Chapter 7
The video showed Hayes in comfortable loungewear, stirring soup with the focused attention.
The camera swayed as Raina’s voice drifted through: “Hayes, didn’t you promise to visit Lennox’s mom today? If you’re here with me, what about
her?”
Hayes didn’t even look up. “She’ll figure it out when I don’t show. Not my problem.”
He added casually, “Besides, you know Lennox. Tough as nails. Nobody can hurt her–she doesn’t need me babysitting.”
“You’re the one I worry about. Always running around when you should be resting.”
The video ended, but Lennox’s hands wouldn’t stop trembling.
Hours. She’d stood at those gates for fucking hours, waiting like a trained dog. And to him, she was just someone who’d “figure it out.”
She felt like the world’s biggest fool. Still holding onto hope after everything.
He’d said wait, so she’d waited. Like an idiot. And he couldn’t even text “not coming” text.
Her heels were killing her, but she didn’t stop. Step by agonizing step up the hill to her mother’s grave.
At her mother’s headstone–that gentle smile carved in granite–Lennox finally shattered. She hit her knees as tears came in waves.
Every memory with Hayes played like a cruel slideshow. First love, then dependence, ending with that final look of cold indifference as she died.
She traced her mother’s name with trembling fingers. “I’m leaving, Mom.”
“Going far away. Never coming back.”
“Are you disappointed in me?”
A soft breeze lifted her hair like a gentle touch.
Lennox wiped her eyes and managed a watery smile. Mom understood. She always had.
She sat there until dawn painted the sky pale pink, then forced her stiff body down the mountain.
At the cemetery entrance, shadows moved. A group of men emerged from the darkness, cutting off her path.
4
“Well, well. What’s a pretty thing like you doing out here alone?” The leader’s grin made her skin crawl. “Why don’t you come play with us?”
Ice shot through her veins. “Move. Now.”
They stepped closer instead. The leader reached for her. “Don’t be a bitch about it, sweetheart. We’ll treat you real nice.”
Lennox jerked back, calculating odds. Five against one. No way she could fight them all.
When the leader dropped his guard for half a second, she bolted.
Footsteps pounded behind her, getting closer. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she fumbled for her phone with shaking hands.
Emergency contact: Hayes.
Two rings, then connection.
15:17
A Billion–Dollar Goodbye: Too Late for Second Chances, Mr. Ex
4.8%
Chapter 7
“Hayes! Help me! There are men chasing me!” The words tumbled out in a panic.
She didn’t wait for an answer–a jutting rock caught her foot and sent her sprawling. Her palms scraped raw against asphalt, her ankle twisting with a sickening pop.
Silence on the other end.
“Hayes! Did you hear me?”
Rustling sounds. Then a voice like poisoned honey:
“Hey there, sis.”
Raina.
“Want to guess if Hayes is coming to save you?”
The blood drained from Lennox’s face, her blood almost froze.
The men were closing in, hands reaching like hungry claws…
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