Chapter 27

"I wouldn't dare question Mr. Parker," Lidia stammered, startled by my firm stance. Joanna quickly interjected, "Don't be upset, Yvonne. Lidia didn't mean it that way."

Instantly, the cafeteria buzzed with whispered conversations. "What's she doing? Is she trying to make amends?" "Can Mrs. Parker really put up with this?" One voice murmured, "I heard Mr. Parker isn't too fond of her. If she can't stand that, she might have to consider divorce." Another added, "If you were in her shoes, would you stick around?"

"Well, I definitely wouldn't leave," a confident voice declared. "Mr. Parker is handsome and rich. I can handle it."

I chuckled inwardly. Those claiming tolerance likely hadn't faced true despair or indifference. Money and looks offered fleeting happiness; enduring life's harsh realities was far tougher. I lacked the time for explanation, however. Smiling at Joanna, I cautioned, "Mind your own business."

I retrieved my tray and found a quiet corner, leaving the chaos behind. Thankfully, the cafeteria food was palatable. After a few bites, Sean sat opposite me. "You're quite patient dealing with Joanna," he remarked playfully, leaning in, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

By then, the entire company likely knew Joanna was with Hayden; I had no need to conceal it. "If I can't handle it, what else can I do? Mr. Parker brought her into the company."

Sean paused, then laughed. "But Mr. Parker's taste seems to be slipping—ignoring a beauty like you while bringing home such a woman."

His words seemed sympathetic, but I sensed manipulation. Everyone knew Hayden didn't love me, but none dared speak it openly. Was Sean trying to embarrass me?

"You're close to Mr. Parker. How about you help me talk to him?" I smiled, shifting the focus.

Sean's expression hardened. His silence prompted a sarcastic sigh from me. "Looks like you can't help me either," I hinted, implying he should remain silent if unwilling to assist.

His grip on his fork tightened. I chose silence, focusing on my food, hoping he'd take the hint and leave. Time passed, yet he remained. I frowned, about to speak, when he lowered his voice. "I have a way to help you."

"Oh? What's your idea?" I looked up, intrigued. Talking while eating seemed preferable to inaction.

Sean glanced around, leaning closer. "Do you know Zachary Swanson?"

I nodded. Zachary, the Parker Group's deputy CEO, had managed exceptionally well during Hayden's absence, earning praise even from the stringent Xander. He'd been absent lately—on a business trip, it was said.

Sean continued, "Zachary's skills rival Mr. Parker's. Plus, he's gained support from several major shareholders this year. If you're interested, we could team up with Zachary and take over Parker Group."

"Wait, did I hear you right? You want to take over Parker Group!" A chill ran down my spine. He was sharing confidential information? Wouldn't he worry about reporting it to Hayden?

Sensing my shock, Sean sighed. "You're not still hoping Mr. Parker will change his mind, are you? What makes a guy like that worth all this loyalty? He even brought a mistress into the company right in front of you. He doesn't care about you."

A lump formed in my throat—Sean was right. He probably believed I should hate Hayden, hence his boldness in trying to win me over.

I'd once believed Hayden unbeatable, but now realized he had vulnerabilities. The Parker Group belonged to the Parker family, and shady plots were afoot. Who knew the extent of the underhanded dealings?

Seeing my silence, Sean pressed on. "If you get divorced, do you think you'd get much of the family assets with Mr. Parker's attitude toward you? Why not team up with us? Then the Parker Group could be yours."

Moments ago, it was "ours"; now, it was "yours." He was clearly trying to persuade me.

I stifled a laugh. "Aren't you worried Hayden will find out? You know his ways better than I do. By the way, I thought you two were closer."

During his time at Parker Group, Hayden had treated Sean well. Who would have guessed his betrayal? "He's my friend, but I can't stand how he runs things. A year ago, he left without a second thought, hardly considering Parker Group. Zachary and I poured our hearts and souls into this place; it feels like a child we raised. Who would just let him ruin it?" Sean complained.

I listened quietly, recognizing these as mere excuses for their ambitions. No matter how convincing, his true aim was to seize Parker Group.

After a pause, I asked, "What's in it for me if I team up with you?"

Sean perked up, leaning closer. "If Hayden can't be CEO, then as his wife, you could easily take over his position temporarily. When that happens, you could do whatever you want."

The temptation was strong. Moving from being controlled to taking control—who could resist?

A mental tug-of-war ensued. I'd once loved Hayden deeply, sacrificing everything for him, but now focused on self-preservation. My feelings had truly faded.

Then there was Sean. Could I trust his intentions? Or was this a scheme orchestrated by Hayden? Perhaps Hayden had asked Sean to test my loyalty, tempting me into betrayal. If I took the bait, Hayden would have grounds for divorce with Xander.

Just as I was about to reply, the cafeteria erupted. "Look! Mr. Parker actually came to the cafeteria!" someone shouted.

Chapter 28