Chapter 7
“There’s a rumor that you’re as elusive, rarely seen in public. Honestly, I’m starting to think it’s all just idle chatter.” I met his gaze with a small smile. maintaining my composure.
Marlon’s eyes deepened, as if he hadn’t expected such a retort from me. After a beat, he returned the smile, You’ve got me there. But don’t you want to fight back?”
“Fight back?” I echoed, a flicker of bewilderment clouding my expression.
“Get inside with me, and no one will dare to mock you, Marlon said confidently.
I felt a bit taken aback–was he genuinely extending a hand to help, or was this just a ploy to strike at Hayden Business was like a battlefield with hidden agendas. He might just want to use me to tarnish Hayden’s reputation.
After a moment of consideration, I shook my head gently. “I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Warner, but I’m not bothered by other people’s jokes.”
With that, I turned and made my way into the venue alone. Over the past year, I’d grown accustomed to the ridicule.
Marlon didn’t try to stop Yvonne. Instead, he narrowed his eyes, a thoughtful smile tugging at his lips as he watched her retreating figure.
“It appears she’s not as smitten with Hayden as the grapevine suggests. Could this be my opening he mused to himself.
As expected, the moment I entered the hall, I became the center of attention. All eyes swiveled towards me as if I were under a spotlight.
Before long, hushed murmurs began to circle me like a current.
“Look! It’s Yvonne. She’s here too! But didn’t Me. Parker just arrive with another woman?”
“This is going to be entertaining. By the way, Yvonne looks absolutely radiant. Her delicate skin and figure are so captivating”
“Why would Mr. Parker leave such a gorgeous wife alone! The woman he came in with looked quite ordinary!
“Maybe she’s got more going on between the sheets?”
Instantly, the crowd erupted into stilled laughter. They were merciless, voicing whatever thoughts flirted through their minds
1 scanned the room, relieved to find that Hayden or Joanna were nowhere in sight. As I pondered where the auction’s Steinway piano might be placed, Lucy suddenly dashed toward me through the crowd.
“You’re here, Yvonne Lucy exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. She was a vision in a dazzling silver mermaid dress, with a matching clutch that caught the light just right.
I couldn’t help but grin back at her, “You look absolutely stunning today. Is that dress a custom–made from Frisyia?”
“You’re still in the mood to admire fashion? Aren’t you here to catch Hayden and that wornan red–handed? I just spotted them. Come on, let’s go,” Lucy said, her grip on my arm firm with resolve.
I quickly held her back. “Forget them. Do you know where the piano for the auction is? I’d love to take a look.”
Lucy paused for a moment. “You’re telling me you actually came here for the piano?”
“Of course, what else?” I replied with a playful raise of my eyebrows.
A flicker of something unreadable crossed Lucy’s face, but in the end, she decided to lead the way. When we arrived, it all made sense–Hayden and Joanna were there as well.
I shot Lucy a sidelong glance. “Why didn’t you fill me in that they’d be here?”
She shrugged. “You said to ignore them.”
I was momentarily speechless, redirecting my gaze awkwardly.
Meanwhile, Hayden and Joanna seemed completely absorbed in their conversation, oblivious to me and Lucy at all.
“Do you like it? I had on it for you later,” Hayden said, his voice soft and tender.
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2:29 PM
Chapter 7
The piano mentioned likely cost a fortune, yet he spoke about it as if it were a casual gift. It was painfully clear how his treatment of Joanna was a world apart from the cold shoulder I got.
Lucy caught the exchange too, her face twisting in disbelief, probably feeling chills. She turned to me, her wide eyes seeming to say, “How can you stand this
I managed a weak unile, though it was laced with bittemen
To my surprise, Joanna seemed to hesitate. “Isn’t this too valuable, Mr. Parker? You know I’m not doing those for that kind of thing”
Truth was, she couldn’t play the piano at all If she took it, the cat would be out of the bag in no time.
Plus, Hayden hadn’t invited her to this party. It was Nevin who’d unexpectedly showed up with a dress, saying it was Hayden’s idea. She’d been over the moon, slipped into the gown, and hurried over.
However, when she met Hayden at the entrance, she saw the surprise on his face. Luckily, he wasn’t mad; he just escorted her in. But if she’d known about the piano, she would have stayed home, no matter what
Hayden curved his lips into a gentle smile. How could something so precious not be for you!”
Joanna felt like her heart was filled with honey, so sweet she could hardly think straight. Thank you, Mr. Parker:
tuned into their conversation, a chill smirk rigging at my lips.
Lury had reached her boiling point and let loose. “Hayden Parker, aren’t you laying it on a bit thick Sucking up to someone else right in front of Yvonne? It’s like you want everyone to know you’re playing away from home”
She had a temper and wasn’t one to hold back. As my friend for years, she was definitely in my corner. In another scenario, she’d have marched over and given those two the what for.
Hayden and Joanna spun around at the sound of Lucy’s voice. Joanna put on a show of being scandalized and reflexively edged closer to Hayden.
Hayden’s face turned to ice, and he shot me a chilling glare. But when our eyes met, there was a brief pause. The fiery red dress I had on tonight was most definitely not to his taste.
“Lucy, let’s get out of here,” I said, quickly averting my eyes from his and mugging Lury to leave with me.
“Are you two also keen on this piano” Yasir interjected. He’d come to the party for the drama, and if the main anraction left, there’d be nothing left to gawk at
“Hmph” Who in this town doesn’t know Yvonne can’t play a note? Her at the piano? Please!” Nevin sneered as he sauntered in from the entrance. casting a disdainful look my way. He was seething–apparently, he’d found someone to handle Jamie.
a live
Nevin swiftly turned his attention to Joanna, offering her a datering smile. “You sure know how to play the piano. How about giving us a performance to show someone what she’s missing?”
He knew the story of how Hayden had been roused from a coma by the sound of Joanna’s piano playing, and he saw this as the perfect opportunity
for her to shine.
But, unbeknownst to him, his suggestion almost plunged Joanna into despair. Her face drained of color, and she hit her lip so fiercely it looked like she might draw blood.
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