Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear

Chapter 68 At Haydens words , both he and Joanna tumed to look at me .

Even Richard , who had been silent all this time , couldnt help but cast a glance my way .

There was sympathy but also a sense of helplessness in his eyes .

As an outsider , Richard probably had the clearest perspective .

There were so many times when I really didnt want to be involved in this mess , but things never seemed to go the way I wanted .

Joanna was Haydens precious darling , and I knew better than to say too much .

After taking a deep breath , I smiled and tossed the hot potato back to Hayden .

I think we should go with Mr.

Parkers decision .

Since Joanna is his mistress , of course , he should figure this out , I thought to myself Zachary probably expected that I would take this chance to kick them while they were down , but instead , I didnt say a word , which left him looking a little surprised , It was well known that I had been in love with Hayden for years .

I had waited so long for his return , only to have another woman swoop in and steal my chance .

Surely , I was harboring some bitterness .

But what he didnt understand was that there were plenty of people who had already given up- Joanna glared at me .

her teeth clenched , as though she wished I would just vanish on the spot .

I raised an eyebrow , thinking , Maybe I should have just gone along with Zacharys words earlier and had her fired ? Haydens gaze was cold and filled with something I couldnt quite place .

It left me confused .

1 didnt even take the opportunity to kick her while she was down .

Shouldnt he be thanking me ? I thought .

After a long silence , Hayelen finally spoke up , his lips curling slightly Zachary , its been a year , and youve gotten quite ruthless , Joanna might have made some mistakes , but firing her isnt necessary , Hayden said .

It was rare for Hayden to speak this much in one go .

Hes setting the stage , isnt he ? Hes trying to find a way to excuse Joanna , I thought to myself .

Im not concerned .

You do what you want with your people .

But as for the board members , theyre going to be harder to explain to .

And the media once they catch wind of this , theyll blow it out of proportion If the Parker Groups stock drops because of this , whos going to take responsibility ? Zachary quickly shot down Haydens words .

Anything else could be considered small potatoes , but once the companys interests were involved , things got much more complicated .

So , what do you think should be done ? Hayden asked , his tone a little sharper , cutting through the roundabout conversation .

Zachary had been waiting for this moment .

He smiled and said , Heres the deal .

I know the marketing department is handling a dispute with one of the stores .

If Ms.

Charlotte can resolve that , Ill trust her abilities and let the previous issue slide .

How does that sound ? I frowned , surprised by his proposal Normally , if the marketing department couldnt settle a dispute , it meant the other party was brutal .

Joanna tends to speak without thinking Does Zachary really believe she can handle this ! I thought .

As I was still processing this , Zachary added another condition .

Of course , Mr.

Parker , you cant use any of your influence to help .

If you do , it wont count , even if the succecil Jouanna became even more panicked .

Everything she had achieved so far had been with Haysdens help .

Without his backing , shed be nothing .

1/2 7:49 PM c Chapter 68 Zachary was clearly setting her up to fail .

Hayden , she said , her eyes filled with tears , looking at him with a mix of helplessness and pity .

Haydens brows furrowed , and his cold , piercing gaze tumed toward me .

Since this is about proving her abilities , Yvonne , youll have to join in as well .

His words were ice cold , each one like a steel blade cutting through the air , aimed directly at me .

Why is he dragging me into this when its Joannas problem ! I thought , completely confused .

1 frowned in disbelief , my eyes filled with a deep sense of helplessness .

I dont understand what you mean , Mr.

Parker .

Is he really going to use me as a scapegoat for Joannas mistakes I thought , feeling a pang of frustration .

You and Joanna started at the company on the same day.

Since Zachary doubts Joannas capabilities , he probably doesnt trust yours either .

This is your chance to prove yourself , Hayden said , his tone all high and mighty .

Joanna seemed also a little stunned , still processing Haydens sudden move .

Zacharys quick mind didnt miss a beat .

He immediately caught on .

Mr.

Parker , are you trying to find Ms.

Charlotte a partner ? Setting aside whether Mrs.

Parker will help , if she gets involved and the task isnt completed , what will be her punishment ? Hayden narrowed his eyes dangerously , a strong , almost oppressive aura radiating from him , making the air feel thicker around us .

Shes my wife .

Are you suggesting you want to fire her ? Haydens cold voice sliced through the tension like a knife .

His unspoken kingly anger seemed to affect everyone in the room .

Zachary burnedly waved his hand , trying to backpedal 1 didnt mean that .

How could I fire Mrs Parker I would be lucky if she didnt fire me As he spoke , he looked at me with a meaningful gaze .

1 gritted my teeth , fally aware that Zachary would not let this go so easily .

Sure enough , he spoke again a moment later .

Theres a ball in two weeks .

Ive been struggling to find a partner .

How about we set the deadline for two weeks ? If Mrs.

Parker loses , shell be my partner for the ball .

What do you think ! As soon as the words left Zacharys mouth , even Richard gasped in shock Everyone knew I was Haydens wife , and as such , I could only be his partner .

Yet Zachary boldly singled me out , demanding that I be his Zachary was making it clear he didnt care for Haydens authority , And apan from that he was showing no respect for me .

Mr.

Swanson , please show some respect , I said , my voice cold , making it clear I wouldnt tolerate this kind of treatment .

I wasnt some toy for them to play with .

Zachary blinked in surprise , then awkwardly raised his hands in surrender .

Sorry , Mrs.

Parker , Please dont misunderstand .

Im simply in need of a partner , and I have the utmost respect for you .

I studied Zacharys face , seeing no hint of sincerity in his expression .

I had been ready to dismiss this ridiculous bet, but before I could say anything , Haydens emotionless voice cut through the tension .

Okay , he nodded .

His words were colder than the wind atop a snow covered mountain , cutting through the air like a thousand tiny blades .

The chill of them sank into my chest , like a sharp pain that didnt ease .

I looked up at Hayden in disbelief , my fingers trembling slightly , He had brought Joanna back and had shielded her at every ry turn .

I didnt care about that .

But now , for Joannas sake , he was willing to disregard everything , including the two families reputation and even mine .

Hayden , do you even know what youre saying ? I was furious .

Youchar Chapter 68 My hands clenched into fists as I glared at him intensely .

Who he loved , or who he pitied , didnt concerns me anymore , but he couldnt use me as a stepping stone .

But even as I seethed with anger .

Hayden simply looked at me , his eyes cold and dead , like a stagnant pond .

There was no trace of emotion , no hint of understanding .

It was clear by now .

I meant nothing to him .

At that moment , the full weight of the truth bit me .

I wasnt even as important to Hayden as Joannas little finger .

The tension in the room deepened , and Joanna , noticing Haydens clear favoritism , flashed a smug smile in my direction .

Her expression said it all .

See ! Hayden only cares about me .

You dont mean anything to him .

If another man raped you .

Hayden wouldnt even linch Zachary jumped in , sensing an opening .

Mr.

Parker , youre quite the man of your word .

But to help Joanna , youre willing to sacrifice your own wife ? Are you really willing to do that Voucher