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

Chapter 48

In the dining room, he crystal chandelier cast its incandescent glow upon the faces of the Delaney family, each a mask of unpredictable emotion.

Ever-present yet unobtrusive, the servants diminished their presence further, blending into the shadows cast by the opulent decor.

Steward, who had remained silent throughout the evening, sat upright, his voice booming through the tension. "Nonsense!"

Still standing, Sanderson seemed a pillar of strength, his broad shoulders a protective canopy over his wife and daughter. He addressed his father directly. "Dad, take a good look around. Is there even a place for us in this home anymore? To an outsider, it might seem I'm not even Mom's flesh and blood!"

"Bullshit!" Laurinda's voice rose to a screech. "I carried you for nine months and went through hell to bring you into this world. Is this how you repay me?"

Her eyes then darted accusingly at Lorna. "It's you, whispering poison into Sanderson's ear, turning him against me! I never approved of you marrying into the Delaney family. That fortune teller was right. You're bad luck, a jinx. He said you'd bring ruin upon us, and look at us now!"

Lorna was caught off guard, stunned by the harsh accusation.

Equally incredulous, Sanderson wrapped a protective arm around Lorna's shoulders, his anger palpable. "Is this why you've been so cold to Lorna all these years?"

In anger, Laurinda admitted, "Yes, that's exactly why! She can't even give us a grandson. Our family line will end with you!"

"I have Lia!" Sanderson countered.

"She's just a girl! Besides, her grandfather was a lunatic, and she's likely got that craziness in her blood!" Laurinda spat out evilly, alluding to the stigma surrounding mental illness and its feared hereditary nature.

Laurinda's words were a gut punch that left Lorna trembling. Her pain laid bare without any defense.

But the reassuring squeeze on her shoulder from Sanderson's hand calmed her. He had never intended to argue. Instead, he shielded Lorna from further harm. "Enough. We’ll move out. Consider me an unfilial son, and stay with Kermit if you must!"

Laurinda's voice reached a fever pitch. "You're my son, and you'll care for me in my old age! "

"Silence!" Steward slammed his cutlery down, silencing the room. He looked squarely at Sanderson. The Delaney family had risen from obscurity mainly due to Sanderson's connections and opportunities. Although Steward held the title of chairman, Sanderson was the true force behind their success.

So, despite Laurinda's favoritism toward Kermit and Sanderson's lack of a male heir, Steward had no hesitation in choosing his eldest son.

He snapped at Laurinda, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting? If you can't bear to live with Sanderson, pack your bags and return to the Smith family!"

Laurinda's eyes bulged. "You're kicking me out?"

"If you don’t want me to throw you out of the house, apologize to Cordelia!"

Steward's unwavering stance and dismissive snort at Rachel and Juliana made it clear. "Cordelia is the Delaney family's lady. Anyone who disrespects her is disrespecting me!"

His words echoed with finality, and the room fell silent.

Too proud to apologize, Laurinda stiffened.

Rachel attempted to smooth things over. "Laurinda is a senior, after all. Let me apologize on her behalf. And, given her old-fashioned beliefs, it's no wonder she believed those fortune-tellers. Lia, Grandma will surely stop scolding you."

She pleaded with Sanderson and Lorna. "Sanderson, Lorna, please forgive Mom this once."

Sanderson remained tight-lipped.

Steward gave Laurinda a stern look. Startled, Laurinda blurted out. "Isn't my apology enough now? Sanderson, do you want your mother to grovel at your feet?"

Humiliated, she broke into tears and retreated upstairs.

Steward made his decision. "Let's leave it at that."

The family brushed the matter under the carpet that night.

In their bedroom, Sanderson sighed. "Truth is, I've already bought a villa elsewhere."

Lorna blinked in surprise. "What?"

"I've been preparing it since Lia was back, knowing Mom wouldn't take to her," Sanderson explained, "But we'll need more time to finish the renovations, so let's hold off on splitting for now."

Lorna understood. "We'll move out later?"

Considering Laurinda's temperament, a change wasn't likely overnight. After today's outburst, she would behave for a while, but should she slip again. Proposing a split wouldn't seem unreasonable.

Sanderson's resolve was evident. "My wife and daughter should never have to walk on eggshells."

-

The family drama had little effect on Cordelia. She continued her research late into the night, engrossed until midnight. A message from Little Fang popped up on her screen. [Are you asleep?]

Cordelia glanced at it, uninterested.

A few moments later, another message arrived. NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.

Mr. All-Round’s message popped up. [Don't stay up too late. It's not good for your health.]

Cordelia finally replied, [Okay, Sir.]

After another five minutes of reading, she put her materials down, completed her nightly routine, and lay in bed. Her mind buzzed with new knowledge, keeping her awake.

She needed to think of something else. What, though?

Lately, thoughts of Everard had been her involuntary pre-sleep ritual, easing the pain in her chest.

So naturally, her thoughts drifted back to him, to their recent encounter, the moment he swapped shirts and gave her a glimpse of his waist.

Without realizing it, she fell asleep, her thoughts lingering on Everard.

In her dream, his abdominal muscle was always before her, moving hypnotically until suddenly, Everard leaned in close, a playful grin on his face. "Hey girl, want to have a touch?"

She was sure she didn't want to, but in her dream, her hand moved on its own, reaching toward his abdomen...

The following morning, Cordelia woke up looking a little off-color.

As she descended the stairs, Juliana was uncharacteristically quiet, waiting for her. In front of Steward and Sanderson, she spoke, "Grandpa, Uncle Sanderson, you were right about yesterday. Cordelia is my cousin, so Mom and I want Cordelia to join us this weekend when the tutor comes over. If Mr. Stanton takes a shine to her, it would be a moment of pride for the Delaney family."

Her words sounded polite, but her eyes flickered with disdain.

Putting on an act was easy for her! It was just another opportunity for comparison.

"That's the spirit! Sisters should always support each other," Steward praised.

Cordelia kept her lips pursed in a foul mood until she stormed into the Midnight Scent café. She glared at Everard. "Can you control my dreams, too?"

Everard looked up, baffled, only to be met with an accusatory stare. "Scumbag! Beast!"

Everard had no idea what had happened.

[Arthur’s notes: The family drama will peak soon after a grand piano showdown. Smooches! I’m looking forward to your recommendations!]