Chapter 180
“Family matter? Now you treat her as family?” Marlon sneered. Hayden had endured Marlon’s persistent pressure while searching for Yvonne, but he’d reached his limit. “Since you have no intention of signing the contract, there’s no need to discuss it,” Hayden declared, rising to leave. He had many other potential partners for Parker Group.
“Wait!” Marlon stood, his gaze icy. “Hayden, don’t you feel any guilt toward Yvonne? She loved you wholeheartedly for years. It’s only been half a month since she disappeared, and you’re already marrying another…”
These words struck a tender chord in Hayden’s heart. He had only ever loved Yvonne. Yet, no one understood his suffering. Sharp pain lanced his chest as he remained rooted to the spot.
Marlon started to scold him further, but his phone rang. He usually would ignore calls, especially since this opportunity to reprimand Hayden was rare. But the caller ID showed Ebenezer Kennedy. An Elysiumville resident and Marlon’s childhood friend, Ebenezer held considerable influence in Southeast Orishenn. After Yvonne’s accident, Marlon had enlisted Ebenezer’s help to search the coastline. People who fall into the sea either die or wash ashore; Marlon hoped Ebenezer could find Yvonne if she survived. The chances were slim, but he clung to hope. Ebenezer's call suggested a breakthrough.
Marlon answered immediately. “Hello.”
“Marlon?” Yvonne’s voice filled his ear.
Marlon froze. His pupils constricted. Excitement and joy surged, confirming it was Yvonne, alive! But reason prevailed; he composed himself. Remembering Hayden, he forced indifference. “Yes, it’s me.”
Yvonne asked, “Is the owner of this phone your friend? He said he could help me.”
Chapter 150
“Yes, he’s trustworthy. Stop talking and go with him. I’ll contact you soon,” Marlon said, quickly ending the call. Yvonne's survival overshadowed everything; Hayden was no longer an annoyance. Ignoring the contract, Marlon rushed toward the door.
“Mr. Warner, you…” Richard called from behind, but Marlon disregarded him. Passing Hayden, Marlon even offered a cheerful, “Congratulations on your…”
Hayden paused, frowning, unable to comprehend Marlon's sudden shift in mood. A moment ago, Marlon was furious; now, he was inexplicably jovial. Even Richard was taken aback. “Mr. Warner is truly unpredictable!” he commented.
Displeasure darkened Hayden’s eyes. “Find out what Marlon’s been up to recently, and who called him just now.”
“Why investigate him?” Richard asked, genuinely curious. He usually obeyed Hayden without question, but their lack of close friendship made this sudden interest puzzling. Hayden paused. “Because of Yvonne. He’s contacted me several times about her. But after that call, his behavior changed completely… Find out.”
“Yes!” Richard, understanding Hayden’s unwavering devotion to his wife, quickly left.
In the neighboring country, after speaking with Marlon, I felt immense relief. I returned the phone to the handsome man. “I don’t know your name yet?” I asked. Since Marlon had instructed me to go with him, I needed his protection and showed appropriate politeness.
“You’re welcome, my name is Ebenezer Kennedy,” Ebenezer replied, smiling before turning to Dylan. “This isn’t the place to talk. I’ll take you to my residence.”
Dylan, unaware of my conversation with Marlon, leaned in. “Yvonne, do you really trust him? We should be careful.”
“Yes,” I nodded, reserving further comment. I followed Ebenezer with Dylan. He found us a small, unassuming house—not luxurious, but suitable.
“Rest. I’ll get you something to eat,” Ebenezer said before leaving.
Left alone, Dylan whispered, “Yvonne, should we find a way to leave?” He was inherently suspicious, wary of trusting strangers in a precarious situation.
I smiled, relaying Marlon’s words. “Ebenezer seems trustworthy. We’re unfamiliar with this place; let’s wait and see.”
“Okay,” Dylan nodded, seemingly accepting my assessment. After a pause, he asked, “Yvonne, do you trust Marlon?” He still harbored reservations. Marlon's reputation in Elysiumville was dubious; some claimed underworld connections, dealings with small border nations, black market operations, or even arms dealing.
Dylan, having heard similar rumors, remained apprehensive. “He’s helped me considerably,” I replied. “I also have business dealings with him.” In truth, I had no other option but to trust Marlon, stranded as I was in a foreign land, facing an uncertain future, unsure of my survival.