Chapter 181

Even the combined coldness and terror of the deep sea were no match for what I felt. I wasn't afraid of death; this gamble was worth it. I still had to give birth to my child and avenge myself. No matter the danger or the slim hope, I would never give up.

Dylan relaxed. "You're right. Ebenezer doesn't seem bad. If you trust him, I will too!"

"Dylan, we'll definitely return," I declared, clenching my fists, the words a solemn vow.

He saw the hatred in my eyes and nodded heavily, "Yes!" He had always supported me unconditionally.

Ebenezer soon returned with food. "Mrs. Parker, conditions aren't ideal. Please make do with this," he said, placing the food on the table and distributing it.

"Anything is better than nothing," I smiled, unfazed. I'd died once; I just wanted to live.

Dylan handed me silverware and joined us. After everything, I was ravenous. I'd neglected myself, never eating properly, resulting in frequent stomach aches. Even now, I could only eat in small bites.

Ebenezer also ate, taking a large bite before noticing my small portions. He chuckled, "Mrs. Parker, you truly are a lady of prestige. Even your eating habits are refined!"

Dylan's movements abruptly ceased, embarrassed by his own eating style. We ate fish daily at Denton's; this was a welcome change.

He coughed lightly and slowed his pace. I chuckled, "I'm just worried about my stomach. Don't mind me."

"Yvonne, are you alright?" Dylan asked immediately, his concern eclipsing his hunger.

When I shook my head, Ebenezer offered me water. "Rest after you finish. I'll arrange our return to Elysiumville."

"Mr. Kennedy, our return must be kept secret. We can't let too many people know," I said.

"Why? Quite a few people in Elysiumville are looking for you," Ebenezer asked curiously. He'd almost believed Marlon preferred men, given his years without a woman.

Now that Marlon was interested in Yvonne, Ebenezer found it ironic that she was Hayden's wife. The strength of her attraction for Marlon made him curious.

There were also many who wished me dead. "I said, with a hint of mockery, "Turning rashly might leave me at Joanna's mercy, or even my dear father's. I learned my lesson from being killed by them once; I won't give them another chance."

Dylan's face darkened, his appetite gone. Ebenezer raised an eyebrow, surprised by my revelation. After a moment, he seemed to have an idea. "Your husband, Hayden? I heard he's remarrying."

I frowned, my eyes flashing with complex emotions. "Hayden and I are no longer together."

"They're divorced," Dylan interjected, clarifying.

Ebenezer was surprised. "I see..."

"Please help us," I pleaded earnestly.

"Of course! Leave it to me!" Ebenezer readily agreed, getting up. "Eat. I'll make arrangements."

Outside, he called Marlon. He needed his permission before arranging their departure.

Marlon, having just left the Parker Group, was about to call for an update when Ebenezer called.

"Your woman wants to return secretly, discreetly," Ebenezer said.

Marlon's eyes narrowed slightly. Though shocked by Ebenezer calling Yvonne "his woman," he didn't deny it.

"Do as she says," Marlon instructed. Then, remembering something, he added, "She's pregnant. Be careful."

"What?" Ebenezer nearly dropped his phone. "Yours?"

"No," Marlon flatly denied.

Ebenezer was speechless. "So she's pregnant with her ex-husband's child? Are you eager to be a father to someone else's child?"

Marlon's eyes darkened. "She hasn't promised me that." It was true. Yvonne hadn't accepted him.

Ebenezer was devastated. "Are you alright, buddy? Why cling to her? She's not the only woman."

He pinched himself, trying to stay alert. Had anyone else said this, Marlon would have dismissed them. But he and Ebenezer were close; he knew he was speaking honestly.

So he patiently explained, "She's different."

"How? Because she's divorced and has a child?" Ebenezer took a deep breath. "Think this through... Plus, there's a younger guy around her!"

"Dylan?" Marlon finally remembered him. "That's...his name! But forget him. Are you sure about Yvonne?" Ebenezer pressed, still shocked.

Marlon sighed sadly. "Dylan jumped into the sea with her. I can't compete with that…"

Ebenezer was speechless. He wanted to see if Marlon was possessed. Are you really going to these lengths for a woman? You're not even the only one interested! he thought.