Chapter 168

Joanna's heart ached. Did Hayden used to look at her with such eyes? They had been on good terms before; Yvonne had stirred up trouble, making Hayden angry with her.

Seeing her silence, a flicker of anger ignited in Hayden's deep eyes. "Speak!" His voice deepened, laced with menace.

Startled, Joanna stammered, "Yvonne was crying, saying she missed her deceased mother, that she had nothing left and didn't want to live anymore. My parents and I tried to talk her out of it, but she wouldn't listen and jumped…"

She'd rehearsed these words countless times. Yet, under Hayden's sharp gaze, her heart trembled. She'd never known he could be so terrifying when angry.

Hayden took a step toward her. Stopping before her, his deep eyes bore into hers. "Did you provoke her?"

"No!" Joanna shook her head frantically. She couldn't admit to anything.

Hayden looked as if he wanted to devour her. A soul-piercing fear reminded Joanna to be careful, even with her breathing. Otherwise, she might die.

Hayden continued to look at her coldly, but asked no more questions. He knew he wouldn't get anything from her. The only clue was Ethan's video. Yasir had just called; he hadn't found Ethan yet, but no one had left the cruise ship. Ethan was still on board. He would find him eventually.

Just then, the second rescue team returned. "Hayden, they're back," Nevin rushed to report. He looked at Joanna, pausing, likely surprised to see her. Joanna, however, focused entirely on the rescue team, desperate to know if they'd found Yvonne. Only then could they be sure Yvonne was truly dead. She couldn't explain it, but Yvonne always seemed unpredictable. She needed to see the body.

1:07 PM

Unfortunately, the rescue team captain shook his head. "Sorry, Mr. Parker. We haven't found anything."

A deathly silence followed. The wind whistled heartbreakingly. Joanna looked at Hayden; his jaw was tense.

After a long time, he said, "Keep looking."

The captain was stunned but said nothing, turning to his team. Nevin sighed. "Hayden, the rescue team can't hold on much longer. Why don't we…" He suggested they return until Yvonne was found. Hayden glanced at him indifferently and strode towards the deck.

Gazing at the distant sea, he couldn't recall how many sunrises and sunsets he'd witnessed there. He only knew he had to find Yvonne.

Nevin rubbed his brows. Hayden is so stubborn! As he turned to call Yasir, he saw Joanna still standing there. He remembered her presence.

"What are you still doing here?" Nevin asked, his tone unfriendly.

Joanna was surprised; Nevin had always been polite. She gave an awkward smile. "Nevin, I…"

"Don't call me that! We're not that close," Nevin rolled his eyes. "You belong to Zachary now. Don't associate yourself with the Parker family!"

"What? I… Zachary and I are nothing. That was a misunderstanding…"

Nevin was impatient. "You've already slept together. Joanna, have you no shame?" He used to think of her as his future sister-in-law, but her private life was a mess. A woman like this wasn't worthy of Hayden; he didn't need to be polite. He regretted his past judgment.

Joanna bit her lip and glanced at Hayden's back. It was obviously Hayden's doing, but she couldn't say it.

"Alright, go away. Crying is useless," Nevin waved his hand. He was annoyed and had no time for her.

Joanna refused to leave but couldn't think of a reason to stay. A stalemate ensued until Zachary arrived. He put a hand in his pocket, a frivolous smile on his lips. "Is my girlfriend here to find me?"

Nevin snorted and left.

Joanna glared. "Who is your girlfriend? Zachary, don't talk nonsense!"

Chapter 165 (Partial)

"I don't want to admit it now," Zachary laughed wildly, leaning closer. "I remember you were begging me…"

"You bastard!" Joanna raised her hand and slapped him.

The sound echoed across the deck. She remembered the pain of Zachary choking her; she'd done it for Hayden to see. Sadly, Hayden didn't even look back.

Zachary was shocked. She was trembling with fear a moment ago, and now she's resisting? Although not his first slap, being slapped in front of Hayden was embarrassing. He smiled, but grabbed Joanna's neck, pulling her close. "Woman, how dare you hit me?"

Joanna stared, breathing short. She was scared; Zachary was a lunatic. She glanced at Hayden's back and gritted her teeth. "I don't like you! Stay away from me!"

Zachary raised an eyebrow, finally understanding. "Want to express your feelings to Hayden?"

Joanna's thoughts exposed, she reminded him indignantly, "Don't forget how good Hayden was to me! You are nothing!"

"You really don't understand men. You slept with me. Do you think Hayden will still want you?" Zachary shook his head regretfully, his eyes full of irony.

Joanna trembled with anger. She refused to admit defeat. "What about you? You were knocked unconscious by Hayden and sent to me. You're a loser in his eyes!"

Zachary's eyes narrowed. "What did you say? Hayden set me up?"