Chapter 77

Earlier, Martin hadn't mentioned this. If that were the case, competing with Harrison was pointless; it would all be meaningless. Joanna, however, stormed off, likely considering herself the victor and dispensing with further conversation.

I immediately called Dylan and asked Martin to retrieve the contract. Luckily, my tenure at Parker Group allowed me to assess its validity. After attending to company matters, I went to the mall, Ethan trailing behind, attracting attention, particularly with his current attire. Passing a suit store, I decided to take him inside.

"This one," I said, casually selecting a black suit. "See if you can find his size."

The salesperson smiled and went to find a fitting size. Ethan furrowed his brow. "You're buying me clothes? I have clothes," he said stiffly.

"These will make things easier," I replied, offering no further explanation. "You're not turning down free clothes, are you?"

According to Marlon, Fihan was capable but extremely mercenary. The right price would secure his compliance. Someone that avaricious wouldn't pass up a good deal.

Ethan paused. The salesperson returned with the clothes. Without a word, he took them and headed to the changing room. I chuckled; Marlon's assessment seemed accurate.

Just then, I heard Lucy's voice outside. "Yvonne? Is that really you? Do you have a new boyfriend?" Clearly surprised, she had only seen a man entering the fitting room, but it wasn't Hayden. Hayden's clothes were always custom-made; even if he bought them, the staff would present him with the season's latest pieces, or he'd have a private fitting.

Surprised, I replied, "Lucy? What boyfriend?"

"Don't try to hide it! Who's the guy who just went in?" Lucy exclaimed, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the fitting room door, fearing he might leave.

I sighed helplessly. "That's Ethan, my bodyguard."

"I don't believe you. You're buying clothes for your bodyguard?" she scoffed, unconvinced.

"He's my personal bodyguard," I whispered, leaning closer. "Not from the Parker family."

Lucy remained confused until Ethan emerged. Her eyes lit up with admiration.

7:50 PM

"He's so handsome..." she whispered, swallowing.

Seeing her smitten, I lightly patted her arm. "Your mouth is about to start drooling. Lucy, you have plenty of bodyguards. How are you still such a fangirl?"

"I have bodyguards, but none as handsome as him," Lucy said, wiping her mouth.

I facepalmed. There was no reasoning with her. "Calm down."

While we talked, Ethan checked himself out in the mirror, seemingly pleased. He turned to me. "Thank you, Mrs. Parker," he said, his gratitude sounding forced; he likely wasn't used to expressing it. His work usually involved completing tasks for money and leaving. This was probably a first.

I hadn't intended to make him feel overly grateful, but his usual clothes would lead people to believe we were a couple. Once in the suit, he looked decidedly more like a bodyguard, preventing future misunderstandings.

I turned to the salesperson. "Pick out a few more in this size and wrap them up."

"Of course!" she beamed, likely meeting her sales target.

Lucy leaned in, teasing me. "You're buying him that many clothes? You're really good to him, huh?"

I changed the subject. "Did you come alone?"

Lucy sighed dramatically. "Ever since you started working, I haven't had anything to do! I can't even find someone to shop with me!"

"What about your friends?" I asked, confused.

Lucy waved dismissively. "They're fair-weather friends. By the way, how come you're free to shop today?"

I mimicked her sigh. "Hey, I'm actually here for work."

"Work!" Lucy gasped.

I ended up telling Lucy everything, regardless of its complexity. Outside the store, Lucy bought juice, nearly crushing the cup in frustration.

"Hayden's lost his mind! He dragged you into this and wants you to be someone else's arm candy! That's infuriating!" she shouted.

I laughed, patting her back. "I've gotten used to it. Why are you so angry? You should be thinking about how to win, not fume over this."

"Win? Are you seriously going to be the bet?" Lucy almost rolled her eyes.

"Of course," I said firmly. "I'm doing this for the 2% stake in Parker Group."

"Is that really worth it? Letting them walk all over you for that little stake!" Her anger flared.

She was practically red-faced, her emotions running high, but I knew she worried about me. With anyone else, I'd brush it off, but Lucy was different; she genuinely cared.

"Lucy, I'm about to leave the Parker family. My dad is about to have a son... and I can't go back to the Jackson family."

7:51 PM

"Without this money, how can I settle down in Elysiumville!" I said slowly, revealing the truth I'd avoided. There was no point in hiding it from Lucy; we'd grown up together.

Lucy froze, her anger dissipating. "Your stepmother is having a son..." she asked awkwardly.

"Yes," I nodded quietly.

Lucy frowned. "She's really lucky. Your dad... he really just forgets about you because he's having a son? Don't let them bother you. When that happens, just come stay with me. We'll live together."

"No way. Your brother's demands are too much," I laughed, refusing. Her brother's obsession with health and strict routines would be disruptive.

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Alright, I get it. Even I can't stand him sometimes."

As we talked, Dylan waved. "Yvonne, over here!"

Lucy's eyes widened. "You invited him! Yvonne, you finally listened to me and..."

"Well, I guess that makes sense. He switched departments to study medicine for you. You must be so touched."