Chapter 139

“Are you with Hayden?”

That was clearly Hayden’s voice. I knew it instantly. Hayden couldn’t be this distraught, though.

“We’re dealing with something. I’ll call you later,” Marlon said, fearing Hayden would rush over and grab the phone. They were at the hospital; both their faces bore varying degrees of bruising. Even though Marlon stopped talking, Hayden approached with a sullen glare. Fortunately, Yasir intervened, stopping Hayden.

“Alright! Haven’t you had enough! With your face like that, how are you going to work tomorrow!” Yasir rarely had the chance to lecture Hayden. He’d thought he’d misheard Richard’s call; he couldn't believe the usually composed Hayden would be in this state. Arriving at the hospital, he found Hayden badly beaten.

Marlon pocketed his phone, ready to confront Hayden again. “So what if it’s Yvonne’s call? She’d rather call me than answer you, so you should know how deeply you’ve hurt her!” Yvonne was someone he’d protect, even at the cost of his life. Hayden had her, yet didn't know how to cherish her; it infuriated Marlon.

Richard subtly restrained Marlon. “Mr. Warner, stop. Your injuries were just treated!”

“Richard, let him go!” Hayden shouted, scarlet-eyed, glaring at Marlon. “When is it your turn to comment on what’s going on between Yvonne and me?”

“Richard, get him out of here!” Yasir shouted, dragging Hayden into the room. The door slammed shut, separating the two. Silence descended, and Yasir breathed a sigh of relief.

“Why are you angry with him? I’ve known you so long. I’ve never seen you like this…”

“Why are you trying to mediate? Just leave me alone,” Hayden fumed.

“Are you going to pick a fight if I stay out of it?” Yasir countered.

Hayden’s brow twitched; his tone softened. “I’m going to find Yvonne.” She was furious that afternoon, so he knew something had happened.

Yasir was stunned, then panicked. “You… you’re not going to retaliate, are you?” Richard had told Yasir about Yvonne slapping Hayden. Seeing Hayden’s anxiety, Yasir broke into a cold sweat for Yvonne.

Hayden’s eyes turned cold, radiating a murderous threat. Yasir’s forehead beaded with sweat; his eyes narrowed involuntarily. “After all, she was wrong to hit you.”

“She might have run into trouble,” Hayden murmured.

Yasir was completely stunned. He looked at Hayden in disbelief and silently pinched his arm. Intense pain shot through him, eliciting a cry.

Hayden observed Yasir’s strange movements, his brow furrowing deeper. “I didn’t mishear, did I? You were beaten up and you’re still worried about her?” Yasir risked his life asking that. As Hayden’s expression darkened, he hastily explained, “I mean, you really fell in love with her!”

Silence filled the room. A cold light flashed in Hayden’s dark eyes. “What did you say?” His words caught Yasir off guard.

Yasir felt he saw through Hayden. “You’re a powerful figure in Elysiumville. Everyone is cautious around you. Yet Yvonne dared to hit you, and you’re not angry, but worried? Isn’t that love?” Yasir almost added that it was either love or masochism, but wisely refrained. There were things Yvonne could do that he couldn't.

Hayden fell into deep thought. Indeed, only Yvonne would dare be so presumptuous. His beating of Marlon showed he wouldn't tolerate such treatment from others. He was different with Yvonne.

Seeing his silence, Yasir continued. “And this is the first time you’ve been this impulsive, right? Before, you never showed emotion, but now…”

Marlon chuckled. “It’s good this way. You’re becoming more humane. The power of love is awesome; even you've changed.”

“This… love?” Hayden asked rhetorically, his brow furrowing further.

“Yeah, what else could make you lose your mind?” Yasir said lazily. He hadn't expected Hayden to be so clueless about love.

Hayden didn't refute. He slowly sat, lowering his eyelids, his thoughts unreadable.

Outside, Richard led Marlon to the hallway. Seeing Marlon’s anger, Richard offered him a cigarette. “Mr. Warner, calm down.”

Marlon glanced back and accepted the cigarette. Richard lit it. Marlon inhaled deeply, his eyes narrowing, his gangster aura returning. He was a gangster, but he’d restrained himself around Yvonne.

“Mr. Warner, you may not know this, but Mr. Parker is always extremely nervous about anything concerning his wife,” Richard attempted to mediate. Marlon still had a partnership with Parker Group; a major falling out would damage their reputations.

Marlon snorted, flicking ash. “Everyone knows how he treated Yvonne before. Now he’s nervous!” Richard actually didn't know the full story.

“Everyone makes mistakes, especially in relationships,” Richard smiled, changing the subject. “Mr. Warner, you seem to care a lot about Mr. Parker.”

Even Richard saw it; Hayden’s anger stemmed from jealousy.

“Hayden doesn’t cherish her, so why blame others for helping her?” Marlon sneered. He was upfront; everyone knew what was happening.

Richard opened his mouth, then closed it. He wanted to mention that Yvonne and Hayden weren't divorced, but it would only worsen things.

Silence fell. Marlon finished his cigarette. “Will Hayden really get a divorce? Or is he regretting it?”