Ch. 261..270

Chapter 261

Chapter 261

Zephyr felt a squeeze in his heart.

Cordelia looked down, blinking with her long lashes as if a butterfly was flapping its wings.

She said softly, "I later found out that... status and name are just a person's label. No matter whether you're rich or poor, or you're Zephyr or Marcus, it's not important.

"The important thing is that you've never changed from the beginning until now... Neither have I."

Zephyr looked at her and held her hand. She looked at him, chuckling, and held his hand tightly.

"Do you forgive me, Cordelia?"

"I've never blamed you. It's just that I couldn't accept the change of your identity that came out of nowhere." She pursed her lips. "But I need more time... Can you wait?" "Yes! Of course I can!" He was willing to wait for her forever.

He hugged her tightly, afraid that it was a dream.

"Cordelia, you won't leave me, right?" He confirmed it again as he was worried.

Cordelia smiled. "I won't."

"You won't leave me no matter what I become, right?"

She was stunned. Why was he asking stupid questions like this again? It was the same question that he had asked at the church last time!

"Zen, didn't you record it before? You have the proof, yet you're asking me the same thing again?"

He took out his phone and laughed happily.

At that moment, the pigeons around them flew away as if they were scared! There was a strange noise coming from the bushes. Subsequently, with a thud...

A person fell from the bushes. He happened to fall and kneel before them!

Cordelia was shocked. Zephyr had his guard up immediately and protected her!

They were even more surprised when they saw who it was.

"Josiah?"

The man got up from the ground while rubbing his knee. Some leaves were stuck in his hair as he revealed an awkward but courteous smile at them. "Z... Hah, Cordelia. Are you guys... feeding the pigeons?"

Zephyr looked scarily terrible.

Josiah was just smiling.

Fredric walked from not far away and released a long sigh. He said helplessly, "Z, Josiah called me 20 minutes ago saying that Cordelia is sitting here alone, and she seemed moody. He was worried that something might happen to her, so he got me here to monitor her.

"When I arrived, we found out that you were here. I wanted to take him away, but he insisted on watching. I couldn't make him leave!"

"You!" Josiah widened his eyes.

'As if you didn't want to watch!'

Zephyr ignored them. He turned his head and held Cordelia's hand, afraid she was startled.

However, she was calm.

She looked at Josiah and then Fredric. Her big eyes looked around before she smiled. "I've met Mr. Constable. You're the lawyer who assists in criminal cases, right?"

Fredric revealed an awkward look. He was not sure if he should laugh or cry.

"As for Mr. Bayer..." Cordelia looked at Zephyr playfully. "Is he the prison mate who often borrowed money from you?"

"What!?" Josiah's jaw dropped.

His fame... was ruined by Zephyr's nonsense just like that!

'Damn it!'

Chapter 262

Chapter 262

"Since you guys have gotten familiar with each other, let me introduce all of you again," Zephyr chuckled. "Attorney Constable is popular in Centrolis and Jangasas. He charges by the second. "While Mr. Bayer..." He looked at Cordelia. "You know everything about him like the back of your hand, and there was a car accident that happened. I guess I don't have to introduce him." Josiah's expression changed. He said innocently, "Why not!? The stuff you find on the Internet is not true! I'm not as they describe me to be!

"Cordelia, I must introduce myself again! Although I look flirty, I'm actually loyal! Also, as I'm too good-looking, people are often jealous of me, including this Mr. Hamerton- Ouch!" Before he was done, Fredric hit him on his head, and Zephyr showed him an annoyed face.

He felt wronged. Sigh, it became a crime that he was good-looking. He was being picked on just because he was good-looking!

Nelly rushed into Yale's residence, ignoring the guards out there.

She saw scattered clothes everywhere as soon as she entered the living room. A piece of red lingerie almost tripped her.

Her face dimmed as she walked on the marble floor on her heels.

Yale was pressing a woman against a wide couch, kissing her.

Nelly was disgusted. She turned around and coughed hard.

Yale lifted his head from the indulgence and squinted. He got up after looking.

"Sir..." The woman wanted to pull him back.

He picked up the clothes and tossed them at her, revealing a smirk.

Nelly crossed her arms as she listened to the commotion behind her.

"Are you done!?" she roared.

Yelena had just put on her clothes. She was pissed to hear that demeaning tone.

She was just getting intimate with Yale, and this b*tch interrupted them! Who exactly was this woman to be coming to Yale's place as she wished!?

She bit her lip, stood up quickly, walked to Nelly in a flirty manner, and took a good look at her.

'Hah, she is nothing! She is dressed up well, that's all. The branded stuff she wears might be fake!'

The latter peeped at her as well. The rage surged in her when she saw Yelena's arrogant stance. She stared at her and scoffed.

Yelena picked up the glass, pretending to drink the water in it. She "accidentally" spilled the water on Nelly!

"What are you doing!?" Nelly screamed, "You must've done it on purpose!"

"Hey, I'm sorry." Yelena said with disdain, "Are you alright, miss? Tsk, tsk... Your clothes are wet now. I wonder if the color will fade."

"You!"

Nobody had ever mocked Nelly before!

"Miss, you came in unannounced and ruined our fun. Aren't you going to apologize? You sure are rude!"

"Who are you even to be lecturing me!?" Nelly was curious. "Yale's taste is getting worse. He's bringing just anyone home now. Disgusting!" "Y-You b*tch!"

"You seamless sl*t!"

"I'm gonna kill you!"

Yelena tried hitting her, and Nelly did not back off. She pulled Yelena's hair and slapped her twice!

The two women started fighting, and screams filled the entire living room. The guards were dumbstruck when they rushed in.

Meanwhile, Yale watched them fight while crossing his leg. A cunning grin appeared at the corner of his lips.

Chapter 263

Chapter 263

In the end, Yelena was not Nelly's match. She got scratches all over her face.

At that moment, Yale signaled his guards to pull them apart. They took Yelena out.

She struggled while screaming, "Sir, why aren't you helping me!? Sir="

Soon, the voice disappeared in Yale's residence.

Nelly growled at her. After getting the towel from the maid, she glared at Yale, who was sitting on the couch at the side of her eye.

"Are you dead!?" The rage in her surged again. "You just watched that b*tch hit me?"

Yale smirked. "Ms. Tanner, you can fight, so why didn't you show her mercy!?"

"Yale!"

"Okay, don't be mad!" Yale got someone to serve tea. "Drink this to calm down."

Nelly rolled her eyes at him. She remained still.

She came here today to get an explanation from him.

Yale kept saying that he could get rid of Cordelia for her and take Zephyr back. It had been so long. Not only did he not get rid of Cordelia, but she was in Centrolis now! She was pissed.

Nelly glared fixedly at Yale with her bloodshot eyes as she gnashed her teeth. "Mr. Hamerton, my family paid quite a lot to you and your father! Are you going to do something about it?" "What are you talking about, cousin-in-law?" Yale stretched and leaned on the couch with his head back. "Since my grandpa fired my dad, we no longer have power in the board of directors!" "So, you can't do my thing anymore?"

"No matter what, Zephyr is alert now." Yale scoffed. "It's impossible to get rid of Cordelia now!"

Nelly's face turned pale. She wanted to kill him.

"However..." Yale looked at her. "Your goal is to be his wife, isn't it? As long as you perform well for him, it's possible that he'll marry you!"

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it, cousin-in-law. To Zephyr, what is his priority now? It's Cordelia, of course!

"As long as she's in trouble and you get her out of it, you'll show Zen that you're capable!"

Nelly clenched her fists upon coming to a realization.

Although she did not like this roundabout way of doing things, that was the only way to get Zephyr back right now.

If she showed herself to be generous and took the initiative to be good to Cordelia, he would let his guard down.

Given the support from the Hamertons and Tanners, she still stood a chance!

When she became his wife, killing Cordelia would be easier than killing an ant!

She revealed a cunning smirk and sipped the tea.

Nelly smiled and said, "Cousin-in-law, if something happens to that b*tch now, won't Z turn the entire Centrolis upside down?"

"How can we really do something to her?" Yale peeped at her. "Just give her painless trouble!"

"Such as?"

"I heard she has a brother who got into the University of Centrolis. Maybe you should do something to that boy. Hah, your family members are on the university's board of trustees. Isn't it a piece of cake to stir something?"

Later, Nelly would solve the trouble so Cordelia would be grateful to her, while Zephyr would let his guard down against her.

Nelly smiled. "Thanks for the advice. When all is done, my family will do our best to restore uncle's power on the board of directors!"

Chapter 264

Chapter 264

When Cordelia got off work and returned home, she saw that Zephyr was playing a card game with her mother.

The card game was unique, with complicated rules. It tested a person's logical thinking and patience. Her mother taught her to play it when she was young, but she could never learn. Xyla never played the card game again from then on.

Never had she thought they were having fun.

Peals of laughter came from the living room. Zephyr was smart enough to lose every round in a subtle way. He made her spend some effort before winning.

Xyla was over the moon. The more she looked, the more she liked her son-in-law.

After the round ended and when Zephyr was going to shuffle the cards, he suddenly noticed Cordelia standing not far away. He got up immediately and chuckled. "You're home?" "Hey, you got off work early?" Xyla smiled while drawing the cards. "Zen has been playing with me the entire afternoon. I think he's exhausted. Make him something to eat now!" Cordelia was rendered speechless.

She smiled and asked in a testing manner, "Mom, I was at work the entire day. I'm exhausted too!"

"Are you more tired than him?" Xyla raised her voice. "Do you know how brain-draining this card game is? You couldn't get it after I taught you 800 times when you were young. He got it after I taught him one time!"

Cordelia was rendered speechless again.

Zephyr was a little proud. However, when he saw Cordelia, he suppressed his smile immediately and followed her to the bedroom.

She put down her bag and sat at the table. She looked tired.

He walked behind her and massaged her softly. His hands usually looked powerful, but when they became gentle upon reaching her shoulders.

Cordelia took a deep breath and thought the strength was perfect. It was nice, so she closed her eyes to enjoy it.

"Rest. No need to cook," he said in a deep voice. "I'll get people from the hotel to send dinner."

"What about you?"

"I won't be staying here tonight."

She was stunned and got up to look at him for a while. She suddenly thought something was off.

"Why are you wearing this?"

He smiled. It was the suit she had bought him.

"Also this..." Cordelia noticed that he was wearing the belt that she had gotten him!

"What are you doing tonight?"

"We have a family dinner tonight," Zephyr explained softly. "I have to go to the Hamerton Manor tonight, to my home."

She nodded.

He held her small hand, and his thumb caressed the back of her hand. "If you want, I'll be more than happy to bring you along, but I know you won't come. "So, I wore the clothes that you bought me, imagining you're right next to me."

Cordelia smiled.

But he was going to a family dinner. How could he dress like this?

Forget she did not know in the past. Now only did she realize that the over $1,000 suit that pained her to buy was nothing to the Hamertons. "Zen." She called him softly.

"Hmm?"

"Change what you're wearing. It's embarrassing!"

He smiled. "I'm proud to wear the clothes my wife picked for me!"

"But..."

"It's priceless to me," he said in a deep voice and with a smile. "You'll have to buy more for me. I need a pair of leather shoes."

She looked up. "I can't afford it, Mr. Z!"

Zephyr approached her and quietly placed his hand on her waist.

"You said you'd take care of me for the rest of my life."

"You're too expensive to keep." Cordelia said, "I don't want to take care of you anymore."

He panicked. "No! I don't spend a lot, and I don't eat a lot! You have to take care of me!"

"Then can you eat less from now on?"

He nodded in all seriousness. "Yes! I definitely can!"

Cordelia laughed out loud. She was blushing.

Zephyr looked at her blankly. He only snapped back to his senses a while later. He then chuckled too. Intimacy was surging in the air. They were getting closer and closer to each other without them realizing it.

"Cordelia!" Xyla's voice suddenly came from outside. "Have you made dinner for Zen?"

Cordelia was stunned and pushed Zephyr away. Her heart was pounding.

She turned around to leave and returned after explaining to her mother. She locked eyes with Zephyr's deep eyes.

"Have you been busy at work?" He took the initiative to change the subject.

"It's okay." She sat at the table again. "I did a few mini interviews, and I've many drafts to write, then...

"There's an exclusive interview next week."

Zephyr looked at her, turning on her computer. A man's pictures and information appeared on the screen again.

This time, she seemed to be interviewing the best actor, Neil Harris.

Zephyr's face dimmed again as a wave of jealousy surged in him. He was on the verge of exploding.

"You're... interviewing him?" He tried his best to calm down.

Neil was a popular, good-looking man in the industry, and he was known to be loved by all. His image had always been the humble and polite young man, and he had won five important Best Actor awards when he was so young.

Cordelia had to thoroughly prepare before interviewing him, just like when she memorized Josiah's information like the back of her hand.

Then they would talk face to face. As an outstanding reporter, she would definitely not allow any moment of awkward silence. She would try her best to find something to talk about, to chat with him. Zephyr took a deep breath and stood quietly behind her in silence.

Cordelia felt something was off. When she turned her head, she almost jumped due to his grim face!

"W-Why are you staring at me like that?"

He said nothing.

Cordelia looked at her computer and then at him. She instantly understood now.

She was not sure whether to laugh or cry. "This is my job! Also, he's the best actor, and I'm just a regular reporter. I might not be able to set an interview with him!"

Zephyr was stunned. "Then why did your boss give you the mission?"

"To trouble me, I guess!" Cordelia smiled.

She had interviewed a few influencers and had taken some exclusive interviews before. Her boss was happy with the high ratings due to her unique angle and fresh interview style. However, she had been excluded from the beginning, so she became an eyesore to some of the experienced reporters. It was them who suggested to the boss to interview Neil.

"If I can set an interview with him, then they'll take the credit, saying that the experienced reporters will have to take it. If I can't set an interview, I'll fall into their trap, whereby they'll say that I'm incapable." Cordelia had seen through their intentions. "No matter what, everything I do is wrong."

Zephyr smirked and placed one hand on her shoulder. "So, what are you going to do?" "It's better to try than not!" She smiled carefreely. "What if I make it?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Zen." She turned her head and looked at him with her bright eyes. "W-Will you help me?"

Chapter 265

Chapter 265

Zephyr was stunned. "What did you say?"

"Will you help me?"

'Of course, I will!' he screamed inside.

However, he remained calm on the surface. He coughed and said in a deep voice, "Why are you asking for my help out of nowhere?"

"Because..." Cordelia paused. "Apart from my own hard work, I'll have to make use of all of the resources I have to achieve something, am I right?"

Zephyr was quite surprised.

His lecturer had said the same thing in the first class of the business school. The right time, right place, and right people would determine one's success.

Cordelia looked at him with her big eyes and smiled. "I'm trying to interview the best actor! Given my status, I'm afraid that even his assistant will look down on me. This is certainly a mission impossible. Everyone is waiting to make fun of me.

"However, I have an omnipotent superman with me..."

She stretched her arms and squeezed his face. She was so sweet when she smiled.

"If this superman can lend me a little bit of his superpower to do my job, I'll be so grateful!"

"What will you do?"

"Don't you need a pair of leather shoes?" She blinked. "I'll buy you the best one!"

"That's all?"

"And..." She looked down and pursed her lips. "I'll take care of you for the rest of your life."

Zephyr's heart melted. He held her hand and looked at her gently with an alluring look on his face. He whispered into her ear, "Roger that."

He was getting his phone out as he spoke.

Cordelia stopped him instantly and smiled. "You don't have to call anyone right away. Let me try first. If nothing works, I'll have to get help from Mr. Hamerton!" Zephyr pulled her into his embrace while smiling.

He recalled what that old fortune teller had said. She had said that Cordelia had the life of an empress and that she was destined to prosper.

In reality, given her intelligence, she would give herself happiness no matter who she married. She was the queen who ruled her own destiny. Zephyr hugged her tightly. He did not want to let go of her at all.

The Hamerton Manor was brightly lit at night, like a dazzling pearl mounted among the mountains.

Zennie removed herself from entertaining. She could finally breathe. She saw Zephyr walking to her with a glass of champagne.

"Perfect timing!" She grabbed the champagne and downed it. "Ah... I'm so thirsty!"

He frowned and thought it was funny. "What happened?"

Zennie lowered her voice. "Brother, why haven't I met any of these weird relatives before?"

Zephyr looked over. Many people from different families were there. Although they were all Hamertons, it made sense that they had never met.

He did not even understand the connection and seniority of some of them, let alone Zennie.

"I don't know many of them either," he whispered. "I've only met some at the company."

"Family dinners like this are boring!" The little girl complained, "I'm gonna be so tired of faking smiles tonight!"

"Just bear with it. It'll be over soon."

"I'm hungry, brother. I want to eat the chicken chop Cordelia makes!"

Zephyr pursed his lips. He wanted to eat that too, but he would have to be firm as he was the elder one.

"Eat? All you know is eat!" He stared at her. "I'm warning you. Although she's in Centrolis now, don't you dare go to her just to eat for free. You hear me?" "Hey, you..."

"What!?" He stared at her again. "She cooks for me. You won't have a share of it!"

Zennie pouted and rolled her eyes at him.

Uncle Clark walked from not far away and said while smiling. "Sir, Miss, it's time to go to your table!"

Zennie walked forward while holding her dress. She slammed into Zephyr and made a silly face at him.

Chapter 266

Chapter 266

Zephyr smiled helplessly and was going to retort when Zennie suddenly came back and told him softly, "Don't get too worked up when you get to the table in a while." "Why?"

"Just..." She looked like she was anticipating a good show. "You might not be able to get anything in!"

Zephyr paused and walked to the table swiftly.

Well, Zennie was right...

There was a stern hint in Liam's smile as he took a seat at the main chair with an impassive gaze scanning everyone.

As for the seat that was supposed to be Zephyr's, Nelly was actually sitting next to it!

"Zephyr, why are you standing there?" Liam urged him, "Have a seat."

Zephyr's expression was dark as he walked to Nelly with clenched fists.

The servant pulled out the chair to let Zephyr take a seat politely.

Everyone's gaze was on him.

His relationship with Cordelia had gotten around the family. Every Hamerton knew that he had met the girl when he was recuperating in Jangasas. All of them also knew that he had confronted his grandfather several times for that girl.

Today, the patriarch of the Hamertons had actually asked Nelly to attend the family dinner... Was this not an announcement that he only acknowledged Nelly as his granddaughter-in-law?

"There's no loss in a marriage with the Tanners," someone commented softly. "Why's our Mr. Z so stubborn?"

"Hah, he's used to things going his way. What does he know about sacrificing for the family's benefits!?"

"Look at what he's wearing. That suit is of an awful quality!"

Nelly could not help glancing at Zephyr.

His clothes had always come from haute couture designers from fashion weeks, but what he currently wore... It was obvious it was something cheap from a shop.

Nelly began to show that she was able and virtuous. "Zephyr, this suit has a rather old design. Why don't you get changed?"

Zephyr paused and turned to look at her with an icy stare.

Nelly dared not speak anymore and quietly drank the appetizer soup. The others dared not comment more, either.

Wherever Zephyr was, there was an intangible pressure. No matter how spacious and open the living room was, one found it hard to breathe.

Zephyr suddenly spoke up with a faint smile. "Grandpa, it's our family dinner today, right?"

Liam nodded in puzzlement.

"Is it appropriate to invite an outsider since it's a family dinner?"

He was obviously referring to Nelly.

Liam's face fell a little as he answered, "How's Ms. Tanner an outsider? Since it's a family dinner, she naturally has to attend."

"Yeah, that's right." Matthew chuckled in chorus. "How's Nelly an outsider based on our relationship with the Tanners? She's not one!"

"Really?" Zephyr looked at him. "Not to you, Uncle Matthew?"

Matthew's heart dropped, cautious about the trap Zephyr set for him.

"Ms. Tanner isn't an outsider to you. Does this mean you already see her as a candidate to be your daughter-in-law?"

"You-What are you saying?" Matthew nearly choked.

Nelly was appalled as well, dropping her cutlery and looking at Zephyr in silence.

Zephyr ate calmly and suddenly looked up. His sharp and deep eyes scanned the place, and he smiled lightly.

"It's the Hamerton family's dinner today. Everyone here bears the family name Hamerton. I really don't understand why Ms. Tanner is here.

"You're the one in charge of the dinner guest list, right, Uncle Matthew?

"Hah, your eyes wouldn't be that bad, would they? That you can't differentiate between a Hamerton and a Tanner? Or... have you received so many favors from the Tanners that you see yourself as a Tanner?"

Chapter 267

Chapter 267

The atmosphere turned awkward.

Everyone stared at the dish in front of them, but no one moved. They all had ulterior motives and were waiting for the show.

As expected, Liam scowled and looked at Matthew sharply.

Zephyr snickered.

When it came to understanding his grandfather, no one in the Hamertons would dare call themselves the first if he claimed the second spot.

Liam hated his own family getting too close to outsiders the most. Matthew had once used the same point to attack Zephyr, claiming that he was closer to his maternal grandfather's family and stirring Liam's dissatisfaction.

Zephyr looked at him leisurely with a cryptic smile.

What he did today was just doing unto Matthew what the latter had done to him.

"Z-Zephyr Hamerton!" Matthew stuttered, "W-What n-nonsense are you spewing in front of so many people!?

"Dad, don't believe him. This kid... Hah, he's most probably upset and using me to vent!"

"You'd be accusing me now, Uncle Matthew," Zephyr said unhurriedly. "Grandpa has taught me to respect my elders since I was young, and I've always followed his teachings.

"Saying that I'm using you to vent, Uncle Matthew, do you mean that grandpa's done a poor job teaching me and made me someone disrespectful of my elders?"

"You!" Matthew suffered a great loss and could only glare, flustered.

There were people at the table who could not help laughing.

Liam's scowl deepened, and he slammed his cutlery down, the porcelain clinking loudly.

Nelly stood up and looked at Zephyr apologetically. She said softly, "I've lacked consideration and invited myself today. I didn't know that it was the Hamerton family's dinner tonight. It really isn't quite appropriate."

"Oh." Zephyr nodded. "Do you know that it's a family dinner now, Ms. Tanner?"

"Zephyr, you..."

"Hah, third heir, Mr. Zephyr, young, bold, and rude!" Matthew took a sip and recomposed himself. "Ms. Tanner's our guest. Are you treating a guest this way?"

"Speaking of hospitality, I certainly wouldn't be as good as you, Uncle Matthew." Zephyr smiled, wiped his mouth with the napkin, and got up.

"You should welcome Ms. Tanner, then, uncle, since you aren't exactly an outsider with the Tanners!

"I've had my fill, everyone." Zephyr raked his eyes across everyone calmly. There was a commanding sense even without him being angry. "Enjoy the meal. I'll take my leave now." Nelly quickly chased after him.

Zephyr received a call as he walked to the front. Carter told him in a wronged voice, "Zephyr, I officially received the school's letter today... They say that they're canceling my enrollment!" "What?" Zephyr frowned. "Why?"

Carter sobbed and could not make himself clear.

Zephyr could not help hastening his pace. He was the most worried about Cordelia right now. If Carter's admission was canceled and he were to return to Jangasas, Cordelia would be worried and might go back with him! All his efforts would be in vain!

He asked firmly, "Carter, where's your sister?"

"She's taking care of mom."

"Wait for me. I'm coming now!"

Zephyr hung up and asked Robert to get the car.

Nelly caught up and asked in concern, "Zephyr, what happened?"

Zephyr halted and snapped his head back.

Chapter 268

Chapter 268

Nelly could not help but shudder upon meeting his deep, sharp eyes.

"Z-Zephyr..." Nelly chuckled dryly. "I'm just concerned. You look like you're in a hurry..."

"Just something small," Zephyr replied coldly. "Nothing of your concern."

"Do I annoy you that much?" Nelly bit her lips. "The Tanner Group and the Hamerton Group will have plenty of business dealings. We―"

"You don't have to worry about this. I make a clear distinction between work and private life." His tone was indifferent. "Meet me in my office if you have anything related to work."

Nelly thought that he had softened toward her and agreed happily, "Mm!"

Robert drove the car over.

Zephyr was going to get in when he realized that Nelly was following him. He frowned and looked at her with a blank face. "Ms. Tanner, I told you that I separate work and private affairs clearly." Nelly froze.

"I'm going to take care of some private affair right now!" He emphasized. "There's no need for you to come along!"

Zephyr got into the car and sped off after that.

Nelly was left on the spot. As she watched the car vanish in her sight, she clenched her fists and looked resentful. She did not have to guess to know that it must be that b*tch Cordelia who had made the call just now!

She spent some time in silence and pulled her phone out to make a call.

"Uncle, it's me... Yes, how's it going with Carter's admission?" Nelly tried her best to lower her voice. "What? Hah, his admission is really canceled? Good, that's great!"

The other end of the line answered with a smile, "Yes, it's true. You can show yourself, and I'll get someone to recover the kid's admission. Mr. Zephyr will be grateful to you then!" Nelly grinned triumphantly.

Zephyr rushed to Cordelia's place through the night.

Carter was packing up, looking sullen. The admission letter fell off when he packed his books, and he looked at it for a long time, his eyes getting red.

"Carter didn't make it clear in the call." Zephyr looked at Cordelia. "What actually happened?"

Cordelia was moved upon seeing how he was sweating from the hurry. She pulled him inside and poured him a glass of water first.

"He's been going to classes fine this one month," Cordelia said softly. "For some reason, the school suddenly informed him that they would cancel his admission today.

"They said that there's a strict age limit for medical students. Carter enrolled skipping grades and doesn't match the age limit, and..."

Cordelia paused before she continued to speak. "They suspect that his results are forged!"

Zephyr paused with furrowed brows.

The University of Centrolis was a famous school with centuries of history. It was renowned internationally as well. Students were admitted based on their results and character, and the university had never set a limit to their age!

"I didn't forge them!" Carter was emotional. "I sat for the tests several times, and there were supervising teachers each time. There's no way I can cheat! Even if they ask me to sit for the tests again, I'm confident that I'll still rank first!"

"Alright, calm down." Cordelia hurried to comfort her brother. "This is really odd. But there'll be a solution. Don't worry!"

Zephyr squinted as a few possibilities flashed in his mind.

Carter was enrolled based on his talent and intelligence. There must be someone behind this sudden cancelation of his admission. This person must be targeting Cordelia, which meant that they were targeting him...

Zephyr gave it a thought and asked, "Who informed you?"

"The school called. I have the number on my phone!" answered Carter.

"Mm, give me the number."

Chapter 269

Chapter 269

Zephyr looked at the string of digits. It was from the University of Centrolis, but it started with 02. If he remembered correctly, it was the hotline of the university's board of trustees. 1/3 of the university board consisted of people related to the Tanners.

The corner of Zephyr's lips quivered as realization dawned on him shortly.

"What's the matter?" Cordelia looked at him in worry. "Is there something wrong with the number?"

"It's fine. Hold on."

Zephyr went to the balcony.

Cordelia looked at his back from the living room in a daze. The man made several calls and lowered his voice. He spoke unhurriedly in a composed manner.

'This is what it is like to be a king...'

Cordelia jolted and looked down, feeling her cheeks heat up.

"Carter asked softly, "Sis, do you think Zephyr really has a way?"

"Mm, I think so." Her voice was so low it was barely audible.

"Oh..." Carter nodded and suddenly sighed. "Cordelia, I'm lucky my brother-in-law's Zephyr Hamerton and not Marcus Grist. Sigh, it's better to have a powerful brother-in-law!"

Cordelia looked at him in silence.

When Zephyr came back from the balcony, he wore a relaxed smile.

"I've basically sorted this out. I'll go to the school board in another two days." He looked at Carter and patted his shoulder. "Stay home these two days, like a short break." "Okay!" Carter grinned, his heart falling back into its place.

Cordelia was quite surprised. He had resolved something so huge instantly? It would not be good for Carter if Zephyr had pressured the school using his status. After all, the one who stood out would be targeted. She also hoped that Carter could study and focus in peace.

How was he going to do that now?

It was as if Zephyr could read her mind as he whispered next to her ear, "I was afraid that you'd be upset, so I didn't reveal our relationship to anyone. Unless... you give me a status one day!" Cordelia giggled.

Zephyr held her hand. Her giggle went straight to his heart, breaking his tough exterior.

The doorbell rang then. Cordelia opened the door and was greeted by an anxious Robert.

"Sir, Elder Mr. Hamerton's asking for you. He's urged several times!"

"Mm, I know," Zephyr replied nonchalantly.

He was about to leave when he seemed to realize something and twirled around to tug Cordelia.

"I'm leaving."

Cordelia nodded. "Okay."

He was disappointed. "You're not sending me off?"

Cordelia chuckled with a hand over her mouth. She wore her shoes quickly and went downstairs with Zephyr.

The poor Robert hurried off speedily. He was not going to be a third wheel!

Cordelia and Zephyr strolled in the residential area. The place was not big, so one round took less than five minutes. No matter how many rounds they went, though, Zephyr was reluctant to send Cordelia back upstairs.

Cordelia halted when she passed her place for the eighth time that night. "Zephyr Hamerton!"

"Hmm?"

"I'm really going home!"

Chapter 270

Chapter 270

Zephyr held onto Cordelia's hand. Despite how tall he was, he lowered his head and grinned, staring at her. "Cordelia, see, it's so late now..." "Uh huh, so?"

"So, can I not leave?" He negotiated. "It's so dark, and it's dangerous on the road. Are you not worried that I'm going back alone?"

A giggle escaped Cordelia, and she laughed heartily.

She pushed him toward the exit, but the man was tall and well-built. She used up all her strength and still could not move him. Because she had exerted so much force, she lost her balance and actually fell right into his arms.

Zephyr tightened his arms around her waist, seizing the opportunity. His other hand went from her back to her neck and gently pinned the back of her head.

Cordelia could not help but meet his eyes, taking in their burning desire. Her heart skipped a beat, and she blushed. She averted her gaze elsewhere.

"D-Don't be like this." She gave his chest a nudge and felt warm.

They were outside, after all, so Zephyr did his best to restrain his wandering fantasy.

"Cordelia." His voice was husky. He helped her stand properly. "I won't push you if you're reluctant. But... can you give me a little encouragement from time to time? At least let me feel that you care about me." Cordelia pressed her lips together and stayed silent with her eyes cast down.

Zephyr took a deep breath and smiled at her, stroking her hair.

"Don't worry." He went back to talking about Carter. "Carter's case isn't something serious. I'll give him the justice he deserves after investigating it."

Cordelia looked up with a complex gaze. After some time, she said slowly, "It's my first time running into something like this, and I panicked a little. But the only way I could think of was to take advantage of my job and publicize this matter.

"But I considered it later, and it might backfire instead if I did do it."

"Mm." Zephyr nodded. He knew that she was smart. Out of curiosity, though, he asked, "Why would it backfire?"

"The University of Centrolis is an established organization. It does Carter no good making the matter go viral. People might not believe us and slander us instead!"

"You're right." Zephyr smiled. "It's best not to act recklessly when the disparity of strength is too much."

"But you settled it in a few words." Cordelia chuckled wryly. "I still have to rely on you ultimately..."

Zephyr held her hand and hugged her gently again. As her face was pressed against his chest, she was engulfed in a sense of security upon hearing the familiar heartbeat.

The man rubbed her hair, his voice low and gentle. "You're already doing great. You live well even without relying on me.

"As for this case..." He said, "Carter's my younger brother too. I can't just sit and watch him being wronged. Naturally, I have to do what I can to help him."

Cordelia beamed and snuggled deeper into his embrace.

She knew that it was her fragile ego that was messing with her. She kept feeling inferior from time to time before him. She also knew that it was not nice of her. This man had been doting on her, protecting her, and loving her. It was petty of her to act like this.

Cordelia took the initiative to wrap her arms around his waist, saying softly, "Thank you."

Zephyr smiled in contentment. Hugging her like this was like he had gotten the whole world.

Suddenly, two beams of light flashed on them before the sound of a car stopping echoed. Both of them froze as they watched a red Porsche stop in front of them.

Zephyr's face fell, and he unconsciously tucked Cordelia behind him.

When the car door opened, the first thing to greet them was a pair of stilettos covered with diamonds. Cordelia trailed her gaze up and saw a gorgeous face walking toward them with a smile.