Chapter 99
I agreed to Lindey’s request for now, saw her off, and then headed back to work.
But when I got there, only Demi was around. Hayden was nowhere in sight. “Where’s Mr. Hart?”
“Mr Lawson called him over,” Demi replied, her eyes locking onto mine. “Keira, your future mother–in–law
came to talk on Jace’s behalf. You-”
I’m done with Jace. It doesn’t matter who tries to interfere; it won’t change anything. Don’t overthink it,” I cut in making sure she got my point–again
Demi sighed “The Johnston family is great in every way, 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, then nothing else mattered.
Demi and I waited for Hayden, but after half an hour of nothing, I decided to call him. His phone was just sitting in the nearby break area
“Mr. Hart definitely doesn’t have a girlfriend. Look, he doesn’t even keep his phone on him. If he had a girlfriend, he’d be glued to that thing.” Demi said, with that know–it–all vibe that only came from experience.
But I wasn’t in the mood for that conversation. I checked the time and got up. “I’m going to find out what’s going on with Mr. Lawson.”
As I reached the door, I heard Hayden’s voice from inside. “I can guarantee that if you pull me off this project, it’ll take at least two extra weeks to finish the lighting adjustments, maybe longer.”
I froze. Were they seriously planning to pull Hayden off the project?
What the hell was going on?
Just as I was about to push the door open, Gavin’s voice cut through. “Mr. Johnston has made it clear
I that this issue will be our responsibility, not yours.”
Suddenly, everything clicked. I shoved the door open. “I don’t agree.”
Gavin’s face flashed with awkwardness as he scrambled to explain. “Ms. Kay, this is Mr. Johnston’s decision”
“I don’t care. I’m in charge of this amusement park project now, and I don’t agree with switching out the team. His decision doesn’t change that,” I shot back, standing my ground
Gavin looked uncomfortable, but I knew he was just the messenger.
So I said. “Gavin, go back and tell Mr. Johnston that this is my stance. 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, not giving Gavin a chance to argue, and called out to Hayden
Hayden hesitated for a second, so I walked over, grabbed his arm, and started marching him out the door.
Chapter 99
+25 BONUS
But just as we reached the exit, we ran right into Jace. His gaze zeroed in on my hand, still holding Hayden’s.
First, he sent Lindey to feel things out, and now he was trying to pull Hayden from the project? How had! not seen how low Jace could be?
I could clearly see the anger in his eyes, followed by that cold, mocking tone. “Ms. Kay, do you really think I wouldn’t firé you both?”
“Then do it!” I snapped back, not backing down.
Jace’s face reddened with rage.
Hayden stepped in, “If you’re going to replace me, I’d like to know on what grounds?”
“For disobeying orders, taking unauthorized breaks, and delaying the project timeline–that’s the justification,” Jace shot back, sharp and biting.
“I already told you, I approved his break,” I quickly defended Hayden.
Jace glared at me. “You think your approval absolves him of responsibility?”
Sensing the tension spiraling out of control, Eugene hurried over, trying to smooth things over. “Mr. Johnston, it’s true 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’ll need one. And if I’m resting, he won’t be able to get anything done anyway.” I added, not budging an inch.
Jace’s face darkened as his eyes dropped to my hand, still holding Hayden’s. “Come here. We need to talk, “he said to me
