Chapter 201

“Quite the swagger, huh?” Yasir was momentarily stunned. Was anyone truly bold enough to ignore Hayden? His expression shifted, however, as a memory surfaced. He blinked, his shock morphing into an incredulous question. “Wait a minute, didn’t you say you weren’t interested in Jethive Group before? Why the sudden urge to meet her now?” Hayden had previously shown complete indifference. What had changed?

Hayden paused, turning to Yasir with a mysterious air. “Marlon and Jethive Group share a rather deep connection.”

“What’s that got to do with anything? Marlon’s been overseas for years; maybe they’re just business partners,” Yasir shrugged, unimpressed. In high society, such acquaintances were commonplace.

Sensing Yasir missed the point, Hayden elaborated. Jethive Group, a recently emerged company, was remarkably well-funded. And remember when Yvonne sold the Jackson Group? Eighty million dollars, sent abroad. The coincidence was striking, yet unsettling. Marlon's obsession with Yvonne, followed by his disappearance… it didn't sit right. Hayden's suspicions felt increasingly real.

Yasir, understanding the insinuation, sighed. “I get it, you miss Yvonne. But if she’s alive, why hasn’t she returned? Why go to a foreign land alone? How could a woman survive there?”

Hayden had no answer. Why hadn't Yvonne returned? He couldn't face the truth: she hated him, couldn't bear to see him again. But he knew something else.

“Yasir, you don’t know her. She’s incredibly strong. Even alone, she’d survive. You have to believe that.” Hayden's voice was slow, firm, unwavering.

The announcer's voice cut through their conversation: “Sophia Group, Mr. Jackson.” Earlier, the announcement had been ignored. It was merely a formality.

Yasir's eyes narrowed as he saw Yosef and Sophia enter. “Didn’t think Yosef was so devoted. He even named his company after her,” Yasir snorted, disdain evident. Lucy's tales of the family's bullying of Yvonne fueled his loathing. Sophia, beaming beside Yosef, seemed almost presidential in her self-assuredness. “Wait, is Joanna here too?”

Hayden's eyes narrowed. “Lucy’s been getting close to her, hasn’t she?”

Yasir's scalp tingled. “It’s just Lucy’s older brother. He likes Joanna, so they’re close. Lucy can’t avoid it.” He didn't understand their connection, but it was undeniable.

“Is that so?” Hayden replied flatly, his expression unreadable.

Yasir nervously watched the entrance. “So, where is this Jethive Group CEO? Playing games, huh?”

Outside, I sat in the car, hesitant. Marlon, beside me, smiled reassuringly. “Don’t be afraid. No matter what, I’m with you.”

“I know,” I nodded, trusting him completely. But still…

“Three years of waiting, and the moment is almost here. What’s holding you back?” Marlon pressed gently.

A frown creased my face. The past three years of frustration and resentment… would I finally get justice? It felt surreal.

“Marlon, can I really do this?” I asked, the question aimed at both of us.

“Of course,” he replied, unwavering. His confidence emboldened me.

I took a deep breath. After three years, it was finally happening.

Then, a familiar voice: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Joanna, and I’ll be your host today, covering the Wavepeak Stadium auction.”

I looked up, recognizing the voice instantly. Joanna, in a sharp white suit, spoke to the camera. Dylan had said she became a journalist, but seeing it… it was real.

My teeth clenched. A murderer, so poised before the camera? The world had changed.

Marlon noticed my anger. “The enemy’s right in front of you,” he said grimly. “Back down now, and what was the point of three years of waiting, of silence…?”

“I just didn’t expect her to be this capable,” I said coldly, a faint smile playing on my lips. My unease vanished.

I fixed my gaze on Joanna, confident and smooth. What she said didn't matter; it was her face… so familiar.

The memory flashed: three years ago, her pushing me into the sea, the cruel satisfaction in her eyes… it was vivid.

“Are you ready?” Marlon asked.

I nodded, my gaze hardening. Joanna was not to be underestimated. Marlon nodded, opened the car door.

Inside, the attendants announced, “Jethive Group, Ms. Jackson, Marlon.”

I froze. Hadn't Marlon come as Warner Group CEO?

Marlon smiled gently. “Today, you’re the protagonist.”