Chapter 118

She didn't argue, so I patiently continued, "For the past ten years, I've only thought about loving him, never considering that he didn't want to accept it."

"What happened that day, no matter how angry or regretful I am, is already done. I might as well let it go. Now, all I want is a quick divorce."

"But don't you feel wronged?" Lucy's voice softened.

"What's there to feel wronged about? I'm already married; it's something that happens," I said, smiling. I tried to convince Lucy, but I couldn't ignore the sadness within me. How could I not feel wronged? Unfortunately, it was a path I chose, so complaining now seemed excessive. I just need to hold my head high and move forward. Lucy, however, was apprehensive. To ease her worry, I shifted the topic. "By the way, would you like to work at Parker Group?"

Lucy snapped back to reality. "My parents asked me the same thing… I know the reason, but I can't say it aloud."

"If you'd like, I can offer assistance," I offered.

"I don't understand. My family business isn't small, so why don't my parents want me to work there?" Lucy inquired, tilting her head.

"Maybe they want you to gain experience," I said, omitting the truth. The Coffey family was protecting themselves. If their daughter worked at Parker Group, other companies would show respect—a gesture of loyalty to Parker Group. Lucy had been spoiled; her family provided everything. Yet, regarding family interests, they sent her away.

Lucy sighed. "But Yvonne, whenever I think of Hayden, I can't focus. And after what he did to you, I don't want to go there…"

I parted her hand. "You're going to learn skills; it has nothing to do with him. You might not even see him."

"But I want to go abroad with you," Lucy said, realizing something. "Don't you want me to follow you?" We'd talked about going abroad yesterday. She sensed something suspicious.

My heart fluttered. "Of course I want you with me, but you have your family… they'll worry. Lucy, I know you're afraid I'll be lonely. I'll visit often. It's okay."

"What if you meet some blonde, blue-eyed foreign guy, settle down, have kids, and never come back? What would I do then?" Lucy pouted, distressed.

Following her line of thought, I said, "Wouldn't that be great? Haven't you wished for me to dump Hayden?"

"I hoped you'd break up with him and get together with Dylan instead!" she exclaimed. I sighed, "He's too young. I don't want to be labeled a cougar!" The trend of older women with younger boyfriends had emerged, but it never appealed to me.

"Who's old? You look eighteen!" Lucy tugged my sleeve. I changed the subject, picking up a light purple dress. "What do you think of this?"

As expected, her eyes sparkled. "It's gorgeous! You should try it on immediately!" She shoved me into the fitting room.

Before I changed, Marlon called. "Want dinner tonight?"

"I'm busy; there's a company gala," I replied.

Marlon squinted—the Parker Group gala! Such a lively event; he couldn't miss it!

The Venus Hotel, owned by Parker Group, had its first-floor banquet hall prepared for a 7 pm event. Zachary, the host, arrived first. He straightened his suit and asked Sean Harnen, "Who do you think Hayden will bring?"

"Probably Yvonne. Joanna left the company after all," Sean replied casually. Everyone said Joanna had clashed with Yvonne and been ousted.

Zachary wasn't convinced. A sly grin appeared. "Joanna is no pushover. She'll make a return appearance tonight."

"You mean Hayden will bring her?" Sean asked, shocked. Zachary didn't respond. Hayden's thoughts were unpredictable, but Zachary knew Yvonne wouldn't be with him. Just thinking of Yvonne's arrogance made Zachary smile; he anticipated a spectacle.

Parker Group executives began arriving. The hall was for core management and key employees; branch employees weren't invited. High-society elites with ties to Parker Group were also present, eager for networking opportunities. Hayden arrived punctually, stepping from his car in a relaxed manner.

Seeing him alone, Zachary raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Parker? Why no companion?"

Hayden looked coldly at Sean. "Is Sean your dance partner?" Sean gritted his teeth.

Zachary was taken aback, then laughed. "Mr. Parker has a sense of humor. Sean oversaw the ball; I'm just inspecting."

Another car arrived—a Rolls-Royce. "Who is that? Is that Mr. Parker's car?" someone murmured.

"Mr. Parker's already arrived," another remarked. The onlookers whispered, their gazes fixed on the vehicle.

Hayden narrowed his eyes; the car seemed familiar. A hotel attendant opened the Rolls-Royce's back door. A pair of exquisite high heels came into view, followed by elegant legs. Just as everyone was captivated, a voice rang out, "It's Yvonne!"