Chapter 144

All kidding aside, when Nevin finally arrived, my heart skipped a beat. He was a troublemaker; wherever he went, peace vanished. "Where is he?" I asked, frowning. "He hasn't arrived yet?" Jamie pointed towards the shore.

I looked and saw a figure in the distance. Even from afar, I recognized Nevin's arrogant swagger. The Parker family had certainly spoiled him rotten.

"Yvonne, let's be clear," Jamie warned, taking a deep breath, "if things get out of hand, don't blame me!" He was ready for a fight.

I ignored him and turned to Richard. "Didn't Hayden say he'd taken care of everything?"

"That's what Mr. Hayden said, but I don't know why Mr. Nevin still dared to come," Richard said, scratching his head in confusion.

"Call Hayden," I said, my voice devoid of warmth. "If he doesn't have the heart to discipline his brother, I will." Going to sea today was crucial, and I wouldn't let Nevin ruin it.

Richard's expression changed, and he immediately ran off to make a call. After he left, I glanced at Jamie. "Stay with me. If necessary, Ethan will intervene."

Jamie's panicked expression stiffened. "Yvonne, are you determined to protect me? But Nevin is your husband's brother! Why—"

"You're my friend, and I won't let you get hurt," I said without hesitation. Even if Hayden were standing before me, I would say the same, let alone Nevin.

Jamie was so moved that tears welled in his eyes. Richard returned quickly. "Mrs. Parker, Mr. Hayden said he'll call Mr. Nevin."

As he spoke, I saw Nevin stop and pull out his phone. "What's up?" he asked, his tone frivolous.

"Come home now," Hayden's stern voice instantly reached his ears.

Nevin looked around, puzzled. "Do you even know where I am? Did something happen again?"

"Yvonne is in charge of Pax Oceana now. What are you doing there?" Hayden questioned.

Nevin rubbed his temples wearily. "Pax Oceana belongs to the Parker family, right? Besides, I don't feel comfortable leaving the Parker family's property to an outsider!"

"I told you to come back," Hayden said, his voice low and firm.

The sudden volume startled Nevin. His hand trembled, almost dropping his phone. "Keep it down! My eardrums are about to burst!" Though unwilling, Nevin didn't dare disobey Hayden.

He reluctantly turned to leave. "Hayden, I don't admit that she's my sister-in-law… She…"

Before he finished, his eyes widened. "Hayden, Joanna's here too. If she can come, why can't I?" His tone held a hint of jealousy. He adored Hayden, but envied everyone around him.

Chapter 141

Initially, he'd spoken up for Joanna to use her against Yvonne. However, learning of Joanna's secret involvement with Zachary, he despised her.

Hayden sounded surprised. "Joanna went too?"

"Yes, the whole Jackson family is here. I'm not leaving," Nevin said, hanging up. This was the first time he'd so blatantly defied Hayden. Hayden was in a business meeting, so Nevin felt safe. Once the cruise ship sailed, even Hayden couldn't intervene.

In the Parker Group conference room, Hayden's eyes darkened at the disconnected call. After a moment, he stood and headed for the door. The stunned executives called after him, "Mr. Parker, where are you going?" but only silence answered.

At the Elysiumville Pier, after the Pax Oceana docked and inspection was complete, tourists lined up for tickets. I watched from above.

"Mrs. Parker, Mr. Nevin has checked in," Richard said, his voice trembling. This was the first time he'd seen Hayden fail. Nevin had grown bold. I was used to Hayden breaking his word.

"Good. He's on my turf now," I sneered. Originally, Yasir had warned me, and I planned to confront Nevin, but Hayden promised to handle it. Now, I would.

The worry on Richard's face vanished. "Mrs. Parker… what are you going to do to Mr. Nevin?" he asked hoarsely.

"Don't worry, I won't kill him," I said calmly, though my eyes darkened. I stepped forward; Richard didn't follow.

Jamie had overheard. He was curious, but didn't ask. I called Ethan. "Go find Nevin and follow him."

"Yes, boss," Ethan nodded and left. I'd sent him money recently, and he'd been working harder.

Later, Jamie asked, "Isn't Ethan protecting you? What will you do now that he's gone?"

"In broad daylight? What danger could I be in?" I chuckled, believing Nevin was the biggest threat. Jamie disagreed. "Didn't Joanna and her family come? Be careful." Dylan, who'd been to Jamie's art exhibition, had learned about the Jacksons from Quint.

"With so many people, what could she do?" I doubted Joanna's boldness. The worst she could do was drug me.

As I spoke, Joanna and Sophia boarded the deck. There weren't many people around. They saw me and approached without hesitation.

"Speak of the devil…" Jamie sighed, stepping aside. "Handle it yourself."