Chapter 48

Hayden narrowed his eyes at my words. I hastened to clarify, "Don't get me wrong, I truly don't care who you're with. I simply want to know if you visited my mother's gravesite last night."

But Hayden evaded the question. "You don't care who I'm with?"

"Besides Joanna, are there other women?" I tilted my head, surprised, though it quickly made sense; a man who cheats once could cheat countless times.

Hayden seemed to have a headache, pinching his brow as he turned away. "Your mother's funeral needs to be redone. It requires some paperwork."

"You're moving her gravesite? That's really unnecessary," I blurted out. She was already buried; there was no need to disturb her resting place.

But this funeral...it was something I needed to handle for my mother. Back then, there hadn't been enough time for the proper ceremonies. My father had stubbornly refused to arrange a wedding so soon after the funeral, leaving things unresolved.

Hayden looked up. "You've made up your mind?"

"Yes," I nodded, meeting his gaze steadily.

In the past, once Hayden decided on something, no persuasion could sway him. I was prepared to argue, but he didn't bring it up again. He lowered his head and flipped through a file on his desk.

I waited a long time, finally asking, "Aren't you going to say something?"

Hayden coldly replied, "Close the door when you leave."

I silently clenched my fists and walked out. It seemed I simply didn't mesh well with him.

At noon, Jamie invited me to lunch. I chose a restaurant near the office; he was already waiting.

"Yvonne! Over here!" he called enthusiastically, waving.

I followed his voice and saw Jamie in a stylish outfit, giving off an artistic vibe. He was around my age, with healthy wheat-colored skin and striking features; one might mistake him for a celebrity.

I hurried over, feeling a bit awkward. "Sorry! Got held up at work. What do you want to eat? Order away!"

"I know you're a busy person now, with a real job and all," Jamie chuckled, unbothered. He signaled the waiter. "I checked the menu; the beef looks good."

"Then let's have beef." I wasn't picky and didn't have much of an appetite.

After ordering, we chatted casually.

"I have an art exhibit next week. Are you free to come?" Jamie said, producing an invitation and handing it to me.

My eyes widened. "You're really having an exhibit! That's impressive!"

When I first met him, he was a little-known artist. Now, just six months later, he was hosting an exhibit.

Jamie smiled shyly. "Thanks to you sending Cici abroad, I could focus on my painting. I didn't waste my good ideas."

Cici was his girlfriend. Nevin, Hayden's brother, had also liked Cici and pursued her for months without success. Cici chose Jamie, leaving Nevin resentful; after a few drinks, he'd assaulted Jamie.

The Parkers had plenty of lawyers, but this was family trouble. It wouldn't look good publicized, especially since Nevin was Hayden's brother, so I decided to help Jamie.

At first, Jamie refused to see me and was quite defensive. After several visits, I learned Cici had always wanted to study abroad but lacked the means. So, I helped secure her a place overseas.

That led to Jamie meeting with me, and surprisingly, we became good friends.

"By the way, how's Cici doing lately?" I casually asked.

The server arrived. Jamie placed dishes before me. "She's doing well. I spoke to her yesterday. She sounded happy, though she's lost weight. The food there doesn't suit her taste."

"Why don't you visit her? Bring her something tasty," I suggested.

"Maybe later," Jamie replied, brushing the topic aside.

I didn't press. After a few bites, I asked, "What's happening with Nevin's situation?"

"They're going through the process. But I heard the Parker family's lawyers are very good," Jamie said, his brows furrowed. The Parker family's legal team might be all talk, but they certainly knew how to get things done when paid.

I discreetly gave him my cousin's business card. "He's skilled with criminal cases. You should talk to him."

Jamie froze. "Why didn't I hear about this before?"

"Didn't you say you were done with the lawsuit?" I said casually, taking more bites. When I wasn't hungry, spicy food stimulated my appetite.

As Jamie pocketed the card, his eyes widened. "No wonder you advised me to drop the lawsuit. If you brought your cousin in, I'd be done for, right?"

I shrugged. "Just eat. It'll get cold."

In truth, I didn't need my cousin's intervention; the Parkers would find a way to convince Jamie to withdraw his lawsuit. A family with centuries of history knew how to navigate both light and shadow. Talking to Jamie was just to ensure he wouldn't be harmed.

Jamie studied me before pouring me coffee. He looked serious. "Yvonne, thank you."

"What are you thanking me for? I only did so much," I brushed it off.

Jamie sat back down. "But why did you suddenly stop trying to stop me from suing Nevin? And why did you help me find a lawyer?"

"Doing wrong should have consequences. Besides, I'll soon have nothing to do with Hayden," I smiled, though the bitterness was evident.

Jamie, knowing my situation, seemed at a loss for words.

Suddenly, Nevin's loud voice boomed from behind us. "Jamie! What the hell are you discussing with Yvonne? Are you two trying to get rid of me? Let's see if I don't knock you out today!"

Before I could react, Nevin lunged, grabbing Jamie's collar.