Chapter 26 – The Truth Between Them
Author's POV
The room was silent.
Clyde sat across the table, his usual confidence shaken for the first time.
Jay stood by the window, her back facing him.
For several long seconds...
Neither of them spoke.
Finally, Jay turned around.
"Tell me one thing."
Clyde looked up.
"What?"
Jay's eyes locked onto his.
"Why Keifer?"
"Out of everyone in the world..."
"Why him?"
Clyde let out a bitter laugh.
"Because everything was always about him."
"He inherited the company."
"He got everyone's respect."
"He always won."
Jay slowly walked closer.
"No."
"He earned what he has."
"You made your own choices."
Clyde clenched his fists.
"You don't understand."
Jay's voice remained calm.
"I understand more than you think."
She paused before continuing.
"You know what's ironic?"
"You wanted to destroy the person I love..."
"But the only life you destroyed was your own."
Clyde looked away.
For the first time...
He had no comeback.
Jay took a slow breath.
"I didn't come here because I hate you."
"I came here because I wanted to understand."
"But now..."
"I finally do."
She turned toward the door.
Before leaving, she stopped.
Without looking back, she quietly said,
"If Keifer had been standing where I am today..."
"He would have fought for the company."
"I fought for him."
"And I'd do it again."
The door closed behind her.
Clyde remained alone in the silent room.
For the first time...
He truly understood everything he had lost.