Chapter 61
“Looks like you’ve got me all figured out.” I sipped my red wine, keeping it casual. “But I’m in the dark about you.
Marlon let out a chuckle, saying. “All you need to know is we’re on the same team.”
“For real? Can I trust the Warner family to have my back?” I quirked an eyebrow, a smirk playing on my lips. I needed to figure out if this person was reliable before we got down to brass tacks.
Marlon gave me a look that was hard to read and said, “You’ll find out soon enough, won’t you?”
For some reason, I felt this guy wouldn’t set me up. Still, I wasn’t sure how much faith to put in my gut. But he seemed like the best bet 1 had.
The waiter came by, serving our dishes and coffee. I raised my glass with a smile, saying “Here’s to a smooth partnership.” Marlon grinned back and clinked his glass against mine.
The rich coffee went down smoothly, and I got straight to the chase with Marlon. “You’re right. Sophia’s expecting a boy, and my dad has already warned he might take my shares from Jackson Group. Looks like I need to step up my game.
“What’s your plan” Marlon asked, playing it cool.
“I need you to help me quietly scoop up shares of Jackson Group. Once I have more shares than my dad, he’ll be out of the picture,” I said, my voice cold and determined
“Consider it done, Marlon agreed without missing a beat
I hesitated for a moment and then said, “About the funds, could you front me the cash? I’ll pay you back with interest
Jackson Group wasn’t a giant, but it wasn’t small, either. And the funds needed to buy shares were no joke. My savings wouldn’t cut it.
Marlon raised an eyebrow, saying, “You’re asking me to put in monry y and muscle before we’ve even hit the ground running, Yvonne You’re playing
your cards close to the vest
gave an awkward laugh and quickly passed him a piece of seafood. “Mr. Warner, trust me. You won’t regner
Marlon laughed and said, “What makes you think I’ll go for it!”
“I’ve got a hunch you will,” I replied. From day one with Marlon, I had a vibe he was a good egg.
Marlon seemed taken aback for a second and then he laughed heartily. Wright, for that. I’ll spot you the cash for the shares!”
“Thanks in advance. Mr. Warner. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. With the funds to buy Jackson Group’s shares, I wouldn’t be so defenseless
After we wrapped that up, Marlon took a few bites and asked, “But going down this road, you’re burning bridges with your dad. Will you hold your ground!”
I shook my head, my gaze dropping slightly. “When Jackson Group’s finances were in the red, it was my mom’s hefty dowry that bailed the Jackson family out. Half of what Jackson Group is today is hers. I’m just reclaiming what’s rightfully hers”
There had been murmurs out there, saying my mom got the raw end of the deal in her marriage. Nancy didn’t sweat it, and neither did I.
Sophia was pushing it too far, and Yosef was getting more ticked off at me by the minute. There were a few things I needed to handle before they got out of control.
Marlon nodded and said. “Then it’s only right you take it back”
munching on a dish when I suddenly said, “I can pay you back in two months at most. The Parker family’s cruise line is raking it in.”
Marlon paused with a fork in his hand, his deep eyes fixed on me “You’re planning to take the cruise ship the Parker family’s offering your” He must have caught wind of the rumors, but he was in the dark about the details.
I nodded and replied, “I don’t take it, Hayden will hand it to Joanna. No reason to pass up something that’s almost mine, right“.
However, Marlon frowned and asked, “Are you in a pissing contest with Joanna!”
“What?” I was caught off guard, not getting his drift.
1/2
He didn’t expand on it. Instead, he focused on the food on the table. “No rush to pay back. Handle your business first.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “In two months, the cruise ship won’t be my problem. You don’t really think I’m walking away with any of the Parker family’s wealth after divorcing Hayden, do you? They don’t do charity”
Xander’s generosity came with strings. He wanted me to stick with Hayden. Regardless of how things stood with Hayden and me, a divorce wouldn’t be peachy for the Parker family, either.
Marlon’s amber eyes narrowed. “Then make these two months count.”
“I was thinking the same thing I laughed, clinking glasses with Marlon again with my wine.
We got along better than I expected. Aside from Lucy, I didn’t have many friends, let alone anyone to swap deep talks. Tonight, I found myself charting a lot with Marlon, even if it was all shop talk.
Marlon gave me a ride home in the evening, and as we rolled up, we bumped into Hayden who’d just gotten back, too
was a little shocked, he’d gone out for dinner with Joanna and was back so soon.
Hayden saw Marlon and me, and his face clouded over,
“Mr. Parker, you guys wrap up dinner already? Marlon greeted Hayden with a grin, seeming to relish the potential drama.
Hayden stepped out of his car and walked towards us, each step heavy. “You two together tonight?” he asked, his face as cold as if he’d just stepped out of the depths of hell
“Yeah, we grabbed some seafood and chewed the fat about life? Marlon’s smile never faltered.
I stood there, feeling a sting on the back of my neck. I’d told Hayden 1 was tied up when he invited me to the thank–you dinner, and here I was, caught having a cozy meal with Marlon. It was a bit awkward.
But since he was with Joanna, my dinner with Marlon wasn’t a biggie. Pulling myself together, I said, “Mr. Warner, thanks for tonight.”
“No need to stand on ceremony with ine. Marlon’s tone was gentle when he spoke to me as if I was something he cherished. “Get some rest and give me a ring if you need anything”
“Will do.” I nodded, and out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a figure. Suddenly, an arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me aside without
warning
I almost gasped, but the grip stopped quickly. By the time I realized what was happening, I was in Hayden’s arms.
I knew exactly what he was getting at, and I was furious, trying to push him off. But he was too strong, not giving me any room to break free.
Not only that, but he also let out a cold, morking laugh. Tonight, it’s Mr. Warner, and that night, it was an alumnus, Yvonne, you’ve really got a special way with the guys.
“What are you implying?!” I frowned, my voice sharp with displeasure.
Marlon looked surprised too, asking, “Your alumnus!”
“Mr. Warner, you should watch your back. You might be being used for payback without even knowing it. Hayden smirked, letting the night breeze lift the comers of his navy blue shirt
My heart skipped a beat. I knew he was scheming something, and I hurried to explain, “L”
But I was cut off after just one word by Marlon. It’s an honor to be a tool for Yvonne Marlon said softly, his gaze on me as tender as could be.
Lotra Check-
