Chapter 83

Yasir suddenly snapped back to reality, looking nervous. "Yvonne, please don't let anyone know I told you this. The Parker family has been keeping this quiet for a while." No one liked their reputation tarnished, especially not a family like the Parkers, with their vast empire. If it came out their heir had fled abroad, their family honor would be irreparably damaged.

"Why?" I asked, more confused than before.

Yasir sighed heavily, his expression turning serious. He stared at me for a few moments before speaking. "About a year ago, something happened to the Parker family. I don't know the details, but it must have been significant. Even Hayden had to go abroad to lay low. My family has a strong network, but we couldn't find out anything. It seems even Nevin didn't know."

I froze, completely stunned. Something happened to the Parker family a year ago. Why didn't I know about it? I thought. All I knew was that Hayden married me that year, and the day after the wedding, he flew abroad. I always thought it was because he hated me, but there was another reason. The fact that even Nevin didn't know meant the Parker family had done a good job concealing it. Whatever happened must have been huge. I couldn't help but wonder what exactly had happened to Hayden that year.

As I was lost in thought, Yasir shifted the conversation. "Yvonne, are we going to sign the contract?" This was the most important thing today. He needed to finalize everything. Until it was signed, the uncertainty weighed heavily on him.

I snapped back to reality, offering a small smile. "Of course." I picked up the pen and signed my name. My name, given to me by my grandfather, was meant to evoke grace, elegance, wisdom, and gentleness. As a child, I disliked it, but as I grew older and discovered myself, it seemed to fit in ways I hadn't noticed before. Perhaps it was because I no longer craved Hayden's love that I felt more confident.

Yasir looked at me as I finished signing, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Yvonne, it's a pleasure working with you," he said.

I nodded, putting away my copy of the contract. "Looking forward to working together."

Yasir didn't seem ready to leave. After hesitating, he asked, "Yvonne, how are things between you and Mr. Parker… Are you two doing okay?"

I looked up, surprised. "Why are you asking that all of a sudden?" He'd never shown much interest in our relationship before.

"Oh, nothing," Yasir replied with an awkward laugh, clearly unwilling to elaborate. I sensed there was more to it. "You're talking about Joanna, aren't you? Hayden likes her. After our divorce, I'm sure he'll marry Joanna."

"Really?" Yasir's smile faltered, his expression frozen for a moment.

"Why wouldn't he? They're clearly in love," I replied. "I hear he's grateful to Joanna…"

Yasir frowned, deep in thought. "But I heard Hayden say…"

"Grateful!" I repeated, my thoughts racing. Shouldn't it be about love? I wondered.

Before Yasir could respond, my phone rang—Marion calling. I stepped aside. "You were right. Harrison did go to meet with that manager."

"Looks like the fake contract is tied to Harrison," I said, my tone cold. "I'll send you the address. Come by tonight."

"Got it." I ended the call.

Turning back to Yasir, I hadn't even spoken when he rushed to ask, "Yvonne, are you busy with that store project?"

I frowned, confused. How does Yasir know about the Parker Group's internal matters? Did Hayden tell him?

Yasir grinned. "Yvonne, you're my business partner, and Hayden is my friend. Naturally, I need to know anything related to both of you."

I wasn't in the mood to analyze his sincerity. "Once the contract is signed, you can head back."

"Oh, come on, Yvonne, are you planning to check on Harrison? I'll go with you," Yasir said impulsively.

Without hesitation, I refused. "This is my business. Why would you go? Besides, aren't you busy?"

"I'm not busy. Yvonne, it's not safe for you to go alone, and I can protect you." Yasir looked determined.

The truth was, Yasir was bored. Aside from the contract, he had nothing else to do. Now that he'd stumbled onto some drama, he wanted to participate. He was a different person now. Even if it was for Hayden, he'd tag along. Plus, he felt Yvonne was…

I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling a headache coming on. In the past, Yasir was distant and aloof. Now, he was clinging to me like a stubborn burr. Unable to shake him off, I agreed to take him along.

Marlon had set the meeting at a large bar. The bright lights and flashing signs were disorienting. Fahan had come with us, and with Yasir by my side, no man dared approach me.

"Yvonne, you even have a bodyguard. That's impressive," Yasir said, giving a thumbs-up.

"It's just for protection," I replied indifferently.

Yasir grew serious. "Protection? Who would dare harm you?"

"Oh, plenty of people. Who knows, maybe one day I'll end up in some ditch, left for dead," I forced a small, half-joking smile. When it came to personal matters, Joanna hated me. As for money, the Jackson Group would be thrilled if I died. I had quite a few enemies.

Yasir's eyes widened in disbelief. He almost forgot to keep walking. I didn't slow down. Spotting Marlon, I quickened my pace. I heard Yasir call, "Yvonne, wait for me!"

By the time I reached Marlon's table, Yasir was still behind.

"You brought a friend?" Marlon glanced casually behind me.

"He's Hayden's friend. He insisted on tagging along," I lowered my voice, sitting down. "Has everyone arrived?"

Before Marlon could answer, Yasir walked over. "Marlon? So this is who Yvonne came to meet?" Almost everyone in Elysiumville knew Marlon. Yasir raised an eyebrow, a hint of hostility in his gaze. Something about their interaction made me uneasy. I suspected they had a history I didn't know about.