Chapter 50

Hayden, typically stoic and unmoved by Nevin’s antics, had actually struck his brother. I witnessed the scene in disbelief; Hayden seemed a changed man.

Nevin, eyes wide and trembling, cupped his face, staring incredulously. His red-rimmed eyes welled as he stammered, “Bro, you…you hit me.” Hayden had never before laid a finger on him. What had triggered this? The lingering burn on Nevin’s cheek was a stark reminder of the slap.

“Apologize to Yvonne,” Hayden demanded, his gaze icy and sharp, the air thick with tension.

I wondered if he'd hit Nevin for me. Unlikely. Perhaps he was merely concerned about Nevin’s legal jeopardy. Assault and defamation? Nevin risked imprisonment!

Nevin ground his teeth, swallowing hard, refusing to speak. His hostile glare felt like an accusation.

“Hurry up,” Hayden urged, brooking no argument.

Finally, Nevin mumbled, “I’m sorry.” I was surprised; this boisterous Nevin could apologize.

Stanley then interjected, “If you don’t accept the apology, you can still pursue legal action.” The decision rested with me.

Hayden’s gaze assessed me. Ignoring him, I replied flatly, “Forget it. Let’s handle Jamie’s situation first.” Nevin's apology mitigated the need for further action, and Xander's presence made ignoring the Parker family's reputation unwise.

Stanley nodded. “I’ll start the official process. Everyone can head home tonight.”

Outside the station, Hayden pulled Stanley aside. Jamir and I waited. Nevin, still shielding his face, glared at me with venomous intensity, likely embarrassed by his public apology. He looked genuinely hurt.

I ignored him, but Jamie couldn't resist. “What are you glaring at? You not done getting beaten yet?”

“Was I glaring at you? If someone hadn’t intervened, I would’ve taken you out!” Nevin retorted defiantly. Hayden’s cold glance instantly subdued him; Nevin shrank back, submissive. Clearly, he feared Hayden.

I pulled Jamie aside. “Don’t stoop to his level. The situation favors us. Let’s see what Stanley says.”

Jamie nodded, then remembered, “You… should we check on you at the hospital? I remember the crash sounded pretty bad.”

“It’s fine; it wasn’t serious.” The pain had subsided, and I avoided hospitals whenever possible.

Stanley soon joined us. “Let’s go. I’ll drive you guys home.”

As I turned to leave, Hayden called, “Yvonne, come home with me.” I froze, surprised.

“Bro, why are you still bringing her along? She’s helping outsiders,” Nevin grumbled, annoyed.

Hayden ignored him, his gaze fixed on me. “Don’t forget you’re still Mrs. Parker.”

I rubbed my forehead, exhausted. I didn’t want to go with him; Stanley's support might only escalate the conflict.

“Hey, you and Jamie should go on ahead. I’ll catch up tomorrow,” I told Stanley. He hesitated, but eventually agreed, leaving with Jamie.

Nevin and I entered Hayden’s car. I stared at the dark sky, reflecting on the day’s events.

Nevin, in the backseat, was unhappy. “Bro, just drop me off anywhere. I’m free now, and tagging along might get me in trouble!”

“I’m taking you back to the Parker residence,” Hayden replied, his tone unwavering.

Nevin protested, “I don’t want to go back. Grandpa will kill me! Last time, he made me pick watercress, and I almost drowned!”

This was unwise. Hayden pressed, “You’re a decent swimmer. How could you nearly drown? What exactly happened that day?” He’d only learned of the incident from the staff, lacking details.

Nevin fell silent. I remained quiet, unwilling to interrupt.

Hayden turned to me. “What do you say?”

“Not much to tell. Nevin rocked my boat, scaring me into the water. He only pulled me out when I looked like I was about to drown,” I said coldly. There was no point in pretense.

Nevin interjected, “But I fell in afterward and almost died too!”

“How did you get out?” Hayden asked.

“She saved me,” Nevin whispered, embarrassed. His prank had backfired.

I felt Hayden’s intense gaze. He drove in silence.

At the Parker residence, Hayden recounted the watercress incident and the day's events to Xander. Nevin stood beside me, visibly pale and trembling.

Xander erupted, throwing something at Nevin. “You idiot! Is this how you treat your sister-in-law? Yvonne has always helped you, and you still pull this kind of stunt? What exactly is your problem with her?”

He could make a long list, I thought. Nevin muttered, “I just don’t like her! She stole my brother!” I was stunned. Stole Hayden? If anyone had cause for complaint, it was me regarding Joanna.