Chapter 120

I looked at him in surprise. What on earth was this fellow doing here? And where had Lucy vanished to?

However, the moment Bert laid eyes on Hayden, the worry lines on his brow smoothed considerably. "Mr. Parker! You also consent to the sale of Jackson Group?"

"It's not for sale. It's merely a temporary reallocation of funds," Hayden explained. "Subsequently, Yvonne can use this capital to launch a new company, and a new Jackson Group will be founded."

I glanced at him, realizing he had already said what I was planning to say. Under the circumstances, I had no choice but to play along. "Mr. Torres, my surname remains Jackson, which means the company won't cease to exist. However, if Jackson Group were to end up in the hands of strangers, one can only imagine the consequences."

Bert was astute. Aware of the recent rumors surrounding the Jackson family, he understood Yosef's infatuation with a certain woman. He was a man who had lived, and he understood impulsive, foolish actions. With Hayden present, he naturally showed respect.

"You're correct… Yvonne, your father has truly changed over the years. Your grandfather bequeathed the company to you; it's entirely at your discretion how you wish to manage it. This is now a domain for the younger generation," Bert finally conceded.

With his approval, my issue was resolved. "Thank you, Mr. Torres! Don't worry, I'll definitely make the company bigger and stronger," I said, clinking my glass with Bert's.

Afterward, Hayden stayed to chat with Bert, leaving me idle. I saw Lucy in the corner, talking with Yasir. They seemed to be having a wonderful time, laughing heartily.

I rolled my eyes—this guy always chose romance over friendship. But then I remembered school, when I often left Lucy to find Hayden. I used to do this all the time, so I supposed I had no right to be upset. But when had Lucy started getting along with Yasir?

While I pondered, Hayden approached again. "Mr. Torres says he can sign the share transfer agreement with you tomorrow."

I turned, squinting at him. "This is my business, and it has nothing to do with you. Why are you involved?"

A flicker of pain crossed his deep eyes, quickly masked. "Selling the company is a significant matter. My presence will put Mr. Torres more at ease."

"Stop flattering yourself. I can handle it perfectly well without you," I scoffed, showing no appreciation. What he was doing was entirely unnecessary; I didn't want to owe him any favors. I was about to leave when a group of people approached, chatting and laughing while drinking, blocking my path. To outsiders, Hayden and I still appeared as a couple, so we had to maintain appearances.

Lucy, drinking with Yasir, suddenly spotted me. "Where's Yvonne?"

"Probably discussing something," Yasir said casually, swirling his wine.

"True," Lucy nodded, knowing Yvonne had important business.

She took another sip, her gaze lingering on Yasir. "Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be doing business on a cruise?"

Their cruise trip was a shared memory. "Did the tickets sell out?" Yasir asked.

"Yes," Lucy responded, excitement evident. "Yvonne is truly remarkable! She went live from the Parker residence, and everyone went wild, eagerly waiting to see what would happen next. They were snapping up the tickets like crazy, regardless of how pricey they were! And the tickets sold out within half an hour!"

Yasir recalled the events, his expression softening. "She is truly outstanding." Even from his perspective, Yvonne's accomplishments were astounding.

Just then, Yasir asked, "Lucy, has Yvonne always been this smart?"

"Yeah. Yvonne's much smarter. She's crazy about Hayden. When she sees him, she loses all sense. She'd risk her life for him." Lucy sighed. "In ten years, I've seen it. So, when Yvonne was wronged because of Hayden, I was angry."

Yasir, who didn't believe in love, found Yvonne amazing, loving someone for so long. His parents were estranged, and breakups and reconciliations were common among his friends; marriage was rare, often ending in divorce within a few years. A devoted soul like Yvonne was truly rare.

Previously, everyone considered Yvonne foolish and senseless. However, her intelligence had completely changed people's perceptions.

Lucy agreed, "In that way, Yvonne's great. Many get bitter and messy from love. But she's clear-headed. Once she decides to move on, she does. Sometimes I really admire her. If it were her facing such grievances, she wouldn't consider it over until the other party had lost everything."

"Did she really let it go? What about Mr. Parker?" Yasir was stunned.

"Humph, what can that idiot do? He's already a father! Yvonne has sacrificed so much for him over the years, and he behaves as if it's of no significance!" Lucy fumed.

"A father! Mr. Parker?" Yasir was shocked.

Lucy looked at him with disdain. "Stop pretending, didn't he show off to you guys?"

"Really, he didn't!" Yasir was anxious. "Who's he involved with then? Joanna?"

"Who else could it be but that two-faced traitor?" Lucy rolled her eyes, disgusted.

Yasir was stunned. He'd thought Hayden wasn't serious about Joanna, but they even had a child. Even as friends with Hayden, he felt Hayden had gone too far—he had a love child while still married to Yvonne.

"Does Yvonne… know? What's her reaction?" Yasir pressed.

"What else could she do? Yvonne said she's out of love and doesn't care," Lucy shrugged, a bit weary. "It's fortunate that she's snapped out of her lovesick state. Otherwise, she'd be completely heartbroken."

Yasir was still marveling at the chaos when he saw Joanna enter, wearing a light blue dress.

"She's here too?" he asked. Lucy followed his gaze.