Chapter 153

I knew Jamie was forcing himself to speak against his wishes. They were so distant that even communication was difficult, let alone developing feelings. People change with time; the past fades.

"When the cruise ship returns, go abroad," I said slowly, gazing at the sea.

"I won't go," Junie refused flatly, his face hardening. "Since she's made up her mind, why should I embarrass myself?"

Wanting to spare his pride, I sighed softly. "Don't wait until you're old to regret it."

"I won't regret it," Jamie declared, burying his face in his crab. Only he knew the usually delicious crabs tasted like wax in his mouth.

I wanted to say more, remembering their past affection. Just as the words formed, my phone vibrated. It was Marlon.

My heart leaped. I quickly excused myself to answer. "Hello?"

"Hello! Yvonne," Marlon's voice was serious. He paused.

My heart pounded, but I managed, "Yes."

A long silence followed. My body tensed. Just as I was about to speak, he said, "It's done."

Relief washed over me. "You scared me to death! I thought something bad happened! If I weren't at sea, I'd…" The tension felt torturous.

Marlon chuckled softly. "After deducting the advance and interest, the remaining $500 million has been deposited into your overseas account."

I was shocked. "Wasn't the estimate $600 million?"

"Hayden's men joined the bidding, driving the price up," Marlon's voice was almost ethereal.

I hadn't expected Hayden's involvement. But perhaps it was for the best; the price wouldn't have been so high otherwise. Was it help, or something else?

I shifted the topic. "I plan to sell my Parker Group shares to Zachary."

Marlon didn't object. After some small talk, he said, "I'll arrange the flights. We'll go abroad when you return from the sea."

"Okay," I nodded, my heart calming. The biggest hurdle was cleared. I only needed to settle some personal matters before leaving Elysiumville.

Returning to the table, my appetite returned. I devoured several king crab legs.

Jamie noticed. "Looks like good news."

"You could say that," I replied, pushing food towards him. "It's your favorite. Eat up."

He ate readily. Afterward, I found Hayden playing cards with friends, including Nevin, who openly despised me. Yasir stood, shouting, "Yvonne," followed by the others, their respect surprising.

Many had been at Hayden's welcome party, witnessing his display with Joanna. Their changed demeanor puzzled me. I looked at Hayden, subconsciously wondering if he'd instructed them. But I dismissed the idea; Hayden wouldn't bother with such things. It was more likely they'd switched sides after seeing Joanna with Zachary.

I approached with a smile. "Playing cards?" As Pax Oceana's manager, I maintained politeness.

Hayden pulled me beside him. My body tensed. I tried to pull away but couldn't in front of everyone.

"I have something else to do," I muttered, signaling him to release me.

He held tighter. "Stay a while."

The men cheered. More whistles followed. "Mr. Parker is so sweet to his wife! We're jealous!" someone exclaimed.

Embarrassed, I tried to leave, but Hayden held my hand. I studied his cards, bored, until Nevin approached. "Why are you looking for my brother, traitor?"

Hayden glared at Nevin, who quickly covered his mouth. Even without provocation, he sought to antagonize me.

I plastered on a smile. "I'm here to see my husband. What's wrong with that?"

"Exactly. They're a loving couple. Don't bother them, Nevin!" Yasir interjected.

Nevin huffed, walking away. Hayden said to me, "Don't mind him."

The tone was different—indulgent, even biased. I looked at him coldly, confused. He stopped a man from lighting a cigarette. "She doesn't like the smell of smoke."

The man apologized quickly. People's gazes were laced with shock, respect, and fear. Hayden's actions baffled me. Was he acting? He was a remarkably good actor, I mused.

I sighed, then met his gaze. The atmosphere was charged.