Chapter 109
Joanna was speechless. She clamped her jaw, unwilling to leave the company but unsure how to salvage the situation. Instinctively, she looked at Hayden, tears welling in her eyes, seeking help. One question crushed her hopes before she could speak. “Mr. Parker, I assume you won’t play favorites this time, right?”
All eyes turned to Hayden. He remained silent. Time stretched. Joanna’s impatience grew; her voice choked with emotion. “Hayden, I don’t want to leave you…” Her words trailed off in sobs.
Zachary watched from the sidelines. Dylan and Stanley remained silent; the moment felt suspended. I stared at Hayden, unwavering. In matters of the heart, I was defenseless. But in business, I had no reason to fail.
Finally, Hayden turned to Joanna. “You don’t need to come to the office starting tomorrow.” The issue was resolved. Tears streamed down Joanna’s face. She tried to speak, but Hayden had already left. “Hayden,” she called, pursuing him.
I chuckled inwardly, then looked at Stanley. “Stanley, thank you.” He smiled, affection in his eyes. “No worries, Senior. We’re leaving; we don’t want to disturb you further,” Dylan said, departing with Martin and Stanley.
Zachary approached, complimenting me. “I’m increasingly impressed. Today’s events unfolded seamlessly. You must have planned this for some time, right?”
“Mr. Swanson, you flatter me,” I replied, smiling faintly.
“Your expression really resembles Mr. Parker’s,” Zachary teased, laughing. “But I just realized how important you are to him.”
“What?” I thought I’d misheard. He must be joking. His smile remained as he changed the subject. “Now that you control the Parker Group shares, when can we discuss the price?”
I raised an eyebrow, smiling lightly. “How can you be so sure I’ll sell?”
“Is there anyone else who can offer a higher price?” Zachary was confident. In Elysiumville, only the Parker family surpassed him in wealth.
I smiled, remaining silent. His smile faltered. “You wouldn’t still want to sell to Hayden, would you? After everything he’s done, you can’t still love him, right?”
“I differentiate between love and money,” I corrected. Since love was gone, more money wasn’t unwelcome. No one refused money.
Zachary’s gaze intensified. “So, how much do you want?”
Unscared, I smiled calmly. “I haven’t decided yet. Let’s talk later.” I returned to the secretary’s office.
Richard greeted me, joyful and excited. “Congratulations, Mrs. Parker. You handled the situation perfectly. Even Mr. Parker was impressed.”
“You found out so quickly?” I asked, surprised.
“It’s all over the company group chat,” Richard said, scrolling through his phone. “Everyone’s on your side, saying you were great for getting rid of the mistress. They even said…” He stopped, his expression awkward, quickly putting away his phone.
I shrugged it off jokingly. “She just quit. It’s not like she’ll disappear from Hayden’s life. Besides, whatever happens between them, I don’t care anymore.”
“Huh?” Richard looked surprised. I changed the subject. “I have some things to take care of this afternoon. Could you please give me the contract for the Joyland Property?” I handed him two copies.
As he took them, he asked, “Have you been very busy lately, Mrs. Parker?” He’d likely noticed my absence.
I said simply, “Just busy today. I’m visiting my mother.”
“I see. Go early then; leave these to me,” Richard smiled.
After attending to some office matters, I bought flowers and my mother’s favorite pastries, heading to the cemetery. The morning sun had given way to dark clouds and rumbling thunder. As I climbed the hill, a steady rain began to fall. Fortunately, I had an umbrella.
Mom’s ashes were buried halfway up the hill, near a lavender field—her favorite flower.
“Mom, are you upset I didn’t hold a funeral?” I placed flowers before her tombstone, my voice trembling slightly. “That day, telling Dad I would have a funeral was to provoke him. So much time has passed. You never liked large gatherings, and honestly… I haven’t had much time myself,” I murmured.
I sighed, sitting beside her grave, sharing her favorite pastries. “Lucy said she wanted to come, and I didn’t refuse. You always enjoyed seeing her. Rest assured, I have good relationships with my friends,” I added.
The rain grew heavier. Lost in my grief, I didn’t notice another black umbrella approaching. Hayden stood watching, observing my frail figure. A part of his heart felt missing, the wind a chilling torment. He’d been there long before Lucy arrived.
“Oh, it’s you. I never imagined you’d show up here,” Lucy scoffed, regarding Hayden with disdain. "Almost everyone finds your cold, aloof CEO vibe… forbiddingly charming," she mocked. "But I don't get it. You're cold and emotionless. What's so good about that? Yvonne missed her mother's last chance because of you. What were you doing? Getting cozy with Joanna, right?” She mocked him mercilessly.