Chapter 192
Three years ago, Yasir would have laughed at the idea of Hayden acting so secretly sentimental. Now, he only sighed softly. "The month Yvonne had her accident, all of Elysiumville buzzed about your impending remarriage. Yet, three years later, you're still refusing to marry or even date. You don't even have a woman by your side."
He paused, glancing up at Hayden. "Does Yvonne know you've been celibate for her?"
The conversation's somber tone shifted to teasing. Hayden shot him a cold, warning look.
"You came here just to tell me this?" Hayden asked.
"Of course not," Yasir replied, regaining his seriousness and pulling out a chair. "Do you know about a company that recently arrived from abroad? It's called Jethive Group."
Hayden raised an eyebrow. "Are you bored lately? You seem to know every company coming to Elysiumville."
"No, this one's different. Jethive Group is mysterious. I've inquired, and they started abroad, expanding across Microsunland's commercial sectors in just three years. My overseas contacts say it's significant," Yasir said, his voice urgent. "They even acquired Hogcast Construction."
Hogcast Construction had partnered with the Parker Group, a top Elysiumville firm. Acquiring such a large company had shaken the business community.
"Oh?" Hayden raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "How much do you know about Jethive Group?"
"Not much," Yasir said, standing and becoming animated. "That's the point—they're incredibly secretive. Today's businessmen flaunt their power, but Jethive is the opposite. All I know is the CEO is a woman. Her age? Appearance? Nobody knows. It's a mystery."
Hayden set down his file, leaning back thoughtfully. "You couldn't find out anything?"
The Gibson family's network, though not as extensive as the Parker family's, was still considerable. Yasir's inability to gather intel indicated Jethive Group's unique nature.
"Exactly," Yasir nodded. "I have no idea who's behind it."
Hayden smiled faintly, a calculating glint in his eyes. "If you want to find out, why not have her meet us?"
Yasir blinked. "How do we get her to meet us?"
"Next week, the Wavepeak Stadium land in the economic development zone is up for auction. All major companies will want it. Jethive Group, being new to Elysiumville, will certainly be interested," Hayden said with a knowing smirk.
Yasir's eyes lit up. "Of course! They'll want that land. We'll finally meet this mysterious woman! This should be interesting."
His mood lightened. "Got time this afternoon? Want to go skiing?"
"It's too much of a hassle," Hayden's cold response was final.
Yasir nearly choked. He clenched his teeth, sighing resignedly. "Alright. If you're too busy, I'll just take a half-day off for my girlfriend. She's been overworking, getting thinner by the day. Maybe you could do something about her boss?"
"She can take her own leave, can't she?" Hayden replied, colder still.
Yasir quickly clarified, "I'm not trying to interfere, but her boss, Zachary, is a problem. Favoritism, abuse of power—it's affecting the company. If you don't address it, it could cause issues."
Hayden's expression darkened at the mention of Zachary. Yasir shivered, sensing the shift in atmosphere.
"Zachary's been living pretty well these past few years," Hayden said, his voice chilling.
"When are you going to deal with him?" Yasir asked, genuinely curious. He'd expected Hayden to have addressed the situation already.
"Not yet," Hayden said curtly.
"Guess I'll never understand what's going on in your head," Yasir muttered, annoyed. He waved and left. "I'll leave you to it."
After Yasir left, Hayden looked at the photo frame on his desk. Yvonne's smiling face mocked him, reminding him of his loss. Her pure, radiant smile—how had he never noticed it before? Only after losing her did he realize she had become a part of him, a part he couldn't let go of.
Lost in thought, he put on his coat. Today was the anniversary of Yvonne's mother's death. He needed to visit her grave.
Outside the city, at the cemetery, the mountain loomed, the air was cold, and the sky overcast. Snowflakes began to fall.
Yvonne stood before Sienna Stout's grave.
"Yvonne, your mother loved daisies, huh?" Dylan said, placing a bouquet on the grave. He arranged them carefully.
Yvonne looked at the flowers with a tender gaze. "Yes. Mom always said daisies symbolize purity, peace…and hidden love."
Chapter 192
"I like them too," Dylan said, smiling at the gravestone photo. "Sienna, I'm Dylan. Don't worry, Yvonne's been eating well. She's recovered from childbirth, and she runs three miles every day. She's practically a superwoman now."
Yvonne laughed. "What superwoman only runs three miles? You're going to get me laughed at."
"It's impressive, alright?" Dylan grinned, then turned serious. "I don't care what anyone says, to me, you're the best at everything."
Yvonne suspected flattery.
"Mom, don't listen to him. Your daughter hasn't been good. I've been abroad for three years and just returned. Your grandson has a cold, but I'll bring him to visit next time." Her voice trembled, betraying her hidden emotions.
Three years had passed, and she was finally back in Elysiumville.