Chapter 97

The livestream exploded, attracting over 100,000 viewers in moments. The comments were immediate and intense: "This is insane! Who knew rich people did livestreams?" "Looks like being in a wealthy family isn't all that. He just casually brings the woman he's cheating with home? In front of the family?!" The comments raged, some sympathetic, others openly hostile toward Hayden's mistress.

Layla quickly accessed the livestream. Seeing the heated discussion, she summoned the bodyguards. Her sharp command to confiscate my phone was loud and clear, heard by everyone, including the 100,000 viewers. The comments speculated on Layla's identity, with many assuming she was Yvonne's mother-in-law, and expressing support for me.

Suddenly, strangers online were defending me, a gesture that deeply touched me. As the Parker family's bodyguards advanced, Ethan stepped in front, shielding me. I felt the tension behind me, a standoff forming. I turned to Hayden, who remained silent. "What manner of status is hers that you find so difficult to discuss?" Joanna's voice, shaky and close to tears, betrayed her fear. "Hayden, what should we do? I'm so scared."

Her genuine terror was palpable; she'd never witnessed such a scene. Yet, she’d seemingly assumed Hayden's protection, emboldening her. Hayden's silence spoke volumes. The livestream, and those present, understood the situation perfectly. The online comments continued to express outrage and disgust.

Instead of responding, Hayden handed his phone to a maid, instructing her quietly. The maid approached me, offering the phone. "Mrs. Parker, Mr. Parker says only you can look at this," she said respectfully, her voice trembling.

Lowering my gaze, my heart constricted. It was my mother's ashes. A furious anger flared towards Hayden, his heartlessness appalling. The maid quickly retrieved the phone, but the pain remained. Hayden remained calm, the demeanor of a victor.

I took a deep breath, composing myself before switching the camera to the front-facing lens. "Hello, everyone," I announced, "This concludes today's livestream. I hope you enjoyed it. For more, purchase tickets for the Pax Oceana cruise on the 22nd. We depart from Elysiumville Port, crossing the entire Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views." With that, I ended the livestream.

Nevin's immediate reaction was disbelief. "You started this livestream just to sell cruise tickets?" he exclaimed.

"Yep," I retorted, "How else am I supposed to make money? Sales are down 50% year-over-year. I needed to boost them."

"You're using Hayden as a gimmick...?" Nevin's shock was evident. To him, Hayden was untouchable.

"Is that a problem?" I asked, a cold smile playing on my lips.

Turning to Xander and Deborah, I explained, "Mr. Parker, Mrs. Parker, I initiated this livestream to advertise the cruise and generate revenue for the family." Their tightened expressions showed their understanding of Hayden's wrongdoing and their guilt.

Xander stood, announcing, "Alright, I'm done eating. You may do as you please." Deborah followed, adding, "Yvonne, come to my room later."

Layla, until now silent, then spoke, "I can't believe, after a short absence, you've become so bold. A livestream! How disgraceful for the Parker family?"

"If they're not worried about their reputation, why should I be?" I replied, unafraid and no longer intimidated.

Layla's shock was evident. Joanna attempted to intervene, "Yvonne, don't be like that, Layla is Hayden's mother..." but it only fueled the fire.

Layla's anger escalated. "Hmph, when has she ever respected me? Hayden, I told you not to marry her, but you didn't listen! A year has passed, and she's still not pregnant. What's the point of keeping her? Joanna is more sensible and obedient." Joanna’s smug grin revealed her satisfaction.

"It's not entirely my fault," I countered, "Why don't you ask your son if something's wrong with him?"

My words plunged the restaurant into silence. Layla and Joanna stared at Hayden, a mixture of disbelief and calculation on their faces. Whether my words were true or not, they were reconsidering things.

Hayden, however, narrowed his eyes, his gaze chilling. It felt like he wanted to destroy me. But I didn't flinch, my smile colder than his. "What are you staring at me for? I told you to go to the hospital, but you didn't listen. Don't make me take the fall for you."

I turned towards Deborah's room, wanting to escape the escalating conflict. But Hayden's icy voice stopped me. "Yvonne. Stop right there."