Ch. 241..250

Chapter 241

Chapter 241

Was Zephyr so cowardly that he needed these people to boost his courage to step into his own home?

"Cordelia, take a nap," Linda said softly. "I'll go buy some stuff downstairs."

Cordelia nodded and tucked herself in, closing her eyes tiredly.

Linda closed the door carefully and went downstairs. She crossed her arms as she approached the two men.

"Mar-" She bit her lips and changed what she was going to say. "Mr. Hamerton, Cordelia's just going to sleep. If you go back now, move around quietly. The wounds on her body are healing, but I'm afraid it'll take a long time for the wound in her heart to heal."

Zephyr's expression was solemn as he nodded. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me." Linda looked at him. "She can't just dump you either. She just can't accept it for the time being. Talk to her slowly. She'll get around soon."

"Mm."

"But remember, if you dare lie to Cordelia or hurt her again, I'll get justice for her even if I have to die with you!"

"Cough!" Nicholas quickly stepped up. "Linda, it won't happen. Nothing so serious-"

"Not serious? Cordelia was on the verge of death this time!"

Nicholas glanced at her and said nothing before looking at Zephyr.

Zephyr went upstairs and opened the door to his house softly.

Linda stood there for a while. There was no noise from upstairs like everything was normal. Relatively relieved, she was going to leave when Nicholas stopped her. "What?" She glared at him.

Nicholas was acting really weird today. He was usually smiling so much when he saw her that all his features were scrunched together, but he was exceptionally serious today. His gaze was solemn, and his presence was strong as if he could summon a storm at any time.

Linda frowned and felt slightly timid. Perhaps this Nicholas was the real him.

"S-Speak up!" Linda put on a brave front. "What do you want?"

Nicholas smiled as he stepped forward and looked her right in the eyes.

"You said men are all liars in the hospital last time. I refuse to agree with this, so I'm going to fulfill my promise today!"

"What do you mean?"

Nicholas pulled his necklace out of his collar and held the ring on it.

"When you gave me this, I told you that I'd give you a diamond one in the future!

"I'll have you know that men don't lie. At least not me! Let's go. We're getting one right now!"

"You're crazy!" Linda glared at him again.

As she was about to leave, he blocked her way on the left. She went toward the right, and he went right as well.

Linda finally blew her top and shouted, "Nicholas Thompson, move away!"

"Linda Quimby!" Nicholas emphasized his words as well and asked her through gritted teeth, "Are you sure you're not going to buy it with me?"

"No!"

"Fine! Bring me the stuff!" Nicholas growled, and his underlings took a step forward in unison.

Linda was dumbfounded.' What stuff? Is this b*stard going to hit me!?'

All she saw was Nicholas taking a washboard from his underling and slamming it on the ground. He was still glaring at her when he knelt down right on the board! Linda was so shocked that she took a few steps back.

"Linda Quimby, you listen now! If you don't buy the ring with me, I'll pester you every day with this washboard! I'll kneel wherever you go!

"One day, I'll break this board from kneeling on it so much! Let's see if you dare reject me then!"

Chapter 242

Chapter 242

Linda was rendered speechless.

There were more people watching them now, either enviously or with stupid grins. Some of them whipped their phones out to record it and chuckled. "I always hear people say they kneel on washboards, but I never expected I'd encounter someone kneeling on one because of his wife!"

"Hahaha!"

Linda's cheeks were burning. She wanted nothing more than to bury herself in a hole if there was one.

"Nicholas! W-What... Have you lost your mind!?

"Get up! Stop kneeling!"

She wanted to pull him up as she spoke.

Despite that, the man shouted louder, "Don't touch me!

"Anyone who dares interrupt me from admitting my fault to my wife is my enemy! I, Nicholas Thompson, have some status in the gangs. Anyone who has a grudge against me, I'll definitely- "Ow!"

Before he finished, Linda pulled his ear.

Nicholas wore a pained expression, but when he peeked at Linda, his gaze was loving.

His underlings behind him finally failed to hold it in and turned away to giggle with a hand over their mouths.

"Enough of embarrassing yourself?"

"Yes..."

"Then go home!"

"Okay, okay, let's go home! Ow, sweetheart, softer..." Linda pulled up Nicholas, and he followed her, not forgetting his washboard.

"Heh, sweetheart, how big a ring do you want? Are 10 carats enough?"

Although Cordelia had not seen Zephyr these days, she knew that he had been accompanying her. She knew that he slept on the couch at night and bought breakfast, then hid before she woke up in the morning.

He actually did not go far, just strolled around downstairs.

Cordelia watched his tall and lonesome back from the window and felt her heart wrench.

Many days passed, and messages kept coming from Centrolis-all of them asking Zephyr to return as soon as he could.

After that, he was quiet for a long time before telling Robert, "Send my car back."

Robert paused and nodded.

"Sir, I think it's better that you make a trip back. The recent board meetings are basically Mr. Matthew and Mr. Yale's playground. Both of them are acting like they're in control of the Hamerton Group!" "Mm, let them gloat for a few more days first." Zephyr sneered.

He had not settled the score with them for injuring him, yet they had hurt Cordelia now. He would not let them off the hook!

"Mr. Zephyr, what's your plan?"

"Just keep an eye on the board of directors. Contact me anytime there's a situation."

Zephyr ended the call after that.

Kate served him the peach tea she had long prepared from the side.

"Nice one, Zephyr!" Kate pursed her lips. "Don't listen to your grandfather who is asking you to go back. All the old fox knows is to pretend to be sick!

"But once he does, it's Matthew's heaven. Sigh, your father is great, but he's just so unconcerned! He doesn't even care to show up at your grandfather's place!"

As she spoke, she suddenly found it wrong. Why was she always complaining to the stepson about his father?

"Hah, I don't mean it." Kate chuckled. "I mean, if your father could bear this responsibility, Matthew would not get any chance! And you wouldn't have to be so tired too. You can stay here and keep Cordelia company wholeheartedly.

"Speaking of which, how is Cordelia now? Still ignoring you?"

Zephyr shook his head with a depressed look.

Chapter 243

Chapter 243

"I think you should just take her back to Centrolis with you. At least your dad and I are in the Hamertons. We won't let Cordelia suffer any loss or disadvantage."

"Thanks, Aunt Cloud." Zephyr forced a smile. "I'm afraid she'll hate me more if I do that."

"Have you caught Marcus?"

"No," Zephyr answered in a low tone. "The guy who took him away is sly and familiar with Jangasas' suburbs, especially the junctions around the riverside. He covered his face once he got close to places with surveillance cameras. The car doesn't have a registration plate either, so it's hard to investigate it."

"Let me know if you need my help," Kate consoled him.

Zephyr looked at her gratefully and nodded. He then asked casually, "When are you and Zennie going back?"

"These two days, I think. It's time Zennie focuses and prepares for her university application!"

As soon as Kate said that, Zennie bounced in, opening the door. She quickly asked about Cordelia when she saw that her brother was there.

In spite of it, Zephyr's attention was on the person behind her.

"Mr. Zephyr."

Zephyr watched him closely. "You are..."

"I'm Phil Nelson. You probably don't know me, sir."

'So, he is Phil Nelson.' Zephyr felt a little unsettled.

The young man looked around 20 years old but exuded a jarring aura of maturity and composure. He had a refreshing and handsome face, but his eyes had an inexplicable sinister tint.

Phil saw that Zephyr's cup was empty and took the initiative to refill it for him. The moment the young man bowed to pour tea, the surveillance recordings that Zephyr had looked into previously flashed in his mind!

They could not clearly see the driver's face, but half of the face exposed under the cap was thin and pale like his.

Zephyr was startled.

"You're Phil Nelson?"

Unfazed, Phil stood before him humbly and nodded. "Yes, Mr. Zephyr."

"Don't' drive too fast when you send Aunt Cloud and Zennie back to Centrolis. Be careful on the road. Check if the registration plates are covered before you depart."

"Heh, Mr. Zephyr." Phil chuckled. "I'm sorry. I haven't gotten my driver's license. But I've already booked the flight tickets to send Mrs. and Ms. Hamerton back. Don't worry, I'll make sure of their safety." Zephyr stayed quiet and looked at him with a complex gaze.

"Buy some gifts back these two days. I heard that there are several specialty shops in Jangasas' suburbs near the riverside."

"Mr. Zephyr, I'm not familiar with that area. This hotel actually sells specialty products. I'll make the arrangement before we leave."

Zephyr's brows were furrowed together.

He had mentioned "registration plates", "suburbs", and "riverside" during his questions just now. All these had to do with Marcus' escape.

However, this young man looked natural and answered without missing a beat. He did not show any hint of nerves... Was he really unrelated to this incident?

Zephyr fell deep in thought and grew skeptical. His subconscious told him that he must not let Phil send his stepmother and sister alone, so he left and called Robert outside of Regalia.

"Move your men. They don't have to guard my house for now." He lowered his voice. "Arrange for them to send Aunt Cloud and Zennie back to Centrolis."

"Yes, sir."

"Also, look into the family's long-term employees with the last name Nelson."

Zephyr rushed back home after the call.

Cordelia's injuries had more or less recovered now, but she was growing more reluctant to meet anyone, and the number of times she showered was increasing. Any slight movement or sound scared her like a deer caught in headlights.

Chapter 244

Chapter 244

Zephyr heard the water running in the bathroom when he arrived home. His heart clenched, but he dared not do anything. He could only stand there quietly.

He remembered what Seth had said. Cordelia's unusual behavior was called PTSD.

"What she has is considered light," Seth told him. "The best is to treat it with psychological intervention, but... it's better for the doer to undo what he's done. Since the source of the issue lies with you, you're the best doctor for it."

Zephyr took a deep breath. He wanted to take on the role of the doctor as well, but Cordelia gave him no chance of approaching her.

The bathroom door opened, and Cordelia walked out wrapped in a towel. When she looked up and met his eyes, she cried in surprise.

"Cordelia-"

Zephyr did not get to say anything before Cordelia hurried into the bedroom and shut the door with a lowered head.

The door felt like a barrier separating them into two worlds.

After a while, Cordelia opened a crack in the door to peek at him. She saw him cleaning up in their small living room and collecting the dry laundry from the balcony to fold them.

He did not know how to fold clothes in the past, but he did it well now. He could do everything and change himself for her.

Cordelia pressed her lips together and felt choked.

Two days later, she moved to stay with Xyla. Given what had happened, she preferred to be with her mother now.

Since Xyla was discharged, and with the help of medication, her mental state had been doing much better. Her daily life was no longer affected.

This period was a rare moment when she was conscious and clear-minded. When she heard what her daughter had gone through, she was regretful and sad, so she wholeheartedly took care of Cordelia. Although nightmares still plagued Cordelia, she was much more pacified after returning to her mother's side. It was just that she could not forget the man no matter what.

When it was quiet, and she was alone, she often asked herself. Could this one year of wonderful time not really compare to one identity? She knew that what she truly minded was him keeping it from her. "What a pity." Xyla sighed softly. "I haven't gotten to meet my son-in-law even once. Am I not meeting him anymore?"

"Mom!" Cordelia looked at her, suddenly at a loss for words.

"Cordelia, I think one should follow their heart." Xyla's voice was slow and deep. "Status, identity, and wealth are external things. A relationship between two people should be pure without these worldly factors. "Listen to your heart. If you still love him, you should be with him!"

"But..." Cordelia was hesitant to speak and pressed her lips together.

She wore some shoes to head out. "There's no more vegetables at home. I'll go get some at the supermarket."

"Oh, buy a fish too. I'll cook it for you tonight!"

Cordelia nodded in agreement, but her mind was still chaotic. Going out for groceries was only an excuse. She wanted somewhere quiet for some alone time.

She unknowingly sat for two hours in the park near the residence and totally forgot about buying vegetables or fish.

It was unexpected that she smelled dinner cooking from the kitchen when she got home.

Cordelia went in curiously and saw the tall and well-built figure busy in the kitchen.

Xyla pulled her aside nervously and asked, "Cordelia, is this... Is this my son-in-law?"

Cordelia tried to calm down her breathing.

"He said that he was Zephyr Hamerton and called me 'Mom' once he came in. Didn't even want tea and cleaned up the whole house.

'But... this couch here, I placed it in the center on purpose. He's pretty strong, pushing it to the wall in one go! How am I supposed to push it back!?"

Chapter 245

Chapter 245

Cordelia raised a brow and did not know whether to laugh or wince.

"He brought fish, vegetables, and a lot of other stuff. Our fridge barely has room!" Xyla frowned and pointed at the balcony. "Look, whatever's left is piled there! Did he move the supermarket back?"

Cordelia first helped her mother to sit and was going to check in the kitchen when Zephyr came out to serve the dishes. Both of them froze when they made eye contact.

Cordelia lowered her head to avoid his gaze and entered the kitchen.

It was a disaster inside. Cordelia chuckled wryly. She had to clean up the battlefield in the end.

She remembered that when they first got together, he was always waiting to be served like a master. The few times he cooked later, he messed up the kitchen. Cordelia could not figure it out then-were house chores that difficult?

She understood it now. Zephyr had grown up being served. It was already a marvel that he could complete house chores to this extent.

Zephyr placed the last dish of fish on the table and stood aside with his back straightened stiff and his hands grabbing the apron he wore.

Cordelia suddenly felt her heart soften and her eyes wet looking at him covered in sweat.

"Mom..." Zephyr's voice was deep. "What I made doesn't look good, but they taste decent. Try them!"

Xyla laughed and pulled Cordelia to sit down with her.

Cordelia bit her lips. He had never had to do these back home, had he? Had he ever cooked for his parents? Would he have to stand here to pander so humbly if it were not for her? They belonged to two different worlds.

Upon thinking of this, Cordelia's heart clenched. She got up and walked out with her head lowered.

Zephyr was startled before he caught up quickly. He wanted to grab her hand but was scared that she would be upset, so he asked, "Are you going out?"

Cordelia did not answer.

Xyla spoke instead. "Zephyr, why don't you take a walk with Cordelia? Or... you both might as well have dinner outside!"

Cordelia wore her shoes and hurried downstairs. Zephyr did not even get to bid goodbye to Xyla as he hurried to follow her.

Cordelia walked along the street, and he tailed her. They kept a decent distance from each other. Their shadows on the ground were elongated due to the sunset, and Zephyr gradually walked into Cordelia's shadow.

Zephyr paused, and a hint of a smile appeared on his chiseled face. He raised his hand, shook it twice, and its shadow landed on Cordelia's shadow. It was as if he was rubbing her head. Even then, he was already content.

Cordelia snapped her head back to see him acting strangely and frowned. Zephyr quickly kept his hand and coughed to hide the awkwardness. He then saw her heading to a cafe by the road.

It was dinner time, and the small shop was filled with people. Cordelia finally got a table, and Zephyr squeezed through a few people to sit across from her.

The owner came over with his notebook. "What are you having?"

Cordelia looked at the man opposite of her and said softly, “One shrimp ravioli.”

Zephyr froze before emotions surged within him. Shrimp ravioli was his favorite. Did she order it for him? Yet, she did not specify not to add parsley. She knew that he hated parsley. She also only ordered one serving.

She had most probably ordered it for herself. It seemed that she did treat him like he was not there...

The glow in Zephyr's eyes slowly dimmed as he sat across the girl with his head hanging in silence.

Chapter 246

Chapter 246

Soon, someone served a plate of shrimp ravioli.

Cordelia was calm. She scooped one up lightly. The hot ravioli exuded the fragrance of the sea. Zephyr could smell it.

He peeped at her again, but she was not looking at him.

His heart sank.

However, Cordelia suddenly stood up soon. She brought an empty plate and picked out the herbs on top. Later on, she scooped half of the ravioli into the plate.

She shoved it toward him and said, after a long time. "Eat."

Zephyr was stunned and smiled. That was the first thing she said to him since she was discharged from the hospital. He could not help but get excited.

He recalled the time she treated him to a meal at the Regalia Hotel. She had not had much, but she would fulfill his request. She had ordered lobster risotto almost forcefully. She gave half of it to him when it was served and ate almost nothing.

He suddenly thought this lady would not leave him even if he became a beggar one day.

She could accept a man who had been in prison before, but why could she not accept him?

He put down the fork and looked at her with all seriousness.

"Cordelia, I need to talk to you."

Cordelia suddenly froze. She looked around before lifting her eyes slowly and felt a little uncomfortable when they locked eyes. She was scared.

"Mar" She almost called him by the wrong name again. She pursed her lips and only called out softly a moment later, "Mr. Hamerton..."

Zephyr felt a squeeze in his heart.

"Just say whatever you have to say, Mr. Hamerton."

His voice was deep. "Cordelia, are you drawing a boundary between us?"

"I just don't know what to call you." She forced a smile. "I've been calling you Marcus for over one year, but now..."

"You can still call me hubby," he quickly said. "Just like before!"

"It's different." She was upset. "You're not my husband. I'm someone else's wife."

Zephyr was stunned. He felt empty when she retracted her hand.

"Cordelia, everything is still the same!" He stared at her. "I haven't changed!

"Do you remember what you said? You said no matter what I became, you'd still love me! You took an oath in the church!"

Cordelia took a deep breath to suppress her surging tears.

She had not changed either. However, she did not know how to face him since the sudden change of identity.

It felt like the same road that she had been taken suddenly had a change of scenery. She did not know how to go on. She had no idea what would be waiting for her at the end.

"I know I shouldn't have lied to you." Zephyr grabbed her hand in panic. "I planned to tell you everything after I returned from Centrolis this time, but Marcus' sudden appearance messed up my plan!"

"You had so many opportunities to tell me before he showed up!" Cordelia looked at him. "But you told me nothing! Why didn't you tell me?"

"..."

Zephyr licked his lips. He was rendered speechless at the moment.

In the past? When they had just gotten together, he had never thought he would be in this situation!

He had even been planning on how to get rid of her one day.

Never had he thought karma would come so soon. It was Cordelia who wanted to get rid of him now...

He lowered his voice and enunciated each word. "Cordelia, can you really not forgive me?"

Her big eyes were read, and tears filled them.

"Zephyr Hamerton..." It was her first time calling his full name in front of him. "This is a strange name to me. You need to give me time to get used to it.

"About the future, I haven't thought so far ahead. You know I'm not in a rush... Give me time, will you?"

Although he was eager to bring her back to Centrolis immediately, he smiled and nodded hard.

Cordelia was right. She needed time to get used to it and recover. She could take her time, and he could wait. At least there was an improvement tonight-she no longer repelled him. After taking the first step, Zephyr would not be far from taking his second and third steps.

He smiled while eating the ravioli with his head held low. It was the best shrimp ravioli that he had ever had!

A few days later...

Matthew brought up the matter of auctioning the land in Centrolis' western suburb during the board of directors' meeting.

"It's almost ready now." He looked at Liam, smiling, "The funds are coming in. The other companies are not our match!"

"Hmm." Liam listened quietly. There was no expression on his experienced face. There was a layer of glaze on the walnut he had been playing with in his hand.

Just when Matthew was going on with the discussion, Liam coughed and asked in a deep voice, "I remember Zephyr made a proposal on this land as well!"

"Hah, yes!" Matthew inwardly cursed Zephyr. "I saw the proposal. It was flawless. You've done well training him!

"However..." Matthew sneered. "Dad, Zephyr is still young. Also, he's lacking in gathering funds."

"That's right, sir!" Someone went along. "Although Mr. Z is capable, we need more than that in big projects. Experience of the elderly is vital!"

"I think the Vice President is more suitable than Mr. Z in this. We'll be relieved if the Vice President takes over!"

"I heard Mr. Z is staying in Jangasas for a woman? Hah, young people are emotional! I'm afraid we'd be at a loss if an emotional person were to handle this project!"

Matthew raised his eyebrows, looking prouder and prouder.

Liam had been expressionless. Although he looked calm, he was upset that the matter about Zephyr and the woman was brought to the table.

He glared at Matthew. His piercing eyes gave people a chill.

He began to suspect whether it was a trap that the former had set. He had promised to get Marcus to remove Cordelia, but in reality, he had gotten that woman to continue charming Zephyr? Liam hit the ground with his cane. Its low thud silenced the big meeting room instantly.

"Seems like all of you have come to a conclusion? So, Vice President Hamerton will be handling the project?"

The people in the meeting looked at each other. They shut their mouths.

Matthew noticed that something was off. Just when he was going to fend for himself, the meeting room's door suddenly opened.

Chapter 247

Chapter 247

Everyone had their eyes on Zephyr as soon as he showed up.

Liam's cold and strict face finally eased a little bit.

"You're back?"

Zephyr nodded. "Yes, grandpa."

Liam raised his chin, signaling him to sit. However, Zephyr walked slowly to the middle of the meeting room. He stood there and glanced through everyone coldly. The powerful aura he exuded was almost suffocating.

Matthew looked at him, stunned. The corner of his lips twitched as he forced a smile.

"You're back, Zen?"

"Seems like you don't want me here, uncle?" Zephyr smirked.

"What! I just "

"You're just worried that I'd steal my cousin's and your thunder, right!"

Matthew's face turned pale from the rage. He stared at him fixedly.

Zephyr walked over calmly, looked at his seat, and chuckled. "I think you're in the wrong seat. This is mine."

"You..."

"Although I'm lacking in gathering funds, you don't have to worry about that, uncle." Zephyr's eyes were deep as he enunciated each word. "I've solved it!"

Matthew was in disbelief. Apart from relying on his grandfather, what could he have done to gather the astronomical sum!?

Meanwhile, it was Liam's biggest taboo to get outsiders to interfere with their family matters.

Matthew smiled. He found the perfect opportunity to instigate the grandfather and grandson.

"Hah, you used the money from Chaiseland again? Zen, it's not that I want to lecture you. No matter what, you're a Hamerton. No matter what you do, you'll have to think of the Hamertons' interests! "Although he's your grandfather, he's still an outsider. He shouldn't be interfering with our family matters, right? The Hamertons are borrowing money from an outsider? How would the Hamertons' reputation be if this were to spread?"

Zephyr had one hand in his pocket while calmly playing with his collar. There was disdain in his cold eyes.

"Are you worried that my grandfather will get a cut from the project, uncle?"

"I didn't say that! But we have to have our guard up. Who in the world would complain about having too much money..."

Liam was looking more and more terrible. Matthew secretly smiled as he continued to stir things up.

"Dad, I don't object to what Zen is doing. It's just that the land is a governmental project. I'm afraid we can't explain ourselves if we bring in an external investor!

"Also, Yale has connections with the officials!" Matthew had a big smile on his face. "It's the right choice to give Yale and me the land in the western suburb!"

The directors began to discuss this among themselves. They were siding with Matthew.

Zephyr remained calm. There was a subtle, cold smile on his chiseled face.

The old man said in a deep voice, "The project requires a rather big fund and the interests of many. We'll have to be careful. I can't assign it to one person. "Yale and Zen are outstanding. Let them work together on the project. That'd be good for the company!" "Dad, what-"

"No need to work together. I can handle it on my own!"

The deep and cold voice stunned everyone. Many of them watched them fighting in a gloating manner.

Liam looked at him and lowered his voice. "Zen, what your uncle said makes sense. It's terrible to keep using the funds from Chaiseland!"

"It's my money." Zephyr smiled and signaled Robert to give out the documents.

Chapter 248

Chapter 248

The shareholders were shocked to see the information. The business proposal was complete, while the sufficient funds came from Donmein Industrial and Lyan Technology! The two companies had been listed. They were quiet initially, but they suddenly became the black horse of the stock market. They kept going up.

Nobody expected the owner behind the two companies to be Mr. Z before them!

"If I'm not mistaken..." Zephyr looked at Matthew, not sure if he was smiling. "You've been asking around lately that you want to meet the company owner, uncle?" "Y-You..." Matthew was speechless. He could not say a word.

Apart from the two companies, he had another investment company. The few acquisition projects he participated in before were listed in the document. The dazzling record was beyond reach for everyone. Zephyr spoke in all seriousness. "I've got the right to auction. The auction will only be a show. The transfer procedures of the land in the western suburb are secretly going on as we speak. They'll announce three days later that I won the bid!

"Uncle, the land belongs to me now." He smirked. "If you and my cousin are willing to work for me, I can arrange a position for the two of you in the project!"

"Zephyr!"

Matthew's face was flushed as he looked at him while gnashing his teeth.

Zephyr stared at him with his cold eyes as well. He was so cold, like a ferocious wolf.

Matthew took a deep breath. "Zen, you sure are good at keeping things! Not only this, but you even hid your identity. No wonder someone is unwilling to forgive you until now..." "You, on the other hand, remember your identity at all times, uncle." Zephyr scoffed. "That's why you're colluding with illegal organizations in the name of the Hamertons?" "What are you talking about?" Liam frowned and stared fiercely at Matthew.

"How do you think uncle got the money to bid for the land, grandpa?" Zephyr slammed a document on the table.

"Uncle has been failing in investments these years, but he only told you the good news. He lost so much of the Hamertons' money and thought nobody would find out!"

Matthew was drenched in a cold sweat as he fell onto the chair.

Liam quickly looked through the document. His hand was shaking as he squeezed the last piece of paper. Just when Matthew was going to explain, Liam tossed all of the documents onto his face! "You useless thing!"

"Dad..."

"You're stripped of the Vice President position from now on!" roared Liam. "My Hamerton Group will not tolerate deceitful trash like you!"

The meeting room seemed to be suppressed. Everyone watched whatever that was happening before them, stunned. They were so anxious that they could only hear their own heartbeat. Matthew's face turned pale as he stared at Zephyr as if he had seen a ghost. He was panting.

"Grandpa, I'll help you to your house." Zephyr smirked. "There's no need for any discussions anymore!"

Liam frowned and nodded.

After returning to the house, he leaned on the wide chair while Zephyr stood before him. He was the heir that he had trained himself.

He was a little confused when the latter exposed Matthew before all of the directors and announced that he had won the bid.

He was mature, not a man who would use such a radical technique.

Liam asked with his husky voice, “Zen, are you keeping something from me?"

Zephyr was stunned before answering honestly, "Yes."

"Just tell me everything."

He pursed his lips. His eyes were filled with determination, and each word he said was firm.

"I want to use the piece of land and the companies I have to make a trade with you!"

Chapter 249

Chapter 249

The landlord called, asking Cordelia if she wanted to continue renting the place.

She felt a squeeze in her heart as she had many memories with Zephyr there. Although she was mad at him, she did not want to throw those memories away. "Say something, Mrs. Grist!" shouted the landlord, "I'll rent it to someone else if you won't! The unit is selling like hot cake!"

"You can't rent it to someone else!" Cordelia slipped. "We signed a one-year contract, and it has not expired yet!"

"It has not, but you'll have to pay the rent, Mrs. Grist!"

"Don't worry. I won't owe you the rent!" Cordelia pouted. "I'll transfer it to you soon!

"Also, please remember that I'm not Mrs. Grist!" She raised her voice and enunciated each word clearly to the landlord. "My husband is Mr. Hamerton!"

"Oh... Okay, Mrs. Hamerton!" The landlord did not care if it was Grist or Hamerton as long as she could get the payment.

Cordelia sighed helplessly after hanging up the phone.

Xyla smiled and placed her hand on her daughter's shoulder. She asked while raising her eyebrows, "What did you say?"

Cordelia was stunned.

'What did I say?

'I said... my husband was a Hamerton?'

Her cheeks blushed, and she looked down for a long time. Meanwhile, her heart started pounding.

"Cordelia," Xyla looked at her, chuckling. "I know I'm silly sometimes, but I can tell that you still like him very much, right?"

"Mom..."

"No woman would call out "husband" simply," Xyla said softly. "If she calls him that, it proves that he's unshakeable to her. It's the person that she wants to spend her life with. "Cordelia, I actually think Zephyr is reliable."

Cordelia laid her head low. Sadness flashed through her big eyes.

How would she not know that he was reliable? It was fine before, but his identity was different now, and his standpoint was different as well. She was not relying on a regular man now but the Hamertons' heir. She only wanted a simple life but was destined to face a storm upon entering his world.

"Mom, it was just... a slip of the tongue!" Cordelia played with the corner of her shirt. "About keeping the house, I thought that since we've already signed the contract, we might have to pay for the breach of contract if we cancel it... The rent remains the same, so I thought to keep renting it!"

Xyla revealed a cryptic smile. Even the light in her eyes became complicated now.

Forget it if Cordelia was trying to fool someone else, she thought she could fool her own mother?

"You fool," Xyla said gently. "Sometimes, a slip of the tongue is the perfect reflection of what you really feel. It was something that you said subconsciously. You can't get away with that!"

"Mom!"

"Are you mad that he lied to you, or are you mad about his identity?"

Cordelia could not tell.

Xyla analyzed for her, "If you mind that he lied to you, I think you should just forgive him. He begs for your forgiveness daily and seems sincere! Also, who in this world has never lied? "If it's his identity that you mind, then..."

She pulled her hand and caressed softly. "Don't mind it, Cordelia. He's born rich indeed, but you're not bad either!"

"What?" Cordelia was stunned.

Xyla did not go on. She merely gave a cryptic smile.

"No matter what, it's hard to meet someone that really loves you in life. You should cherish it when love comes, or you'll live in regret."

Cordelia always thought her mother would never finish what she said. However, seeing her looking like she was in deep thought and blue, she dared not ask further.

She gave her medicine and helped her to her room. She only left quietly after she fell asleep.

She looked out the window instinctively. The street beneath the street lights was empty. There was nobody.

Zephyr was not here today...

She suddenly felt she had lost something and was a little sad.

At the Hamerton Manor in Centrolis...

It was quiet in the big study. One's breath could be heard clearly. There was tension lingering in the air.

Zephyr stood firmly. The cold gleam deep in his eyes gave Liam's heart a squeeze.

The baby that he carried in his embrace, the little boy that held his hand, the handsome young man that he sent to Walton himself... had become a man that was out of his control.

He never thought the weapon he trained himself would protect someone else one day!

"That's your condition?" Liam was shaking from the rage. "You did so much just to marry that woman!?"

Zephyr remained calm and answered firmly. "Yes."

Liam slammed the walnut in his hand onto the table. The cup on the table was crushed.

"Do you know what you're saying?" He was furious. "To lose your rationality over a woman, you don't deserve to be the Hamertons' heir!"

"Sure." Zephyr looked at him calmly. "I can release a statement to never inherit any of the Hamertons' assets."

"You..."

Liam thought he would trigger him, so he never thought it would backfire.

How could the Hamertons flourish without Zephyr? Moreover, Liam did not have another 20 years to train another outstanding heir like him. "Think about it carefully!" Liam said coldly, "If you cut ties with the Hamertons, that woman will have nothing. She will leave you sooner or later!"

"She won't." Zephyr chuckled. "She'd follow me even if I got to the point of being a beggar."

"You're out of your mind!"

"I'm fully aware of what I'm doing, grandpa." Zephyr enunciated each word. "I'm running the legal process to transfer my three companies to Cordelia. If you still refuse for her to marry me, she'll leave with the three companies and the land in the western suburb!"

Liam looked terrible. He held so tightly to the cane his joints were pale.

"I've said everything I have." Zephyr nodded and bowed. "Grandpa, Cordelia is an amazing girl. I really don't want to pass her by.

"I've already made a mistake by keeping my identity from her. I'll do everything I can to make her stay this time!"

He turned around to leave after he was done speaking. He felt much more relieved now.

He walked in the manor and lifted his head to the sky. He rarely had such a laid-back moment since he was young.

He suddenly wondered whether Cordelia was at the window, looking at the night sky like he did.

He stopped, looked at his phone, and hesitated before making a video call.

Chapter 250

Chapter 250

Cordelia was stunned as she stared at her phone screen.

A gentle, smiling face appeared on the screen when she accepted the video call.

"What are you doing?"

She said nothing and turned off her camera. Zephyr did not mind that as he remained smiling at her. His deep voice was electric.

"I'm taking a stroll in the courtyard."

Cordelia was stunned again. She looked at the screen. The courtyard was massive, and she could see that it was well-maintained, even if it was dark.

There were mountains of different heights and sophisticated buildings behind him. She could hear water flowing from the waterfall every now and then.

'So, this is where he grew up..."

It was heaven and earth compared to hers.

Cordelia suddenly felt self-abased. She sat on the window while squeezing the cushion beneath, feeling uneasy.

Zephyr did not hear her voice for a long time while the screen was turned off, yet he felt good. The reason being she did not turn off the phone-she was still there. He could feel her breathing and heartbeat through the screen.

He was happy just like that.

Zephyr chuckled. "Cordelia, how's the weather in Jangasas? Do you see the stars?"

Cordelia lifted her head and looked. Jangasas had been gloomy these days. The night sky was unclear, and all she could see were clouds.

"Look here." He lifted his phone to point at the sky. The stars filled the sky, and the night was stunning. "It's beautiful tonight. There are so many stars!"

She could not see clearly. She chuckled as this man was quite childish.

"Is it... cold over there?" she asked softly.

Zephyr was stunned. He then continued to speak while smiling. "It's okay. It is chilly when it's late."

"I see that you're wearing something thin. Don't catch a cold."

"Mm-hmm!" He nodded at the screen.

"I can't see those stars." She smiled. "But I can feel how beautiful the night sky is."

Zephyr sat somewhere while looking at the stars. "Cordelia, I thought about the 'Little Prince'..."

"What?"

"The little prince fell in love with a rose."

Cordelia looked down and said nothing.

"Do you remember this?" He lowered his voice. "My star will be just one of the stars, for you".

Her heart was pounding, and her earlobes flushed.

"Cordelia... To me now, the sky full of stars is all you."

Cordelia felt warm on her cheeks. She said nothing, but she felt warmth surging from her heart. She could not help but smile.

"What's wrong, sis?" A voice suddenly came.

Cordelia screamed from the scare and almost dropped her phone. Zephyr felt his heart squeeze, and he heard Carter's loud voice. "Are you not feeling well, sis? Your cheeks are so red!"

"Okay, stop it!" Cordelia scolded.

"You're on a video call? With brother-in-law? Why aren't you speaking?!"

"Get out, Carter!"

"Where do you want me to go? We're in the living room..."

Zephyr heard chaos, it sounded like pillows were being tossed, and Carter was begging.

"Sis, I'm just here to get water... How did I make you mad? Ugh!

"Save me, Zen!"

Carter grabbed the phone swiftly and turned on the camera immediately.

A happy young man's face appeared on Zephyr's screen.

"Zen, why haven't you visited my sister the past few days?" Carter chuckled. "I have good news!"