Ch. 201..210

Chapter 201

Chapter 201

"Hey, don't say that." Nicholas echoed. "He finally got a wife. Of course, he's got to keep a close eye on her..."

"It's okay, even if she's got a scratch!" A vendor's voice came from the side suddenly. "I have meds here, special formula. No scars left, guaranteed!"

Nicholas and Linda guffawed.

On the other hand, Cordelia was attracted by the intricate-looking bottle and checked it out. It had retro packaging and was only a small bottle that was handy. It was the first time she saw a medicine that was manufactured like a piece of art.

The vendor grinned at her. "Miss, do you want to buy one? This is from Xywan Pharmaceuticals. It's been selling for over a decade. It's fair and genuine!"

"Xywan Pharmaceuticals?"

"Yeah! Irwin's medicinal drugs manufacturing company!"

Zephyr furrowed his brows at that.

Mengasas was close to Southeast Aciatic. Was this Irwin the Irwin in Southeast Aciatic?

The party continued walking for a bit and came to a place where it was less crowded. Linda pulled Cordelia along to try out the street food while the men followed them. Nicholas noticed that Zephyr's expression was off.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing," Zephyr answered flatly and asked after giving it a thought, "The vendor who mentioned the Irwins just now... Have you heard of it?"

"Of course. It's famous in Southeast Aciatic."

Nicholas used to travel around with his boss in the past and had heard about things like this.

"The Irwins are quite influential in Southeast Aciatic. It's said that their ancestors started up as doctors, so the Irwins kept the medicinal drugs manufacturing company." "But why are these meds sold on the street?"

"Think it's because their prices are low and the meds are effective, so they're popular. They don't put up airs like those big pharmaceutical companies, so their medicines are everywhere. There's no imitation either because they price the meds low enough. The regular people can all afford them."

Zephyr narrowed his eyes. "So, they're an ethical business."

Who could have thought that the kind Irwins would conspire with Matthew in secret?

"Rowan Irwin's the head in the Irwins now." Nicholas was rarely this gossipy. "Ay, do you know why that bottle of medicine is called Xywan Pharmaceuticals?" "Why?"

"Wan stands for Rowan Irwin." Nicholas chortled. "The outside world has all sorts of guesses about Xy. They say that it's someone Rowan Irwin loves but can't have!" Zephyr nodded, unfazed, but the suspicions in his heart grew.

He was uninterested in Rowan's love affairs. He only wanted evidence that the man was helping Matthew to harm him.

Cordelia's sweet "darling" pulled him back from the heavy thoughts.

"What are you two doing?" Cordelia waved happily. "Come eat!"

Zephyr and Nicholas quickly went over to sit down.

The street stalls were cramped with little space, and the greasy grilling aroma was everywhere. Zephyr was tall and well-built, a jarring sight when he sat on the small stool. "Honey, it isn't comfortable, huh?" Cordelia clung to him softly and placed a peeled shrimp in front of him. "Bear with it for just a while. We'll go back to the hotel after this!" "Mm." Zephyr smiled and spoke softly next to her ear. "You'll have to compensate me after we get back..."

"Not tonight, I'm afraid." Cordelia winked slyly.

"What?"

"Linda and I agreed to sleep in the same room tonight."

"Cough, cough, cough..." The grilled fish that Nicholas had just swallowed got stuck in his throat. He looked at Linda in disbelief. "For real!?"

Linda nodded with a smile.

"I have a lot of things to chat with Cordelia, so you both..."

"Okay?"

Chapter 202

Chapter 202

Both men cried in unison, "No!"

Of course, it was futile. After all, the consequences of making their wives angry were far more serious than sleeping with another man.

Later at night, when Nicholas carried all the shopping bags back to the hotel listlessly and opened the door to see the soft bed in the room he had specially chosen... he almost blew up on the spot!

Zephyr was much calmer in comparison. He quietly took off his coat and took a bottle of red wine out of the cabinet, adding ice and slowly swirling it.

"Zephyr, I don't care if you want to do it or not. The two of us have to be united!" Nicholas said through his gritted teeth.

"From tomorrow onward, we will take care of our own woman. We can't let the two of them stick to each other anymore, you hear me!?"

Nicholas slumped on the bed in a huff, wanting nothing more than to punch a hole through it.

Zephyr was nonchalant with a smirk. He looked at the nightfall outside the window, and his gaze darkened soon.

'Southeast Aciatic and the Irwins... Rowan Irwin and the pharmaceutical company...' These kept replaying in his mind.

He was clear about the reason Matthew wanted to harm him, but why was Rowan involved in this? Could the hundreds of millions of dollars of insurance proceeds tempt him?

The Irwins' influence was no greater than the Hamertons', but the industry they were in made the most money-pharmaceuticals and information technology. They did not lack money. There must be another reason Irwin was doing this!

Cordelia was smiling a lot more after they returned from Mengasas. Zephyr was relieved, but he received Frederic's call.

"Z, Elder Mr. Hamerton got his hands on your statement. I think you best make a trip back to Centrolis."

"Mm, got it." Zephyr was expecting it. He knew this day would come when he asked Frederic to draft the statement.

He hung up and looked at Cordelia, who was still cleaning the house, with a smile. The girl would never stop. Everywhere in the house felt like work for her.

She was currently collecting clothes on the balcony. The drying rack was a little high, and she had to stand on tiptoe and reach out with her arms. She was only wearing a large T-shirt at home to feel less warm -it barely covered her bottom.

Zephyr gulped and felt dry in the throat. He went over and effortlessly reached for the piece of clothing she had been trying.

Cordelia fell into his embrace in surprise. Zephyr wrapped an arm around her waist with quick reflexes, pressing both of them together. She could feel his temperature rising.

"Darling." His husky voice was smiling. "Enough chores. Let's rest early tonight."

Cordelia looked down with a smile and pink cheeks.

Although she would not refuse each time he wanted to do it, today was different.

"Wait for me to finish cleaning up? Seth told me that mom's doing well these days, and she can be discharged to rest at home.

"I have to hurry and prepare what she needs to send them over."

Zephyr tried to persuade her, rubbing her hand. "Can't you do that tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow has tomorrow's tasks." Cordelia hurried to check on her new dessert when the oven dinged.

She would prepare the materials she needed the next day every day, and the little cafe was making a profit now under her hard work.

Zephyr stood rooted and scratched his head, letting out a long sigh. If he had known, he would not have opened up the cafe for her! Those cakes and cookies now occupied the time that should belong to him! "Darling, get me a few plates!"

"Oh, coming."

Zephyr went to retrieve the plates in the kitchen and leaned against the door to watch her.

Chapter 203

Chapter 203

Zephyr gave it a thought and said, "Cordelia, I have to... leave for a training camp tomorrow."

Cordelia paused. "You're going for competitions again?"

Zephyr glossed it over. "I might stay a few more days out this time."

Cordelia was a little down, but since this was a career he liked, she would give him her full support.

Zephyr went over and circled her waist with his arms. He buried his face against her neck to inhale her sweet fragrance.

"Honey, remember what I taught you last time?"

Cordelia blinked and went along with what he said without much thought. "Yeah."

The man smirked. "How much do you remember?"

Cordelia gestured innocently. "If someone attacks me from the front, I do this... If someone comes from the back, I do this..."

When she felt his wrist, he actually hugged her tighter!

Zephyr was strong, and she was flustered when she could not struggle away.

"Honey...

"Ah!"

Zephyr suddenly picked her up and carried her to the bedroom.

It was only then Cordelia snapped out of her daze and punched his chest as she glared at him adorably.

"Those few actions are okay." Zephyr lowered his voice and chuckled. "Now..."

He pinned her waist down and got on top of her.

...

"Sir, we're here." Robert stopped the car outside of the Hamerton Manor.

Zephyr blinked and coughed to disguise the embarrassment of him spacing out just now.

Robert understood the situation and said immediately, "Don't worry, sir. There's a number of people at Ms. Jenner's. Nothing will happen to her."

"Mm." Zephyr hummed in response.

During the flight, the girl's sweet innocence, her whispers in his ears, how she snuggled against him... and their passionate time together filled his mind. Zephyr wanted to go back despite having just arrived at Centrolis.

The butler came out to welcome him and brought him to Liam's study.

"Mr. Zephyr, it's great that you're back." The old butler got emotional. "Sir Hamerton has finally managed to wait for this day!"

Zephyr furrowed his brows. "What's wrong with grandpa?"

"He naturally isn't doing as well as he used to as he ages." The butler sighed.

"Has the doctor taken a look?"

"Yes. All the tests that should be done are done as well. But Mr. Zephyr... he's an old man now. Aging is part of life. The doctor says that it's already great how Sir Hamrton's maintaining his health!" "Mm." Zephyr nodded and entered the study room.

Liam had just finished some double-boiled tonic, and the servants left when they saw Zephyr coming in.

The study smelled of tea's fragrance as Liam fiddled with the tea set. His hair was silver, and he wore a black silk suit. The lines at the corner of his eyes made him look even sterner. The dragon-headed cane stayed next to him.

Zephyr stood before him. His strong innate sense of presence and authority mirrored Liam's exactly.

"You're back?" Liam looked up at him with a blank face.

"Yes, grandpa."

Liam paused. He was direct as he tossed the statement out and spoke, his aged voice brimming with authority. "I need your explanation." Zephyr's gaze darkened.

Liam got up. His eyes looked like two knives were kept in them as he asked each word, "Who is Cordelia Jenner?"

Chapter 204

Chapter 204

Zephyr's eyes were dark, and his broad back stiffened slightly. He remained quiet.

The air felt like it was frozen as Liam trained his eyes on him. His tone hardened as he asked again, "Who is Cordelia Jenner?" "My wife."

Liam abruptly raised his hand-the table's tea set shattered with a clang on the floor!

Zephyr tightened his fists, veins popping on the back of his hands.

Liam asked sternly, "When did you get married? When did this woman come about?

"If I didn't stop this statement, were you planning to give half of the Hamertons' assets away?!"

The butler and servants dared not even breathe any louder when they heard the noise inside. Even Robert was stunned.

Liam had always been calm and composed. There were rarely times that he was so worked up. Today, however, the grandfather and grandson were like two lions confronting each other. Forget going closer. Just hearing their voices was unnerving.

"Are you giving half of your assets, shares, funds, including your overseas property and cash, all to that woman?"

Liam said coldly, "Zephyr, what are you thinking!?"

Zephyr licked his lips. His gaze was cool and determined. "Not half... All."

"What did you say?"

"The statement says half now because she isn't my wife yet. When she truly becomes my wife, everything that's mine will be hers."

Liam's gaze was frosty as he furrowed his brows staring at Zephyr. "So, you haven't gotten married yet?"

Zephyr gnashed his teeth while Liam breathed out in relief.

Liam knew that Zephyr had been recuperating in Jangasas after the plane crash. Perhaps he got to know that woman during that time. Once one got hurt, it was when their will would be the weakest, and it would be the easiest for others to take advantage of the situation.

"It's best that you're not married," said Liam. "Women like this aren't reliable. She has only approached you because of your identity and status. You best keep yourself clear-headed and don't fall for her tricks!" Zephyr's tone was low. "Grandpa, she doesn't know who I am."

"That's better!"

Liam rested his hands on his back and strolled to the floor-to-ceiling window.

"Part with her now. You won't suffer any loss. If this Cordelia Jenner clings to you, give her some compensation. Ask her to name a price!"

"Grandpa!" Zephyr gripped his fists, stabbing his nails into his palms.

He met Liam's eyes and spoke each word determinedly. "I'm back this time, to be honest with you. I won't part with Cordelia. I just want her in this lifetime!"

"Zephyr Hamerton!" Liam was enraged. "Do you know what you're saying?"

"Grandpa, I'm clear-headed."

"You..."

Liam raised his hand, but it paused in the air. It ultimately did not land.

This was the grandson he raised the heir he was proud of. He had lost his mind over a woman!

He said shakily, "Zephyr, are you going to let me down?"

Zephyr took a deep breath. He was inwardly torn as well. Finally, he slowly looked up and met Liam's sharp gaze.

Liam planned to take a step back. He said after a while, "If you like this woman, bring her here."

Zephyr frowned, unable to believe his ears.

Chapter 205

Chapter 205

"Centrolis is a big place. There'll be somewhere for her." Liam held his dragon-headed cane. "Find her somewhere and settle her down. After you get married, you can still visit her a few times a month. "As long as she stays in her own lane and doesn't cause problems, keep her around!"

Zephyr was stunned before he snickered. "You want to make her my lover?"

"A woman like her should be grateful that she's even a lover!"

Zephyr jolted.

"Impossible!" His voice was sharp. "I'll never let her suffer such grievances!"

"Then what do you want to do? Marry her?" Liam asked harshly, "I think you've lost your mind!"

He panted and turned to look out the window with a hand over her heart.

"Zephyr, break up with her! Even if you don't want to marry Nelly, you can pick one from the other three major families!"

"I said I don't want anyone else in this lifetime other than Cordelia!"

"You don't want anyone else aside from her?" Liam raised his voice and turned back to glare at him. "And if she disappears from this world?"

Zephyr's ears buzzed, and he could not help stepping back.

Liam pressed closer. "Zephyr, you're the heir I personally cultivated. No matter what you do, you can only do it with the Hamertons in consideration! "And my duty is to clear all the obstacles for you... including women!"

Zephyr's throat tightened, and his gaze grew darker. He gripped his fists and loosened them. The air felt frozen again.

His silence gradually put an appeased expression on Liam. The old man was going to pat his shoulder, but he avoided it abruptly.

Zephyr looked up at him. His icy and sharp gaze was like a beast moving in the night.

"Grandpa." His words were clear. "If you make her disappear, I promise, you'll also lose the heir you personally raised!"

"You..."

Liam was shocked. His lips moved, but nothing came out of his mouth.

Zephyr left with a large stride.

When he went out, the butler and servants were panicking.

Robert caught up to him hurriedly and swallowed back his question when he saw Zephyr's steely expression.

"Sir, we "

"Go back to Zen Residence!"

Robert went to get the car prepared at once.

Light footsteps were heard from the end of the hallway.

"Zephyr, you're back..."

Zephyr looked at the woman coldly. She turned slightly and stood on the side, looking rather anxious. He nodded as a greeting and was going to move forward when Nelly tugged him. "Zephyr..."

Zephyr flicked his arm and kept a distance away from her.

"You're here to visit grandpa?"

Nelly answered softly, "Visiting grandpa but mainly to visit you."

Zephyr was indifferent. His emotions could not be read from his deep eyes.

"I know about your plane crash, and I was so shocked." Nelly slowly inched closer. "Zephyr, are you all healed now? You haven't been back for a long time. Are you back... for good this time?" Zephyr only found it frustrating. The closer she came, the more he wanted to avoid her.

He could not understand why the woman had such foul-smelling perfume on her. Cordelia never used perfume, and there was a clean and sweet fragrance on her that he could not get enough of. "Zephyr, it's still early. Why don't you come to visit us? I have something to talk to you about in private as well."

"It's not early now," replied Zephyr. "I just got to Centrolis today and would like to rest earlier. If you don't have a chauffeur with you, I'll get the butler to send you later."

His attitude that screamed rejection was more than obvious, but Nelly was reluctant to accept it.

"If I want to talk to you about our marriage, don't you want to hear it too?"

Chapter 206

Chapter 206

Zephyr stopped walking, his back tall and aloof. He snapped his head around to stare at Nelly with a smirk. His icy gaze was mocking. "Marriage?

"Ms. Tanner, when did we have a marriage agreement?"

Nelly's heart thumped as she widened her eyes.

"From my understanding, a marriage agreement exists on the basis of mutual willingness. It's a pity. I don't think we're equipped with that condition!" "Zephyr, you—”

"I think it's better that you address me as Mr. Hamerton." Zephyr sneered. "Ms. Tanner, we aren't so familiar with each other that we can call each other by names!"

He swiveled directly after speaking and left Nelly alone, stunned.

His back eventually vanished from her sight. Nelly gnashed her teeth and calmed herself down before she entered the study.

Liam did not look good either.

Nelly saw the shattered tea set on the floor and the dragon-headed cane that lay on the side. Just looking at these was enough for her to know how heated the argument was between the grandfather and grandson earlier.

She did not want to get involved in this situation and was going to leave after some courteous consolation when she suddenly heard a phone buzz on the tea table. "Grandpa, this is..."

Liam took a glance. "Zephyr probably forgot it here. Nelly, send it to him."

Nelly was more than happy to comply.

"Advise him when you see him," Liam said faintly and arched a brow at her. "Nelly, I know that you're a generous child. You won't keep some kind of score with him, right?"

Nelly was stunned. She had vaguely heard something about a lover outside the door earlier... Was Liam hinting to her that Zephyr would have women outside even if they got married in the future? She bit her lips and forced a smile.

"Grandpa, you know me. I'm not one for trouble. I can accept everything about him as long as Zephyr's happy."

"Really?"

"It's impossible that no one likes him when you've trained him up so well! Grandpa, if Zephyr has someone he likes, it's not like he can't keep her around. Hah, which rich heir isn't a womanizer? If this girl can keep him around, it's better than some unknown celebrities pestering him!

"Besides, the marriage is between two families." Nelly poured the old man some tea. "Grandpa, I won't be too petty for the greater good."

Liam nodded in approval. "I'm right about you. You are a good fit for Zephyr."

"You're flattering me, grandpa."

Nelly felt like a ball of flame was burning in her, but she kept up a bright smile. She took Zephyr's phone and went to catch up to him. The call that stopped came again suddenly.

Nelly slowed down. There was no name on the screen but a string of numbers. Despite that, her instinct told her that this number was unusual. What would a number that Zephyr did not even have to save and could memorize so well have to do with him?

Resentment rushed in her, and she was going to answer the call when a low voice came from behind her.

"What are you doing?"

Nelly shrieked from the scare. She turned around and met Zephyr's icy gaze. His sculpted face looked incredibly cold in the night. "Z-Zephyr... haven't you already..."

Zephyr wasted no word with her and immediately grabbed his phone from her hand.

Nelly froze, not even daring to breathe any louder.

The man glanced at her and asked coldly, "Are you not leaving?"

She snapped out of her daze and stumbled back with shaky legs, but she did not leave. Instead, she followed the man.

Nelly watched as Zephyr called the number back, and the call connected after a while. It was quiet around them, so she clearly heard the sweet "Darling!". She gripped the hem of her clothes.

Zephyr was talking gently with a smile in his eyes.

"Are you home?"

"Of course! I'm good when you're away. I closed up and came back early."

"What did you have for dinner?"

"Tomato spaghetti."

"Why?" Zephyr's voice was husky with adoration. "That's my best dish!"

Cordelia was coy on the other end of the line. "You're not here, and I just felt like having it..."

Zephyr smiled.

Cordelia asked after a pause, "Honey, when are you coming back?"

"Miss me?"

She denied it right away, "No!"

The man only smiled without speaking.

A while later, Cordelia failed to hold herself back and whispered, "A little..."

Zephyr kept smiling without a word.

Finally, Cordelia caved. "Fine, I admit it...

"I miss you so so much."

Zephyr's heart melted. "I'll return once things are done here."

"When will they be done then?" Cordelia asked softly, "And don't forget our promise. When you compete, no going all out, no getting hurt, and no—"

"No being felt by other women!" He fought to answer first.

Cordelia paused before she giggled in secret with a hand over her mouth.

"Cordelia, you're home alone. Be careful in everything you do." Zephyr was worried.

Even though he knew that the men Robert had arranged were fine, his heart stayed lurched in his throat as long as he was not around Cordelia.

"Remember to check the water, electricity, and gas before you sleep. You've got to turn off the master switch before you leave the house," Zephyr reminded. "And lock the doors and windows. Hang my clothes on the balcony and keep a pair of my shoes by the door. This way, people will know that you have a man in the house."

"Mm, got it!"

"Don't simply open the door for others!"

"Darling, do you think I'm three?"

Zephyr chuckled. She was the one who had taught him some of the tips.

"Oh, yeah. Honey, I'm picking mom up from the hospital tomorrow," said Cordelia. "I'll go over to take care of her quite often once she gets home."

"Mm, okay," answered Zephyr. "Don't worry. I'll take care of mom with you."

"Darling..."

Even though the man had never seen his mother-in-law, he had always called her "mom". Cordelia was comforted by the gesture and told him softly, "It's getting late. Sleep early." "Okay." Zephyr was reluctant to end the call. "You sleep early too.

"Hey, Cordelia..."

"What is it?"

He licked his lips and said with a deep voice, "Tell me goodnight.” 'Huh?' Cordelia paused and did as she was told. "Goodnight." Zephyr grinned contentedly. "Goodnight. I love you."

Chapter 207

Chapter 207

The other end of the line went silent for a bit before the girl's soft voice was heard.

"I love you too."

Cordelia's heart thumped. Her cheeks felt like they were burning. She quickly hung up after what she said. Holding her phone in a daze, she giggled after a while.

Both of them had never officially said things like "I love you" despite being married for so long.

Cordelia stretched. She felt like she was on cloud nine. That man was definitely going to be in her dream again tonight.

Zephyr was going to ask Robert to pick him up after he ended the call, but he heard someone behind him.

"Is that Ms. Jenner?"

Alarmed, he turned around abruptly with an icy gaze.

"Why are you still here!?"

"Zephyr..." Nelly paused and backtracked. "Mr. Hamerton, you and Ms. Jenner aren't going to work out in the long term..."

Zephyr snarled, "What's between her and I have nothing to do with you!"

"But it does with the Hamertons."

"You aren't a Hamerton. Why worry so much?"

Nelly trembled. Jealousy burned bright within her, devouring her pride and rationality.

She more or less had heard Zephyr and Liam's fight in the study earlier, and Zephyr's rare tenderness when he was on the phone made it disbelieving that he was the third Hamerton heir who had always been aloof and arrogant.

Their marriage that would tie the Hamertons and the Tanners together was already a tacit agreement, and she had always acted like she was the daughter-in-law of the Hamertons. Why... Why was there a Cordelia Jenner out of the blue!?

Nelly took a deep breath and balled her hands. She tried her best to plaster on a natural smile.

"Mr. Hamerton, I'm not worried about the Hamertons but you.

"Ms. Jenner doesn't know about your identity yet, but once it's exposed, your identity will frighten her.

"Will she tell you goodnight so sweetly by then? Perhaps. But could you be sure that her goodnight is because she loves you-or she's scared of you?"

The silver moonlight bounced off the hard lines of Zephyr's face. It illuminated his vice grip of fists and the popped veins on the back of his hands.

"Mr. Hamerton..." Nelly took a step closer.

Seeing that the man did not react, she thought that what she said might have worked, so she grew bolder and called softly, "Zephyr...

"Zephyr." She did her best to show that she was the first wife. "If you trust me, I can talk to Ms. Jenner. I can at least ensure that she won't be afraid of you after discovering your identity and can stay with you!" "I don't believe you," Zephyr replied impassively.

"Zephyr, you-"

"Nelly Tanner, consider this a warning." he enunciated each word clearly. "If you dare approach her, I'll destroy you Tanners no matter the price, even if I have to go down together!

"Don't think that I can't do it. And don't think that you Tanners are really that powerful that no one dares lay a finger on.

"Others in the Hamertons might hesitate but not me! The rise and fall of the Tanners is in your hands. If you don't want your whole family to go down with you, stay in your lane, and don't be thinking what you shouldn't be!"

Zephyr's presence felt like a grim reaper from hell.

Nelly took two steps back and looked at him fearfully with quivering lips.

The Tanners were no weaker than the Hamertons. They might be on par, even. Despite that, she, the heiress of the Tanners, noble and well-born, was being warned and humiliated by Zephyr over a cheap woman!

Nelly was furious and scared. She dared not say a word to Zephyr and could only stand there stiffly.

Zephyr got into the car and zoomed off as Robert drove over.

Nelly was burning with rage, so she screamed with all her might, "Ahh!"

Chapter 208

Chapter 208

"Miss, what's the matter?" Her servant from the Tanners rushed over.

Upon seeing how awful Nelly's expression was, the servant could guess it and draped the coat over her, consoling her softly, "Miss, don't worry. As long as Elder Mr. Hamerton doesn't allow it, Mr. Zephyr won't dare bring that woman back..."

"And what am I?!"

"Miss, that woman doesn't seem to have any background. Why don't we get someone to investigate her?"

Nelly recalled Zephyr's aggressive look just now and hesitated.

"Miss, Mr. Zephyr just said that you aren't allowed to approach that woman. He didn't say that you aren't allowed to investigate her!"

Nelly squinted. That was right. She could only find out Cordelia's weakness when she knew her enemy. Only then would she know what to do!

Back in Jangasas...

Cordelia was busy in the kitchen after bringing her mother home.

Carter had cleaning and unpacking duty, and he swiftly got the bedroom ready. It was just that when he saw the box sitting in the corner, his curiosity was piqued again.

The box felt forbidden since they were kids. Even when his mother was the sickest, she would remind them repeatedly to watch the box. What was inside, though? Carter was deep in thought when Cordelia came in asking with a smile, "All done?"

"Mm, done!"

"Dinner's ready too. Come on!"

Carter complied and helped Xyla to the dining table.

Xyla scanned the surrounding area and felt foreign about the house.

"Mom, you didn't know that we've moved, right?" Carter said happily, "Yelena came to pick on us and insisted on chasing us out. Bro-in-law's the one who helped us!"

"Brother-in-law?" Xyla blinked and looked at Cordelia stiffly. "You... You got married?"

Cordelia smiled and placed dinner in front of her mother.

"Yes, mom! Bro-in-law's great! He listens to Cordelia and is super nice to me!"

Xyla looked rather sullen. Her daughter had gotten married, but as her mother, she could not prepare anything for her or advise her on the ways of husband and wife like a regular mom.

She had never once fulfilled her duty as a mother while Cordelia was growing up. When she fell terribly ill, she had to trouble her daughter to take care of her. She was herself now-but how long could it last? Xyla's eyes were wet. A drop of tear slid off the corner of her eye.

"Mom!" Cordelia dropped her cutlery immediately. "What's wrong?"

"I'm fine..." Xyla forced a smile and held her hand tightly. "Cordelia, mommy's a failure. You getting married is so significant, but I can't even..."

"Mom, don't say that!" Cordelia hugged her. "God is good to me. I'm happy that I married Marcus!"

"His name's Marcus?"

Cordelia nodded with a smile.

Her gaze was clear, and her smile was still innocent and pure. She was the prettiest in her mother's mind.

'It seems like Cordelia is right,' thought Xyla. She had gotten married to the right person and would stay happy forever.

Xyla composed herself and pulled Cordelia to the bedroom by her hand.

"Mom, you're done with the meal?"

"Close the door," Xyla said softly. "Don't let Carter come in. I have something to tell you in private."

Chapter 209

Chapter 209

Cordelia looked at her in confusion but closed the door as instructed.

As Xyla sat on the chair, her gaze was fixed somewhere outside the window without any focus. Her expression was heavy and sorrowful.

"Mom..." Cordelia crouched down in front of her.

"Cordelia." Xyla snapped out of her trance after some time and slowly turned to the box in the corner. "Bring that over."

Cordelia was stunned, and her heart drummed anxiously.

She did what she was told. The wooden box was not heavy, and she could lift it with a hand. The carving on it was intricate and discreet, looking unique.

When Cordelia was young, she was curious about the box too, but Xyla had forbidden her from touching it, so she suppressed that curiosity.

This was actually her first time being this close to the box.

There was a vintage copper lock on the box that could barely be seen nowadays.

Xyla sounded a little aggrieved. "Cordelia, I'm not a good mother. I've been a burden to you. I wasn't even able to witness you getting married.

"Take this box back. Consider it your wedding gift from me.

"But... don't open it if nothing calls for it. Can you remember?"

Cordelia froze in bewilderment.

Was there some kind of secret in this box? The lock looked sturdy and would not give easily, but Xyla had never mentioned the key.

Her mother was giving her this box, but not the key-and she did not say what was in it either... What was the meaning of this?

Cordelia wanted to ask, but Xyla looked tired as she lay down on the bed.

"Go on out." Her back was against Cordelia. "I'd like to get more rest."

Cordelia bit her lips.

The doctor had said that her mother must not be shocked with this illness. Cordelia subconsciously thought that the box was something that would shock her as well.

She pressed down the confusion-no matter how many questions she had-and softly closed the door.

Cordelia brought the box home and kept it in the same cabinet as the jewelry box. She looked at it for a long time and sighed. The moment she closed the cabinet door, though, she suddenly felt that the retro carving on the box felt familiar-like she had seen it somewhere but could not remember it.

She lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling. It felt like she was in a maze where she could not see the exit. Her mind was chaotic.

Robert was booking the return trip flight ticket for Zephyr and showed him a few selected times, but he rejected them impatiently.

Robert was at a loss. This was the first time he had encountered something like this. Ultimately, he asked the great lawyer, Frederic, for help.

Great lawyers had eyes for details. Frederic immediately saw the issue and circled the earliest red-eye flight with a chuckle.

Robert was so surprised that words escaped him.

"Sir hated midnight flights like this the most in the past!"

"He'll like them very much now."

"But... first class is sold out on this flight."

"Book him economy then. The kind where three people are squeezed together on the same row!"

Robert broke out in a cold sweat.

"You won't be wrong listening to me!" Frederic was experienced. "Even if you ask him to go back hanging on the plane now, he'll be happy to!"

As expected, the red-eye economy flight was booked, and Zephyr boarded punctually with his luggage through the night.

It was 3:00 a.m. when he arrived in Jangasas, and he rushed home eagerly.

However, the moment he stepped inside, he was almost tripped by a pair of man's sneakers.

Zephyr was astonished. The pair of shoes did not belong to him.

He slowly padded inside and heard a man snoring!? The house was not big, so he got to the living room in a few steps and discovered someone on the couch...

Nicholas!?

Zephyr slowly relaxed his raised fist.

Chapter 210

Chapter 210

This meant that there would be one more person in the bedroom.

Zephyr walked over quietly and opened the bedroom door. As expected, Linda and Cordelia were sleeping inside.

He chuckled soundlessly. It seemed that his little girl was afraid to be alone and asked her best friend to keep her company, while Nicholas followed shamelessly since he was worried about Linda. Zephyr put down his luggage softly and carefully padded to Cordelia.

Their bed was spacious. Cordelia slept with her back against Linda, and there was still some space between them.

Cordelia hugged a pillow-the one that Zephyr usually used.

Zephyr raised his brows and tucked the girl in gently with a smile.

It was then Linda turned around and rubbed her eyes, astonished to see someone standing beside Cordelia through the dim lighting.

"Ah!" Linda screamed with her hair standing on end.

She patted Cordelia awake quickly before she darted toward Zephyr.

"Thief! Robber!

"Nicholas! Come in!"

Before Zephyr could react, Linda threw a pillow at him and kept Cordelia behind her.

Nicholas, who barged in upon hearing her cry kicked the silhouette by the bed without any hesitation.

Zephyr gasped. Nicholas' kick landed right on his hips...

"Nicholas Thompson, you f*cker!"

"Eh?"

Nicholas was going to kick him a second time, but his leg froze midair like the pause button had been pressed.

Both women widened their eyes as they watched in shock.

It was Cordelia who reacted first. "Darling? It's you!"

She bounced off the bed and threw herself into his arms when she turned the lights on and got a proper look.

Zephyr's hips hurt, causing him to glare at Nicholas.

"Kicked my hips, huh?" Zephyr gnashed his teeth. "What if you wrecked it?!"

Nicholas guffawed.

"Ah, it's Marcus!"

It was only then Linda relaxed. "Gosh, you can't blame Nicholas. It's so dark, and you stood there like a ghost. You were asking for it!"

Nicholas went over and held Linda's hand.

"Mm, my Linda knows me!"

"It's because my Nicholas did the right thing!"

"My Linda's the best!"

"My Nicholas is even better!"

Zephyr was rendered speechless. 'Someone get these two out of here!'

Cordelia was delightfully surprised, her eyes turning into crescents.

"Darling, why are you back at this time? Didn't you say you'd be here the day after tomorrow?"

Zephyr rubbed her hair and chuckled. "I couldn't wait anymore, so I came back earlier."

"Your competition ended?"

"Mm, all done."

"Did you get hurt?"

Nicholas clicked his tongue. "Cordelia, you're not asking if he won or lost?"

"I don't care about that." Cordelia chortled. "As long as he's not hurt!"

Zephyr's expression changed immediately. He hung his head, and his voice went lower. "Honey, I'm hurt..."

"What?"

"Just now." Zephyr pointed at Nicholas. "He kicked me, and it still hurts!"

Nicholas was rendered speechless. 'Mr. Z is so good at acting now! Can they stop please?'