novelxo Chapter 22
Chapter 22
The silence in the room was palpable.
Sanderson had been puzzling it over the whole way home. He was the one who
brought these coffee beans, so why did Hackett state that they were a gift from
him?. What was that supposed to mean?
The family sat in contemplation until Laurinda scoffed, “Isn't that just a slap in the
face? Do you think you're high and mighty enough to enjoy that fancy coffee?
And all this talk of projects without a signed contract is just hot air. Probably just a
ploy to get your hopes up for nothing!”
But Sanderson disagreed with her interpretation. The Griffin family was a force to
be reckoned with. They could crush the Delaney family with a clear-cut
dismissal. Why would they bother with such subterfuge?
Steward, always the thinker, asked, “Did he mention anything about Cordelia?”
Sanderson shook his head, “Not a word from Hackett. He seems to be oblivious
to the kids“ drama.”
Steward’s gaze then landed on Cordelia, who was silently devouring her meal,
eager to retreat upstairs and hit the books. “Cordelia, did that Yates come looking
for you today?”
She was shoveling her food, barely stopping between bites. At the mention of
Yates, she swallowed hastily and replied in a drawl, “Uh-huh, he did.”
Lorna was visibly anxious, “Did he do anything to you? Say anything?”
Steward was also on edge, cutting in abruptly, “Cordelia, what's going on
between you two? We need the full story.”
Cordelia paused, placing her fork down with an air of courtesy before turning to
Steward, “l haven't wronged Yates. As it stands, I'm his boss. He follows my
lead.”
“What?!” Steward and Laurinda were dumbfounded, and Lorna’s eyes nearly
popped out of her head. Only Juliana, who had seen Yates and his gangs
obediently call Cordelia “boss,” wasn't shocked but gripped her fork tighter.
Sanderson had an epiphany, “No wonder Yates, who's usually so standoffish,
was so polite today. Did Hackett give the project to the Delaney family because of
Yates’ say so?”
“Impossible!” Laurinda was the first to object, “Kids“ squabbles don’t affect
business deals! Since when does Yates have that kind of pull?”
Sanderson hardened his eyes, “Mom, weren't you just saying yesterday how
Hackett would do anything for his grandson? Or... do you refuse to believe that
the Griffin family gave us the project because of Lia?”
With that, he hit a nerve. Laurinda’s face turned a shade of crimson, and she
jabbed a finger at him, sputtering before finally retorting, “So what if I don’t
believe it? What could she, an orphan from who—knows-where, have to make
Yates listen to her? Is it her pretty face?”
The words drew everyone's eyes to Cordelia, who sat there composed and
indifferent to the insult, her large doe eyes shrouded in mystery.
Her beauty was undeniable, even more captivating than that of movie stars.
Even Sanderson got nervous, wondering if Yates had indeed taken a fancy to his
daughter.
Steward, slightly hopeful, began to ask, “Yates is really into you...”
But Sanderson cut him off, “No way! That kid's been troublesome since day one,
fighting and causing a ruckus. Lia can’t be with someone like that!"
Laurinda, always quick to belittle Cordelia, snorted, “Oh, so you're too good for
Yates? What about Hanley? He's a catch, but would he ever go for her?”
Suddenly, Juliana snapped. She stood up, her voice tinged with accusation and a
hint of desperation, “Cordelia,
13.09
are you still hung up on Hanley? Despite your grades, you cling to the Math Club
and now you've wormed your way into the Physics Club Are you trying to show
off and to catch his eye?”
With that, tears welled up in her eyes.
Laurinda was quick to comfect Juliana, “Don’t cry, my dear. I'll take care of it.
Gordelin, you're dropping out of those classes You're not to see Hanley again!
Cordelia had bezely picked up her fork again when she heard this, slowly raising
her head to respond.
Before she could speak, Loma, visibly angry, interjected, “That's not fair! Lia is
talented. Why shouldn't she be in those clubs? And let's not forget that Hanley
was her betrothed
Juliana was quick to retaliate, her voice breaking. “Hanley in my boyfriend! Minel
“Is that so?” Sanderson's authoritative tone commanded attention as he glanced
at Juliana, “Are you engaged?” Intimidated by her uncle, Juliana faltered. He was
right. Without an engagement, Hanley wasn’t technically hers
Juliana staggered, suddenly grasping onto Laurinda, sobbing, “They're all
against mel
Laurinda glared at Sanderson, her voice tinged with accusation, “I've already
arranged this with the Foster family. What are you implying?”
Sanderson clenched his jaw. Juliana's outburst had sparked an idea.
Sanderson once thought Cordelia and Hanley had nothing in common, so he
hadn't pursued the match. But if Lia had feelings for Hanley, he was determined
to reclaim his daughter's betrothal.
With resolve, Sanderson looked to Cordelia, “Lia, what do you want? Should we
fight to get the engagement
back?”
The room fell silent as every pair of eyes turned toward Cordelia.
Cordelia had been itching to get a word in edgewise, and now that the chatter
had finally ceased, she spoke up leisurely. “There’s no need for all this fuss.”
She drawled, “I've already got a boyfriend”
Everyone was speechless.
A sinking feeling abruptly took hold of Sanderson. It couldn't be Yates, could it?
Lorna, anxious, pressed her, “Who is it?”
“...He's the owner of a variety store.”
It's not Yates. That was the first thought that hit Sanderson, and he was
immediately stunned.
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A variety store... those words
conjured up images of a dim and
cluttered little shop, with an income
that was probably just scraping by.
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He gazed at Cordelia in disbelief, “How on earth did you end up dating this guy?”
Cordelia sighed.
“Couldn't they have just finished their dinner before delving into this?“
But she politely responded, “Well, I told him I'd pay him, and he agreed to be my
boyfriend.”
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The room was deathly quiet. After a
moment, Lorna trembled her lips as
fr
she asked, “Lia, just how far have you
” .
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Cordelia pondered carefully and then
replied, devoid of any sentiment,
u« ) :
When I don't see him, my heart
” :
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