Chapter 145

Sometimes I wondered about Jamie's reliability. He always disappeared when things got difficult. Yosef, accompanied by Sophia and Joanna, approached me.

"Oh my, Yvonne, you're quite the businesswoman now! Such a magnificent ship!" Sophia showered me with exaggerated praise. Joanna, who had earlier created a scene in room 503 over photographs, was surprisingly calm.

Yosef, his eyes filled with displeasure, grumbled, "Yvonne, if this ship is yours, why are we paying for tickets?" Joanna's cold snort and blazing hatred spoke volumes; her aura threatened to consume me.

"Tax Oceana belongs to the Parker family. I'm merely the custodian," I replied indifferently. I never imagined my father would obscure my rightful inheritance with these women. A mere cruise ship ignited such fervor. The kind father I knew was gone.

Yosef seemed taken aback. Sophia nudged him, then continued, "Being the custodian shows the Parker family's trust! Yvonne, you must be making a fortune! Just relinquish your Jackson Group shares and stop fighting with your father. We're family, after all."

Yosef's expression darkened. "If you still consider me your father, cease all actions against Jackson Group!" He seemed to have almost forgotten his own company's near demise.

"Family?" I scoffed, narrowing my eyes at the fuming Yosef. "Didn't we sever that tie long ago?"

Yosef was stunned. Before he could respond, more guests arrived. One exclaimed, "Mrs. Parker, you look radiant! This cruise ship is impressive!"

"Mrs. Torres, welcome! Please come in!" I seized the opportunity to move into the hall, followed by Jamie.

Tiffany Torres was captivated by the ship's features. "This is my first time on such a large cruise ship! Will I get dizzy?" she asked, patting my hand.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Torres. You won't even feel at sea unless I tell you," I smiled, showcasing the ship's amenities: "four spa pools, two swimming pools, a tennis court, and a beauty sauna. Shall I arrange a treatment for you?"

"It's incredible! I've never had a beauty treatment on a cruise ship! My husband never takes me out!" Tiffany exclaimed.

I inquired, "Why didn't Mr. Torres see you off?"

"He had an important contract to sign. Besides, he's much older than me. Older people don't like to travel, but I'm young! I need to see more of this beautiful country!" Tiffany declared.

"Mrs. Torres, you have such a positive attitude. I'll arrange it for you!" I beckoned a waiter and left with her.

Chapter 145 (continued)

Tiffany had just left when Jamie arrived. "Dylan's here. He saw Nevin sneaking in."

I raised an eyebrow. "They bumped into each other!" Where did this fateful encounter originate?

Jamie laughed. "I asked Dylan to follow him, just in case."

"He can follow people?" I was surprised. Dylan had always seemed so sunny and cheerful; I couldn't imagine him shadowing someone.

Unexpectedly, Jamie asked, "Can't you bear to assign him that task?"

I stopped. "What do you mean?"

"That kid likes you," Jamie said ambiguously.

I blinked. "Who told you that?"

"Someone's affection is evident in their eyes. Every time he looks at you, his eyes sparkle," Jamie stated confidently.

My heart skipped a beat. "Don't be absurd. He's just a fellow apprentice."

"He's your apprentice, and he likes you. How about you consider him after your divorce? He seems reliable."

I thought he was joking, but his seriousness surprised me. I laughed. "What did you and Lucy do? Why are you both saying this?" (We met through Jamie’s art exhibitions.)

"We have sharp eyes! Don't you feel attracted to him?" Jamie leaned closer, conspiratorially.

"Stop it! We have work to do!" I pushed him away. If this continued, I might be the one committing marital infidelity.

Jamie laughed, but his demeanor suggested my worries were unnecessary; he seemed to have truly let go of his hatred for Nevin. I hoped this voyage would proceed smoothly.

Checking my phone, I found no messages or calls from Marlon. Before we left, we divided tasks: I was to take Yosef to sea and keep Zachary occupied. Marlon remained in Elysiumville to work with Bert on the Jackson Group sale, ideally selling my 2% stake in Parker Group. I brought Zachary to prevent him from buying Parker Group shares and Tiffany to ensure Bert wouldn't renege. Tiffany, twenty years younger than Bert, was dearly loved by him. If Marlon succeeded, he'd call. Then we could leave this sad city. Hayden's disappearance from my life drew nearer.

Chapter 145 (continued)

At 4:10 pm, with all guests aboard, the cruise ship departed. That evening, a welcome party was held. After a few glasses of wine, I felt dizzy.

Back in my presidential suite, I removed my heels and showered. Assuming I was alone, I casually wrapped myself in a bathrobe. Entering the bedroom, I saw a figure by the window. Fear sobered me instantly. "Who's there?" I asked.