Chapter 76

I clenched my teeth, searching for a way to avoid the conversation, when Joanna burst in. “Hayden, are you okay?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

I glanced at her. She was already at Hayden’s side, tears glistening as she held his hand. “Where are you hurt?”

“It’s nothing,” Hayden replied faintly, smiling and shaking his head.

I was accustomed to Hayden’s indifference or unkindness. This relaxed gentleness was rare, appearing only when he was with Joanna. Earlier, he’d been reserved about his injury; now, in Joanna’s presence, he was unconcerned. The contrast was striking.

A bitter feeling arose, spreading like a ripple. I tightened my hand. “Mr. Parker, I’ll leave now.”

I turned and walked away, Joanna’s sweet voice ringing behind me. “Let me see your wound. I won’t be at ease until I do… Just a peek, okay?”

I attempted a smile, but my reflection revealed a grimace. Inside, Joanna persisted, eventually lifting the edge of Hayden’s trousers while he was distracted. A deep wound was revealed, eliciting a gasp from her.

“How did you get hurt this badly!” she exclaimed. She’d discovered his injury eavesdropping on Richard’s phone call, rushing to express concern only to be startled by the wound's severity.

“It’s minor,” Hayden said curtly, his brows furrowing. He disliked being touched, especially by women.

“This is not minor! Does it hurt?” Joanna’s eyes welled up. She gently blew on the injury. Hayden moved to pull away, but Joanna’s next question stopped him. “Why is there an older scar next to this wound? When did you get that?”

Hayden froze, his eyes darkening. That old scar… two months ago, wasn’t she caring for me while I was unconscious? How could she not know about this? “You don’t know,” he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

Joanna shook her head. “Did something dangerous happen to you before, too?” Her mind was focused on whether Hayden had ever mentioned the injury. Hayden gleaned much more from this simple exchange. Joanna had supposedly cared for him for over two weeks, yet didn’t recognize the scar; I had noticed it immediately. Could there be more to this? Hayden wondered.

For the first time, Joanna saw Hayden appear dazed. She pressed him, her voice filled with concern. “Hayden, what’s wrong?”

Hayden snapped out of it, the warmth in his gaze fading. “How did you find out I was injured?” he asked.

Joanna, sensing the chill, responded timidly, “I… I overheard Richard on the phone. I was just worried…”

“Alright, you can leave now,” Hayden said, withdrawing his hand and adjusting his shirt.

Joanna hesitated, but his icy gaze made her leave without another word. At the door, she bumped into Richard. Pouting, she hurried off, leaving Richard completely baffled. I didn’t even do anything to her, Richard thought.

Richard hurried to Hayden. “Mr. Parker,” he began, “Lidia has been spending time with Harrison and has gathered intel. Ms. Charlotte has a strong chance of winning this time.”

He reported on the store situation. In truth, Hayden had assigned Richard to monitor Joanna, not protect her. This was, of course, unacknowledged. When they'd encountered Yvonne at the mall, Richard had lied, claiming Hayden had sent him to protect Joanna.

Hayden’s eyes narrowed. He shifted the topic. “Look into Yvonne’s activities over the past year!”

Richard froze. Even if Mr. Parker wanted to investigate Mrs. Parker, wouldn’t it be recent events? Why a whole year?

“Don’t let anyone else know about this,” Hayden said coldly, his calm tone authoritative. Richard nodded. “Understood.”

Back at my office, Joanna stormed in, glaring. “You’re back already? Didn’t you stay a little longer to cozy up to Hayden?” I asked, smiling. She'd always sneered at me, but today, I was in a good mood.

Joanna’s expression hardened. “Yvonne, you’re jealous of how well Hayden treats me, aren’t you?”

“Hey, why aren’t you being sweet to me today?” I teased.

Joanna clenched her hands. “You? As if you’re even worthy!”

“Oh, so before you were nice, but now I’m not worthy! You sure do change your mind a lot,” I sighed dramatically, feigning pity.

I heard her grind her teeth. I knew her frustration stemmed from the pushback she’d faced joining the Jackson family. Some elders opposed it; both she and Quinn were outsiders, disrupting the family lineage. This had always been understood; in a few decades, the difference would no longer matter. I used to think the elders were stubborn, but this time, they were right.

Joanna changed the subject. “Don’t get smug. I know you met with Martin. He has no power or influence. Do you really think you can win?”

“Mr. Robinson’s got this in the bag. Once you lose, get ready to dance with Zachary. Let’s see if Hayden still wants you then.”

So, she’s been having me followed? I thought. “Don’t forget, if you lose, you’re leaving the company too. Even Hayden won’t be able to help you,” I replied evenly.

Joanna smirked. “Hey, actually, I’ve already won. Mr. Robinson’s contract has the new seal, while Martin’s has the old one… It’s invalid.”

Her words hit me like a thunderclap. I hadn’t expected Martin’s contract to be worthless.