Reborn From Ashes novel Chapter 4

The Sterlings' abuse sliced Hayden open and left him bleeding from a thousand cuts, but he was used to it.

He had grown accustomed to being framed, criticized, and shunned. More importantly, he was used to Morgan's pretenses. He had fallen victim to Morgan's schemes countless times in his past life.

Hayden was unaffected as he snorted at the Sterlings' disparagement. Much to their surprise, he pointed at Morgan. "The Sterling family is too small for the both of us. So, if one of us must go, it should be the adopted son!"

He gave Morgan a mocking look as if to say, "You wanted to leave, right? Go on, then."

"W-What are you saying?" Morgan stammered, going still with surprise at Hayden's words. There was a lump in his throat.

Previously, Hayden would have fallen to his knees, apologizing and begging to stay in the Sterling residence. But now, the tables had turned.

The rest of the family were equally shocked. They couldn't believe what they had just heard. Where did Hayden get the nerve to say such bold things?

"D-Do you think you're the head of the Sterling family?" Francis demanded through gritted teeth, his bloodshot eyes flashing with rage

"Enough with that nonsense! Why should Morgan leave when he's done nothing wrong?" Lily interjected angrily, looping her arm through Morgan's as she glared viciously at Hayden.

She didn't seem to care that Morgan was brushing his arm against her ample bosom and getting off on the feeling.

Julia narrowed her eyes and looked down her nose at Hayden. She made her stance clear as she said, "We wanted you to stay and treated you like one of us, yet you chose to stab us in the back and even made up an entire story to frame Morgan for your crimes.

"Morgan is innocent and naive, but that doesn't mean you can pick on him! I won't allow you to make him leave this family!"

She grabbed Morgan's hand and clasped it tightly, her slender fingers wrapping around his palm. Her soft, gentle touch was a privilege that only he could experience.

"No one can make you leave while I'm here, and I'd sooner die than have you cast out of the family home! Remember, your last name is Sterling. You will always be one of us," Charlotte said righteously, her tone firm with resolve.

For a moment, everyone in the family made their stances clear. Morgan was moved to tears, and small sobs escaped him. However, he gave Hayden a pointed look as if to ask, "Why don't you try to get rid of me now?"

Hayden chuckled humorlessly as his lips curled in disdain. He wasn't surprised that the Sterlings would speak up for Morgan; he had expected it right from the start. He only wanted to see if they would change their minds before he left for good.

He had admittedly been holding out hope that things might change, but reality had proved him wrong. The Sterlings were the same heartless family as they had always been. Hayden would never have a place among them.

"So, this is your choice, right? If Morgan won't leave, then I will. Not that it matters. I'll leave now and consider us even," Hayden declared plainly before turning to leave.

"Don't you dare!" Francis thundered.

"If you're keeping me, then you must know that Morgan has to go," Hayden warned, pointing at Morgan.

"Bullshit! I never agreed to your nonsensical terms!" Francis growled.

Hayden explained, "I've made myself clear. This house is too small for the both of us, so I'll leave now. Once I'm gone, we'll live our separate lives.

"It's not as if we were ever close, so I'm sure you won't be too upset about me leaving the family."

With that, he spun on his heels and headed to his room. No one stopped him from leaving, and the Sterlings merely exchanged looks with one another.

They did not believe that Hayden would leave. They were certain that he was only throwing a tantrum, which was common for a young man his age, when impulses and angst won over reason.

"Mom, Dad, Hayden won't really leave, will he? I feel bad for causing all this," Morgan said, pouting as if stewing in regret.