Chapter 92

Those caught in the turmoil often missed the bigger picture, while outsiders saw things more clearly. But Lucy's words suggested she, too, was losing perspective.

Hayden helping me? I'd believe that when pigs fly, I thought.

Kurt, however, was stunned to see Hayden arrive.

“Mr. Parker? What brings you here?” Kurt stammered.

“Why, can’t I come?” Hayden’s voice rose, a sharp glance accompanying his words, asserting an authority that nearly unbalanced Kurt.

Kurt, moments ago so smug, recoiled, overwhelmed by Hayden’s presence.

“Of course, you can come…” Kurt hastily agreed, then shifted gears. “Mr. Parker, it’s fortunate you’re here. If you hadn’t arrived, all of us loyal employees, who have served the Parker family for years, would have been unjustly treated…”

At his cue, the group behind him began wiping their eyes in unison. From a distance, I couldn't determine if their tears were genuine or feigned, but their performance was convincing. Soon, the entire deck was filled with their pitiful sobs.

Hayden turned his gaze toward me. His deep eyes held unreadable emotions, but one thing was clear: he awaited my explanation.

I remained casually reclined, saying calmly, “They don’t follow my orders. There’s no point in keeping them.” Hayden’s face registered surprise.

“When did you become so cold?” he asked.

“If I’m not cold, others will be,” I replied with a smile, adding lazily, “What? Are you planning to intercede for them? Mr. Parker, you seem quite relaxed today. Didn’t you go looking for Joanna?”

My sarcasm was deliberate; I offered no quarter. Witnessing my indifference, the employees ceased their charade, too intimidated to continue.

Lucy’s jaw dropped. She must have finally realized I’d given up on Hayden. I'd never spoken to him with such firmness before.

Kurt, however, wasn't ready to surrender. “Mr. Parker, we’re hardworking people who’ve always served the Parker Group honestly. We haven’t done anything wrong…”

“Haven’t done anything wrong?” Hayden raised an eyebrow, his cold gaze sweeping over the crowd. “This cruise ship now belongs to my wife. You disrespect her, and you claim you’ve done nothing wrong?”

Kurt opened his mouth, but no words came. Hayden’s intensity was palpable; it felt as if he could kill Kurt with a look. Kurt was drenched in cold sweat, his shirt clinging to his skin. He'd thought he could maintain his composure, but Hayden’s appearance had thrown him.

Hayden said nothing more. He signaled his bodyguards. His voice was cold. “Do as Yvonne said.” “Yes, sir,” they responded. The bodyguards efficiently moved to disperse the employees.

Chapter 92 (continued)

Kurt attempted to protest, but someone quickly pulled him away. Many resisted, their arguments escalating into chaos. Hayden, however, remained unmoved. He approached me, hands behind his back, looking down. “Without Kurt, who will you have run the cruise ship?”

“I have my own plans,” I replied curtly, offering no further explanation. “Why are you here?”

Before he could answer, Richard rushed onto the deck, breathless.

“Mr. Parker, Mrs. Parker… I’m late,” Richard said, his face flushed, his breathing labored.

I furrowed my brows. “Why are you late?”

“There was a road accident; traffic was backed up. Sorry, Mrs. Parker, am I too late?” Richard asked, glancing around nervously. His expression betrayed his tardiness.

“It’s not too late. You’re just in time. Handle the rest,” I said, rising. With Hayden present, I had no reason to linger.

“Got it,” Richard nodded quickly, wanting to avoid appearing unprofessional. He turned to Hayden, but Hayden shot him a cold glance, silent, before turning and leaving. Richard stood frozen, dumbfounded. Had Mr. Parker just glared at him? The look had genuinely frightened him.

Meanwhile, I headed toward the stairs, Lucy following. She chuckled, grabbing my arm. “Yvonne, did you see that? Hayden gave Richard the death stare!”

“So what?” I asked casually, my attention fixed on the massive ship.

At 1,130 feet long, 185 feet wide, and 235 feet tall—roughly the height of a twenty-story building—it could carry over 2,000 passengers. Five swimming pools were onboard. Such extravagance clearly demonstrated the Parker Group's immense financial power and influence. Lucy, however, seemed unimpressed. “I think Hayden is jealous. You’ve been asking about Richard, wondering where he is.”

“Jealous?” I scoffed, raising an eyebrow. “You’re overthinking. No one gets jealous over that. Besides, Hayden doesn’t care about me. What would he be jealous about?”

“No way. Trust me. Hayden’s always so cold, right? Have you ever seen him react like that to anyone? But the way he looked at Richard… totally jealous!” Lucy insisted.

Her conviction was striking. If I hadn’t personally experienced Hayden’s cruelty, I might have believed her.

“Alright, enough about him. Let’s go check out the top deck,” I said, dismissing her. I’d escaped that scene and didn't want to dwell on Hayden; it would only depress me.

But Lucy persisted, sounding shocked.

Check-in Voucher 12:39 PM

She continued, “Do you think you’ve been too cold toward him lately, and that’s what’s caught his attention? Men are so weird. When you’re nice, they don’t care. But the moment you pull away, they suddenly think you’re valuable. He came running after you today. Even though you were harsh, he still helped you. If I were him, I’d have gone to Joanna for comfort instead.”

I paid little attention as we reached the top deck. I gazed at the deep blue sea below. It’s so high up here. My mother jumped from the sixth floor… This is twenty-two stories high. If I jumped… would that be the way out? The thought came unbidden.