Chapter 54

Sophia and Joanna openly flaunted their gold-digging nature, shocking me. "I never invited you two here," I said, my tone icy. Yosef was absent, so pretense was unnecessary.

The living room fell silent. Their smiles vanished, replaced by arrogance.

"Your dad sent us to check on you and brought gifts," Sophia said. "Is this how you treat us?"

"Yvonne, Mom did this out of kindness," Joanna retorted, taking the moral high ground.

I rubbed my temples. The Parkers, the company, and an upcoming collaboration with Marlon already stressed me. I had no time for this.

"Alright, what do you want?" I plopped onto the couch, ready to finish this quickly.

Joanna and Sophia exchanged a glance before saying in unison, "We heard the Parkers gave you a cruise ship! Your dad's birthday is coming up, and we thought we'd throw him a party—so we need to borrow the cruise."

I laughed. They were after the cruise, using my dad's birthday as an excuse! Refusal would label me stingy; agreement would let them keep it. Either way, they'd win.

I fell silent. Joanna pressed, "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you refusing?"

Sophia sighed dramatically. "Oh, your dad has cared for you all these years. Who would have thought you wouldn't help? People think you're so devoted, but…" Her repeated sighing drew puzzled looks from the staff.

This was Sophia's plan—to force my agreement publicly. But I was used to being scolded. My reputation was already damaged; did I care if it worsened?

"The cruise is with Hayden," I replied. "He's about to divorce me. What authority do I have?"

I then looked at Joanna. "Aren't you Hayden's 'one true love'? Why not ask him?"

The cruise wasn't mine; I had no plans to keep it. If they wanted it, they could deal with Hayden.

Joanna and Sophia clearly hadn't expected this. Their composure slipped.

Sophia asked Joanna, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know!" Joanna replied, confused. Hayden had reportedly spent less time with her recently.

I observed them before saying, "Everything is clear. You can leave."

Sophia's face stiffened, turning gloomy. "Do you not like me? I came all this way!" Her voice cracked, sounding like she was about to cry.

Her ruckus attracted more onlookers.

"What's going on? Did Mrs. Parker get a stepmother?" "Look how upset she is!" "Why is Mrs. Parker crying…?"

Sophia sobbed louder. Joanna glared, "Yvonne! My mom is your elder! How could you treat her like this!"

"Should I worship her?" I retorted, dismissive.

Sophia might rule the Jacksons, and Joanna might play innocent with Hayden, but this was my house.

Sophia gasped for air, shocked. Joanna patted her back, her voice rising. "Yvonne! Are you trying to give my mom a heart attack? She's pregnant!"

Before I could respond, Deborah's voice boomed, "Who's making all this noise? Have you any manners!" Everyone froze.

I was surprised to see Deborah, then noticed Rita supporting her.

Sophia, unaware of Deborah, snapped, "Who are you, old lady?"

I couldn't believe it. Deborah was not someone to trifle with. Sophia was in trouble.

Deborah's expression turned icy. She scolded Rita, "What kind of idiots are you bringing into the house? Is there no decorum?" Her words targeted Sophia and Joanna.

Joanna retorted, "Who are you calling idiots? My mom is Yvonne's stepmother!"

Deborah looked at me. I stepped forward, "Grandma, she's my father's second wife. Don't pay them any mind."

Sophia picked up on my condescension. "Grandma? Didn't your dad say your grandparents passed away?"

"She's Hayden's Grandma," I replied, chuckling coldly. Sophia and Joanna froze.

Their plans to target the Parkers faltered. Joanna took a shocked step back, nearly tripping. How could Deborah be Hayden's grandmother?

Joanna's earlier rudeness had ruined any chance of a good impression. "I—I didn't know it was you," Joanna stammered, attempting to recover.