Chapter 143

I had always held a grudge. The years of insults and bullying from Nevin had to end. Hearing this, Yasir smiled, stood, and happily prepared to leave. "I'm relieved to hear you say that," he said.

After taking a few steps, he turned back, a hint of doubt in his eyes. "Yvonne, is there anything you want to ask me?"

Before I could answer, thunder and lightning erupted outside the window. Heavy rain poured down. I turned to the downpour. "Nothing."

"I thought you'd be interested in what happened in Room 503 last night," Yasir said, intrigued. "But I promised to inquire about something for you, so I'll tell you some good news. Mr. Parker likes you very much."

I froze. Soon, I heard his receding footsteps. He had left. Why would he suddenly tell me this? I wondered.

A long-sealed part of my heart felt a gentle tap. But soon, I exhaled deeply. How could Hayden like me? Yasir must be pranking me. Besides, Hayden's feelings don't matter anymore.

Outside, the rain intensified, as if attempting to wash everything away.

The next day dawned clear. At breakfast, I was surprised to find Hayden there. He had already taken a few bites of his bread. Seeing me, he said slowly, "I've taken care of Nevin. He won't dare to bother you again."

I raised my eyebrows. "In that case, why did Yasir still come to me?"

"Ignore him," Hayden said, resuming his meal. His movements were deliberate; not a crumb fell. The Parker family's training was rigorous; otherwise, there wouldn't be a man like Hayden.

I couldn't help but think of Hayden's childhood, imagining a life lacking joy. I hope my unborn child will grow up carefree, I thought.

Hayden noticed my distraction. "What's wrong?"

I shook my head and sat down. The maid brought food. I usually lacked appetite, but today, I found myself strangely drawn to Hayden's bread. "I'll eat this," I said, pointing. The maid was momentarily stunned, then quickly said, "Okay, I'll get it ready for you."

Chapter 113

She was about to rush back to the kitchen. Seeing this, Hayden simply pushed his bread toward me. "Why bother? Eat mine."

I didn't think much of it. I was simply hungry, so I ate it. I didn't understand why things I previously disliked now tasted so good.

Engrossed in my meal, I missed the joy and tenderness in Hayden's gaze. For him, sharing his plate signified closeness. He was happy, but I remained oblivious.

After lunch, I went to the cruise ship to greet guests at two o'clock. Richard was assigned to assist—really, to supervise. The Parker family couldn't entirely relinquish control.

"Mrs. Parker, all departments are ready. Three speedboats will scout ahead," Richard reported. For safety, besides real-time satellite monitoring, the Parker family deployed an advance team for on-site inspections.

"Alright," I nodded. I wasn't curious about the open sea but looked back at the Elysiumville port with nostalgia. This was my first close observation of the entire port. Few ships were departing, most yielding to the Pax Oceana. No one dared impede the Parker Group.

Jamie, standing behind me, asked after Richard finished, "When is Mr. Parker arriving?"

"Mr. Parker has other engagements and won't be joining you at sea this time," Richard replied, carefully watching me. He likely anticipated my disappointment, but I smiled confidently. "He will definitely come."

Joanna and Zachary would be there; Hayden would surely follow.

Richard was surprised. "Are you sure? But Mr. Parker told me this morning..." He'd worked with Hayden for years and never seen him change his mind.

Jamie smiled. "If Mr. Parker doesn't come, I'm afraid Nevin will run wild." Only Hayden could control Nevin.

"Please be assured, Mrs. Parker. Mr. Hayden has already spoken to Mr. Nevin," Richard replied, smiling. "Does this mean Mr. Parker arranged everything?" Jamie asked, his eyes on me. He clearly believed Hayden had cleared all obstacles.

But I didn't appreciate it. "Congratulations, you don't have to be beaten up," I said.

Jamie was momentarily stunned.

Chapter 143

Richard knew of Jamie and Parker's feud. He smiled faintly, but dared not laugh. "There's a security team on the cruise ship. No one dares cause trouble."

"Well, I shouldn't have come to help you!" Jamie threw down his tools and moved aside.

"Mrs. Parker…" Richard looked at him worriedly.

I wasn't concerned. I even laughed. "It's okay. We're used to it."

When I first learned Jamie had been beaten and wanted to sue Nevin, I'd worked hard to persuade him. We'd become friends; we could even joke about it now.

Richard looked from Jamie to me, shock and confusion etched on his face. "I can't believe you're friends with him."

My eyes narrowed slightly. "He's incredibly talented, and besides, he wasn't the one who used violence. Why can't I be friends with him?"

"No, what I meant was… He hated Mr. Nevin so much, and he wouldn't listen to anyone, but you managed to persuade him. I admire you!" Richard explained rapidly. "Mrs. Parker, you're really different from the rumors…" he added.

I didn't inquire about the rumors; it no longer mattered. After a moment, I asked abruptly, "Richard, do you know what's been going on with Hayden lately?"

The question surprised even me. This completely unrelated topic had somehow surfaced. Richard was also taken aback. "Mr. Parker… he's been perfectly normal!"

I shook my head, about to continue, when Jamie rushed over, panicked. "We're doomed, that jerk Nevin is here!"