Chapter 415
+25 BONUS
Hayden had one of those faces that just screamed “trust me,” Even if he was lying, you wouldn’t doubt him. And right now, he was giving me that same look, all sincere and serious.
I couldn’t help teasing him. “You really took that ‘playing house‘ thing seriously? Hayden, you’re so extra.”
He paused, mid–chop, then said, “Only when it’s about you.”
Well, okay then.
This guy had a real talent for mixing serious and cheesy at the same time.
“Keira, I wanna go tool I’ve never been to an amusement park!” Yuna chimed in, practically bouncing as she made her announcement.
Honestly, I’d been thinking the same thing. That’s why I’d asked Jace earlier if I could bring someone. Of course, he just assumed I meant Hayden.
Not that it mattered–Hayden would’ve come anyway. He’d helped with the park’s lighting design, so there was no way he’d miss the big opening.
The place was packed, but the marketing team had been smart. They set up timed entry so it wasn’t a total madhouse. Hayden, Yuna, and I slid in through a VIP entrance. Hayden, sensing I had stuff to deal with, took Yuna off to explore while I headed to the guest lounge for the opening ceremony.
“Rea! Over here!” Lindey called, waving me over. She looked stunning as always, standing next to Matthew, who gave me a warm smile,
I walked up and greeted them. “How are you doing, Matthew?”
“Good! Eating, drinking, sleeping like a champ,” he chuckled, flashing a rare smile.
Jace and Wayne showed up next, looking all polished in their suits. I noticed Lindey beaming with pride at her two sons,
“Where’s Hayden?” Jace asked.
“He’s off showing his sister around.”
“We’ve set up a luncheon later,” Matthew said. “Make sure they join us.”
“Sure,” I nodded, knowing full well they wouldn’t.
At 10:10 sharp, the ceremony kicked off.
I walked on stage with Matthew, Lindey, Jace, and Wayne for the ribbon–cutting. It had this weird, intimate vibe–like it was more of a family thing than a corporate event. It made me feel uneasy. I knew people would talk, and I didn’t get why they were making it so personal. But I went along with it.
Snip. The ribbon fell, and the host invited Matthew to give a speech.
“Thank you for joining us today,” Matthew started, his voice strong despite recovering from illness. “Some of you might be wondering why it’s my family up here for the ribbon cutting.”
Even after being out of the spotlight for so long, he still had this commanding presence.
Chapter 415
+25 BONU:
“Before I answer, let me tell you a story. It’s about a father and his daughter…”
My heart raced. I could already feel the lump forming in my throat.
So… Matthew knew. He knew about the promise my dad made me. This whole park wasn’t just some random project Jace decided to do on a whim because I mentioned it once.
“The girl in this story.” Matthew said, turning toward me, “is standing right here.” He extended his hand, and I took it, still in shock.
“This park was built for her. And it doesn’t belong to RiverwaveCorp. Every penny invested came from me personally.”
The crowd started buzzing, whispers and murmurs spreading like wildfire.
I was frozen. “Matthew…”
But before I could even process it, he boomed, “As of today, this park belongs to Keira. All profits, all management rights–it’s hers.”
My jaw practically hit the floor. How could something this massive be handed to me? I was about to speak up, to refuse, but then-
“Mr. Johnston, didn’t you promise this park to me?” A voice called out from the crowd.
