Chapter 164

“I haven’t seen her much. She’s probably hiding in her room. Isn’t the rumor that she killed Yvonne?” Sean’s smile was cold. He’d never cared for Joanna; he considered her lacking in looks, background, and intelligence. He didn’t understand how Hayden could have fallen for her.

Zachary’s eyes twinkled. “Do you believe it?”

“Of course!” Sean burst into laughter, clinking glasses with Zachary. They drank and chatted, Sean’s comments growing bolder. “Do you really plan to stay with Joanna?”

After the incident in Room 503, Zachary had publicly acknowledged Joanna as his girlfriend. The relationship remained a thorn in his side. “She’s Hayden’s cast-off. How could she be worthy?” he said gloomily, wishing he could strangle her.

Sean rolled his eyes. “But you seem quite interested in Yvonne. Wasn’t she also Hayden’s woman?”

Zachary’s gaze hardened. “How can she be compared to Yvonne? Hayden doesn’t understand women, but I do. Yvonne was extraordinary. She’d agreed to sell her Parker Group shares to me, but now… she’s dead.” He tightened his grip on his wine glass. If Joanna were responsible, he wouldn’t let her go.

“That’s a shame,” Sean said, genuinely regretful. He knew Zachary wasn’t one to dwell on things, so he was surprised by his dejection. “You’ve been down because of those lost shares?” he asked slyly.

Zachary laughed. “You think I’m interested in Yvonne?”

“I know you. You wouldn’t give a woman a second glance unless you were interested. You must have seen something different in Yvonne. I’m not sure if you admired her, or…” Sean trailed off, mindful of Zachary’s position.

Zachary, however, showed appreciation. “You’re observant. As for Yvonne…” He paused, taking a sip, his gaze distant. After a moment, he curled his lip. “Initially, I pursued her to get back at Hayden. But I realized she was different—resilient, quick-witted, even daring enough to trick me…” He laughed.

Sean understood. “If she were alive, would you pursue her?”

Zachary fell silent. He couldn’t answer. He hated Hayden, yet Yvonne had been Hayden’s woman. Finally, he muttered, “It’s a pity she’s dead.” He drained his glass, set it down, and left.

“Where are you going?” Sean called after him.

“To settle accounts,” Zachary’s voice drifted back.

Sean shook his head, Yvonne’s image surfacing in his mind. She had been clever, gentle, and beautiful—her large eyes particularly captivating. “What a pity,” he echoed, a trace of regret in his own eyes. He wondered if it was Yvonne’s exceptional qualities, or her sudden death, that made her seem so alluring. He mused, People always miss what they’ve lost, don’t they?

Joanna had been confined to her room for three days. Sophia wouldn’t let her leave, insisting they needed to appear appropriately mournful after Yvonne’s death. Joanna didn’t understand; she’d wanted to celebrate. Even room service was delayed. She felt everyone was against her.

Then the doorbell rang.

“It took you long enough! Are you trying to starve me?” she cursed, opening the door to find Zachary’s cold face.

“Why you?” she was shocked. She’d had no private contact with him and never expected a visit.

Zachary chuckled. “Revealing your true colors? I bet Hayden’s never seen this side of you.” He wasn’t the naive young man he once was. He’d seen enough women to know their tricks. He knew Joanna would act differently in private.

Joanna had no feelings for him and couldn't be bothered to pretend. “None of your business.” She tried to slam the door. The sight of him brought back memories of their night together, and her body recoiled. How could I have slept with a man like him?

Zachary stopped the door. “How is it none of my business? Joanna, you’re my girlfriend in name. Don’t forget your place!”

“You!” Joanna tried to push him away, but the waiter arrived with her food.

Zachary followed the waiter inside. He glanced at the room’s furnishings, noting several empty wine bottles. His eyebrows rose. “My new girlfriend’s a drunkard, it seems.”

Joanna hated his flippant demeanor. “Who says women can’t drink?”

“Of course they can,” Zachary smiled, then looked at her salad and steak. “Still people who like these things? Showing off your good taste?”

His sarcasm was the last straw. “What do you want?”

He fiddled with a fork. “I just wanted to ask if you killed Yvonne.”