Reborn From Ashes novel Chapter 5

A sheen of cold sweat broke out over Morgan's back and soaked through his shirt when Hayden dialed the police hotline.

He knew where Charlotte's missing jewelry had gone. He had stolen those pieces of jewelry so that he could make some extra money off them. As a bonus, he could pin the theft on Hayden too.

It wasn't as if Charlotte cared about the jewelry. The Sterlings had money, and the trinkets she bought every month were worth millions. She had so many of them that she never bothered to keep track.

But just as Morgan was about to speak up, Francis growled out, "Do you want to humiliate us in front of outsiders?"

Only then did Hayden raise his icy gaze. He stared at Francis evenly and gave no reply.

Francis continued frigidly, "If you want to leave, do it. But don't even think about taking whatever isn't yours. Who do you think you are to call the cops?

"Hand over the things you stole if you're so high and mighty. At least I'd have some respect for you!"

Hayden threatening to leave home was nothing more than a joke to Francis. He would never leave the family on Francis' watch.

Everyone else sneered when they realized what Francis was implying. They cast condescending looks at Hayden, silently daring him to hand over the jewelry.

If he coughed up the jewelry and money he stole from them, he wouldn't have enough to sustain himself outside the family. If he refused to hand over the stolen goods, they would take it upon themselves to investigate.

By then, he wouldn't be able to defend himself.

Hayden took one look at their scorching gazes and knew what they were up to. But it didn't matter, not when the Sterling family meant nothing to him. He had no reason to stay in a place that had destroyed his life.

No sentiments held him back, and he wanted nothing more to do with these people.

Without another word, Hayden turned back into his room.

Morgan feigned surprise as he cried, "Wait, did Hayden actually steal money from us? No way!"

He was more contemptuous than shocked. He might have planned on planting the stolen jewelry and money inside Hayden's room, but he didn't expect the latter to have committed actual theft.

The rest of the Sterlings were not so amused. Their faces were grim, and their gazes were frosty. They had to keep the theft a secret and settle it within the family, lest word of it got out and their reputation was tarnished.

"That useless, no-good punk! He's our greatest embarrassment!" Francis snarled, clenching his fists and wishing he could beat some sense into Hayden.

Seconds turned into minutes before Hayden finally emerged from his room, still without jewelry or money. He held only a piece of paper, on which were written neat rows of fine letters.

He said calmly, "Let me make myself clear. I did not take anything of value from the Sterling family. Since moving in here, whatever money I spent has been from my savings.

"You have not given me an allowance and did not provide me with anything beyond a roof over my head and three meals a day. I wrote this disclaimer myself. Just sign here, and we'll wash our hands off each other from now on."

He handed Francis the piece of paper. When the older man read the heading, his eyes widened.

Everyone else who read the heading couldn't help gasping. "Agreement of severing family ties?"

Hayden had even stated that he would leave without taking any money from the Sterling family and that he was willing to be held accountable for his words. He also proposed getting the police involved to track down the missing items.

If the Sterling family chose not to investigate, he would leave and cut them off for good.

"Do you think this piece of paper will have any bearing on the blood that flows in your veins?" Francis was livid and practically breathing fire. He looked as if he might punch Hayden the next second.