Chapter 109

The Sterlings were visibly upset. "I was just worried about you," Hayden said. "Why treat me like this? I've been away for days. How would I know if something happened to you? Am I wrong to care about you?" He mimicked Morgan, adopting a look of pitiful grievance and lowering his head. At that moment, he finally understood what it felt like to be Morgan. It was exhilarating. Using passive-aggressive words while sounding overly considerate left no room for others to rebuke or demean him further. Sure enough, the room fell silent after his words. Everyone exchanged puzzled glances. "You're… worried about us?" Julia seemed conflicted, biting her lip lightly. It did sound like concern, though the words were jarring. Only Morgan remained frozen, staring at Hayden with a flash of coldness in his eyes. Something was off with him. He had become manipulative. Only someone of the same nature could recognize it. Morgan suddenly felt a pang of unease. What if Hayden stirred up trouble?