The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan)

Chapter 408

Cordelia didn't pay much heed to Harold's words. With a decent amount of time left before the

academic year started, she holed up in her quiet little house, reading and aiming to publish a few more

articles in foreign journals. She even managed to squeeze in a meeting with Petra.

Petra lived on campus, too, but not in Unity Hall; she resided in another faculty building — Evergreen

Gardens.

The two women met at the campus fast food joint, a setting that lacked any hint of ceremony.

Upon seeing Cordelia again, Petra couldn't help but be dazzled. Cordelia was wearing a sky-blue shirt

and white capris. Despite their simplicity, the quality of the materials gave her an air of elegance.

Somewhere along the line, Cordelia started prioritizing quality over quantity when it came to her

wardrobe. She didn't buy a lot, but every piece in her wardrobe was top-notch.

"Cordelia, it's been three long years since we parted ways in the States. I always knew we were

destined to cross paths again," Petra said.

Cordelia smiled. "I have to thank you. If not for you, I would not have landed this teaching job at

Birchwood."

"That's because you have the talent. All I did was put in a good word. What are your plans for the

remaining days before school starts?"

Inside the air-conditioned eatery, the August heat was kept at bay. The coolness was a pleasant relief.

"I'm working on some papers. Also, I'm planning to visit Empower Operations. They've offered me a

position as an independent director, which seems to be a good fit for me. I need to go and have a talk

with them," Cordelia replied, exuding an air of confidence and poise.

Petra studied Cordelia with admiration. "That sounds great. An independent director makes a good

paycheck. I bet you'll have admirers lined up at Birchwood. Just remember to manage your time.

Teaching undergrads, guiding postgrads, and working part-time can be exhausting." This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

"I'll manage. How come you're living on campus?" Cordelia asked, intrigued. Married faculty members

usually bought houses off-campus, given the small size of the campus residences.

Petra's face changed slightly. Cordelia knew instantly she had asked something inappropriate.

"If you need anything, feel free to reach out," Petra assured Cordelia warmly.

"Sure," Cordelia replied, feeling touched.

Later, Cordelia contacted Empower Operations, intending to attend an interview in the coming days.

"Ms. Haselwood, now that you're back, let's have a chat. With your qualifications, an interview is hardly

necessary. Our boss thinks highly of you. We're looking to appoint you. Having a Ph.D. graduate from

the University of Edinburgh on board will certainly elevate our company's prestige," the HR director of

Empower Operations said.

"Sure."

The following day, Cordelia visited Empower Operations. The investment firm was located downtown,

quite a substantial establishment.

Peter, the CEO, personally greeted Cordelia. He expressed his admiration for her knowledge and

elegance, which he said left a deep impression on him during their encounter in Edinburgh. Cordelia

was equally impressed by Empower Operations.

Peter wanted to share some information about recent projects with Cordelia, but considering the

confidentiality of the matters, he refrained.

Cordelia carefully reviewed the appointment contract. The salary was one million a year, without the

requirement of daily office hours. However, she was expected to oversee significant projects and would

receive year-end bonuses.

Upon seeing her responsibility of overseeing major projects, Cordelia felt a strong sense of duty and

mission. For the first time, she realized how easily knowledge could be translated into money. The

promise she once made to her mother was finally being fulfilled.