Chapter 70

Richard’s expression was slightly guilty. “Mr. Parker asked me to look after Ms. Charlotte.”

I felt a slight chill, but wasn't surprised. Joanna was someone Hayden held dear; naturally, he would be cautious around her.

Lidia, already smug, became even more arrogant. “Mr. Parker really dotes on you, Joanna. You’ve barely arrived, and he’s already worried. Yvonne, you should step aside and let Mr. Parker make room for Joanna.”

I offered a cold smile. “If you’re so capable, why do you need me to step aside? By the way, with that kind of talk, are you admitting she’s the mistress, waiting for her turn?”

Lidia’s sharp features twisted in fury. She gritted her teeth and spat, “Everyone in the company knows Mr. Parker’s heart belongs to Joanna.”

“If I were you,” she continued, “I would have stayed hidden at home, too embarrassed to show my face.”

I raised an eyebrow. Why would I hide because Hayden’s having an affair? What a joke.

Before I could respond, Richard, usually reserved, spoke up. “Lidia, Mrs. Parker is still Mr. Parker’s wife.”

His simple reminder was enough. Lidia fell silent. She worked for the Parker Group, and Richard had been Hayden’s secretary for years. Even a slight criticism from him would cause her serious trouble. Lidia knew better than to antagonize someone with Richard’s influence.

Joanna shot Richard a glance, her expression darkening. She didn't speak, but tugged at Lidia’s sleeve.

I was genuinely surprised Richard had spoken up for me. Everyone knew Joanna was Hayden’s beloved; I expected Richard to curry favor with her. But after his words, the atmosphere grew tense and quiet.

A man in a slightly oversized suit approached, snapping Lidia out of her silence. She quickly whispered to Joanna, and the two followed the man. Richard subtly nodded at me before following them.

I couldn't help but glance at the man in the suit, wondering who he was. Anyone who could make both Lidia and Joanna so nervous couldn't be insignificant.

While pondering this, Zachary appeared. “That man’s name is Harrison Robinson. He’s the new tenant for these stores,” he said casually.

I narrowed my eyes. “Why are you telling me this? Don’t you want me to lose?”

“Winning or losing is one thing, but Joanna definitely knows this. You should too. That’s the only way the game is fair,” Zachary replied with a mysterious smile.

I always felt Zachary was devious and untrustworthy. He’d instigated this gambling situation; nothing he did deserved thanks. It wasn't surprising Joanna knew; Lidia, working in marketing, likely knew much, and would share information with Joanna.

The marketing department was clearly hiding something. Solving the store issue wouldn't be easy.

“Is that so? Mr. Swanson, what else do you know?” I asked, eager to learn more. The more I knew, the better my chances.

Zachary assumed a more authoritative posture. “Are we just going to stand here and talk?”

I spotted a coffee shop. “How about a coffee?”

He didn’t refuse, though he didn't seem pleased. I ordered two coffees and resumed our conversation. “Mr. Swanson, what else do you know?”

Zachary sipped his coffee, then looked up with a half-smile. “I can tell you what I know, but what’s in it for me?”

I expected this. He paused, stroked his goatee, and grinned. “If you win, I’ll have no date. But if you lose, that 2% stake will be out of reach…”

His words hinted at something deeper.

I smiled. “You want me to sell that 2% stake to you?”

Zachary had always coveted the Parker Group. Gaining control meant holding more shares; the largest shareholder held the most power.

“You are so smart,” Zachary snapped his fingers, amused.

I knew this was his goal. Holding a trump card gave me confidence.

“Well then, Mr. Swanson, you’d better help me win,” I said, my gaze determined.

“If I get involved, it might…” Zachary hesitated.

I cut him off. “The rules say Hayden can’t help, but it doesn’t say anything about other people.”

His eyebrows shot up; I saw curiosity and interest in his gaze.

“People say Hayden’s wife is useless, but I don’t think you’re what they say you are,” Zachary commented, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

“Seeing isn’t always believing,” I replied calmly.

Zachary nodded. “I’ll help you, no problem. But if you win, that 2% stake… will you really sell it to me?”

“Mr. Swanson, that depends on what you’re willing to offer,” I answered neutrally. I neither agreed nor disagreed, leaving room for negotiation. As long as he paid enough, there was a chance.

Zachary’s expression darkened. After a long pause, he burst into laughter. “Hayden’s judgment really isn’t all that great. He lets go of a gem right next to him and goes for some unremarkable woman. Yvonne… I’m starting to find you more and more interesting.”

I listened calmly, emotionless. His approval meant nothing to me.

“So, does that mean you’re agreeing to help me?” I redirected the conversation.

Zachary smiled. “Looking forward to working with you.”

Six dollars for a cup of coffee and an opportunity! Totally worth it, I mused.

After leaving the coffee shop, Zachary led me to the entrance. I expected him to take me to Harrison, but there was no one in sight. I felt anxious. “Why did you bring me here?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he replied cryptically.

I eyed him suspiciously. We waited ten minutes; my patience was wearing thin. “What exactly are you trying to do?”

“Here, he’s coming,” Zachary said, nodding.

I followed his gaze, expecting an important figure, but saw an elderly janitor sweeping the floor. I thought I'd been tricked.

“Zachary, I don’t have time for games,” I said coldly.

He wasn't offended, watching the old man. “Take a closer look.”