Chapter 142

I clenched my hands, calming myself. I looked at Hayden calmly. “Hayden, it’s over. It has nothing to do with Joanna. I don’t want to know about your relationship with her.”

Hayden remained motionless, his face darkening, the air growing heavy. I expected us to remain like this until dawn. A phone call broke the silence. Hayden answered, walked to the door, and as it closed, I heard him say, “What’s up?”

I sighed, relieved. I locked the door, as I always did. I couldn’t sleep otherwise.

For the next few days, Marlon helped negotiate the sale of Jackson Group while I prepared for the cruise. Jamie, having finished his exhibition, joined me.

“I saw your ticket sales. The initial draw was the love triangle. Now that Hayden and Joanna’s relationship is clear, what’s left?” Jamie asked sharply.

His artistic eye and gallery ownership gave him keen business acumen. His blunt assessment confirmed he was the right person.

“Joanna and Zachary are enough,” I replied.

“Zachary’s coming too?” Jamie asked, already aware of our group's dynamics.

“He is.” I nodded. He wanted the Parker Group shares I held; he'd come if I asked.

Jamie then mentioned, “I heard Nevin’s coming.”

“Well-informed,” I smiled. Jamie, though seemingly an outsider, knew everything.

“That man holds grudges. A fight on the ship won’t end well,” Jamie warned, accurately reflecting Nevin's potential for retaliation.

“Do as you please. Just don’t kill him,” I said after considering.

Jamie stared blankly. “Are you still the Yvonne I know? I was trying to sue Nevin, and you begged me to stop! Why now…?”

His words reminded me of my desperation for Hayden.

“I did it for his brother. They’re not important anymore,” I sighed, my eyes welling.

Chapter 112

Jamie looked at me strangely, then smiled. “You’ve changed.”

I remained silent. The sea breeze held a hint of bitterness. I thought, Yes. How can people not change? Especially after seeing through love.

That evening, after discussing the cruise with Lucy, I ignored Yosef's calls regarding Jackson Group. I wouldn't yield.

As I prepared for bed, a servant announced Yasir was downstairs.

“Tell him Hayden’s not here,” I replied casually, assuming he sought Hayden.

“Mrs. Parker, Mr. Gibson is here to see you,” the servant corrected.

My hand holding the blanket stiffened. Suspecting cruise business, I got dressed and went downstairs.

Yasir sat on the sofa, on the phone. He hung up as he saw me, smiling, “Yvonne, so sorry to disturb you.”

“You know you’re disturbing me, yet you came?” I countered, a sardonic smile playing on my lips.

Yasir was speechless, then laughed, “We’re partners, aren’t we?”

“Get to the point,” I said directly.

Yasir’s eyes twitched. “Yvonne, why do you sound like Mr. Parker? You two are alike!”

My mood soured. My tone grew colder. “Don’t mention him. If you have nothing important, I’m going back to sleep.”

Seeing my resolve, Yasir hurriedly agreed. “Let’s not talk about him. I’m here to discuss the cruise.”

“You handle your drinks; I’ll handle the rest.” My patience was thin, especially after his mention of Hayden, once my heart's flutter, now my nemesis.

“If the cruise fails, my business fails,” Yasir said seriously. “I heard Nevin’s trying to prevent the cruise from leaving.”

My heart sank. “What did he do?”

“I don’t know,” Yasir shook his head. “I heard it, but I don’t know the details. But I thought I should tell you.”

“Why not go to Hayden?” I asked.

“Isn’t the cruise under your management?” Yasir was surprised.

What he said was true.

I sneered. “I’m just the figurehead. Everything still needs Hayden’s approval.” Xander wouldn't entrust the Parker family assets to an outsider.

Yasir was taken aback, clearly not expecting my insight.

I smiled. “You came to me, skipping Hayden. Want to see Nevin and me fight?”

Yasir’s face paled. He avoided my gaze, his voice lacking confidence. “You think too much. What good would it do me?”

“You like a good show, right? Want to see what Nevin and I can do to each other?” I asked, smiling.

Yasir couldn’t admit it, so he raised his voice. “Yvonne! I’m here for serious business!”

Seeing his reddening face, I stopped mocking him. I played with my ring. “But you reminded me. Before I leave, I have to settle accounts with Nevin…”