Chapter 61

“Looks like you’ve got me all figured out,” I sipped my red wine, keeping it casual. “But I’m in the dark about you.”

Marlon chuckled. “All you need to know is we’re on the same team.”

“For real? Can I trust the Warner family to have my back?” I quirked an eyebrow, a smirk playing on my lips. I needed to assess his reliability before proceeding.

Marlon gave me an inscrutable look. “You’ll find out soon enough, won’t you?”

For some reason, I felt he wouldn’t betray me. Still, I wasn’t sure how much faith to place in my intuition. But he seemed like my best option.

The waiter arrived with our dishes and coffee. I raised my glass. “Here’s to a smooth partnership.” Marlon grinned and clinked his glass against mine.

The rich coffee went down smoothly, and I got straight to the point. “Sophia’s expecting a boy, and my dad has warned he might seize my Jackson Group shares. I need to act decisively.”

“What’s your plan?” Marlon asked, maintaining his composure.

“I need you to help me discreetly acquire Jackson Group shares. Once I own more than my father, he’ll be out of the picture,” I said, my voice cold and determined.

“Consider it done,” Marlon agreed instantly.

I hesitated. “Regarding the funds, could you advance me the cash? I’ll repay you with interest.” Jackson Group wasn’t enormous, but it wasn’t small either. The funds needed to buy shares were substantial; my savings were insufficient.

Marlon raised an eyebrow. “You’re asking me to invest money and effort before we’ve even begun, Yvonne. You’re playing your cards close to your chest.”

I gave an awkward laugh and quickly offered him some seafood. “Mr. Warner, trust me. You won’t regret it.”

Marlon laughed. “What makes you think I’ll agree?”

“I have a hunch you will,” I replied. From the start, I sensed he was trustworthy.

Marlon seemed surprised, then laughed heartily. “Right, I’ll provide the cash for the shares!”

“Thanks in advance, Mr. Warner.” I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. With the funds to buy shares, I wouldn’t be so vulnerable.

After we finished that, Marlon took a few bites and asked, “By doing this, you’re burning bridges with your father. Will you stand your ground?”

I shook my head, my gaze dropping slightly. “When Jackson Group’s finances were in trouble, it was my mother’s substantial dowry that saved the family. Half of what Jackson Group is today is hers. I’m merely reclaiming what’s rightfully hers.”

There had been whispers that my mother received a raw deal in her marriage. Nancy didn’t fret over it, and neither did I. Sophia was pushing it too far, and Yosef was growing increasingly impatient. I needed to address several issues before they spiraled out of control.

Marlon nodded. “Then it’s only right you take it back.”

I was mid-meal when I said, “I can repay you within two months at most. The Parker family’s cruise line is highly profitable.”

Marlon paused, fork in hand, his deep eyes fixed on me. “You’re planning to take the cruise ship the Parker family is offering you?” He’d heard the rumors, but lacked the details.

I nodded. “If I don’t take it, Hayden will give it to Joanna. No reason to pass up something that’s practically mine, right?”

Marlon frowned. “Are you in a competition with Joanna?”

“What?” I was taken aback.

He didn’t elaborate, focusing on his food. “No rush to repay. Handle your business first.”

I laughed. “In two months, the cruise ship won’t be my problem. You don’t think I’m walking away with any of the Parker family’s wealth after divorcing Hayden, do you? They don’t do charity.” Xander’s generosity came with conditions: he wanted me to stay with Hayden. Regardless of my situation with Hayden, a divorce wouldn’t be ideal for the Parker family either.

Marlon’s amber eyes narrowed. “Then make these two months count.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” I laughed, clinking glasses with Marlon.

We got along better than I expected. Aside from Lucy, I didn’t have many friends, let alone confidantes. Tonight, I found myself confiding in Marlon, even if it was strictly business.

Marlon drove me home. As we arrived, we ran into Hayden, who had also just returned. I was surprised; he’d gone to dinner with Joanna and was back so soon.

Hayden saw Marlon and me, and his face darkened.

“Mr. Parker, you finished dinner already?” Marlon greeted Hayden with a grin, clearly enjoying the potential drama.

Hayden exited his car and approached us, his steps heavy. “You two together tonight?” he asked, his face as cold as ice.

“Yeah, we had some seafood and chatted,” Marlon’s smile remained unwavering.

A prickle ran down my neck. I’d told Hayden I was busy when he invited me to the thank-you dinner, and here I was, caught having a cozy meal with Marlon. It was awkward. But since he was with Joanna, my dinner with Marlon wasn’t a major issue. Pulling myself together, I said, “Mr. Warner, thanks for tonight.”

“No need for formalities,” Marlon’s tone was gentle, as if I were precious to him. “Get some rest and call me if you need anything.”

“Will do.” I nodded. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a figure. Suddenly, an arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me aside without warning.

I almost gasped, but the grip was brief. Before I could react, I was in Hayden’s arms.

I knew his intentions, and I was furious, trying to push him away. But he was too strong, giving me no room to escape. He also let out a cold, mocking laugh. “Tonight, it’s Mr. Warner; last night, it was an alumnus, Yvonne. You’ve got a way with men.”

“What are you implying?!” I frowned, my voice sharp.

Marlon looked surprised. “Your alumnus?”

“Mr. Warner, you should watch your back. You might be being used for revenge without even knowing it,” Hayden smirked, the night breeze lifting the corners of his navy blue shirt.

My heart leaped. I knew he was scheming, and I hurried to explain, “I—”

But I was cut off by Marlon. “It’s an honor to be a tool for Yvonne,” he said softly, his gaze tender.