Chapter 106

“Do you really think Layla telling you these things will help you marry into the Parker family?” I ignored her questions, countering with a single line that paled her face.

Joanna likely sensed it too. Hayden taking her to the Parker residence didn't guarantee a marriage. In a family with that background, even I barely secured one, were it not for Grandpa and Xander's friendship. Joanna had nothing comparable to offer.

“Why won’t it?” Joanna sneered defiantly. “The Parker family cares most about their heirs. You’ve been married to Hayden for so long and haven’t had a child with him. They’ve been looking for a reason to kick you out.”

I looked at her quietly. “If you think the most important thing for a woman is to have children, I feel sorry for you.”

“You’re only saying that because you can’t have any!” Joanna retorted loudly.

I knew she wouldn’t listen. At that moment, the elevator chimed, signaling Zachary’s arrival.

“Oh, what has got you two lovely ladies arguing so early this morning?” Zachary teased, his smile at odds with his usually mature demeanor.

“Mr. Swanson, you’re kidding! Mrs. Parker and I are like sisters,” Joanna quickly covered her anger with a smile as she saw him approach. “Why would we argue?”

I raised an eyebrow. Are we going to call each other sisters again? I couldn’t figure out men, and now I hardly understood women.

“We’re hardly sisters, especially since I’m about to divorce Hayden,” Joanna interrupted, pointedly shifting the conversation to her relationship with Hayden.

An awkward silence fell. Zachary coughed lightly and smiled. “Is that really true, Mrs. Parker? I don’t think Mr. Parker plans on getting a divorce, does he?”

Men often see through each other. If Hayden truly wanted a divorce, he would have signed the papers long ago, not waited months. Any hesitation stemmed from reluctance. Besides, with such a beautiful and intelligent wife, he wouldn't want to let her go. He'd have to be blind.

Before I could respond, Joanna exclaimed, “What do you mean Mr. Parker has no plans? Did he tell you that himself?”

“He didn’t say it directly,” Zachary began, but the elevator opened again, interrupting him. Hayden arrived, Richard trailing behind.

I glanced at Hayden. Tall and commanding, he exuded a kingly presence that made everyone wary. “Is everyone here?” he asked in a deep voice.

Suddenly remembering last night's incident, I felt uneasy. Getting drunk and causing a scene was hardly classy.

Joanna lit up at the sight of Hayden and approached him eagerly. “Mr. Parker…”

Hayden gave her a gentle nod, and she obediently stood beside him. They made quite a pair—the bossy president and his sweet wife. I lowered my eyes, a bitterness welling in my heart.

Zachary broke the awkward silence. “Since we’re all here, let’s talk about the shop issues, shall we? Everyone’s been waiting for two weeks.”

Joanna quickly added, “I’ve already resolved Mr. Robinson’s contract issue. Marun’s contract was fake; I’ve had a lawyer send him a legal notice, so that matter is settled.” She clearly aimed to quickly claim victory.

Zachary nodded. “Was the contract forged? Do we have any evidence?”

Joanna produced a contract. “Here’s a copy. The seal is questionable.”

“Has it been checked?” Zachary asked Richard.

“Yes,” Richard replied. “The seal is expired and invalid.”

“So, it looks like Ms. Charlotte has won?” Zachary glanced at Hayden with a playful smile. “Seems like I’ve got a dance partner for tomorrow night’s party.” His gaze shifted to me. His blatant ambition was nauseating.

Joanna eagerly declared, “I won, proving Hayden made the right decision. I joined the Parker Group based on my abilities.” She tugged on Hayden’s sleeve. “Right, Mr. Parker?”

Hayden didn't respond; his eyes remained fixed on me. “Got nothing to say?” he asked, his tone like he was questioning a criminal.

I didn't respond, looking at my watch. They should have arrived by now. The elevator dinged. Ethan, Dylan, Martin, and my cousin Stanley (in a black suit with a briefcase) entered.

I approached them. “Did you bring the stuff?”

“It’s all here,” Stanley said, handing over a folder. After reviewing it, I felt relieved. Stanley nodded, then announced, “Everyone, I am Mr. Zamora’s representative lawyer, Stanley.”

Before he finished, Joanna retorted sarcastically, “Losing is losing. Can a lawyer turn a lie into truth?”

Stanley continued, ignoring her, “Ms. Charlotte, the letter your lawyer sent to my client is invalid.”

“How could it be invalid? Richard just mentioned your contract is fake!” Joanna became agitated.

“The contract is invalid, but accusing my client of fraud is baseless. My client is the real victim,” Stanley stated clearly.

I chimed in, “To get the Kinew Square shop, Harrison conspired with Irene to defraud Mr. Zamora with a fraudulent contract and even collected his rent.”

“Nonsense! Your contract is fake!” Joanna shouted. “I know you’re her cousin; you’d naturally take her side.”

“I’m a professional lawyer, and I only speak with facts,” Stanley calmly replied, unfazed by her accusation.

Dylan interjected, gripping Martin’s hand. “The Parker Group, being such a large company, conspired to deceive us. We should be the ones suing you.”

Zachary, finding the situation interesting, turned to Hayden. “Mr. Parker, what’s your opinion on this?”

I glanced at Hayden; my heart tightened.