Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right

“This design was your boyfriend’s work, wasn’t it? It’s so unique–and it even matches your bracelet,” the clerk said, her sharp gaze locking onto the connection.

“Why didn’t he come with you? Should we hold onto the ring for him to pick up, or are you taking it?” she asked, genuinely curious.

“I’ll take it,” I said, grabbing the men’s ring and sliding it onto my thumb without hesitation.

She blinked in surprise, then smiled. “I have to admit, it actually suits you.” “Thanks,” I replied flatly, turning to leave with both rings in hand.

Not even five minutes after stepping out of the store, I noticed someone trailing

1. me.

I caught the guy’s reflection in the side mirror of a parked car as I walked past. Acting like I hadn’t seen anything, I let him follow. He didn’t try to confront me or even come close–he just kept his distance. For two days.

It wasn’t about money–or me, for that matter. He wasn’t looking to hurt me.

But why the shadow act?

That was his question to answer. So, I flipped the script. I had someone tail them, which led me straight to their base.

***

When Kylian spotted me, his surprise flickered for about two seconds before a smug grin took over.

“Ms. Kay, you’re a rare sight around here.”

“Not that rare of a sight, is it?” I shot back, meeting his smirk head–on. “I assume you already know everything I’ve been up to, Mr. Hart.”

His laugh was low and easy. “No harm intended,” he said smoothly.

“Good,” I replied, my tone ice–cold. “Otherwise, this conversation wouldn’t be

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happening”

It was true. If I’d felt threatened, I wouldn’t have come alone–I’d have called the cops instead

“I take it you’re here for answers,” Kylian said, his tone all–knowing.

I nodded slightly. “And while we’re at it, stop contacting Yuna.”

His eyes widened at that. “That’s it? Nothing else?”

“What else would there be?” I said, feigning cluelessness and carefully avoiding any mention of the man he’d sent to tail me.

Kylian chuckled faintly, clearly convinced I hadn’t noticed. “Don’t overthink it. I only reached out to Yuna to ask about Hayden.”

“Haven’t you already spoken to Yara? She should’ve told you everything. What else could you possibly need?” I asked, my gaze steady.

He rubbed his chin, his expression thoughtful. “Hayden was real–flesh and blood. Now you’re all saying he’s just… gone? Not even a body? You know the saying: ‘If someone’s alive, you need to see them, if they’re dead, you need to see their body.‘ Am I wrong?”

I tilted my head, unfazed. “There’s something left–his ashes. I buried them. Want me to dig them up for testing?”

A grimace flashed across his face before he quickly smoothed it over. “…That won’t be necessary.”

“If Hayden’s really gone, wouldn’t that make you the next heir to the Hart family? “I asked casually, watching his reaction.

His gaze sharpened instantly.

“If I wanted the Hart family, Hayden wouldn’t have been an obstacle in the first place. Don’t twist it,” he said coldly.

“You misunderstood me,” I said, my voice dipping into an almost syrupy tone. What I meant was that someone as generous as you, stepping in as leader, would take the Hart family to even greater heights.”

The blatant compliment left Kylian momentarily off guard.

Chapter bat

I allowed myself a faint smile. “You must be a genuinely good person.”

Kylian had someone follow me, but they hadn’t made a move. That left two options: either he was trying to protect me, or he thought Hayden wasn’t really dead and was using me to track him down

To figure out which, I’d have to keep pushing.

While we talked, I discreetly messaged Lena. When her reply came back–a simple “OK“-I knew it was time to end this.

I wrapped up with Kylian and left his base, driving straight to the hospital where Lena worked.

The moment I stepped out of my car, someone lunged at me from the shadows.

Before I could react, an arm locked around my neck, and something sharp pressed against my throat.

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