Chapter 197

“Lucy didn’t know,” I said, absentmindedly picking at my lunch. Dylan, noticing my apathy, couldn't conceal his frustration. His face darkened, and he sighed deeply. “You’ve always been like this. Even when Hayden did all those things to you, you just smiled and pretended nothing happened.”

“Are you implying I’m a pushover?” I raised an eyebrow. It was true, though I wouldn't deny it. Looking back, I realized how pathetic I had been, letting myself suffer in silence. If I could return to the day Hayden and Joanna returned, hand in hand, at the welcome party, I would have marched over, slapped him, yanked Joanna’s hair, and kicked her. Sometimes, people need to stop suppressing their emotions and just explode.

But Lucy… Lucy was different. She had practically grown up with me. We’d been inseparable since school. She had never harmed me; in fact, she always protected me, even at her family's expense. She once even offered to leave everything and move abroad with me. How could I blame her? How could I be angry with her? Even now, worlds apart, I could never resent her.

Dylan, assuming my upset, quickly apologized. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

I lowered my eyes, a faint smile playing on my lips. “Dylan, you should know her better than anyone. No matter what happened, she always looked out for me.”

“But now…”

“We can’t expect others to love us forever. Hearts change. Besides, I walked away first. I hurt her before anyone else.” I spoke slowly, acknowledging my fault without excusing myself.

Dylan, his demeanor softened, added fish to my bowl, sighing. “You’re always so kind.”

“Just don’t call me a saint,” I shook my head, exasperated. I didn’t understand the world. Why did offering forgiveness and compassion always earn you the label of “saint”? Wasn’t letting go of grudges normal? Did everyone have to fight over everything?

Dylan chuckled. “A saint forgives blindly. You’re not like that, especially when it comes to Joanna…” He stopped, realizing his mistake, and fell silent. My gaze hardened.

“You’re right,” I said coldly. “Joanna and I can never coexist.” Some people you can forgive, but others… how could I live with myself if I didn’t act?

Chapter 197

At 3 pm, Marlon carried a chubby Waylon into the amusement park. As they entered, the staff bowed respectfully. “Good afternoon, Mr. Warner.”

Waylon blinked his large eyes. “Marlon, is this amusement park yours?”

“Yes, it’s built just for you, Waylon,” Marlon replied, pride evident in his voice. Although Marlon had moved abroad to develop new business ventures with Yvonne, he maintained tight control over domestic operations, managing everything remotely. This amusement park was planned after Yvonne’s pregnancy.

“Wow!” Waylon’s eyes lit up. “Marlon, you’re amazing!”

“Whenever you want to come and play, it’s all yours,” Marlon beamed, his heart melting as he looked at the little one. He remembered Waylon’s premature birth and the more than two weeks spent in an incubator. Yvonne had suffered severe postpartum complications and hemorrhaged, barely surviving. She was bedridden for a long time. Marlon and Dylan cared for her and Waylon, watching him grow. Waylon had become as close to Marlon as his own child.

“Yay!” The little one giggled as Marlon set him down. Waylon, almost three, sprinted energetically. Marlon watched protectively as his phone rang. He moved aside to answer.

“Mr. Parker? I didn’t expect your call.” Marlon’s voice was calm, though surprised. Since Hayden’s return, he’d kept a low profile, and news of the Parker family spread quickly.

“Mr. Warner, long time no see. Are you free tonight? Let’s have dinner,” Hayden’s voice was polite and formal.

Marlon furrowed his brows. This isn’t Hayden’s style. What’s he up to? After a pause, Marlon declined. “I’m sorry, I’ll be taking my son out for pizza tonight.” He glanced at Waylon riding a dinosaur.

The line fell silent. After a moment, Hayden spoke again. “Mr. Warner, are you married now? Congratulations. Who’s the lucky bride?”

“Marlon, come play with me!” Waylon interrupted, and Marlon turned back to him.

Turning back to the phone, Marlon said, “Mr. Parker, my son is being a handful. Let’s talk another time. I’ll invite you for dinner some other day.” He hung up.

Hayden raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the abrupt call. The child had called him “Marlon,” not “dad.” Was there something behind that? He put down the phone, turning to Richard. “Find out who Marlon’s wife is.”

Chapter 197

“Understood,” Richard nodded and left. As he exited, Lucy entered.

“Mr. Parker, you wanted to see me?” Lucy’s tone was cold, yet respectful. Hayden was used to it. For three years, Lucy had barely acknowledged him, even as a minor employee at Parker Group.

“Take a seat,” Hayden gestured. Lucy sat stiffly, her face tight with anger. Her parents and Zack constantly warned her to be polite and respectful to Hayden for the family's sake. For her family, she refrained from cursing him, but she couldn't pretend to like him. Remembering his treatment of Yvonne, she wanted to slap him.

“The Cliffbit Project in the economic development zone is launching soon. I need you to handle the PR,” Hayden stated, ignoring her disdain.

“PR?” Lucy blinked, confused. “Tina is the supervisor. She should be in charge.” Tina, her superior, made Lucy’s life miserable.