to see Wayne there; he just


    gave him


    a brief nod


    Wayne stood up. “Rea, you haven’t eaten yet?”


    I opened my mouth to respond, but Hayden beat me to it. “We’re about to eat now.” Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    It was a polite way of asking Wayne to give us some space. Hayden mighte off as distant, but


    when


    he spoke, he always got his point across.


    Wayne picked up on it immediately. “Alright then. Enjoy your meal. I’ll head out.”


    With both of them in the room, the air felt thick with awkwardness. I wasn’t about to stop him. “Drive


    safe, Wayne.”


    Something shed in Wayne’s eyes as he nodded and, on his way out, exchanged a brief look with


    Hayden.


    The moment Wayne left, Hayden turned to me. “Do you want to eat in bed or at the table?”


    I gave him a look. “My hands and feet work just fine. The table.”


    But before I could move, Hayden stepped over and scooped me up in his arms.


    I instantly pushed against him. “I don’t need this. I can walk.”


    “And what if I say I want to hold you?” His words were so simple, yet they made my cheeks heat up


    instantly.


    “By the way, Mr. Hart, there’s something I-” Wayne’s voice cut through the moment as he walked


    back in.