Chapter 136

Hayden remembered everything about Yvonne. He couldn't discern whether it was instinct or deliberate. Since childhood, whether shooting, equestrianism, or golf, as long as a teacher instructed him, he learned easily. However, no one had ever taught him about feelings, nor was he interested in them.

One summer day, sweating profusely on the basketball court, Yvonne waited for him with water, like a mascot, occasionally shouting, "Hayden, you're awesome!" Initially annoying, he grew accustomed to it. Then, the sound vanished. He glanced back and found Yvonne gone. Accustomed to her chatter, her sudden disappearance worried him. After hesitating, he searched for her.

The landscaping behind the court was beautiful—lush grass, thriving trees, and the sound of cicadas. But he was preoccupied with finding her. Fortunately, he quickly found her asleep under a tree. He'd thought she was lost, not sleeping. He relaxed. Seeing no one around, he knew he couldn't leave her alone. He sat beside her, took out his phone, and checked company emails. Though not yet graduated, he handled most of Parker Group's business and often needed to attend to it.

Concentrating on his emails, Yvonne murmured in her sleep, "Hayden, do you like me?" Hayden stiffened. Though his eyes remained on his phone, the data blurred. He waited for her to continue. "They all say you hate me, but… but I like you," she sobbed.

Hayden's brow twitched. He lowered his phone and looked at her. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting gentle shadows on her delicate skin. Makeup-free, she looked childish, yet pure and lovely, moving him. She even rubbed against him. A cool breeze carried her scent. He leaned down and kissed her lips. He was a hot-blooded young man then. Their closeness, and her murmured feelings, made the kiss seem natural. Sadly, she remained asleep, unaware. Nevin, however, arrived and caught them.

Those deep-buried memories seemed distant, yet recalled, they were vividly clear. Thinking of the kiss still warmed his cheeks.

That was when he first felt something for someone. After a moment's thought, he walked towards the bedroom. He felt he should clarify things with Yvonne. However, the door was locked. Hayden froze. 'Yvonne locked me out!' he thought.

A servant passed by, saying, "Sir, welcome home." Hayden's mouth twitched. He acted as if he'd just left the room. "Mrs. Parker is asleep. Keep your voice down. Don't wake her," he instructed.

"Yes, sir." The servant, puzzled, noted Hayden was already inside. Watching Hayden walk towards the study, he sighed inwardly, 'Mr. Parker has it tough!'

The next day, I woke early, opened the balcony door, and breathed the fresh air. I felt better instantly. About to enjoy the view, I saw Hayden jogging below. He wore a light gray tracksuit; his form was perfect, not the least bit winded. Clearly, he'd trained since youth. I used to wish for this every morning. Now, seeing it, my face fell. I closed the balcony door.

I changed and went downstairs, where the maid prepared breakfast. Hayden entered as I ate. The maid gave him a towel to wipe his face. His dark eyes met mine. "Come with me to see the ship," he said.

My hand tightened on my spoon. I frowned. "Tim manages the ship now. I can go myself," I retorted, implying his presence wasn't needed.

Hayden understood, glanced at me, and walked upstairs. "Let's go together." I clenched my teeth. 'Doesn't he understand human language?' I thought. Besides, his sweetheart had a significant incident yesterday, and he wasn't worried at all. How heartless!

I lost my appetite and left. Ethan, having overheard Hayden, asked while driving, "Boss, aren't you waiting for Mr. Parker?"

"Why wait for him!" My heart skipped a beat; my face darkened. "Don't mention him again!"

Ethan smiled mysteriously in the rearview mirror. "I'm shocked, Ethan. You can smile?" I thought, 'Isn't he a ruthless killer? He should be indifferent to everything. How is he acting more like an ordinary person?'

Ethan, realizing his lapse, stopped smiling. "You haven't asked about what happened in room 303 last night, boss."

I stared blankly. He was talking more than usual. He usually spoke minimally. Regarding last night, I frowned. "There's nothing to ask. Joanna deserved it."

"Yes," Ethan agreed, seeing my disinterest. Silence followed. My bad mood made me hasty. Calming down, I widened my eyes. "Yesterday, I told you to wait in room 500. You weren't there. You weren't in the room, were you? Joanna and Zachary… you saw it all?"

Ethan seemed to regret mentioning it.