Ch. 251..260

Chapter 251

Chapter 251

Zephyr chuckled. "What is it?"

"I got admitted by exception!"

"Admitted by exception?"

"Yeah, University of Centrolis! I got into the medical department!"

Cordelia smiled and took back her phone.

"Carter really got into the University of Centrolis?" Zephyr was surprised. The boy was only 16-17 years old and had not even finished high school yet.

"Mm, the admission letter is here too." Cordelia was proud of her younger brother. "The professors from the University of Centrolis came personally for the selection. Carter passed a total of five tests and came out first in all of them!"

"Congratulations!" Zephyr smiled. His brother-in-law was quite like him-outstanding and enrolled in a famous university at a young age.

In that case, would Carter be moving to Centrolis for university? If Cordelia and her mother could come along with the chance...

Zephyr kept a straight face, but he was secretly thrilled.

He said softly, "Carter, let me know the day of registration. I'll make arrangements for it."

"No need!" Cordelia refused the idea. "Carter's already a big boy... He should learn to be independent. There's no need to trouble you, really! He'll sort things out himself for the day."

"Cordelia..."

"It's getting late." Cordelia's gaze was evasive. "I'll hang up now. You should rest early too!"

Before Zephyr could say anything, he lost sight of Cordelia on the screen. He stared at his phone for some time, his heart achingly empty.

Robert advised kindly, "Sir, Ms. Cordelia needs time. You should be more patient!"

"Mm, I know." Zephyr's voice was calm. "This is already much better than what I've imagined. At least she's willing to talk to me now."

Robert felt bad. Since when did his young master have to bow down so low to others before? Despite that, nothing in this world could compare to two willing parties. This was on Zephyr's willingness. Forget bowing down low-even if he was all the way down into the dust and Cordelia were to smile at him, he could bloom into a flower from the dust.

When thinking about it, Robert could not help laughing and quickly coughed to cover it up.

He asked, "Uh, Mr. Zephyr, since Carter's enrolling, do you want me to let the university know in advance?"

"Not for now. Cordelia will be upset if she finds out."

"Oh... Should I pick him up from the airport then?"

"What airport?" Zephyr frowned.

"Carter's coming, right?"

"Would I let him fly alone?" Zephyr's face fell.

Robert gulped. Did the man... want to pick him up personally from Jangasas?

The next second...

"We are returning to Jangasas first thing in the morning tomorrow!"

The next day...

Cordelia slept in and got out of bed after a good stretch. She had not slept this soundly for a long time.

After washing up, she heard knocks on the door and the door opening before noises came from the living room. Alarmed, she hurried out and saw William standing in the center of the living room, staring at Xyla with a dark look.

Cordelia ran over to hug her mother and looked at the man alertly.

Yelena was with William, glancing left and right once she was inside as if they had a treasure hidden in the house.

William said coldly, "Xyla, it's been years. Are you not planning to give it to me?"

Xyla was shaking slightly. "Heh, it's been years, and you still haven't given up!"

"Don't forget that I was the one who took you in back then!" William's gaze was vicious. "You said that you'd repay my kindness! But you still refuse to give it to me until now. Is this what you call a repayment?"

Chapter 252

Chapter 252

Xyla was pale as she trembled. Her eyes were slightly red as she stared at William like she had seen a ghost.

He had indeed taken her in back then, but he had also destroyed her! He had made her think that Cordelia was his daughter, and she nearly did not want her! Memories from years ago rushed into Xyla's mind like a tidal wave. The past pain and darkness were wounds and scars she no longer wanted to revisit in this life.

"Are you still thinking about that man?" William snickered. "He's long gotten married with children! He didn't want you a long time ago! He took over the Irwins and used you to achieve his goal, then kicked you to the side!"

"Enough!" Xyla screamed, covering her ears.

"I'm the only one in this world who's nice to you!" William's face was twisted. "Xyla Irwin! The Jenner Group's exploring a new market. If this medicine is successfully developed, then-" "Impossible!" growled Xyla. "Don't even think about it! I've destroyed it. It's not with me now. You aren't the only one who won't have it. Nobody from the Irwins can dream about getting it!"

"You..."

William raised his hand, but Cordelia rushed up to stop him.

"This is none of your business. Move aside!"

"I don't know what you guys are talking about, but please stop triggering my mom!" Cordelia was fearless. "This is my home. I'll call the police if you don't leave right now!" "Cordelia, you-"

"Dad!" Yelena instigated, "Stop asking this crazy woman. What you want to find must still be in this house. Let's search for it ourselves!"

William paused and nodded.

Cordelia was not expecting them to be so shameless and fought Yelena, only for William to grab her wrist and shove her aside. Losing her balance, she slammed against the wall. She got up despite the pain and frantically looked for her phone to call the police when the doorbell rang...

She could not hold back her tears the moment she saw Zephyr.

"What's going on?" Zephyr entered and saw the mess in the house.

William and Yelena were ransacking the place, while Xyla was in a corner with a pale face.

He was instantly enraged.

"What are you doing!?"

William snorted. "Marcus, don't poke your nose into this! I'm just taking what belongs to me today!"

"It's not his!" Cordelia bit her lips. "It's my mom's!"

Zephyr's expression was stern and brutal when he looked at William. The latter was going to keep rummaging when Yelena suddenly tugged his sleeve and gave him a look. "What's the matter, Yelena?"

"Dad..." Yelena gulped and was hesitant to speak.

"You're scared of him?" William's gaze was disdainful. "Hah, what's there to be scared of a thug?

"Brat, don't think that you can put up a front before me just because you Grists were close to us in the past! The Grists have long gone down!"

"That has nothing to do with me," Zephyr said coldly. "But as long as I'm here today, I won't let you lay a finger on this house!"

William squinted. "How dare you fight me..."

Zephyr smirked and stepped forward. His eyes were on William, but his hands flew out to choke Yelena on the side.

William was horrified.

In an instant, Zephyr crashed Yelena against the wall holding her neck. Yelena's face was turning blue as her breathing grew labored, and she could not get a word out despite her gaping mouth. "M-Marcus!" William panicked. "What do you want?"

"I just want to tell you." Zephyr took his time, his gaze sharp like a blade. "Lay a finger on this family again, and I'll choke her to death right away.

Chapter 253

Chapter 253

"William Jenner, do you want to bet with me?" Zephyr smirked. "Even if you and Yelena die here today, you will be just two more missing people in this city, and I won't become a criminal."

"You..."

"Consider who others have as support before you harass them!"

Zephyr's presence was intimidating, and William could not help stumbling back. Yelena looked like she was not going to make it as she flailed around.

Zephyr said darkly, "William Jenner, consider properly. Are you going to continue confronting me, or are you pissing off with this brainless daughter of yours?" William's knees buckled. His voice was shaky when he spoke after a while. "Let go of my daughter... We leave right now."

"Leave?" Zephyr cracked a grin. "Do you not understand words now, Mr. Jenner? I said piss off!"

He loosened his hold, and Yelena fell to the floor with a plop, scrambling away.

William did not get anything but was humiliated. When he left, his limbs were not cooperating, and he crawled out like a dog.

The house finally recovered its peace. Cordelia hurried to comfort her mother and made her lean against her with an arm around her shoulders.

Xyla could not stop trembling as tears streamed down her pale face.

"Mom..." Cordelia brought the medicine over and fed her frantically.

"Where's the box?" Xyla was frenzied. "Cordelia... Cordelia! The box! Where is it!?"

"Mom, don't worry." Cordelia held her hand. "It's with me. I kept it well!"

"Don't lose it!"

"I won't, mom."

"Cordelia, that's what I'm leaving you and Carter with..." The calming medicine began to work, and Xyla quieted down. Her consciousness slowly faded out, and her eyes fell shut. After she fell asleep, Cordelia left the room, laden with thoughts. She looked up and met Zephyr's deep eyes.

Cordelia looked at him gratefully and said, "Thank you."

"Is 'thank you' still needed between us?" Zephyr sighed with a frown. "Why was William here?"

"I don't know either." Cordelia was still frightened thinking about it now.

If Zephyr had not come and if her mother's illness relapsed, what should she do alone?

"He came in and asked... my mom to give something to him."

"What is it?"

"Maybe what's in the box." Cordelia bit her lips. "Mom values that box very much, but it's locked, and she has asked me not to open it."

Zephyr focused and vaguely recalled the box that was in their bedroom. When he saw the pattern on it back then, he thought it was kind of familiar.

"Cordelia." He held her hand.

Cordelia froze and wanted to struggle away, but he kept her hand tight in his hold, so she could not move.

Zephyr looked at her seriously.

"Cordelia, bring mom along and come to Centrolis with me."

"What did you say?"

"Listen to me this time." Zephyr was determined. "Whatever is in that box, since it's something William wants, he'll come back for sure.

"But I don't know if I'll be around the next time.

"The best solution is for you, mom, and Carter to move to Centrolis together." He smiled with a doting gaze. "Don't worry. I'll protect all of you. And I have something very important to do after you arrive in Centrolis!"

Chapter 254

Chapter 254

"What is it?" Cordelia was surprised.

Zephyr held her hand gently.

"You have to end your marriage with Marcus Grist right away." He looked at her. "You don't have to worry about this. I know how to go about it.

"There's one more thing..." He smiled. "Please take over the project on the western suburbs of Centrolis, Ms. Cordelia Jenner. Let the land unleash higher commercial value!" "What?" Cordelia shook her head quickly. "No way, I don't know anything!"

"No one knows everything naturally," Zephyr said softly. "Learn while you're at it. You'll grow fast."

"But-"

He said clearly, "Cordelia, you can do it."

Cordelia bit her lips and looked down.

It felt strange. Perhaps it was her inferiority complex. She felt like this was what he bestowed.

In spite of it, when he was not yet Zephyr, she had not felt this way at all, even when he gave her the family heirloom, his salary bankcard, the cafe...

Cordelia quietly pulled her hand out of his with a sullen look.

"Cordelia, I don't mean anything else..." Zephyr noticed that she did not look quite right and was going to explain it when his phone rang.

Cordelia took a glance at him and got up to take care of Xyla back in the room.

Zephyr picked it up. Nicholas was on the other end of the line. "I got you the people you wanted. They're at my place."

"Mm, thanks," Zephyr replied in a deep tone.

"Right. Do these people have grudges against you?" Nicholas snickered. "What do you want to do to them? I have all sorts of torture devices here. Should I carry on for you first?"

"No. I just want them to do one thing."

Zephyr ended the call.

Before he went to Nicholas, he returned to their rented home and found the marriage certificates in the cabinet. He chuckled lightly and grabbed them. When he was going to leave, though, he caught a glimpse of the carved wooden box on the side.

The copper lock looked intricate and most probably could not be unlocked with regular keys. What was it that William had his eyes on for so long?

Zephyr frowned, numerous thoughts flashing in his mind. It was just that he did not have the time to mull over them, as it was crucial he got what he wanted to be done.

He closed the door and rushed to Euforia.

Nicholas had brought all the people into a dark room.

Those people crouched on the floor with hands over their heads. When they occasionally looked up and saw the aggressive thugs with blank faces, they were scared upon meeting their gazes.

Nicholas watched from the surveillance monitors with his legs crossed and back against the chair. He sipped on the whisky when someone brought Zephyr to him.

"Want some?" He poured Zephyr a glass of whisky as well.

Zephyr shook his head and looked at the screen.

"It's these guys, right?"

"Mm, yeah. Great line-up on my side, huh?"

Zephyr looked at him and answered weakly, "These are just employees at the city hall. I asked you to 'invite' them over. This is a little too much."

"Well, you weren't this calm when you called me!" retorted Nicholas. "Weren't you fuming back then?"

Zephyr chuckled. He had been concerned about the marriage certificates, so he investigated how the marriage was registered back then and discovered that these employees were problematic in the end. That was why he had asked Nicholas for help and "invited" them over.

Chapter 255

Chapter 255

Nicholas rolled his eyes at him with a scoff and took him to the room.

When the employees saw the light at the door, they ran toward it.

"What are you doing!?" growled Nicholas.

The group fell to their knees on the floor. "Sir, have mercy! We don't know where we met you and how we offended you... Can you tell us?

"We'll do whatever you want us to do!"

Zephyr stepped forward and tossed the marriage certificates in front of them.

"This..."

"These two people on the marriage certificates would like to end their marriage." Zephyr looked at them coldly. "But the man isn't around. Give me the fastest solution!"

The group looked at each other in bewilderment. A light shone above them, allowing them to read the details on the certificates.

"Marcus Grist?" One of them recognized the name and asked shakily, "Isn't this... the son-in-law of the Jenners?"

"You know him?" Zephyr arched his brow.

"No, I don't..." The person was drenched in sweat and dared not look up while spilling the beans amidst the panic. "B-But a year ago, Mr. William Jenner sent his subordinate to inform us that his daughter wanted to register her marriage and asked us to accommodate it..."

Zephyr furrowed his brows, his gaze sharp. He casually stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. "How so?"

"The two parties wouldn't be present, and we were to register the marriage with their IDs directly..."

"Can you f*cking finish the whole thing!?" Nicholas smacked the table.

As if terrified, the person screwed their eyes shut and blurted everything else that had happened.

"I-I registered them! But I managed to check that Marcus Grist's ID had expired. He was marked as a missing person! How could a missing person get married? A-And we can't register a marriage when no party is present. It's the rule!

"So I-I... I made two fake marriage certificates...”

"What!?" Nicholas' eyes bulged.

"These marriage certificates are fake?"

"Y-Yes!" The person was close to tears. "Because I took Mr. Jenner's money, and I couldn't not do it for him. But what he asked me to do wasn't compliant with the rules, and I dared not break the law... so I-I created two fake certificates to get through it!

"All I've said is true! I saved the money in my card and haven't dared to use it over the year! Take it if you want... Let us go. We couldn't help it!"

Nicholas gaped, not expecting that this was the reality.

Zephyr, who stood on the side, looked cold with his fists clenched.

"So, these two people aren't husband and wife legally, right?"

"Yes!" The person's voice was shaking. "Marcus Grist and Cordelia Jenner... aren't husband and wife!"

The frown on Zephyr smoothed out a little, and the rock in him was suddenly lifted. Despite the elation, he had no expression and didn't utter a word.

Nicholas eyed his underlings and let them escort these people out.

The two of them were the only ones left in the room. Nicholas patted Zephyr's shoulder with a chuckle. "That's great. Cordelia has no relationship with Marcus! Hah, you've pretended to be that b*stard for so long, and you didn't expect his ID to be invalid, huh?"

Zephyr shook his head and cracked a smile after some time.

"Tell Cordelia the good news!" Nicholas said, "Perhaps she'll reconcile with you out of joy."

"It's not because of the two fake marriage certificates that she isn't reconciling with me," Zephyr said faintly. "It's because I lied to her."

"Then, what are you going to do?"

"I'm taking her back to Centrolis." Zephyr looked resolute. "I want her to become my actual wife."

Chapter 256

Chapter 256

Cordelia had been taking care of Xyla by the bed, but the latter did not seem to get better. The previous treatments seemed to have been wasted effort after William and Yelena came for trouble. No matter how much it pained Cordelia to see her mother so sullen and dazed, she could only force herself to perk up.

Seth asked the doctor in charge of Xyla in the past and specially asked a psychiatric expert. They came to the unanimous conclusion to switch up the place Xyla was living in.

"Cordelia, perhaps changing the environment will be helpful to her condition," Seth told her. "I've studied many cases that are similar to her condition. Most have differing levels of recovery after a change of environment.

"And she has had unhappy experiences in Jangasas. Don't let her stay around this place. Changing up the place or lifestyle will be beneficial for her."

Cordelia sighed and recalled what Zephyr had said the other day. Were they going to Centrolis with him?

"Cordelia..." Xyla opened her eyes and struggled to sit up from her weak state.

Cordelia hurried to help her and added a pillow behind her. "Mom, how are you feeling?"

"Suffocated," Xyla said softly. "I... I don't want to stay here anymore. I always remember how William forced me in the past..."

Cordelia held her hand. Her tears nearly fell with the pinch on her nose.

If Marcus had not held her captive, she probably could not have empathized with what Xyla felt. However, that experience enabled her to understand what her mother currently felt.

She was the same, not daring to go to the cafe after so long because she could remember how Marcus had almost assaulted her once she stepped in there.

Cordelia hesitated before asking, "Mom, what do you think if we live in another city?"

"In another city?" Xyla paused. "Where Carter attends university?"

"You want to go there?"

"I..." Xyla's voice went lower. "I want to be with my kids."

Cordelia froze and nodded in silence.

Carter and Zephyr entered at the same time.

Carter told Cordelia happily that Zephyr would pack with him tonight.

"That's not necessary..."

Cordelia was quick to refuse, but Carter was upset. "What's gotten into you, Cordelia!? Zephyr's kind to help me pack. Why are you chasing him away?"

"It's too late today." Cordelia avoided Zephyr's gaze. "Besides, with how little you have, I'll help you. Don't keep pestering him!"

"He can stay here if it's too late!" Carter looked at Zephyr. "He's going to tell me a lot about life in university, so I can get ready in advance, right?" Zephyr nodded with a chuckle. His brother-in-law had finally been a help!

"Carter!" Cordelia glared at her brother. "We don't have a big place. How's he going to fit?"

"He can sleep on the couch!"

Zephyr was rendered speechless. Forget it. He took back what he thought just now.

"If not, we can do it like back in your place!" Carter's eyes brightened as he suddenly thought of a good solution. "Zephyr can sleep in my room with me!"

Zephyr's scowl could not get any darker. How did the boy get into the University of Centrolis with that kind of intelligence!?

Before Cordelia could say anything, Xyla giggled. "Carter, stop messing with them. Go back to your room and pack up!"

"But..."

"Your brother-in-law's not going anywhere!" Xyla gave Cordelia a pointed look and said with a smile, "Your sister won't let him sleep on the couch either." "Mom!" Cordelia looked at Xyla in exasperation.

"It's late. Go rest with him."

Cordelia was going to say something when Zephyr went up and pulled her back with a bright grin. His brother-in-law was not reliable in critical times-he had to depend on his mother-in-law... Cordelia took him back to her room and stood there unmoved after closing the door. Zephyr looked at her and padded to her softly. She took a step back, keeping some distance between them. Zephyr was a little disappointed, but he kept a smile on.

"I won't push you," he said with a deep tone. "I won't ever do anything you'll be upset about. But you've got to at least give me a blanket and a pillow."

Cordelia looked up at him. "For what?"

"I'll sleep here." He pointed at the floor.

Cordelia's room was small and could not fit a couch. She thought that he would say that it was too late and it would be better to leave... However, he would rather sleep on the cold floor and stay around her. Cordelia felt herself cave in a little, and her hands wrung together nervously.

After a moment of silence, she took out some blankets from the cupboard. The blankets were thick, but it would still be cold and hard sleeping on the floor.

However, Zephyr was happy and content as he lay directly and urged Cordelia to go to bed.

Cordelia slowly tucked herself in but could not sleep even after turning and tossing around the whole night.

Zephyr was not asleep either, listening to her movements in the dark.

"Cordelia," he was heard saying huskily in the dark. "You're not asleep yet?"

"Mm..."

"Then let's talk."

Cordelia bit her lips as her heart skipped a beat. She discreetly got up to look over her bed. Zephyr had his back against her. As silvery light peeked from the window, his broad back and chiseled lines could vaguely be seen.

Her heart squeezed. This man used to hold up a world that was only hers for her. Now that she looked at his back, she suddenly felt like hugging him....

Cordelia lay back down abruptly and covered half of her face with the duvet, trying to calm her thrashing heart.

Zephyr asked softly, "Cordelia, do you still not want to go to Centrolis with me?"

Cordelia stayed quiet.

Zephyr took a deep breath. "I admit that it's my fault that I hid my identity. And I'll be honest that I didn't think of having any future with you when I first got together with you." Cordelia clutched her blanket with shaking hands.

"But I didn't expect to fall in love with you.

"Cordelia, I've checked it out clearly. You have no relationship tied to Marcus Grist." He paused. "So, can you give me a chance and let us go back to when we first got together?" "What did you say?" Cordelia was stunned.

"I want a chance to go back to the past." Each word of Zephyr knocked on her heart. "I'll tell you who I am at the first instant... and love you openly as Zephyr Hamerton."

Chapter 257

Chapter 257

Cordelia had mixed feelings. Her hands gripped the blanket tighter.

She had been seriously considering her relationship with Zephyr during this time and recalled what the old female fortune teller they had met outside the hotel said "He's your husband within three meters but not anymore outside of that."

She suddenly felt choked. That old woman had said that they would separate sooner or later...

She glanced at Zephyr and saw the red string that was still tied around his wrist with the dim light. She had laughed at him for believing that back then, but he was not someone like that.

He had chosen to believe it because he was too scared of losing her.

Cordelia took a deep breath. She was the same. She was scared of not having him and losing him in her life.

If life must separate them in those few meters, then she would fight with her all to walk into that damned distance!

She slowly popped her head out of her duvet and said, as soft as the night, "Zephyr."

Zephyr jolted and perked his ears to listen but dared not turn around, so he kept the stiff position.

"I'll... most probably move to Centrolis in a few days."

"What?"

Cordelia chortled. "Your ears aren't functioning anymore?"

Zephyr pinched himself to make sure that he was not dreaming and abruptly got up and stared at her.

"Really?"

"Mm..." She hummed in a low tone. "Carter's going to university, and mom wants to live somewhere different, so we've decided to move to Centrolis."

He immediately wanted to say that he would take care of everything, but it was as if Cordelia had seen through him and said first, "Leave this alone. I've found us somewhere to live and sent a few resumes out. Some companies should be asking me to attend interviews soon."

"Cordelia-"

Her voice slowly went softer. "We're just going to live in Centrolis."

Zephyr understood what she meant. She was just taking her mother to live somewhere different, and it was a coincidence that Carter got into the University of Centrolis.

These had nothing to do with him. She was not going to Centrolis because of him.

Zephyr was a little down, but he smiled shortly. At least they managed to close in on their distance. She was willing to live in the same city as him.

As long as they were together, he could take care of and protect her.

Cordelia called for him again, and he answered instinctively, "Yes, honey?"

Cordelia blushed in the shadows and said softly, "Give me your phone."

"Huh?" Zephyr froze. Was his wife going to check what he had been up to? In that case, it proved that he was still in her heart...

Delighted and surprised, he quickly passed his phone to her and told her that the password was her birthday. He then adjusted to a comfortable position and lay down, cushioning his head on his arms and smiling happily as he watched her go through his phone.

The screen illuminated her face and bounced off her shiny eyes. It also shone her tender and endearing look into his heart.

"Uh..." He coughed. "Don't just look at the texts. Check the emails and call history too. My frequent contacts are my trusted subordinates in Centrolis. All men! Then it's Seth, Carter- Oh, and Nicholas, he—” "Here you go." Before he finished, Cordelia returned his phone to him.

Zephyr froze. 'So fast?'

Cordelia's voice was barely audible. "I didn't go through your phone." "Then what were you doing?"

She pointed at the screen, and he realized that the date had changed.

Chapter 258

Chapter 258

It was a year ago.

"Didn't you say you wanted to go back to when it first started?" Cordelia said softly, "This time last year, it's when we got married."

That was their first meeting. Cordelia had come to that small cabin in the pouring rain, her white wedding dress stained with soil. The old folks in the village had said that people who got married in such weathe would not end up happy, but both of them were the happiest.

Zephyr was moved. He inched slowly toward the bed and saw Cordelia's fair hand that was outside of the blanket.

He held it while Cordelia pulled it back but gave up the struggle when she could not fight the man's strength, allowing him to hold it.

Zephyr's palm was warm and big, giving her an exceptional sense of security.

His husky voice came from the dark. "Since we've gone back to a year ago, let's get to know each other again.

"I'm Zephyr Hamerton. So, my family's kind of rich, but I'm not really ambitious. I just want to stay with my wife and let her take care of me forever.

"Darling," he said with an affectionate smile. "I don't want to work. Take care of me when we're back to Centrolis too, okay?"

Cordelia was silent, but her eyes felt hot. She felt like crying, but the smile on her face bloomed like a ripple. A voice in her had been shouting, 'Okay! I'll take care of you. I'll take care of you even if you don't go to work.

'I'll take care of you forever.'

Cordelia giggled as a drop of tear slid down her cheek.

Prior to their departure, Linda hugged Cordelia tightly, reluctant to let go.

Both of them had stuck to each other since they were school girls, their relationship closer than real sisters'. Now that Cordelia was leaving, Linda felt empty. Her eyes were still red when they got to the airport. "You've got to take good care of yourself when you're there!" Linda held Cordelia's hands and whispered in her ear, "Don't be afraid of troubling Zephyr. You were husband and wife for one year. And he looks like he can't wait to do things for you!"

"Mm, I know." Cordelia chuckled. "You don't have to worry about me!"

"How could I not!? Sigh, it's futile telling you. You won't go to Zephyr if something does happen anyway! Cordelia, don't be silly! He was lying to you for a year. He should do it even if he's to get the moon and stars for you!"

Cordelia giggled and held Linda's hands tightly, reluctance and longing in her eyes.

"You should be nicer to Nicholas too. You've been together for so long. It's about time you consider marriage! I'll come back when you have your wedding!"

"Yes, yes, that's right!" Nicholas heard it and ran to them. "See, Linda? I told you Cordelia's the most sensible and understanding! Heh!"

"When did you say that?" Linda looked at him with a disdainful frown.

"Uh... just now!" Nicholas grinned obsequiously and hugged Linda. "Sweetheart, I know you're reluctant to part with your best friend. I am, too. Why don't you leave your job? Let's move to Centrolis too!" "What are you going to do there?" Linda chuckled. "Build your gang there? The ones in Centrolis will gobble you up!"

"It's actually a good idea." Zephyr eyed Nicholas, and both of them went off to one side. Zephyr lowered his voice to tell him, "Part of your businesses can be transferred to Centrolis and transformed into legal ones. I've informed the relevant people in Centrolis. You can come at any time you want."

"Really?" Nicholas' eyes shone.

Zephyr nodded with a smile.

"But it can't be hurried. The procedures are a lot. You have to do it step by step. Ask Frederic if you don't understand something. He's a lawyer, so he'll be able to give you the most appropriate solution." "Mm!" Nicholas shot him a grateful look.

Although they were often shooting jabs at each other, none of them slacked when it came to doing something for each other at critical times.

Zephyr smiled and told him in a whisper, "Hide some personal cash if you can when your businesses all turn legal."

"Hmm?" Nicholas furrowed his brows.

Zephyr patted him and spoke wisely. "So you will have the money for a pack of cigarettes!"

Nicholas' face fell. That matter was not going to be forgotten, was it!?

Zephyr held back his laugh. "Don't worry. I'll keep it a secret for you. I won't tell Linda, ever!" "Zephyr Hamerton!" Nicholas said through gritted teeth, "Get your *ss on the plane. Scram!"

Chapter 259

Chapter 259

Cordelia received an interview notice from a company after settling down in Centrolis. The interview went smoothly, and she soon started working in the new company.

She took care of her mother at home after work and visited Carter at university during the weekends to bring him some daily necessities. The days went by in this routine as if she had returned to the pure and quiet time.

Zephyr kept her company quietly, never once disturbing her life, and frequently went to her place to help with chores.

Most of the time, he was not exactly helpful because Cordelia usually had to redo what he had done. It was fine when she was in a good mood, but when she had a lot of pressure from work, worked overtime and into the night, or had her menstrual mood swings... any gentle person would turn irritable.

Xyla usually stopped Cordelia when she shouted and yelled at him.

"Why are you raising your voice? Can't you talk to our Zephyr properly?"

Or, it was, "Do it yourself if you have the time to yell at him! Why are you so mean to our Zephyr?"

Or, "Don't think that you can act however you want because our Zephyr likes you! I'll get upset if you shout at him like this!"

Cordelia was bewildered. Whose mother was she again!?

Zephyr was always calling Xyla "mom" as well, so those who did not know better would actually think they were the actual mother and son.

Cordelia shook her head weakly and chortled.

Cordelia worked in a newspaper office. On her first day of work, her superior had already told her, "Young people should work harder. You ought to be able to work hard and suffer a bit. You should have a dedicated spirit!"

Everyone ignored this, but Cordelia was serious about it-she worked hard.

What happened then was that everyone thought that she was a cheap pushover. Her job did not only include drafting news, but she also had to do editing, typesetting, and countless chores in the office. Her coworkers were even asking her to water the withering Devil's Ivy. She also had to collect and send documents for them and pick up deliveries daily.

Her biggest headache was that her coworkers had an innate sense of superiority for being a Centrolis local and looked down on her, who was not from the city, alienating and discriminating against her openly and discreetly.

Sometimes, she was only in the pantry to pour herself a glass of water, but the gossipers in the office would surround her.

"Cordelia, do you have a boyfriend?"

Cordelia nearly burned her tongue as she chuckled awkwardly and wanted to hurry away but was pulled back by a fat woman.

"It's not like work's urgent. Come chat with us! Heh... If you don't have a boyfriend, we can introduce one to you!"

"It's fine..."

"Ay, why are you so worried?" Another woman scanned Cordelia from head to toe as she munched on some nuts. "Why would Cordelia not be able to get a boyfriend?"

"It's hard to say!" Another one spoke up. "I wouldn't want someone who isn't local as my daughter-in-law!"

"I know, right? They're hard to get along with, and their habits are different! Wouldn't we be 'helping the needy' if they happened to be poor?"

"Cordelia, I hear that you have a mother and younger brother in your family?"

Cordelia took a deep breath, wondering where these people got their news from. How were they so fast?

"Oh dear, a younger brother... That's like a bottomless hole!" Someone looked at her disdainfully and mocked, "Anyone who marries a non-local like her will really be helping the needy now!" Cordelia clenched her hands and loosened them as she took a few deep breaths.

She slowly walked to the door, her back against them. She could feel those arrogant eyes on her back when she was about to step out.

From the moment she joined the company, she was the gossip of the lot. To them, it was like non-locals were not humans.

Cordelia scoffed and turned around, raking her cold gaze across everyone's face.

"Ladies, you're right," she said softly. "I think Centrolis has too many non-locals as well."

The women looked at each other, not understanding what she meant.

Cordelia added, "Non-locals shouldn't be here, nor should they have built this city up so well! These dirty and tiring chores should be left to you locals. You might feel more of a sense of achievement!"

The older women realized what she meant after a beat.

That was how sharp Cordelia was. She could insult people with a smile.

The women's faces fell almost simultaneously as they rolled their eyes. They were going to leave the pantry when they heard Cordelia say, "Centrolis is a globalized city that's highly accommodating. I really can't believe that such an accommodating city has narrow-minded people like you!"

"Hah, so!?" The fat woman huffed. "Non-locals are non-locals. They'll never compare to the local gals!"

"Hey, there's a delivery!" Someone checked their phone.

The parcels would usually be left at the reception, and the coworkers would ask Cordelia to bring them in for them.

These older women were unable to correct the habit and called out in unison, "Cordelia, go get="

"Get what?" Cordelia sneered. "None of those parcels is mine. Why should I get them?"

"We're colleagues!" Another woman stepped in to mediate the situation. "Shouldn't coworkers help each other out?"

"We're coworkers when you need me to do something, but I'm only a vile 'non-local' when I'm not needed." Cordelia smiled at them, but the smile did not reach her eyes, making the others shudder. Cordelia said coldly, "Sorry, but these parcels are best left to be picked up by you 'locals'. 'Non-locals' can't be of help.

"Also, save your worries. I don't need a boyfriend." She said clearly, "I have a husband!"

Cordelia twirled and left after that, leaving the women rooted and gaping.

Sometimes, one really could not be too nice, or it would be an excuse to be bullied by others.

Cordelia did not go for lunch during noon but went to a park close to the company. She bought a bag of bread and sat on the bench to feed the pigeons.

A pair of black leather shoes appeared before her a while later. She looked up to see the soft smile of a sculpted face.

Chapter 260

Chapter 260

Cordelia was stunned and straightened up, not knowing where to place her hands.

Zephyr took a seat next to her and scattered some bread crumbs to the pigeons before turning to her with a smile. "Bad mood?"

Cordelia lowered her head. How did he know?

"I think I haven't told you about my childhood."

Zephyr began to speak calmly. "My parents took a divorce a long time ago. I'm with my dad, but I often go to Chaiseland to keep my mom company.

"My mom's a feisty one, so she has never allowed me to be weak. As for the Hamertons, grandpa has been training me as an heir. Each thing I do, eat, drink, walk, posture, or actions, have strict regulations. "That's not all. I face internal fights with the family all the time.

"Whoever grandpa prioritizes, the easier that person becomes everyone's target."

Zephyr revealed a light smile, which was tinged with bitter self-deprecation.

Cordelia's heart squeezed. At that time... he must be a boy of only six or seven years old.

"I spent most of my winter and summer breaks in Melorian. There's a famous place called Rylands Square there. I feed the pigeons there alone whenever I'm in a bad mood."

Cordelia looked at him. There was a light wash of sorrow on the man's side profile.

Perhaps to the outsiders, someone like him who was born with a silver spoon would never understand the worldly sufferings, but children who their families hurt shared the same misfortunes. Cordelia quietly shuffled closer to him.

The sun cast their shadows on the ground. Although they were not snuggled together, their shadows were seamlessly close to each other.

Zephyr said softly, "Cordelia, if you've run into troubles at work, I can—"

"No need." Curt and simple, she refused in two words.

Zephyr frowned.

Cordelia looked up with clear eyes and told him softly, "I know you mean well, but I hope I can resolve my own problems.

"Coming to Centrolis is a new beginning for me. I want to test my survival ability."

Zephyr's gaze was deep and focused as he replied seriously, "You don't have to be so tough with me around."

"I'm not trying to be tough," Cordelia answered gently. "I want to have a world of my own.

"Zephyr, I know that I can depend on you. And you're a reliable man." She looked at him. "But as a woman, I can't lose my ability to earn no matter when."

Zephyr was overwhelmed. He lifted a hand to stroke her hair. This time, she did not reject him.

He still had a straight face, but his insides bloomed like a flower.

"Cordelia, I just don't want you to work so hard."

"I have to learn how to walk on my own." She chuckled, "And from what I hear, you Hamertons aren't easy to handle. If I can't even overcome this small storm out here, where do I gain the confidence to face them in the future?"

Zephyr paused and stared at her. "What did you say?"

"I said, I want to be prepared to enter your world."

Zephyr's heart thumped, emotions rippling in his deep eyes.

Cordelia turned away and smiled at the pigeons farther off. As the sun shone on her, her pure and beautiful face brightened his gloomy world instantly.

A long moment later, she looked at him, honest and open.

"I did plan to leave you when I found out about your real identity. I just wanted an ordinary life. I didn't want to marry a rich man."

Zephyr nodded. He had thought about it. If she could not accept him anyway, he would give up everything related to the Hamertons and become a regular husband and wife with her.

"What changed your mind then?" He took the opportunity to sit closer to her.

"Because I realize later that..." Cordelia looked up at him with her pretty eyes. "I can't go without you."