Chapter 116

Dylan, across from me, was stunned, his eyes mirroring my surprise. The surrounding chatter jolted me back to reality. "Look! Mr. Parker's sitting beside his wife!" one man exclaimed. "Mr. Parker hardly ever comes to the cafeteria," another remarked. "Rumor has it they're getting a divorce, but it doesn't seem that way," a third added. "Wasn't Joanna fired? Could it be Mrs. Parker won?"

These individuals were remarkably quick to pick up on gossip. Observing my stillness, Hayden said, "Why have you stopped eating?"

He'd arrived to find the table lively, curious about Dylan and Yvonne's earlier jovial mood, now replaced by silence at his presence. My eyes shifted, and I instinctively leaned away, seeking distance. I resumed eating to ease the awkwardness.

Dylan responded, "Oh, Mr. Parker also has his meals in the cafeteria. I always presumed CEOs only ate gourmet food."

Hayden's gaze sharpened, intimidating. "You're here as well?"

"Yes, Yvonne helped me with some business, and since it was lunchtime, she invited me," Dylan stated frankly. He sensed Hayden's animosity, a familiar spark of male rivalry ignited within him. "I heard some rumors on my way here, something about Mr. Parker and Ms. Charlotte…"

"You heard wrong," Hayden interrupted abruptly. Dylan looked at me questioningly, seeking confirmation.

I suspected Hayden was protecting his reputation, a feeling of disdain washing over me. In this situation, why worry about reputation? They fell in love at first sight, didn't they? He was about to become a father, yet he was still lying. The more he behaved this way, the less respect I had for him.

The doubt in Dylan's eyes deepened. I expected uncertainty, but he simply smiled slightly. "Yvonne, I trust you."

His unwavering trust moved me. Even if the world doubted me, he wouldn't. I smiled back. "How are your studies going?" I asked, concerned. "It's going well. It was unfamiliar at first, but I'm picking it up quickly," Dylan replied, his face beaming.

He was truly intelligent. Even the abrupt transition to medicine didn't seem overly challenging, his love fueling his diligent study. "Still playing tennis?" I asked. "Yes," Dylan nodded. "Being fit helps me study better." Playing tennis also gave him opportunities to see Quinn, learning much about the Jackson family.

Suddenly, he remembered something. "Hey, anything happening at your place recently?" I continued eating. "What sort of thing?"

Dylan hesitated. "I learned from Quinn that his mother and stepfather have been arguing, perhaps about him adopting the Jackson name."

I paused, then composed myself. "That's their family business." My words surprised Dylan and Hayden. Their gazes changed, but neither spoke, merely staring differently. I remained unconcerned, smiling. "I've grown up. I can't always be by Dad's side. How many kids he has is none of my business."

"I get it," Dylan nodded, accepting my words without question. Hayden frowned. "Did he come to you just for…"

He referred to last night. I didn't want to continue. "No, he didn't." I stood, gathering my tray. "Are you done? Shall we go?" I asked Dylan.

"Sure!" He followed obediently, as if ready to go anywhere with me.

A few steps away, he hesitated. "Yvonne, are we really just leaving Mr. Parker like this?"

"We've finished eating, why would we stay?" I replied casually, my gaze falling. I didn't need to look back to know Hayden was upset. I wondered about his recent behavior, appearing before me repeatedly. Was he, like Joanna, boasting about a child?

Lost in thought, I didn't notice Zachary sit across from Hayden. He'd been watching, aware of Hayden's presence and observing everything. Seeing Hayden staring at the exit, he grinned. "Can't stand to see them leave, huh? Why not go after them?"

Hayden's yearning vanished, replaced by icy aloofness. "Did you come to the cafeteria to eat?"

"As vice president, I need to see what the employees eat daily!" Zachary smirked. "But Mr. Parker, why are you here? Why lower yourself?"

Hayden wiped his mouth. "As company president, I need to see what the VP and employees eat too."

Zachary's face froze. Hayden's words clearly asserted his ownership. Clenching his teeth, Hayden changed the subject. "I'm looking forward to tonight's ball. I wonder who Yvonne will dance with."

"Zachary, you're overstepping," Hayden reminded him coldly.

"I didn't say anything wrong, did I? Can't I mention Yvonne? I heard you two are getting a divorce; no need to be so worked up." He smirked maliciously, enjoying Hayden's tension. Rumor had it Hayden had feelings for Joanna, but hadn't moved on from Yvonne yet. Zachary had found a weakness.

"Where there's smoke, there's fire. I heard you and Joanna fell for each other overseas and have been inseparable," Zachary continued.

Hayden interrupted, irritated. "You seem overly interested in my personal life."

"Not at all," Zachary quickly shook his head, then became serious. "I just wanted to let you know that once you and Yvonne split, I'm going to pursue her."