Ch. 271..280
Chapter 271
Chapter 271
Nelly's gaze flickered with viciousness when she saw Cordelia. She looked natural again swiftly and approached them with a smile, greeting openly, "Mr. Z!" Cordelia's heart squeezed, and she looked at Zephyr instinctively. A woman's sixth sense was always sharp.
"Heh, Mr. Z!" Nelly stood before them and scanned Cordelia. "This is Ms. Jenner?"
Cordelia nodded politely as a greeting.
Zephyr did not look great. His brows were scrunched as he asked icily, "What are you doing here?"
"Grandpa's asking for you!" Nelly emphasized on purpose, "He knew that Robert wouldn't be able to persuade you, so he could only send me!"
Cordelia's gaze dimmed.
Robert was Zephyr's subordinate and the most reliable person around the latter. He could not do it, but this woman could? Why must the Hamerton patriarch send her specifically?
What she implied was simply that her status in the Hamertons and even Zephyr's heart was extraordinary.
Cordelia chuckled. She could feel that the woman had not come with kind intentions the moment she got out of the car. She had the full picture now.
Nelly approached Zephyr. "Zephyr, let's hurry back. Don't keep grandpa waiting!
"Oh, right." She looked at Cordelia and said with a smile, "Did you run into some trouble, Ms. Jenner? Why else would Zephyr be in such a hurry that he left the family dinner and rushed off?" "Really?" Cordelia glanced at Zephyr and tugged his sleeve discreetly to pull him toward her.
"I'm sorry. Hurry back!"
"Hah, Ms. Jenner." Nelly glanced at her. "If you encounter any trouble, you don't actually have to make Zephyr rush all the way here. It's the same telling me! I'll do my best to help." Cordelia replied indifferently, "Mm, thank you."
"You're welcome! I grew up together with Zephyr. His friends are my friends!"
Zephyr frowned, and his expression darkened completely. He was going to say something when Cordelia held him back. She hooked arms with him gently and stayed next to him with a tender smile. "You're wrong, miss." Cordelia spoke calmly. "I'm not his friend."
"What?" Nelly was confused. "Ms. Jenner, you..."
"Zephyr and I have exchanged rings." Cordelia's eyes were beaming as she said clearly, "What do you think we are?"
Nelly's face went pale, and she could not get out even a word.
Zephyr was surprised but gleeful. He took the chance and hugged Cordelia.
"Alright, hurry back. Don't worry about me." Cordelia turned to tidy his tie, her big eyes sparkling like the stars.
"Mm, okay." He smiled at her.
"Oh yeah, I saw a pair of leather shoes. Let's go try it when you're free. It'll match your suit if you have a family dinner or some other event again!" Zephyr nodded.
Soon, Robert drove the car to the junction outside.
Zephyr sent Cordelia upstairs and watched her enter before slowly walking out. Even when he brushed past Nelly, he did not look at her, treating her like air.
Nelly froze, unable to do anything. She stomped her foot, and her delicately face twisted in resentment.
The corners of Zephyr's lips had never once gone down on the way back.
Robert felt his scalp tingle when he looked at Zephyr through the rearview mirror. The man was grinning brightly like spring had come, and he was tapping the car door rhythmically with his fingers. He seemed to be... humming a tune?
Robert shook his head. He did not recognize what song it was anyway.
When they were close to Hamerton Manor, Robert braced himself to say something in order for the man to behave normally. "Sir, is there... Is there good news?"
"Mm." Zephyr straightened up and reeled himself in a little.
"Ah, what is it?"
"I'm going to have new shoes soon."
"Huh?" Robert was astonished. "Mr. Zephyr, you don't have shoes now?"
Zephyr frowned and grunted, "Those are too small, alright!?"
"Oh, sure... Of course!"
Robert was sweating. He would just assume that this man was still growing then. Sigh!
Two days later...
Zephyr met up with Murphy Tanner, who was on the University of Centrolis' board of trustees, at a private club at the bottom of Splendor Mountain.
Before the meeting, he had asked Robert to pull up all of Murphy's information and data.
"He's Nelly Tanner's eldest uncle on her father's side and has a say in the Tanners," Robert reported honestly. "But he isn't built for business and prefers playing with authority and power, so he stays in the University of Centrolis' board of trustees."
"Mm." Zephyr was indifferent with a deep gaze.
"From my investigation..." Robert paused before he said, "Murphy's a sly fox. Even though Nelly is his niece, he leaves himself a way out."
This meant that if Murphy had the chance and wanted to do Zephyr a favor, he would not keep these benefits for Nelly.
Zephyr smirked. An outsider feared a strong united family. One would not be able to penetrate, no matter what. Since the Tanners were not that, it would be much easier for him to work with! "Sir." Robert looked out and chortled. "The fox's here!"
Zephyr adjusted his collars and crossed his long legs at the table. “Let him in.”
Robert brought Murphy into the room and nodded politely before he left.
Murphy looked at Zephyr. In terms of age, he was an elder, but he still had to put on his best behavior in front of the latter.
The man's presence was that powerful. Just his eyes were sharp like blades and could cut someone open at any time.
Murphy looked around and praised. "Mr. Zephyr, you have great taste. This private club looks pretty low-profile, but one piece of antique ornament is already super valuable!"
"You're flattering me, Mr. Tanner." Zephyr's tone was flat. "I'll be direct. I'm meeting you today because I need your help with something."
Murphy blinked and pressed his lips together, knowing what it was.
"Hah, Mr. Zephyr, no need for pleasantries. Just let me know what you'd like me to do."
Zephyr narrowed his eyes and fixed them on him. His deep voice was nonchalant. "You know what it is, Mr. Tanner?"
"Well..."
Zephyr chuckled. "To be honest, it's for a student named Carter Irwin.
"I heard that the school's board of trustees unanimously decided to cancel his admission because he's too young?" Zephyr's icy eyes were trained on Murphy. "This is a first in the history of the University of Centrolis, huh?"
Chapter 271
Chapter 271
Nelly's gaze flickered with viciousness when she saw Cordelia. She looked natural again swiftly and approached them with a smile, greeting openly, "Mr. Z!" Cordelia's heart squeezed, and she looked at Zephyr instinctively. A woman's sixth sense was always sharp.
"Heh, Mr. Z!" Nelly stood before them and scanned Cordelia. "This is Ms. Jenner?"
Cordelia nodded politely as a greeting.
Zephyr did not look great. His brows were scrunched as he asked icily, "What are you doing here?"
"Grandpa's asking for you!" Nelly emphasized on purpose, "He knew that Robert wouldn't be able to persuade you, so he could only send me!"
Cordelia's gaze dimmed.
Robert was Zephyr's subordinate and the most reliable person around the latter. He could not do it, but this woman could? Why must the Hamerton patriarch send her specifically?
What she implied was simply that her status in the Hamertons and even Zephyr's heart was extraordinary.
Cordelia chuckled. She could feel that the woman had not come with kind intentions the moment she got out of the car. She had the full picture now.
Nelly approached Zephyr. "Zephyr, let's hurry back. Don't keep grandpa waiting!
"Oh, right." She looked at Cordelia and said with a smile, "Did you run into some trouble, Ms. Jenner? Why else would Zephyr be in such a hurry that he left the family dinner and rushed off?" "Really?" Cordelia glanced at Zephyr and tugged his sleeve discreetly to pull him toward her.
"I'm sorry. Hurry back!"
"Hah, Ms. Jenner." Nelly glanced at her. "If you encounter any trouble, you don't actually have to make Zephyr rush all the way here. It's the same telling me! I'll do my best to help." Cordelia replied indifferently, "Mm, thank you."
"You're welcome! I grew up together with Zephyr. His friends are my friends!"
Zephyr frowned, and his expression darkened completely. He was going to say something when Cordelia held him back. She hooked arms with him gently and stayed next to him with a tender smile. "You're wrong, miss." Cordelia spoke calmly. "I'm not his friend."
"What?" Nelly was confused. "Ms. Jenner, you..."
"Zephyr and I have exchanged rings." Cordelia's eyes were beaming as she said clearly, "What do you think we are?"
Nelly's face went pale, and she could not get out even a word.
Zephyr was surprised but gleeful. He took the chance and hugged Cordelia.
"Alright, hurry back. Don't worry about me." Cordelia turned to tidy his tie, her big eyes sparkling like the stars.
"Mm, okay." He smiled at her.
"Oh yeah, I saw a pair of leather shoes. Let's go try it when you're free. It'll match your suit if you have a family dinner or some other event again!" Zephyr nodded.
Soon, Robert drove the car to the junction outside.
Zephyr sent Cordelia upstairs and watched her enter before slowly walking out. Even when he brushed past Nelly, he did not look at her, treating her like air.
Nelly froze, unable to do anything. She stomped her foot, and her delicately face twisted in resentment.
The corners of Zephyr's lips had never once gone down on the way back.
Robert felt his scalp tingle when he looked at Zephyr through the rearview mirror. The man was grinning brightly like spring had come, and he was tapping the car door rhythmically with his fingers. He seemed to be... humming a tune?
Robert shook his head. He did not recognize what song it was anyway.
When they were close to Hamerton Manor, Robert braced himself to say something in order for the man to behave normally. "Sir, is there... Is there good news?"
"Mm." Zephyr straightened up and reeled himself in a little.
"Ah, what is it?"
"I'm going to have new shoes soon."
"Huh?" Robert was astonished. "Mr. Zephyr, you don't have shoes now?"
Zephyr frowned and grunted, "Those are too small, alright!?"
"Oh, sure... Of course!"
Robert was sweating. He would just assume that this man was still growing then. Sigh!
Two days later...
Zephyr met up with Murphy Tanner, who was on the University of Centrolis' board of trustees, at a private club at the bottom of Splendor Mountain.
Before the meeting, he had asked Robert to pull up all of Murphy's information and data.
"He's Nelly Tanner's eldest uncle on her father's side and has a say in the Tanners," Robert reported honestly. "But he isn't built for business and prefers playing with authority and power, so he stays in the University of Centrolis' board of trustees."
"Mm." Zephyr was indifferent with a deep gaze.
"From my investigation..." Robert paused before he said, "Murphy's a sly fox. Even though Nelly is his niece, he leaves himself a way out."
This meant that if Murphy had the chance and wanted to do Zephyr a favor, he would not keep these benefits for Nelly.
Zephyr smirked. An outsider feared a strong united family. One would not be able to penetrate, no matter what. Since the Tanners were not that, it would be much easier for him to work with! "Sir." Robert looked out and chortled. "The fox's here!"
Zephyr adjusted his collars and crossed his long legs at the table. “Let him in.”
Robert brought Murphy into the room and nodded politely before he left.
Murphy looked at Zephyr. In terms of age, he was an elder, but he still had to put on his best behavior in front of the latter.
The man's presence was that powerful. Just his eyes were sharp like blades and could cut someone open at any time.
Murphy looked around and praised. "Mr. Zephyr, you have great taste. This private club looks pretty low-profile, but one piece of antique ornament is already super valuable!"
"You're flattering me, Mr. Tanner." Zephyr's tone was flat. "I'll be direct. I'm meeting you today because I need your help with something."
Murphy blinked and pressed his lips together, knowing what it was.
"Hah, Mr. Zephyr, no need for pleasantries. Just let me know what you'd like me to do."
Zephyr narrowed his eyes and fixed them on him. His deep voice was nonchalant. "You know what it is, Mr. Tanner?"
"Well..."
Zephyr chuckled. "To be honest, it's for a student named Carter Irwin.
"I heard that the school's board of trustees unanimously decided to cancel his admission because he's too young?" Zephyr's icy eyes were trained on Murphy. "This is a first in the history of the University of Centrolis, huh?"
Chapter 272
Chapter 272
Murphy had been prepared and dished out the explanation he had already come up with.
"You have no idea, Mr. Zephyr. That kid doesn't just not match the age, but his results are forged as well. Hah, it's with consideration of his pride that his admission is canceled with the reason of age. After all, it'd sound worse saying that his results are forged!"
"Weren't there supervising teachers when he took the tests?"
"There were, but-"
"But you insist on imposing the blame on him," said Zephyr with emphasis. "So whatever he does is wrong!"
The reaction was exactly what Murphy was expecting. He smiled lightly, hoping that Zephyr's reaction could be bigger. This way, he could take the chance of recovering Carter's admission to bring up the marriage between the Tanners and the Hamertons.
Although he did not know what Carter's relationship was with Zephyr, he must be someone important to the latter since he came to him.
Murphy straightened up and looked triumphant.
Zephyr spoke clearly with a cold gaze, "Mr. Tanner, I've asked you here today truly because I need your help with Carter's case. After all, he's an excellent student who'll contribute to the country in the future." "Yes," Murphy replied with a grin. "Absolutely!"
"So you'll help with this?"
"There are ways, but..." Murphy looked thoughtful. "Who's this Carter Irwin to you, Mr. Zephyr?"
Zephyr's hand that had been toying with his lighter paused. He smirked without the smile reaching his eyes. He knew that Murphy would ask this and had also been waiting for it!
Murphy would definitely probe his relationship with Carter and then contemplate before he made a decision that would benefit him the most.
"Carter Irwin doesn't have any relationship with me." Zephyr's expression was indifferent, but his eyes seemed to say otherwise.
Murphy froze.
"It's a favor asked of me too." Zephyr pretended to be secretive. "Mr. Irwin has a significant background, but he's usually low-profile, and his family forbids him from revealing his identity, so he said nothing. "But that doesn't mean he's a target to be bullied!"
Murphy's heart began to drum as his brain worked quickly.
"Mr. Tanner, think about it." Zephyr chuckled. "If he was really related to me, would I have to step up and do this? I have subordinates waiting to do this for me!"
Murphy jolted as realization dawned on him.
Zephyr was right. Who was he? Who in the whole Centrolis could ask for his favor?
Did Carter have a military background!?
Zephyr smiled and got up at the right time, patting Murphy on his shoulder.
"Mr. Tanner, you have frequent encounters with this, so you must be more aware than me about the pros and cons involved... I hope you don't make a big mistake! Hah, if Mr. Irwin's family looks into this, I'm afraid the Hamertons will also be implicated!"
"Mr. Zephyr..." Murphy stared at him in a daze. "Are you... telling the truth?"
Zephyr did not answer his question but left him a meaningful smile.
Murphy wiped his sweat. He could not totally believe what Zephyr said, but he could not completely disregard it either. Nelly had just asked him to cancel Carter's admission with an excuse so Zephyr would beg her and realize how great she was. He knew nothing aside from this!
He could not call Nelly for a direct confrontation right now...
If what Zephyr said was true, Nelly would have dug him his grave!
Zephyr asked in a deep tone, "Mr. Tanner, have you made up your mind?"
Murphy calmed himself down for the moment. Even though he was doubtful, he thought it was more important for him to keep his place on the board of trustees!
Moreover, he did not have to offend Zephyr just for his niece.
If Carter Irwin had a military background, he would be making a huge mistake!
Chapter 273
Chapter 273
Murphy took a deep breath and nodded. "Don't worry, Mr. Zephyr. I'll get this done properly!"
"Mm, I believe that you're a wise man, Mr. Tanner. Then..." Zephyr sat back down with a sharp gaze. "Do it now!"
"What? Now!?"
"Yes." Zephyr smirked. "Make the call before me and get your subordinates to do the job. If it's not done today, I'll have to ask you to stay the night in this club!"
Carter went back to studying at the University of Centrolis.
Cordelia appeared before Zephyr gloomily after she had tried every way she could and failed to secure an appointment to interview Neil.
Zephyr took her to the theme park.
The big place was cleared in advance, so the couple were the only ones there. All the rides were open only for her.
Zephyr held Cordelia's hand to the merry-go-round. As she rose up and down on the back of the horse, accompanied by the dreamy music, she cheered up significantly. The man hugged her from the back, and warm breaths puffed against her ear.
"Hard time at work?"
Cordelia nodded honestly.
Zephyr replied with a smile, "Tell me about it."
Cordelia leaned her head against the wooden horse and looked at the faraway Ferris wheel with bright eyes. She chuckled bitterly after a moment of silence.
"I stayed up late to draft the interview outline, waited three consecutive nights at his filming location, and asked the seniors to recommend me... I did everything I could, but..." "Neil Harris still refuses to see you?"
To be honest, Zephyr was rather happy about it. He just felt bad about Cordelia's efforts and thus had a bad impression of the actor.
"Nope." Cordelia hung her head. "You know, when I was waiting at his house yesterday, I nearly got beaten up by his stalker fans!"
"What?" Zephyr frowned right away. "Did you get hurt?"
"No, I ran fast."
Zephyr turned stern and told her like it was a command, "Forget about the job. You're not allowed to do something so dangerous from now on!"
"You..." Cordelia stared at him before pouting pitifully. "Why are you so fierce... just like his assistant?"
Zephyr arched his brow. "His assistant's fierce?"
"Didn't even let me finish and hung up on me. When I called again, she scolded me right off the bat!"
Zephyr chortled.
The Hamerton Group also had a portion of shares in entertainment companies, but Zephyr had never managed them because he was not interested in that industry. If Cordelia had a need, though... His gaze was loving as he tucked her hair behind her ear.
"How fierce is his assistant? Take me there, and let me see!"
...
In the afternoon, Cordelia took Zephyr to Neil's studio.
The reception assistant did not know who Zephyr was but could recognize Cordelia and mocked her. "Here again, dear reporter? Hah, you brought a bodyguard with you this time?" Cordelia did not mind and asked with a smile, "Is Mr. Harris still busy?"
"You're really something!" The assistant rolled her eyes. "I told you, he's busy, very busy! Do you not understand?
"Besides, someone of Neil's status isn't for you to interview! Take a look in the mirror. Know what you are first!"
Chapter 274
Chapter 274
Cordelia frowned. Before she could say anything, she saw the assistant putting on another face.
"Hello, Mr. Findlay!" The assistant hurried out from the reception to welcome the man with all smiles. "What got you here today? Hahaha!"
The shrill laugh did not sit well with Cordelia.
The assistant had basically jogged over to welcome that reporter, and Cordelia took a glance. The guy was a famous senior in the industry who was well-connected with plenty of celebrities and big names. "Come, welcome!" the assistant said with a chuckle. It was worth wondering whether she did it on purpose-when she went past Cordelia, she knocked her with her shoulder harshly.
"You're finally here, Mr. Findlay. You have no idea. Some small reporters always overestimate themselves, coming here and causing problems! Hah, thank goodness Neil is free today. He's all ready for your exclusive interview!
"You write so incredibly. Which of your pieces doesn't go viral each time? Haha!"
Both of them went in, leaving Cordelia, who stood outside with her hands clenched into fists.
Zephyr went up to hold her hand and smiled softly. "Let's go."
Cordelia went out with him. She was in a bad mood and hung her head.
When they got to the milk tea parlor by the street, Zephyr asked, "Boba and grass jelly, which do you like?"
"Huh?" Cordelia looked up and met the man's tender smile.
The first day after getting married back in Jangasas, she had asked him the same question when she bought milk tea.
She grinned and pointed at the caramel bubble tea, emphasizing that she wanted it iced. She needed something cold right now to cool the rage in her.
Zephyr nodded and went to buy the drinks with an indifferent look. When he came back, Cordelia realized that her milk tea was hot...
"Eh?"
"No cold drinks." Zephyr looked at her.
Cordelia was stumped. Wasn't she fine?
"Whenever it is, no cold drinks." Zephyr held her hand. "Seth said that you're weak and should always keep yourself warm. So no more iced drinks, you hear me?" "But..." Cordelia pouted.
Despite that, she knew that it was no use acting cute or throwing a fit. The man was resolute once he got stern.
She sighed and slumped on the table miserably.
Zephyr rubbed her hair with an adoring look.
"You know how fierce his assistant is now?" Cordelia said softly, "I heard Neil's famous for being social and nice to his fans, but he has people like this working behind him! His future is worrisome..." She was obviously just lamenting, but Zephyr felt a different way as he listened. His gaze dimmed, and he asked in a low tone, "You're worried about him?"
Cordelia bit the straw in surprise. "No?"
He made a low hum in reply. It did not quite make sense for him to be jealous about this... He typed on his phone in silence.
A middle-aged man came in a while later and stood by the table respectfully. He nodded with a light smile.
"Mr. Zephyr!"
Cordelia was astonished while Zephyr said with a smile, "This is Mr. Smith from Wattz Media. He's currently in charge of the company's entertainment business."
Chapter 275
Chapter 275
"Oh." Cordelia nodded.
Zephyr looked at her, warmth leaking from his deep eyes as he held her hand in his palm.
"He'll take you inside later. The interview outline you stayed up to draft won't go to waste."
"What?" Cordelia widened her eyes.
The middle-aged man in front of her looked kind and honest, not one bit like someone involved in the entertainment industry.
"Don't worry." Zephyr chuckled. "Mr. Smith is experienced."
After finishing the drinks, Cordelia was again back at Neil's studio. She took a deep breath and walked in confidently, meeting the assistant's rolled eyes as usual.
"Goodness!" The assistant snickered as she munched on some nuts. "Why are some people like flies? Can't even chase them away!
"I told you Neil's schedule is full. He's busy. Why are you still here!?"
"But I saw a reporter entering just now." Cordelia remained composed. "And I just want to make an appointment. I hope that Mr. Harris can give me a chance to interview him..." "How could you compare to him?" The assistant glared and mocked her.
Right, she could not. The guy was a famous reporter.
Cordelia pressed her lips together and asked softly, "Does Mr. Harris know that his studio has such a judging and hypocritical assistant?"
"What do you mean?"
"If he knows about it, that says a lot about his character. I wouldn't mind skipping this interview! If he doesn't, I'm worried about his future. All his years of effort and reputation are ruined by you!"
"You-"
The assistant was going to lash out when a voice came from farther away, "Mr. Smith!"
Cordelia paused. The owner of the voice dashed over to the middle-aged man beside her. Said man smiled warmly but rejected the friendly hug and only shook hands.
The newcomer also seemed to be of status. Otherwise, the assistant would not look timid when she saw him.
"I didn't know that you were coming and didn't get to welcome you! Heh... Mr. Smith, you're here for..."
"For the exclusive interview." Mr. Smith took a step back and stood next to Cordelia reverently. "Ms. Jenner, this is the person in charge of the studio and Neil's manager, Shane Campbell." Shane prodded his glasses as he scanned Cordelia with a complex gaze.
"Our Ms. Jenner is just hoping for a chance to conduct an exclusive interview with Mr. Harris but is stopped by this assistant of yours constantly. I saw it all just now!"
Mr. Smith spoke with a smile but what he said felt like a stone thrown at them.
"If you don't want the exclusive interview for Mr. Harris, it's fine. But Wattz Media is a subsidiary of the Hamerton Group, and the group allocates billions of dollars to us for development purposes each year. "I guess Mr. Harris' team isn't keen on small production companies and small investments like this.
"In that case, the new films that Wattz will be producing won't consider working with Mr. Harris!"
Shane panicked upon hearing that and seeing that Mr. Smith was about to leave with a hand stretched to let Cordelia walk in front of him. He glared at the assistant and hurried to catch up.
"Mr. Smith, hold on!" Shane chuckled. "E-Excuse me, my apologies! Have we offended Ms. Jenner somehow? We hope you can forgive us!"
Mr. Smith turned to bow at Cordelia. "Ms. Jenner, what's your say?"
Cordelia answered softly, "I just want to make an appointment for an interview."
Shane hurried to say, "No problem, I'll get it arranged right now!"
"No way." Mr. Smith spoke up with a smile. "Someone said that our girl doesn't deserve to interview Mr. Harris and asked her to look in the mirror to see what she is, calling her a fly that can't be chased away, too. Hah, these can't just be brushed off!"
Chapter 276
Chapter 276
Shane's expression changed, and beads of sweat dripped from his forehead.
The assistant was shaking from the scare. She heard the former roar, "Get over here!"
Her knees went weak. She could not even stand straight while holding onto the table, let alone walk to them.
"M-Mr. Campbell..." The assistant's face turned pale. She looked at Cordelia blankly.
She could not believe that the person she mocked came from such a powerful background.
Even Mr. Smith was respectful to her!
"What the hell did you say?" Shane scolded fiercely.
"I-I didn't-"
"How dare you talk back!?" Shane glared fiercely at her. "What did Neil do right to be starting from nothing to who he is now? He has never put on airs, even though he's the best actor! He'd never look down on anyone!
"I can't believe he hired such a person like you! This is just scary..."
"That's right." Mr. Smith chuckled. "We're lucky that it's Ms. Jenner that's here. If it were some other reporter, we'd be in trouble!"
Shane was drenched in a cold sweat.
He had been working in entertainment with Neil for years. He knew how powerful the media could be.
These reporters could lift someone to the clouds, but they could also crush a person into hell!
"I'm so sorry, Ms. Jenner!" The assistant, who had been high and mighty, suddenly became humble now. She rushed to Cordelia and kept bowing to her.
"I was blind to not know who you are! Give me a chance to change!"
"Even if I do, I'm afraid Neil won't." Cordelia looked at her helplessly. "I'm sorry, I'm not a saint. Also, I'm a little petty. I just want to do my job, but your terrible comments made me uncomfortable.
"On how to handle this..." She turned to Shane. "This is your internal business. I won't interfere."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Shane wiped his sweat. "Please go on, Ms. Jenner. Let me handle this!
"You're fired!" Shane glanced at the assistant in disgust.
"Wait." Mr. Smith stood out. He remained casual. "You can't do that yet, as a reporter has entered. So, we'll need her to escort the reporter out."
"Hmm..." Shane thought about it and immediately looked at the information on the computer. He looked even more terrible now.
"The reporter didn't even make an appointment!" he scolded while pointing at the assistant. "How dare you arrange an interview for Neil as you wished without an outline!? Are you trying to ruin him and our studio!?"
The assistant could not breathe from all the crying. She could not stop begging.
"We can't have a diva like you here!" Shane rolled his eyes at her. "Get in now and bring that reporter out. Also, I don't care what you do, but don't let any of the content of the interview today leak! Otherwise, wait for my lawyer's letter!"
Cordelia interviewed Neil successfully.
As she was well prepared and given that her interview angle was unique, the interview went on in a joyful atmosphere. The afternoon passed by just like that.
After the interview ended, she put away the recording equipment and promised that she would let the agent review it after she was done with the draft.
Neil politely sent her to the studio's entrance. He saw her leave while smiling.
Cordelia could still hold back at first. However, she could not help but hop and dance in excitement when she got into an empty alley after making sure that Neil could no longer see her!
It was her first time interviewing a bigshot!
Her heart was racing from the excitement. She had pretended to be calm on the surface, but her palms had been sweating throughout the interview.
At that moment, she just wanted to scream to release her excitement.
Chapter 278
Chapter 278
'Ugh, why is he so fierce again?'
Cordelia looked at his terribly grim face and secretly teased.
Was he not usually well-mannered before? He had been moody lately and would glare at her and complain out of nowhere.
She pursed her lips and leaned on him as if she did not have a spine.
Zephyr smelled her faint fragrance and slowly lost his rage. He was no longer mad now.
Cordelia said softly. "Indeed, Neil asked about us. It was Mr. Smith who brought me in, after all. He's your subordinate, so we talked about the Hamterton Group investing in movies."
Zephyr merely gave a short response.
He had gotten Mr. Smith to say that.
Firstly, it was to raise her status so that the people at the studio would not dare to look down on her.
Secondly, it would hint at their relationship.
Neil was experienced. Naturally, he understood the hidden meaning. Therefore, he had asked her that during the interview.
And what did this lady say?
"I said nothing when he asked me that..." Cordelia smiled shyly and fended for herself. "Although I didn't admit it, I didn't deny it!"
"Oh." Zephyr looked at her as if he was in deep thought. "You didn't admit nor did you deny?"
"Mm-hmm!" Cordelia shoved her head into his embrace. "I gave him space for imagination!"
"You..."
Zephyr widened his eyes again.
What kind of a sugar-coated excuse was that!? She gave him space for imagination?
Cordelia realized that the situation was off, so she quickly grabbed his arm coquettishly and lay next to him. She apologized softly, "Okay, okay. I'm sorry... I admit that I have my pride. I don't want people to know that I got to interview Neil because of you."
She laid her head low and looked down, looking shy. She was especially beautiful in this angle.
Given her soft and sweet voice, Zephyr's heart melted.
He finally revealed a smile on his cold face and played with her hair.
"But I think it's not good for you for him to know too much. That's why I didn't tell him!"
His hand paused. The smile that had just risen dropped, and he frowned. "What do you mean?”
Cordelia revealed a playful and sly look as she said softly, "You keep a low profile in Centrolis. The media can't find you. If Neil seized the opportunity to get close to you, how could you stay low profile again?" Zephyr could not fight back. He looked at her while squinting a moment later. He had a look that made it uncertain whether he was smiling or not.
"So, you did that for my own good?"
"Mm-hmm!" Cordelia kept nodding.
“But I'm upset that I'm not acknowledged!" The man looked grim again.
Cordelia was careful as she read the atmosphere. "So, what can I do to make you feel more comfortable?"
Her soft voice and her innocent big eyes charmed him again.
He smirked, and a trace of gentleness flashed deep in his eyes. He looked at her for a while and suppressed the emotion he was feeling. He coughed and said. "Buy me something."
Cordelia nodded and smiled. "Okay!" She had promised to buy him leather shoes before.
"We'll buy leather shoes next time." He grinned. "I saw a tie at DL."
"What!?" Cordelia felt as if her head was hit by something.
DL was DreamLand, the number one shopping mall in Centrolis.
Not only was it sophisticated, but the decorations were dreamy, and the items they sold were expensive.
She had passed by the place a few times but never had the courage to go in.
"What's wrong?" Zephyr raised his eyebrows. "You said you'd take care of me for the rest of my life, yet you won't even buy me a tie now?"
Chapter 279
Chapter 279
"T-The audacity!"
Cordelia bit her lip. Oh well, she had to stick to her promise.
However, could this man really see through her? How could he tell that she got her salary every time?
She took out her bank card with a plastic smile. The money was just in, and now...
"Hmm, that's more like it." Zephyr stretched his arm to take it.
Cordelia suddenly squeezed hard with her fingers. She held onto the thin card and could not bear to let it go.
Zephyr could no longer hold it back. He snatched her card over before he laughed out loud!
"Give it!" He looked at her proudly with a naughty smirk. "You said you'd take care of me!"
"Zen, can you be rational!?" It was Cordelia's turn to feel wronged now. "You're so rich, yet you want me to take care of you!"
"Ouch..." He suddenly held his tummy and bent. He looked like he was in pain.
Cordelia was shocked. She quickly asked, "What's wrong?"
"Didn't I tell you that I have an ulcer?"
"No..."
"I'm in a little pain right now."
She was in pain as well upon seeing him like that.
"How are you feeling?" She held his arm, worried. "I'll call Robert to send you to the hospital!"
"No need. I've consulted the doctor."
"What did he say?"
"He said I'll have to take care of my stomach." He looked at her, revealing a subtle smile.
Cordelia nodded in all seriousness. Yes, he had to take care of his stomach.
"But there's a way to cure it."
Her eyes lit up. "What is it?"
He grinned. "You'll have to feed me, and then I'll be cured!"
"Zen!"
She knew that she had fallen into his trap again. She jumped to snatch her card, but she could not beat how tall her man was.
No matter how high she jumped, she was like a kid to him. He pressed on her head softly while another hand raised her card in the air. He was beaming in joy. In the end, Cordelia jumped with all that she had.
"Mmph!"
Zephyr seized the opportunity to hold her. He bent and kissed her small lips for a long time.
She was charmed, and her heart was pounding. She stared into his deep eyes blankly when he let go of her, craving for more.
"Hmm, it's soft." He smiled and said, "It tastes good too..."
She blushed and glared at him fiercely.
"Free food sure is delicious. I must eat more!"
...
Robert had been waiting outside the alley for a long time.
Phone calls asking for Zephyr kept coming. However, Robert could only wait anxiously. He dared not interrupt his boss' love affair.
Finally, the two of them came out. Of the couple, one was smiling in satisfaction, while the other had her head held low while blushing.
Robert coughed and looked away. He knew what had happened without having to guess.
"Err, sir," He handed the phone to Zephyr, "Calls are basically from the office, but there are two that were international. I think it should be from Melorian..." "My mom?" asked Zephyr.
It was not the usual time he would have a call with his mother. Why did she call at this time?
Chapter 280
Chapter 280
After Zephyr returned to his senses, he got Robert to send Cordelia back to her office.
He called the number to Chaiseland after returning to the Zen Residence.
It was morning over there and quite noisy on the other side of the phone. Janine must have started her busy day.
Zephyr greeted respectfully. "Mom, were you looking for me?"
"Yes, I'm at the airport," Janine said calmly. "I'll be in Centrolis in 10 hours. Get someone to pick me up."
"What?" He was shocked.
"What? Am I not welcome?"
"Of course, that's not the case." He soon calmed down.
Ever since his parents got divorced, his mother hardly visited Centrolis. It was not where she grew up. Given the terrible memories from her ex-husband's family and judging by her character, although her child was there, she would definitely not compromise.
Therefore, Zephyr visited Chaiseland more often since he was young.
Perhaps there was only one reason why Janine suddenly came to Centrolis.
Zephyr squinted. He took a deep breath and asked directly, "Mom, are you coming because of me?"
"Hey, so you knew?" Janine chuckled. "That old thing Matthew said if I don't visit, I might not know it even if my grandchild is born!"
He scoffed. "I knew it. I knew Second Uncle was instigating you!
"Mom, don't you know how he is? Can you believe what he said!?"
"But you have a woman indeed, right?"
Janine's voice was firm, calm, and powerful.
Zephyr squeezed his phone.
"Mom, I never intended to keep this from you," he said in a deep voice. "I love her indeed, but we had some misunderstandings before. Now that we've solved that, I wanted to get her permission before bringing her to see you. I didn't think that Second Uncle would be such a busybody to have told you first."
"Zen..." Janine paused for a moment and said with concern, "Although I can't get along with the Hamertons and I'm no longer married to the family, your grandpa and I think the same when it comes to your marriage...
"She has to be of the same status as you!"
"Mom!" growled Zephyr.
"Don't forget, your marriage isn't only the Hamertons' business. The Bakers are involved too!" Janine raised her voice.
"I'm boarding the plane now. Talk to me if you have more to tell me when I get to Centrolis. Also..." She paused. "The most important thing we need to do when I get there is to meet Ms. Jenner. Arrange that, Zen. The sooner, the better!"
She hung up the phone after that.
Zephyr frowned hard. A grim glint flashed through his eyes.
...
Linda and Nicholas had officially moved to Centrolis. Cordelia was over the moon.
Their new house was on the outskirts, which was very close to Hamerton Manor. On the first day they settled down, they invited her and Zephyr to their place.
They set up the barbecue grill in the courtyard. Cordelia skewered the marinated meat slowly, Nicholas and Zephyr were in charge of grilling, and Linda prepared beer and drinks.
They chatted as they had not seen each other for a long time. They chatted until the sun set.
"Everyone, stop what you're doing! I have a big announcement!" Nicholas raised his glass, overjoyed. He grabbed Linda over and said. "We're..."
"Getting married!"
Cordelia looked at her with her eyes widened.