Chapter 266
Chapter 266
Cordelia was taken aback, and Abbey was even more bewildered. "You don't know my brother? Then why would he send you jewels?" That comment snapped Cordelia back to reality. "You mean Bill?"
Far away in Midnight Scent, Bill sneezed, oblivious that he almost blew his cover.
Bill was his nickname, and seeing that Cordelia knew even that, Abbey was convinced their relationship was no ordinary one.
Abbey was close to her brother and, sizing up Cordelia once more, couldn't help but make a judgment in her mind.
Could it be that her brother had fallen for Ms. Delaney, planning to make her his bride?
Ms. Delaney was indeed beautiful and had a great aura. Now that Abbey saw her in a good light, she felt Cordelia was nothing like the local girls like Hayley Greenmeadow.
Abbey was quite pleased with her potential sister-in-law!
So, before Mrs. Brown left with Hayley, she made a point to drop a hint: "Seems like your daughter could use a bit more discipline!"
Mrs. Brown caught the drift immediately and replied, "Don't you worry, I'll take her home and have a word with her parents. They'll make sure she's set straight!"
Once they were gone, Abbey turned to Cordelia, noticing how she nonchalantly wore gems worth millions, perhaps even billions, without a hint of arrogance or inferiority. It seemed like they were just stones to her, which impressed Abbey even more.
She and Joy sat down beside Cordelia, engaging in a warm conversation.
Joy stretched out her hands, signing.
Abbey couldn't understand, so Cordelia had to translate: "What brings you to Greenmeadow?"
Abbey chuckled, "I'd never tell just anyone the real reason, but since it's you two, I'll spill. I'm actually here to see someone."
Joy paused in her signing, and Cordelia spoke for her, "Who?"
Abbey grinned, "My brother's boss!"
Joy tilted her head in confusion, not saying a word. Abbey caught her look which clearly questioned: Bill has always been the head of Fortuna Group, so how does he have a boss?
Abbey laughed and explained, "Actually, Fortuna Group isn't just my brother's. It was founded by his boss, and my brother is just managing it. I've heard his boss is incredibly mysterious, and, most importantly, extremely handsome! He's elusive, but anyone who's seen him says there's no one more handsome. I've only seen his photos, and this time, I'm determined to see him in person!"
Joy smirked and signed to Cordelia, "She's totally smitten by looks."
Smitten by looks, as the saying goes, is all about judging people by their appearance.
Of course, that's also why Abbey liked Cordelia at first sight because she was simply stunning!
However...
Joy signed again, and Cordelia translated, "I think the most handsome person I've ever seen is... my boyfriend."
Abbey was taken aback, her bright face glowing even brighter with surprise, "You have a boyfriend?"
Cordelia nodded.
Abbey was speechless.
No wonder her brother hadn't brought Cordelia home to meet the family. Given their family's tendency to judge by looks, they would've definitely approved of Cordelia!
So, it's because Cordelia already had a boyfriend that her brother hadn't made his move.
Abbey let her imagination run wild for a while before deciding to play cupid for her brother.
Then Cordelia realized, some people really can play both sides. In front of her, Abbey was like a naive little girl, but the moment someone approached her, she'd turn cold, lifting her chin like a peacock.
Kids can be so amusing.
After the party, on their way home, Lorna was still puzzled, "Lia, is that bracelet made of stones or jewels? Who gave it to you?"
She'd heard Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Brown talking, and it seemed the jewels were quite valuable.
Cordelia replied, "A friend of Everard's."
After a moment of confusion, Lorna realized, "No wonder. Having worked with Bill, his friends must be extraordinary. But to casually gift such expensive jewels, we really shouldn't accept them. Does Everard know about this?"
Cordelia nodded, "Yes, he knows."
Lorna had an inexplicable
confidence in Everard. Hearing that
he agreed, she decided not to fret
over it, "Well, keep wearing it thent But when we get back, I'll dismantle the bracelet. Each gem is valuable, and it seems like such a waste for us to have it like this!"
Cordelia was indifferent to such matters. Having grown up in an orphanage, she was never particularly sensitive about wealth.
When they got home and shared the news with Sanderson that night, Sanderson, the cunning fox, listened intently. Everard had been joining him at work every day lately.
Having spent time with Everard, Sanderson had gradually come to understand his capabilities.
He told Lorna, "I think Everard is no ordinary man. Think about it, he worked with Bill to build up Fortuna Group; that's no small feat! Let's keep the jewels for now and decide later!"
He had never underestimated Everard, just thought he was someone who hit rock bottom and came to Greenmeadow to open Midnight Scent as a way to clear his mind.
Given that, he was even more determined to lend Everard a hand.
The next day, as Cordelia was about to leave with her breakfast, someone announced there was a visitor.
An energetic Abbey walked in, "Lia, take me to school with you!"
Cordelia: ????
Abbey chuckled mischievously, "I'm just curious, that's all! I wanna see what your boyfriend looks like!"
Cordelia knew she couldn't agree to that,Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
But Abbey wouldn't take no for an
answer. She even went as far as to threaten that she'd prevent Cordelia from going to class if she didn't comply. Finally, Cordelia negotiated,
n
"Once you've seen him, you head.
straight back, deal?"
Abbey crossed her heart, "Promise, I won't stir up any trouble!"
They hopped into the car and soon arrived outside Midnight Scent. As they made their way to the entrance, Abbey couldn't help but tease, "Lia, you're such a catch. How can you just settle for anyone? Is this boyfriend of yours even worthy?"
Cordelia chose not to answer.
Undeterred, Abbey continued, "Lia, I heard you're dating a pretty boy with no backbone. That type's got no grit, all show no go! I prefer someone with
a bit more edge, y'know? Maybe you should dump him, huh?"
After her spiel, they pushed aside the curtain and entered.
Upon laying eyes on the man behind the counter, Abbey froze.
Why did the man look so familiar? And as they stepped in, another figure, one that brought a wave of déjà vu, entered from the back door, "Lia's
here??"