Chapter 183

Hayden had just returned when he saw his mother, Layla, waiting. The atmosphere, as always, was far from pleasant.

“Don’t you understand? I released that news for your own good! The sooner you marry Joanna and have children, the more secure your position as heir to the Parker Group will be!” Layla’s voice rose, sharp with anger.

“I won’t remarry,” Hayden stated coldly. Layla had leaked the news of his remarriage to the press without his knowledge. Rumors were spreading like wildfire, rendering any explanation futile. He simply could not go through with this wedding.

“So you’d rather see me dead than get married and have children? Hayden, please, just listen to me this once!” Layla pleaded, desperation coloring her voice. She admitted neglecting him due to her relationship with her husband, but now, she wanted to be a good mother, a kindness Hayden remained reluctant to accept.

Hayden’s jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. “This marriage was arranged by Grandpa. There won’t be a second time.” His words were cold, a warning to Layla not to push him further.

Layla, momentarily stunned, misunderstood. “I know you didn’t want to marry Yvonne. Now it’s different. You like Joanna, just marry her!”

“She’s Zachary’s girlfriend, Mom. Don’t get it wrong,” Hayden scoffed. “What a mess!”

“Well… honestly, I don’t like her either. I just did it to please you. Hayden, I’ve done so much for you, can’t you just accept it?” Layla’s tone became pleading.

Before Hayden could respond, Nevin intervened. “Mom! What are you talking about? Hayden has nothing to do with Joanna! And Yvonne’s only been gone half a month, and you’re asking Hayden to remarry? Are you trying to make him the city's laughingstock?”

Nevin, having grown up in Hayden’s shadow and rarely interacting with Layla, chose to support Hayden. Ethan remained unconscious in the hospital, and Yvonne’s death remained a mystery. Nevin couldn’t allow Hayden’s continued involvement with Joanna, especially given the terrifying possibility of her collaboration with Zachary to monitor Hayden. This concerned the survival of Parker Group, and Nevin couldn’t understand Layla’s failure to grasp this.

Layla looked down at Nevin, her stare blank. “What do you know? Hayden has no children, and Yvonne is dead. The Parker Group has no successor, and the family elders are eager for a replacement!”

Hayden’s eyes flickered coldly. “They’ve wanted to replace me for a long time. This is just an excuse.” Zachary had instigated many, both within the company and among the Parker family elders, who had defected. Following the Pax Oceana’s departure, they had become even more aggressive. Layla, seeing only the surface, hastily announced Hayden’s remarriage, choosing Joanna, not a wealthy heiress, believing Hayden's past connection with her would ensure acceptance. Unexpectedly, his resistance was strong.

Nevin looked at Hayden with concern. “Hayden…”

Hayden looked up, surprised by Nevin’s support. Before they could speak, Layla declared forcefully, “I don’t care! You must go through with this marriage!”

As the three confronted each other, Joanna reached the stairwell turn, freezing. Her intuition warned her against descending, sensing a trap. Hayden wouldn't easily accept her, but luckily, Layla had. She was confused by Nevin’s sudden intervention. I need to get rid of this guy, she thought, or I'll never marry Hayden!

Layla, after a few more words, stormed off. Joanna, caught off guard, almost followed. She quickly composed herself, deciding to gauge Hayden’s reaction first.

In the living room, Nevin, relieved at Layla’s departure, sighed. He turned to Hayden. “Hayden, what are you going to do? If Mom makes a fuss, it’ll be troublesome…” His few encounters with Layla, always during arguments with his father, had left a lasting impression, shaping his childhood perception of women as trouble. He'd initially found Joanna gentle, unaware of her true nature.

“Let her be,” Hayden replied simply. His refusal would prevent the wedding.

Nevin sighed. “I saw Ethan before coming. He’s still unconscious. The rescue teams found nothing…” His voice trailed off. He watched Hayden carefully, fearing any further upset.

Chapter 181 (Excerpt)

When it came to Yvonne, no one dared to be careless. Hayden’s eyes reflected undisguised disappointment. Nevin had considered urging Hayden to let Yvonne rest in peace, but the words caught in his throat. He couldn't explain Yvonne's impact on Hayden, only knowing he wanted to prevent any further harm.

After a long silence, Hayden said, “Keep looking.”

Nevin sighed, agreeing. “Yes, I know.”

Joanna, hidden in the stairwell, was shocked. Her hands, clutching the railing, left scratches from her manicure. They found… Ethan? she thought.