Love or Die: CEO’ s Daily Dose of Swoon (Cordelia)

Chapter 37

Hearing Steward's words, Sanderson fell silent.

He didn't like the idea of his daughter entering an arranged marriage, but Steward had a point that his Lia deserved better.

Her partner shouldn't just be the owner of some small store.

He didn't nod but merely spoke up. "I'll look into it."

It looked like it was time to dig up some dirt on that pretty boy.

-

In the elegantly decorated room, with pink curtains fluttering in the breeze, Juliana sprawled on her bed, her phone in hand, sobbing. "Why? And it's not enough she's good at math. Why does she have to be good at physics, too? What am I supposed to do? She's hogging all the spotlight. Mom, I'm suffering too much! Wah..."

The phone carried a brisk female voice. "Juliana, you're missing the point."

Juliana paused, rose to grab a tissue from the desk to wipe her tears and blow her nose, then switched her phone to speaker. The voice on the other end analyzed rationally, "Do you know what sets Greenmeadow International School apart from regular schools?"

Juliana tossed the used tissue into the wastebasket, her voice nasal as she answered. "No."

"When you were born, you were ahead of the game. Most at Greenmeadow aim for universities abroad. You're there not just to study but to broaden your horizons, network, and develop skills. That country girl, raised on rote learning, thinks she can change her destiny with knowledge. Competing with her academically is beneath you."

"Quality and refinement aren't determined by academics alone. You see what I'm getting at?"

Juliana had an epiphany. "Mom, I get it! No matter how brilliant she is, she's just a nerd, and I'm a true lady. Why bother competing in studies? I excel in piano, dance, and art!"

The voice offered advice. "What's crucial is your poise. If you keep losing your temper, it's unbecoming."

Juliana's spirit reignited. "I got it, Mom. Since Lorna took over the household, I can't live as comfortably as before."

The Delaney family had a rule. High schoolers got an allowance of ten grand a month. But Juliana used to woo more out of Laurinda. Now, with Lorna favoring fairness, equating her to that country bumpkin, Juliana wouldn't stand for it!

The voice softened on the other end. "I'll give your grandmother a call."

Juliana's eyes lit up. Mom was stepping in!

She hung up, beaming.

Meanwhile, Laurinda was stewing in her room, hating to see that country bumpkin treated like a gem!

As she wallowed, her phone rang. Recognizing the caller ID, she eagerly answered, "Rachel, when are you and Kermit coming home?"

Rachel chuckled. "Laurinda, we'll be back next week. Are you busy balancing the books? I'm just shopping for your gift. Sorry to bother you."

Laurinda's tone soured, "Balancing what? Lorna has usurped the housekeeper's role!"All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Rachel was surprised. "What happened?"

Rachel laughed after a dramatic recount from Laurinda and a call to action. "Laurinda, it's easy- peasy to reclaim your position with all your years of experience."

Laurinda was intrigued. "You mean..."

-

The following morning, Cordelia came downstairs to the end of a piano concerto. Laurinda clapped vigorously. "Juliana, you are playing better by the day!"

Juliana rose gracefully, smiling. "Thanks, Grandma."

Then, with a side glance at Cordelia, she headed toward the dining room.

Cordelia noticed that Juliana's air of defeat had vanished overnight, replaced by her usual arrogant demeanor.

She found it odd, but it was none of her business. Her gaze fell on the piano, which looked much like the one at the orphanage.

While she was studying it, Laurinda scoffed. "What are you looking at? Bookworm, do you even know the piano? Can you play?"

Cordelia answered leisurely, "A little."

"And what grade did you reach?"

Cordelia paused. "Never took the exams."

At her orphanage, which was well-funded, there were instruments aplenty, and she would tinker with them when bored or when there was nothing new to learn.

Laurinda smirked, boasting, "Our Juliana had her Grade 10 certificate by fifth grade."

With that, she shot Cordelia a meaningful look.

Cordelia didn't care.

But Juliana had used mealtime to discuss the piano, and by the time Cordelia finished eating, she was ten minutes behind her usual schedule.

After Cordelia left, Sanderson and Steward descended for breakfast.

The nanny served breakfast promptly.

Steward bit into a sandwich, then abruptly spat it out, frowning deeply. Before he could speak, Laurinda snapped. "Lorna, what's this? Don't you know Steward hates ketchup? How can you manage a house like this?"

Lorna was flustered, apologizing, "Steward, I'm so sorry. I'll get you a fresh one right away!"

Steward detested ketchup. Having it ruin his morning made him seethe. He stared at Lorna and stood up. "Forget it!"

He stormed out.

Sanderson gave Lorna a reassuring look and followed his father. "Dad, let's grab breakfast at the Fragrant Pavilion. You love their burritos, right?"

Once they were gone, Lorna frowned at the housekeeper Fiona, who had brought out the breakfast.

Fiona protested, "Ma'am, it wasn't me. I didn't put any ketchup in the sandwiches. How could this happen..."

Lorna took a deep breath. It was one of Laurinda's schemes. But with four hands in the kitchen, if not Fiona, then who?

-

The car pulled up to Midnight Scent.

After scarfing down some toast and scrambled eggs for breakfast, Cordelia grabbed Everard's hand, glancing once more at the antique clock in the shop. There were five minutes to go. They'd be late if they didn't hustle.

Gritting her teeth, ignoring the subtle ache in her chest, Cordelia stood up and turned to leave.

But as she withdrew her hand, it was suddenly engulfed by his larger one.

With a swift pull, she was spun around. Cordelia pushed back with force, causing them to lose balance and stagger toward a nearby shelf.

Everard wrapped his arms around her waist, his feet deftly pivoting to shield her from the shelf.

Cordelia crashed into his chest, inhaling the crisp masculine scent that filled her senses.

Looking up in bewilderment, she saw him leaning close, his handsome face just inches away. He chuckled, a suggestive undertone in his voice. "How about a kiss, girl?"

Cordelia wanted to say no, but as the thought formed, the pain in her chest suddenly intensified!

Her eyes narrowed. Did this mean she couldn't refuse Everard?