Chapter 152

Sophia sensed Yosef's hesitation and continued her taunts. "You treat her as your daughter, but she secretly sold Jackson Group behind your back. Does that sound like she sees you as her father?"

Yosef's temples throbbed. He wasn't initially angry, but Sophia's words struck a nerve, causing a surge of discomfort. He sighed heavily, his hands clenching into fists.

Seeing this, Sophia knew she'd largely succeeded and gave Joanna a look. Joanna, after a moment's hesitation, understood and hurried to Yosef. "Uncle Yosef, don't worry; my brother and I will be loyal to you in the future."

Yosef's anger subsided. Sophia seized the opportunity. "Why are you still calling him uncle?"

Reluctantly, Joanna obeyed. "Dad."

"Honey, look how well-behaved our daughter is!" Sophia whispered in Yosef's ear, pulling his arm. "With Jackson Group, our family can live a good life."

Yosef, with no room for resistance, felt moved by this fabricated kinship. "Okay, our family is the most important right now." He acquiesced to Sophia's plans.

Sophia glanced triumphantly at Joanna, who silently clenched her teeth, thinking, All I want is for Yvonne to be dead!

Having won over Yosef, Sophia began her plan. "Honey, there's a party on the cruise ship tonight. Joanna and I will keep Hayden occupied, and you can ask Yvonne to meet you."

"But she's not even answering my calls..." Yosef was distressed.

"Just tell her her mother had something to tell her before she died, and she'll definitely come see you," Sophia advised viciously, knowing Yvonne's weakness.

Yosef hesitated, then finally nodded. "Fine." He couldn't tell if he'd been brainwashed or was doing this to regain Jackson Group. Compared to money, a daughter seemed insignificant.

Afterward, Yosef went to order food. Sophia said she would change into a dress with Joanna and join him later—an excuse to discuss matters with Joanna.

"Joanna, have you met Zachary since boarding the cruise?"

"No," Joanna replied impatiently. "Mom, please stop mentioning him. I feel sick just thinking about him!"

Sophia was visibly disappointed. "Why haven't you figured it out yet? You should be with Zachary and use him to climb your way up!"

"But I like Hayden!" Joanna insisted.

"What good will that do you?" Sophia grumbled, her heart aching for Joanna. "Once Yvonne is dead, you might still have a chance with Hayden."

"Really?" Joanna, seeing a glimmer of hope, grabbed Sophia's hand.

"Hayden wants complete control of the Parker Group, so he'll want to get rid of Zachary. You can collect information on Zachary for him. Won't he be eternally grateful?" Sophia sneered, knowing Hayden's weakness.

She recounted her humble origins, her struggles, and her reliance on men to achieve her fortune, viewing them as mere playthings. She wondered how she could have given birth to such a lovestruck daughter.

Joanna, initially in pain, was enlightened by Sophia's analysis. "Mom, are you telling the truth?"

"But will Zachary despise me?" Joanna worried. Sleeping with him, especially publicly, was serious.

Sophia patted her hand. "Of course not. I have two children, and Yosef is still smitten with me. The most important thing a woman must have is means!"

Joanna nodded, unconvinced. Sophia waited for Yosef to deal with Yvonne.

Night fell. The vast, dark sea contrasted with the brightly lit cruise ship. It was another night of revelry.

(The following paragraphs are unrelated to the main narrative and appear to be from a different story. They have been omitted.)