novelxo Chapter 37
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. Tll 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'e 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 Greenmendow 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 Loma 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!”
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.”
13:15
Laurinda was intrigued. “You mean...”
The following morning. Cordelia came downstairs to the end of a plano 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?”
Visit Novelxo.org to read full content.
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
. , q
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 content is
on Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
The car pulled up to Midnight Scent.
Visit Novelxo.org to read full content.
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
q , g
minutes to go. They'd be late if they
N ) 5
didn't hustle. The content is on
Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
Chapter 37
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.
Visit Novelxo.org to read full content.
Looking up in bewilderment, she saw
him leaning close, his handsome face
just inches away. He chuckled, a
suggestive undertone in his voice.
« : PY
How about a kiss, girl?” The content
is on Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
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?