Chapter 150

Sophia panicked, hastily denying Zachary's accusation. "What are you talking about? That necklace simply..." She trailed off, realizing her slip.

Zachary, sharp as ever, pressed, "That necklace simply... what?"

"Nothing! I—I mean, Joanna would never take my things!" Sophia looked around nervously, then squinted at Zachary. "Did you go to Joanna?"

Zachary hadn't sought Joanna since the incident in Room 503. Sophia wondered about their progress. His eyes flickered, betraying slight displeasure.

I intervened, "Now that this misunderstanding is cleared up, Mrs. Jackson, you should rejoin your family."

Sophia's gaze darted between Zachary and me. Understanding dawned, and she gritted her teeth. "So you were behind this!"

"Don't misunderstand, Mrs. Jackson. After all... we're family," I said with a sardonic smile.

Sophia snorted and stormed off. The others, losing interest, muttered about wasted time.

I seized the opportunity to placate them. "Rest assured, our cruise ship has professional security. We won't tolerate theft. Our cabin's entertainment facilities are ready. Please relax; Parker Group covers all expenses this morning!"

A chorus of delighted exclamations followed: "Really? So thoughtful, Mrs. Parker!" "I need a facial!" "Wait for me! I'm going shopping!"

Once they were gone, Zachary teased, "Everything's free! You're so generous!"

"Compared to their spending this week, this morning's costs are negligible," I replied with a slight smile. Customers were paramount; their happiness fueled our profits.

Zachary nodded. "Smart."

As I began to explain my ulterior motives, Lucy pulled me aside. "Yvonne, why are you associating with him? He—"

"I know," I said, patting her hand. "He helped; otherwise, Sophia would have been much harder to manage."

"True, but..." Lucy's distrust remained, her eyes watchful.

Yasir approached, surprised. "I didn't expect you to help." He knew I'd orchestrated Zachary's intervention, making Zachary's words suspect. He was curious about Zachary's motives.

Zachary replied coolly, "Mrs. Parker used Parker Group shares as bait. You know I've had my eye on them…"

Yasir stared, shocked.

Zachary added, "Mrs. Parker, don't forget your promise," before departing.

Lucy, equally surprised, remained silent.

Yasir asked, "Yvonne, you… really intend to give him Parker Group shares? He covets Mr. Parker's position! You'll harm Mr. Parker!"

My voice hardened. "Those shares are mine. It's my business. Did he care about me when he was with Joanna?"

Yasir was speechless.

Lucy, helpless, intervened. "Stop arguing! Let's get some air! The sea view is amazing! Let me take an Instagram picture!"

She pulled me away. Yasir, I guessed, went to find Hayden.

On deck, the wind was strong. Lucy tried to distract me. "Can we go fishing?" "I want trout…" "Let's shop! There are new products!"

I wasn't truly angry, and her efforts warmed me. "Lucy," I asked unexpectedly, "Do you like Yasir?"

Lucy froze, avoiding my gaze. "No, no…" Her body language contradicted her words.

I smiled. "Lucy, we grew up together. You always defended me. But with Yasir, you just pulled me away…" Their recent interactions had given me a clue.

I hadn't pressed her before; Marlon's actions against the Jackson Group would soon leave little time.

Lucy's expression stiffened. "I was just worried. We're on a cruise ship…" she stammered.

I faced her. "Knowing you, would location matter when you're upset?"

Lucy blushed. "I thought he was a playboy, but he's actually a good guy…" She couldn't entirely deny her feelings.

"So, what's your stage?" I asked, not usually a gossip, but concerned about her future.