Chapter 161

Kendall Perry, an internet celebrity, was filming a makeup video. She wasn't wealthy; this cruise ship broadcast was a significant expense. As she finished her makeup, a strange man rushed toward her. He seemed untrustworthy.

“I wasn’t filming you! You’re weird!” Kendall rolled her eyes, gathering her belongings to leave. She mused, People will try anything these days!

Ethan couldn't let her go; her video was crucial evidence. He blocked her path. “You can go, but leave the phone.” His killer instinct surfaced, his tone terse and direct.

This angered Kendall. She grabbed her phone, ready to call the police. “If you harass me again, I’ll call the police!” She spoke impulsively, failing to consider her location.

Ethan regarded her coldly. “Do you think the police can help you now?”

“Why not? I don’t believe…” Kendall trailed off, realizing their location. Elysiumville's police couldn't reach them on this cruise ship.

A sense of crisis washed over her. Her eyes flustered, but she feigned calm. “This ship is full of Parker family bodyguards! I don’t believe you dare to do anything to me!”

“What if my boss is from the Parker family?” Ethan smirked, his words devoid of anger.

Kendall's heart pounded; her face paled. She glanced around, took a deep breath, and started to cry for help. But a sharp blow to the back of her neck silenced her, and she fainted.

Ethan smoothly caught her, carefully leaned her against a wall, and retrieved her phone. The screen was locked, but he unlocked it in seconds. He located her photo album and the recently recorded video. “Hi everyone, this is Kendall! Today I’m at Pax Oceana filming a makeup video for you…” Kendall's smiling face filled the screen; a portion of the ship's railing was visible. The night was dark, making the video blurry.

Ethan fast-forwarded. A figure suddenly appeared at the railing—Yvonne! His pupils constricted. Zooming in, he saw Yvonne desperately clinging to the railing. Yosef and Joanna noticed her, yet neither helped; Joanna even tried to pry Yvonne's hand loose.

Ethan thought, This is clearly murder, disguised as suicide. He copied the video, intending to prove Yvonne's murder. Yvonne was kind. I couldn't save her, but I won't let her death go unavenged! After securing the copy, he deleted the original from Kendall’s phone, fearing it could endanger her. Only then did he leave.

He'd taken only two steps when someone appeared. “You can go, but leave the video.”

Ethan frowned, realizing he'd been followed. “Who are you?” he asked, securing the video backup.

“Someone who’s here to kill you!” The assailant attacked. Ethan grappled with him, relieved the attacker wasn't armed.

Meanwhile, Nevin guarded the unconscious Hayden. A doctor reported, “Mr. Nevin, Mr. Hayden is fine. He fainted from anger. Rest will help him recover.”

“Anger?” Nevin repeated, looking at Hayden. Did Yvonne’s death affect him this much?

The medical staff sighed, commenting on Mrs. Parker's death. Nevin dismissed them. Later, he asked Hayden, “Hayden, did you really care about Yvonne? I should have known. That year, you searched for her, kissed her… I was so stupid. I thought you hated her. But how could you kiss a woman you hate?” Nevin laughed at his own self-deception. Hayden remained motionless, though the doctor declared him fine. Nevin felt a tremor of fear; Hayden's collapse worried him profoundly. He'd always relied on Hayden. Now, he felt lost.

Richard entered.

Chapter 162

The rescue team had yet to report, and panic gripped the cruise ship. Richard explained, “Mr. Parker, many are demanding answers about Mrs. Parker’s death. Some claim she used drugs. They're scared and demand answers.” Richard usually handled such issues, but these were influential, emotional individuals—an assistant wouldn't suffice.

Nevin exploded, leaping to his feet. “What are they doing? My brother is unconscious, my sister-in-law is gone, and they’re causing trouble?”

Richard noticed Nevin's use of “sister-in-law,” a term he'd never used before. What's happening?

“I’ll talk to them!” Nevin stormed out. Richard was startled. “Mr. Nevin, you’re going to explain?” Nevin, once reliant on Hayden, had changed. He paused, his voice serious. “My brother always protected me. Now that he’s down, I’ll protect his woman!”