Chapter 7

“There’s a rumor that you’re elusive, rarely seen in public. Honestly, I’m starting to think it’s all idle chatter.” I met his gaze with a small smile, maintaining my composure.

Marlon’s eyes deepened, as if surprised by my retort. After a beat, he returned the smile. “You’ve got me there. But don’t you want to fight back?”

“Fight back?” I echoed, bewilderment clouding my expression.

“Get inside with me, and no one will dare mock you,” Marlon said confidently.

I was taken aback. Was he genuinely offering help, or was this a ploy against Hayden? Business was a battlefield of hidden agendas. He might use me to tarnish Hayden’s reputation.

After considering this, I shook my head gently. “I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Warner, but I’m not bothered by others’ jokes.”

I turned and entered the venue alone. Over the past year, I’d grown accustomed to the ridicule.

Marlon didn’t try to stop me. Instead, he narrowed his eyes, a thoughtful smile playing on his lips as he watched me go. “It appears she’s not as smitten with Hayden as the grapevine suggests. Could this be my opening?” he mused.

As expected, I immediately became the center of attention. All eyes swiveled towards me. Hushed murmurs began to circulate.

“Look! It’s Yvonne. She’s here too! But didn’t Mr. Parker just arrive with another woman?”

“This is going to be entertaining. Yvonne looks absolutely radiant. Her delicate skin and figure are captivating.”

“Why would Mr. Parker leave such a gorgeous wife alone? The woman he came in with looked quite ordinary!”

“Maybe she’s got more going on between the sheets?”

The crowd erupted in stilled laughter, voicing their merciless thoughts.

I scanned the room, relieved Hayden and Joanna weren't present. As I pondered the auction’s Steinway piano’s location, Lucy dashed toward me.

“You’re here, Yvonne!” Lucy exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. She was a vision in a dazzling silver mermaid dress and matching clutch.

I grinned. “You look absolutely stunning today. Is that dress custom-made from Frisyia?”

“You’re still admiring fashion? Aren’t you here to catch Hayden and that woman red-handed? I just spotted them. Come on,” Lucy said, her grip firm.

I held her back. “Forget them. Do you know where the piano is? I’d love to see it.”

Lucy paused. “You actually came here for the piano?”

“Of course, what else?” I replied, playfully raising my eyebrows.

An unreadable expression crossed Lucy’s face, but she led the way. Hayden and Joanna were there.

I shot Lucy a sidelong glance. “Why didn’t you tell me they’d be here?”

She shrugged. “You said to ignore them.”

I was speechless, redirecting my gaze awkwardly. Hayden and Joanna were absorbed in conversation, oblivious to us.

“Do you like it? I had it made for you,” Hayden said softly. The piano likely cost a fortune, yet he spoke of it casually. His treatment of Joanna contrasted sharply with his coldness towards me.

Lucy, her face twisting in disbelief, turned to me, her wide eyes conveying her shock. I managed a weak smile, laced with bitterness.

To my surprise, Joanna hesitated. “Isn’t this too valuable, Mr. Parker? You know I’m not…doing…that kind of thing.” She couldn’t play; taking it would expose her. Plus, Hayden hadn’t invited her; Nevin had unexpectedly shown up with a dress, claiming it was Hayden’s idea. She'd been thrilled, but seeing Hayden's surprised face upon arrival had made her apprehensive. Had she known about the piano, she would have stayed home.

Hayden smiled gently. “How could something so precious not be for you!”

Joanna felt overwhelmed with happiness. “Thank you, Mr. Parker.”

I smirked, listening to their exchange. Lucy, reaching her boiling point, blurted out, “Hayden Parker, aren’t you laying it on a bit thick? Sucking up to someone else right in front of Yvonne? It’s like you want everyone to know you’re playing away from home!”

She had a fiery temper. As my friend, she was fiercely loyal. Usually, she would have confronted them directly.

Hayden and Joanna spun around. Joanna feigned scandal and edged closer to Hayden. Hayden’s face turned to ice; he shot me a chilling glare. But when our eyes met, there was a pause. My fiery red dress clearly displeased him.

“Lucy, let’s go,” I said, averting my gaze and urging Lucy to leave.

“Are you two also keen on this piano?” Yasir interjected. He’d come for the drama.

“Hmph. Who in this town doesn’t know Yvonne can’t play a note? Her at the piano? Please!” Nevin sneered, casting a disdainful look my way. He was seething—he’d apparently found someone to handle Jamie.

He turned to Joanna, offering a flattering smile. “You sure know how to play the piano. How about giving us a performance?” He knew Hayden had been roused from a coma by Joanna’s playing; he saw this as her moment to shine.

His suggestion nearly plunged Joanna into despair. Her face drained of color; she bit her lip fiercely.