Chapter 118

Lucy said, “Before, though I always teased you about being lovestruck and disliked you hanging around Hayden all day, you were happy then. Now you're withdrawn, and that smile's gone.”

“It’s not because of him,” I said, curling my lips slightly and walking forward. Hayden’s ruthlessness and betrayal were merely a catalyst for my transformation. It was more about my mother’s departure, the family upheaval, and my inability to forgive myself for past mistakes. There were many reasons for my current state.

Reaching the first floor, Richard hurried to report, “Mrs. Parker, the guests are gathered on the deck, anxious for our return. What should we do?”

I glanced at the sunlight on the deck. “Has Sophia’s necklace been found?”

“What?” Richard recoiled, then recovered. “No. We didn't enter the guests' rooms without permission. It’s also unclear if she actually lost it…”

A hint of appreciation flickered in my eyes. “Your mind works quickly.”

“Well… I was just thinking,” Richard said awkwardly. The most important thing for an assistant was to serve the boss, not to outsmart them. His earlier excitement was a misstep.

Noticing Richard’s caution, I said, “No wonder you’re the only one who’s stayed with Hayden for so many years.” Hayden’s notorious temper had driven away many assistants and secretaries before Richard. He clearly possessed something special.

“I’ll take that as a compliment, Mrs. Parker,” Richard said, touching the back of his head, embarrassed but quickly regaining composure. “Mrs. Parker, you’ve been with Mr. Parker longer than I have; there must be a reason for that as well.”

His words startled me. Had I been with Hayden for a long time? “Some people remain by his side willingly; I… I clung to him. It’s not the same,” I reminded Richard gently.

He froze, his face paling, and hurriedly explained, “Mrs. Parker, that’s not what I meant…”

I shook my head, focusing on the deck. “Let’s go.”

I walked into the sunshine, head held high, unconcerned with Richard’s perception. Ridicule or sympathy—I’d endured enough ridicule to be immune.

Chapter 115

I had only taken a few steps onto the deck when people noticed me. “Look! It’s Mrs. Parker!” someone exclaimed. Another added, “Ask her if there really is a thief on this cruise ship!”

A crowd surged towards me, led by the troublemaking Sophia. “Yvonne! My diamond necklace is stolen! Your father gave it to me; it’s worth tens of millions!” she exclaimed, a mixture of complaint and ostentation. The crowd echoed, “Yeah. Has the thief been caught?” One person voiced a rising panic: “Since there’s a thief, there might be a murderer! I won’t take another cruise! Send us back!” The sentiment spread like wildfire. Even Richard whispered, “Mrs. Parker, should we excuse ourselves?”

I bit my lip. Avoidance would only worsen the situation. “Everyone, please calm down. If there’s a thief, we’ll catch him!” I addressed the crowd, then turned to Sophia. “What does your necklace look like? Photos would help our investigation.”

Sophia was stunned. She hadn’t lost a necklace; Yosef wouldn’t send her such a valuable piece. This was a ploy to return to Elysiumville quickly before the Jackson Group was sold. She hadn’t anticipated Yvonne asking about the necklace’s appearance. Seizing her dumbfounded expression, I asked, “Don’t tell me you don’t even know what it looks like. Is it a Moroccan ruby or a deep-sea sapphire?”

“It’s… it’s a ruby!” Sophia stammered, clinging to my words.

I sneered internally but maintained a composed expression. Turning to Richard, I said, “Go find it.”

Richard was speechless but didn’t dare question me. “Yes, Mrs. Parker.”

After Richard left, I turned back to Sophia. “Mrs. Jackson, please wait. It will take some time.”

Sophia stiffened. “How long? I won’t stay another minute with a thief on board! Who knows if they’ll commit arson or murder next?”

Several timid faces paled. “I want to go back too! My wife and children are waiting!” Another said, “I’m not even married yet!” The chaos escalated.

Lucy and Yasir arrived. “Stop the nonsense! It’s still uncertain if there’s even a necklace!” Lucy retorted, hands on her hips. Her bluntness and dramatic gestures made me laugh. “Lucy, don’t say that. How could Mrs. Jackson not own a gemstone necklace?”

Chapter 148

“Who knows? She’s not from a wealthy family!” Lucy snorted. “Everyone knows how she became Mrs. Jackson. She came from humble beginnings. Maybe she’s never even seen such a thing.”

Sophia, already pale, looked even angrier. Pointing at Lucy, she yelled, “What are you talking about? You mean I don’t have a necklace? Maybe you stole it and are slandering me!”

“I stole your necklace? What a joke. My family owns several jewelry design companies. Why would I need to steal yours? Even if you gave it to me, I wouldn’t want it!” The two women began to quarrel.

I wanted to intervene, but Yasir signaled for a private word. “Let them quarrel. Don’t you see everyone’s distracted?” Yasir chuckled.

It clicked. Is Lucy buying me time?

Yasir nodded. “But it’s only a little time. Sophia insists her necklace is missing. What will you do?”