Chapter 199

Nevin froze, then shook his head in frustration. "No news at all," he said. Three years had passed since Ethan vanished from the hospital, and despite the Parker family's extensive network, there was nothing.

Hayden's gaze drifted to the horizon, where the sun had set, leaving only an endless sea of darkness.

"Hayden, why are you so obsessed with finding him?" Nevin asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Ethan was Yvonne's bodyguard," Hayden replied slowly. "If Yvonne truly committed suicide, their connection ended. He should have been free to leave. Instead, he was brutally attacked and left unconscious."

Nevin, confused, responded, "That could still be the work of his old enemies. He was involved in the underworld; he must have had many enemies."

Hayden acknowledged the possibility, but added, "On the cruise, a normal enemy wouldn't have dared to make a scene in front of the Parker family."

Nevin's eyes widened. "Oh, right. It was our family's cruise ship. Who would be foolish enough to cause trouble there? They would have waited until we were back on land."

The weight of Hayden's words settled on Nevin, but he found the connection between the events far-fetched. He looked at Hayden with concern. "Are you sure you're not letting your emotions get the best of you? How could anyone be so focused on Yvonne? Even Joanna lacks the resources for something like this."

To orchestrate such a complex event required extraordinary influence. Joanna, while clever, wasn't capable.

Hayden ignored Nevin's doubt. "Maybe Yvonne is still alive," he said. He disregarded Joanna's nature; the signs pointed to one conclusion: Yvonne might still be alive, despite everyone believing otherwise.

Nevin frowned, but Hayden remained firm. Finally, Nevin raised his hands in resignation. "I wish she were still alive too. Then you wouldn't suffer so much. But…"

Before he could finish, his phone buzzed. He answered, then returned looking troubled. "It's Mom. She wants us home tonight."

"Tell her I'm busy," Hayden said tersely, turning away.

Nevin sighed, his patience wearing thin. Minutes later, his phone rang again. He answered, his frustration evident. "Mom, what now?"

"Have you two come back yet?" Layla's anxious voice crackled. "I went shopping; I got you both things. You need them, don't you?"

Chapter 190

Nevin pinched the bridge of his nose. "Mom, can you stop pushing? Hayden's been avoiding home for three years because of you, and now you want to make it worse?"

Layla's tone hardened. "What's with you? I'm just trying to help! Your brother brought Joanna home and treated her well. I thought arranging their marriage was fine. But he didn't want that! Three years have passed, and they're still not married! Are you trying to make me die of worry?"

Nevin sighed, feeling defeated. "Mom, I have things to do. I'm hanging up," he said, quickly ending the call. His head pounded; if this continued, he wouldn't want to go home.

Clenching his fists, he followed Hayden. "Hey, Hayden, can I stay with you tonight?"

Hayden gave him a cold look. "You have nowhere else to stay?"

Nevin ignored the dismissal, jumping into the car. "Rosy House is nice, but my house is quiet. The maid's cooking is awful. Rita's is way better."

Hayden didn't eject him; he simply started the car. Nevin just wanted to keep him company. Since Yvonne's death, he feared Hayden might follow her, lost in grief. Turns out, Hayden was a romantic at heart...

At Jethive Group, in the CEO's office, Dylan delivered afternoon tea and snacks. "All of this is from Waylon. Mr. Warner took him to the bakery this morning; he was thrilled," Dylan said, smiling.

I bit into a cake slice. "Is Marlon on break? I could use help. If he's free..."

"I'm here to help, aren't I?" Dylan replied playfully.

I chuckled awkwardly. "Yes, thank you for everything."

Dylan laughed. He wasn't angry. He set down the treats, then frowned at the paperwork. "You just got back, and you already have this much work?"

"Exactly because I just got back," I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Business transitions, new projects… it's a lot to catch up on." I thought the company would run smoothly after my return, but reality proved far more complicated.

"Take it slow," Dylan reassured me. He looked out the window at the Parker Group building. "What do you think when you look at that building every day?"

"I'm just thinking about when I'll buy a building taller than the Parker Group," I replied.

2/3 1:12 PM

Chapter 199 (Continued)

Who could have imagined? From humble beginnings, I ended up starting my company across from the Parker Group.

"That day's coming soon," Dylan said, smiling. "Mr. Warner says you're a natural, and diligent. In three years, you've built a significant business in Microsunland. Hayden, you're amazing."

"I'm just standing on the shoulders of giants. You and Marlon have helped me so much," I said, unwilling to take all the credit.

The secretary knocked and entered. "Sir, someone from the Parker Group is here. They said Mr. Parker would like to meet with you."