Chapter 149

I didn't answer. If this wasn't handled carefully, the consequences could be far-reaching. Marlon hadn't contacted me, suggesting things weren't going well for him either. Turning back was no longer an option.

In the silence, I noticed Zachary exiting the hall. He was wearing a shirt, yawning, and looking well-rested. A plan formed. "Yasir, please cover me for a bit; I'll be back soon!" I said, hurrying towards Zachary. Behind me, Yasir's surprised voice protested, "Where are you going? How long must I cover you? I can't take a beating!" I ignored him; every second counted.

I rushed to Zachary, startling him. "What's going on? Are you… looking for me?" His eyes widened. I'd been avoiding him lately. He wanted that 2% stake in Parker Group, but I'd been reluctant. Now, I had no choice.

"Zachary, do you still want the Parker Group shares?" I asked directly. He looked shocked. "Yes, of course!"

"Then do me a favor." I lowered my voice and explained my plan. Lost in the moment, I didn't notice Hayden and Nevin observing from upstairs.

"Hayden, look at her! She dares do this to another man in broad daylight!" Nevin exclaimed to Hayden. Hayden's face darkened. He looked coldly at me. "Nevin, mind your words." His tone was chilling, silencing Nevin. Nevin glanced at him guiltily, quickly lowering his gaze. He muttered, "I don't understand. Why do you always favor her? Hayden, what did she do to you?"

Hayden, too, wondered. His gaze always seemed drawn to me. Seeing me near Zachary ignited a jealous rage, yet he was unwilling to hurt me. His conflicting emotions tightened his jaw. He thought, Yvonne, what exactly are you trying to do?

Having just finished with Zachary, I paid no attention to others. "Do as I say, and I'll sell you my shares in Parker Group," I said.

"Really?" Zachary eyed me suspiciously. "You lied to me last time." I sensed grievance and hurt in his voice. He was surprisingly sensitive for someone so imposing. I had deceived him.

Coughing awkwardly, I patted my chest. "It's true this time. Trust me!"

Zachary narrowed his eyes. "Think carefully. If you sell your shares, the Parker family will hate you."

"I know," I met his gaze calmly. They might not have liked me, but selling the shares would make me their enemy, especially Hayden. But that no longer mattered.

Zachary stroked his mustache, pondering. Seeing Lucy and Sophia about to fight, I urged, "Take it or leave it! You're not the only one after those shares!" I turned to leave.

Zachary stopped me. "Okay, I'll help you! What's the hurry?" He grinned, walking in front of me. "The shares are mine. Don't worry, I'll handle Sophia!" He waved and walked towards Sophia.

I frowned, watching him go. The manipulative man at the company and the seemingly carefree man before me seemed like different people. I wondered if he had multiple personalities.

Unable to reconcile this, I followed. Sophia, enraged at Lucy, pointed. "I know you're Yvonne's friend, speaking for her! Does no one care about our rights? Do you think you can just do whatever you want on this ship?"

Someone asked, "Where's Mrs. Parker? Why is she gone?" Another chimed in, "Did she flee out of guilt?"

Hearing that last sentence, I felt terrible. Their words were harsh; I'd only been gone a few minutes, and they were already calling it a flight. Nothing was confirmed. Zachary's arrival was timely.

He cut them off. "What are you all doing gathered here?"

"Mr. Swanson? Lost something too?" someone shouted.

Zachary's face darkened. "What do you mean? Who would dare commit a crime on Parker Group's cruise?"

"Mrs. Jackson said she lost her necklace!" someone replied. Others confirmed the loss. Sophia declared, "Yes, my necklace was stolen!"

Zachary said casually, "Madam, I took your necklace."

Sophia denied it flatly, knowing she didn't have a necklace. The crowd was stunned. They'd assumed a thief, but not Zachary. He insisted, "I took it. Joanna asked me to, to match her clothes. I forgot to tell you."

Silence fell. Few would believe anyone else, but given Zachary's recent scandal with Joanna and their admitted relationship, people accepted his explanation; it wasn't considered theft.