Chapter 53

Seeing Jamie’s furious expression, I knew he was ready to attack. Stanley immediately intervened. “Jamie, calm down!”

“How can I calm down? I trusted her as a friend, and she betrayed me! You two are siblings, right? You planned this, didn’t you? Used me to scam money?!” Jamie’s eyes were bloodshot with rage. He seemed completely out of control.

It was clear who had revealed the information.

I frowned, stood up, and spoke clearly. “I didn’t betray you. Xander gave it to me without asking. I didn’t intend to keep it.”

Jamie froze. “You didn’t keep it?”

“Hayden took it,” I replied.

“You still don’t know what Yvonne is like. If she were that kind of person, why would she go through all this trouble to help you?” Stanley pulled Jamie aside, offering him water. “Just take a breath.”

After a sip, Jamie calmed down slightly and looked at me. “So what really happened?”

I sighed and recounted last night’s events.

Jamie’s discomfort grew. He awkwardly apologized. “Yvonne, I’m sorry, I misunderstood you.”

“If I were in your shoes, I probably wouldn’t have held back either.” I shook my head, unfazed by the earlier outburst.

Stanley patted Jamie’s shoulder. “Young man, don’t act so impulsively.”

Jamie’s face tightened with embarrassment.

Shifting back to serious matters, I asked, “Has anyone from the Parker family contacted you?”

Jamie shook his head, looking exhausted.

Stanley and I exchanged a glance and fell silent. Then, Rita called. Since Jamie and Stanley weren’t strangers, I answered immediately.

“Mrs. Parker? You need to come back quickly. Your family is here…” Rita’s voice was frantic and confused.

“My family!” I was stunned. My mother was deceased, and my father was unconcerned with my life. Who could be visiting?

“Yes. Mrs. Jiang and your sister.” Rita repeated what the mother and daughter had said, equally unsure.

My heart pounded! What were Sophia and Joanna doing at Rosy House? Didn’t Joanna spend her days off with Hayden?

“I’ll be right back,” I said, hanging up and preparing to leave.

Stanley noticed my distress. “Do you need help?”

“No, it’s Sophia. I have to go back.” I glanced at Jamie. “Jamie, if anything comes up, talk to my brother. I’ll catch you later.”

“Okay. You handle your stuff.” Jamie looked confused but worried.

I didn’t have time to explain. I ran towards the door! Sophia and Joanna’s arrival at Rosy House boded ill. Jamie stared, then asked, “Yvonne’s okay, right?”

“Every family has its struggles,” Stanley sighed, straightening up. “About your case, the evidence suggests a strong chance of winning, but realistically, you probably won’t succeed. You might pay a huge price.”

Jamie’s expression stiffened. After a pause, he asked, “What are you trying to say?”

Stanley didn’t answer directly. He leaned back, scrutinizing Jamie. “I heard Yvonne say you’re about to hold an art exhibition?”

“Yes,” Jamie nodded.

“If you want the exhibition to go well, my advice is to drop the suit.” Stanley was blunt.

Jamie’s jaw clenched, anger flashing in his eyes. “Isn’t there a single chance? Do rich people just get to do whatever they want?”

“That’s how the world works, unfortunately. But you could rethink this. Why not use this opportunity to elevate your career?” Stanley suggested with a smirk.

“What do you mean?” Jamie asked, confused.

Stanley smiled, tapping the table rhythmically. “We both know that if this blows up, at most, Nevin loses face, and the Parker family can throw money at it to make it go away. What you might lose… could be your life.” He spoke with chilling clarity.

Jamie’s breath hitched. His hands clenched into fists. “I just can’t accept that!”

“Accept Nevin’s apology, drop the suit, and let your exhibition gain more exposure. It’s a chance many people dream of,” Stanley said.

He leaned closer, looking into Jamie’s eyes. “Even if you’re not doing it for yourself, consider Cici. I heard she’s coming back soon. And Yvonne’s been worrying about you.”

Jamie’s defenses crumbled. The Parker family loomed over him—how could he fight back alone?

“Is there really no other way?” Jamie asked tentatively.

“There is. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Wait until you have enough strength to confront the Parker family, then seek fairness,” Stanley replied coldly, but truthfully.

Jamie fell silent. He’d known for six months he wouldn’t win.

Seeing his silence, Stanley added, “Think it over carefully. If you decide to sue, Yvonne and I will back you up.”

Sometimes the best plan wasn’t the most humane. It depended on Jamie’s choice.

Hurrying back to Rosy House, I found Sophia and Joanna lounging on the sofa, eating expensive fruit. These weren’t ordinary fruits; they were rare and costly varieties. Deborah had sent them specially.

Sophia and Joanna chatted as they munched. “This fruit is insanely sweet! I’ve never seen an apple with red flesh before! Oh, and look at this pink pineapple! We should pack some for your brother.”

“I told him to come along, but he wouldn’t budge. He insisted on chasing after Dylan.”

“Mom, I can’t believe Yvonne lives in such an amazing place. It’s like a palace! And the food is so extravagant—totally different from what we have!” Joanna’s tone dripped with envy.

“The Parker family is top-tier! Don’t worry, as long as you can marry Hayden, all this luxury will be yours!” Sophia laughed heartily.

“But didn’t the Parker family also give Yvonne a cruise ship? That must’ve cost a fortune!” Joanna’s envy was palpable.

Hearing this, I realized they were here because of the ship.