Chapter 162

With that, Nevin pushed open the door and strode off. Richard remained for a few minutes before recovering. He sighed and turned to Hayden, who lay on the bed with his eyes closed. "Mr. Hayden Parker," he said, "it seems Nevin has truly matured. You should awaken soon…"

Hayden remained still, oblivious. He was lost in a long dream. He was a lonely, helpless child, watching his parents quarrel daily, and caring for his younger brother. As he grew older, he inherited the family business, shouldering the weight of his lineage. He became withdrawn, friendless. Fortunately, he had his mischievous brother, who would kick a soccer ball to him, bring him cake. But this ended when his mother, believing he needed to focus on the company, sent his brother away.

Time passed; he became solitary, devoting himself to study and self-improvement. He progressed rapidly, managing the company's affairs before graduation. His parents were overjoyed; his grandparents, proud. Yet, only he knew his unhappiness. His life seemed devoid of anything beyond work, a bleak existence.

Then, Yvonne entered his world. Sunny, cheerful, and full of laughter, she constantly sought his company. Initially, he struggled to accept her vibrant passion; she was the sun, he the ice of a snowy mountain—utterly different, yet drawn together. Raised with relentless efficiency and elite education, he had no space to relax, much less express personal preferences. So, his initial reaction to Yvonne's passionate nature was rejection. Later, he realized it was merely a lack of understanding. Fortunately, his indifference didn't deter her; she persisted. He believed their lives would always remain thus.

Later, they married. When Hayden's grandfather revealed the news, he felt no disgust, even a hint of anticipation—though he shared this with no one. His grandfather apologized for past wrongs, but Hayden felt no grievance; he felt lucky to have Yvonne. After many years, he'd grown accustomed to her presence; with anyone else, he suspected he'd have objected.

On their wedding day, Yvonne, in a snow-white gown, walked towards him. Her blissful smile filled him with a sense that this happiness could last forever. However, this joy was short-lived. Shortly after their marriage, his grandfather sent him abroad. The Parker family’s expansion had incurred the wrath of many, eager for retribution. He went alone, unwilling to involve Yvonne, and told her nothing.

Upon his return, he found her attitude drastically changed. The scene shifted to their car. Pinned down by him in the cramped backseat, she cried and struggled. "Hayden, get off me! Don't you hate me? Don't force me to hate you! I'll divorce you! Don't touch me!" He ignored her pleas. Afterwards, she lay listless, staring at the ceiling. "Hayden," she whispered, "I don't owe you anything anymore…"

Even in his dream, Hayden felt immense heartache. He couldn't comprehend this pain at her despair. Suddenly, he found himself on a cruise ship's deck, everyone gathered at the railing, gazing downward. They spoke of Yvonne's suicide. "No!" he screamed, rushing forward, tumbling over the railing. The feeling of falling was swift, brutal. He thought to find her, but awoke instead.

"Yvonne!" he cried, opening his eyes in an infirmary. The smell of disinfectant filled his nostrils; an EKG monitor stood nearby. A needle was in his hand, delivering an unknown liquid. Without hesitation, he removed it.

The commotion alerted the doctors and nurses, who rushed in. "Mr. Parker, you're awake! That's wonderful! Are you feeling unwell?"

"Where is Yvonne?" Hayden demanded coldly, his face grim. The doctors and nurses were stunned, silent. News of Yvonne's jump had spread; the rescue team had searched for hours without success. They believed Yvonne was lost. Yet, none dared provoke Hayden, the heir of the Parker family.

Seeing their silence, Hayden headed for the door. Richard, awaiting the second rescue team, saw him and approached. "Mr. Parker, you're awake!"

"Did they find Yvonne?" Hayden asked, his gaze fixed on the rescue team. Richard choked back a sob. Hayden's expression darkened. "Speak!"

Richard gritted his teeth. "The first team returned; they found nothing. Mr. Nevin's arranged a second team, about to deploy."

Nevin's actions surprised Richard. He'd defended Yvonne, denying drug use, and contacted Elysiumville for additional rescue teams. But the search felt hopeless; finding a needle in the ocean. The seabed pressure limited dive times; they worked in shifts. Hayden’s jaw tightened. His eyes fixed on the vast sea, he said, "Give me the equipment. I'll find her."