Ch. 291..300

Chapter 291

Chapter 291

Clark asked politely, "Madam Baker, do we return to Zen Residence now?"

"Let's go."

"Mrs. Kate and Ms. Zennie are both there..."

Janine furrowed her brows but soon recovered an indifferent look.

It had been a long time since. She should let bygones be bygones.

She smiled and nodded at Clark before going into the car swiftly.

When she returned to Zen Residence, she saw two people on the couch the moment she stepped into the living room.

Zennie got up hurriedly and timidly greeted her. "Hi, Madam Baker..."

Janine was indifferent and shifted her gaze to Kate. The latter put down her cup of coffee and got up to welcome her with a smile. "Janine, long time no see!"

"It's been a long time, for sure." Janine scanned her up and down. "The last time we met was during my divorce with Henry, wasn't it?"

Kate's smile froze. It took a while for her to say, "Janine, actually... Well, I didn't know Henry was in the midst of a divorce with you when I met him.

"I'm straightforward, so I speak what I have in mind." Kate coughed and said, "If I knew he wasn't divorced back then, I'd never date him! But Henry didn't tell me anything and made me carry the blame for so many years!"

"Yeah." Janine clenched her jaw and said in a low tone, "That's why anyone who marries the useless man is unlucky!"

"Oh goodness, Janine!" Kate was thrilled. "We finally came to an agreement on something!"

Zennie smiled awkwardly and gave her mother a look.

"Oh, right, right..." Kate pulled herself back. "I'm here for you today because of a formal matter. Well, Zephyr has someone he likes, and her name's—"

"Ms. Jenner, right?" Janine cut in. "I've met her!"

"What?" Kate widened her eyes.

"Hah, that woman is pretentious, hypocritical, and has no shame!" Janine fumed at the mention. "What's gotten into Zephyr's head that he's bewitched by a woman like this!?"

Kate was at a loss for words. She was bewildered.

She asked, "Janine, i-is the one you met Cordelia Jenner? Are you sure?"

"Yes! A Jenner!" Janine glared at her. "Kate Cloud, do you think I'm old and can't recognize somebody?

"Hah, must be the case when you were younger, or you wouldn't have married Henry!"

"You..." Janine actually had no comeback for that.

"Sigh, it's not time for us to debate our grudges now! Did you really meet Cordelia?"

"How many Jenners do you think there are in the Hamertons?"

Kate's frown was locked deep as she exchanged a glance with Zennie.

They did not know that Yelena was at Yale's, so they found the entire situation odd.

Kate looked at her. "To be honest, Janine, I've met Ms. Jenner too. I like her a lot! I believe that you'll like her too if you see her!"

"Or you were deceived by her too?" Janine snickered. "Right, you dared marry Henry Hamerton. What do you know about distinguishing people?" "You..." Kate pointed a finger at her, biting her lips.

Janine stretched and flashed her a grin before she padded upstairs for a nap.

Kate pulled her phone out once she left Zen Residence.

"Hello, Zephyr... Your mom said she met Ms. Jenner already, and she doesn't like her, and... she said a lot of awful things. Is there a misunderstanding?"

@mayap commented wanting me to post 20 chapters/day. Therefore, I will respond to your request for this Saturday and Sunday. Thank you for supporting this series <3

Chapter 292

Chapter 292

Zephyr was in a private booth on the top floor of Splendor Dynasty. He found it odd hearing what Kate had to say.

Placing the caviar he had in his hand down, he said with a slight frown, "I didn't set up an appointment for them to meet."

"Then what's the matter with her?"

Zephyr was quiet for a moment. His expression was aloof and burdened after he ended the call.

Josiah and Fredric, who were next to him, exchanged a look and put down their cutlery.

Fredric understood his worry. "Z, I think that even if your mom didn't like Cordelia, she wouldn't hate her too much. Something must be up!"

Josiah's eyes were simply on the delicious dishes before them.

"Josiah, what do you think?"

"Huh?" Josiah jolted. "Uh... I think she didn't even meet her! She must have said that on purpose to break Z and sis-in-law apart!"

Zephyr shook his head. "My mom isn't someone like that."

Before he went on, he noticed a petite figure by the door.

Cordelia came in slowly with a dim expression.

Zephyr's heart sank. 'Did she hear what we said just now?'

He carefully held her hand and smiled. "Cordelia, didn't you say you'd work overtime during noon?"

"Oh, I had to, but the chief said I could hand in the draft later, so I came."

Fredric changed the topic with a chuckle. "You haven't eaten, right? You and Z can go ahead. Josiah and I will be making a move first!"

"No!" Josiah protested. "I'm still hungry!"

Fredric glared at him.

Cordelia bit her lips and looked at Zephyr, asking him softly, "Your mom came... Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was going to arrange for you two to meet."

"Yeah, that's right!" Josiah could not think straight since he was hungry and started to blurt nonsense, "Hah, don't be too nervous. The ugly truth will be revealed sooner or later!" It was already too late for Fredric to cover his mouth.

Cordelia's voice grew smaller. "I heard your conversation at the door. I haven't met your mom. Perhaps Josiah's right. She just isn't happy with me."

"No way!" Josiah fought to speak again. He looked at Zephyr this time. "But Z, you have to take care of Nelly first. Your mom agreed for you both to date back then- Mmph!" This time, Fredric was fast enough and clapped a hand over his mouth. "Josiah, are you going to die if you don't speak!?"

"Mm- Hmph!"

"Let's go!"

Before Zephyr's glower got any darker, Fredric pulled the back of Josiah's collar and dragged him away.

The room quieted down, but it felt unsettling.

Zephyr peeked at Cordelia. Her head was lowered with glum and disappointment veiled over her pretty features. This was what he could not bear to see the most... Zephyr took her into his arms and said seriously, "I swear, I've never dated her!"

Cordelia pushed him away and asked, staring at him with her big eyes, "Nelly Tanner's the one who grew up with you?"

"It's not accurate to say that we grew up together," the man explained patiently. "Because I've almost never talked to her all this while. She's the one pestering me!" "Ooh..." Cordelia tilted her head deep in thought. "So, you're telling me that you're absolutely charismatic?"

Zephyr was baffled, and beads of cold sweat ran down his spine.

How was he supposed to answer so that he would not make her angry? It was too late, perhaps.

He licked his lips and braced himself to say, "I didn't mean it like this!"

Cordelia pressed on. "I also heard that you had a lot of girlfriends?"

Zephyr froze before he lost his composure and growled, "Who spewed this nonsense to you!?”

"My mom. Why?"

Zephyr was rendered speechless.

It suddenly felt rather amusing.

Cordelia was petite, but she was fierce, while Zephyr was a head taller than her, yet hung his head in front of her like a student who did wrong.

"My mom said that for someone of your status and background, your marriage is tied to your family's interests. There's no way your family won't arrange it for you!"

Zephyr chuckled and held her shoulders gently. "Our mom's amazing. She knows everything!"

Cordelia glanced at him. She was upset about Nelly just now, but Zephyr's smile dispelled all that. It was not like it was relevant to him. She still believed in his character. "Our mom's right." He looked at her. "But I've never accepted my family's arrangement."

Zephyr took her hand and placed it against his heart.

As Cordelia felt his warm chest, she also felt the passionate beating heart under it. She blushed with emotional eyes.

Zephyr's deep husky voice was tinged with a smile. "Cordelia, I was a machine before meeting you. I had no heart.

"After I met you, I became someone of flesh and blood. My heart finally eats."

"Zephyr..." Cordelia sobbed.

"Cordelia." His fingers ran across her fair face. "You're magical."

"But this magic might be useless in front of your mom."

"I'll take care of this." He hugged her lightly. "Just do what you feel like doing."

Zephyr smiled. She had no idea that she was already the boss of two listed companies and the person in charge of Centrolis' western suburb land project or how many assets she had under the name.

It was good that she did not know, so these things would not become the shackles that stopped her from soaring.

When she got tired of exploring, though, these things would be her strongest shield and support-enough to shut up every Hamerton.

"Oh!" Cordelia suddenly recalled something. "I can't have lunch with you. I've got to go to an exhibition in the afternoon and write an article!"

"What exhibition?"

"Art exhibition where plenty of artists are involved. It's held in the city center, and some of these artists are from Mengasas and Southeast Aciatic!" "Oh." Zephyr nodded and reluctantly let her go.

"I have to go now." Cordelia grinned at him. "Eat properly. Don't get gastritis again!"

This reminded Zephyr... Why did he not pretend to have one just now!?

Cordelia hurried away from Splendor Dynasty. Janine had just gotten to the building with her car parked outside.

Clark smiled. "Madam Baker, I asked about it just now. Mr. Zephyr's at the top floor."

"Forget it." Janine had other plans. "He might be socializing. I'll go around here and talk to him when I return at night."

"Alright." Clark thought about it and said, "There's an art exhibition at the city center today. Do you want to..." "Hmm, yes!" Janine had always been interested in art. "We'll go there!"

Chapter 293

Chapter 293

The exhibition had wide publicity since the pieces exhibited came from renowned artists. One piece of art could be auctioned for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Janine roamed the gallery leisurely.

She had received education from basically everywhere in the world since she was young. It contributed to her critical yet connective thoughts and exquisite taste.

She saw a few pieces from a Southeast Aciatic artist. The lines were beautiful with bold colors and screamed personal style. She liked them and told the assistant next to her immediately, "Contact the staff here. I want this piece!"

The assistant nodded and jogged away.

At the same time, Cordelia arrived with Xyla.

"Mom, there aren't many people here, but it's a big place. Don't run off!"

Xyla looked at her helplessly. "You bring me to an exhibition and don't allow me to go around on my own. What am I supposed to look at!?"

Cordelia chuckled. "I'm just worried you are bored at home alone and want to take you out! Besides, I'm here to work. Please cooperate with me, okay?

"I'll take a few photos and ask the staff about the general situation. After that, we can leave."

Xyla was surprised. "We're leaving so soon?"

She liked art exhibitions and frequently visited them when she was still with her family. Since leaving home, she had never visited such a beautiful gallery.

"Yeah." Cordelia nodded. "We'll go back once my task is done, so I can write up the article quickly."

Xyla pursed her lips. "Sigh, you don't even get that many days off in a month's work, and you always work overtime. Those who didn't know better will think you're making handsome money!" "Mom!" Cordelia giggled and teased her. "Why are you talking about money all the time now? How worldly!"

"I was too otherworldly in the past. That's how William Jenner took advantage of me! I shouldn't have held on to any will back then. I should have just kept using his money. Then you and Carter wouldn't have to suffer with me..."

"Alright, alright." Cordelia hugged her mother by the shoulder, afraid that her illness would relapse because of the past.

"It's all in the past now. William Jenner has nothing to do with us, and we're doing pretty well, aren't we?"

"Mm," Xyla hummed. "Pretty well..."

She sighed and looked elsewhere, still caught in reminiscing.

Now that she thought of it, what was her stubborn will for? Life was realistic and practical. However, the education she received since she was a child had taught her to die in honor rather than to survive in disgrace.

Xyla took a deep breath. Such a worldly theory had actually made her pay the price of half her lifetime.

Cordelia was busy taking photos as her mind worked quickly to build the draft of her article.

After going around the gallery, she found the rest lounge and helped Xyla sit on the couch before grabbing a pen and paper to note down what flashed in her mind.

"Mom, are you thirsty? I'll go buy some water!"

The sweet voice entered Janine's ears.

She turned around and saw a pair of mother and daughter sitting at the lounge close by with their backs against her. Despite that, it was not difficult to see that they were close. "Mom, you don't look like you're wearing enough!" Cordelia said softly, "The gallery's pretty cold. Are you cold?"

She then took off her jacket and draped it on her mother.

Xyla tried refusing it but ultimately could not win against her daughter. She smiled as the jacket was put on her.

Janine caught the scene and felt something... Daughters were considerate-she had never experienced such tenderness before.

Chapter 294

Chapter 294

Janine then thought about her brat of a son who had nearly gotten an unknown woman to be her daughter-in-law. It infuriated her so much... Thinking of this, she could not help wanting to stuff Zephyr back into her womb!

"Cordelia, look at that painting!"

Cordelia followed Xyla's gaze.

The oil painting was big and took up a good portion of the wall. The strokes were abstract and dreamy as they seemed to paint a forest and a large, lifelike firefly flapping its wings.

Cordelia looked at the signature and saw that it was a famous artist from Southeast Aciatic.

"Mom, do you like this painting?"

Xyla did not answer her as she fell deep in thought with complex emotions playing in her eyes. "Cordelia..." She asked with a hoarse voice after a long time, "Do you know where this is?"

Cordelia shook her head in confusion.

She had no idea that this was a private forest in Southeast Aciatic where her mother had grown up. The artist who had painted this piece used to paint her mother's portrait too.

The sight of this painting took Xyla back to those carefree days. Her eyes turned red, and she asked Cordelia, after a moment, "Can we buy this painting?"

Cordelia froze as she looked at it carefully. 'It should be rather expensive. If we were to buy it...'

Still, she rarely saw Xyla liking something so much. She smiled and nodded at her mother before asking the staff about it.

It was unexpected when a voice spoke up next to her, "I've already bought this painting. Miss, I came first."

Cordelia paused and snapped her head back to see Janine. She could not help being stunned.

The woman before her was in her middle age, but she maintained herself well. There was an elegance in the way she carried herself. With a small smirk, her eyes were unfazed when she removed her sunglasses, and she exuded an authoritative presence.

The staff explained, "Miss, Madam Baker here indeed came in touch with us first and gave a reasonable price."

"Oh..." Cordelia nodded. "I'm sorry for interrupting. Excuse me."

"You like this painting too?" Janine looked at her.

Cordelia chortled. "I don't know much about it, but my mother likes it."

Janine paused and looked toward the rest lounge, realizing that it was the pair of mother and daughter she was envious of earlier.

Cordelia asked politely, "Madam, I know you've bought the painting, but can I take a photo of it for my mother?"

Janine was rather surprised. She had thought that the girl would make her feel guilty and ask her to give up on the painting in the name of filial piety or aggressively offer a higher price to buy the painting. After all, she had seen too many of these so-called socialites in her circle, and she knew too well how to handle them.

It was just a surprise that the girl did not act as expected when she was already ready with counterattacks.

Janine scanned Cordelia from head to toe. The girl was fair and fresh with a gentle demeanor. Her eyes were clear and pure, like they had magic and caused one to look into them involuntarily.

Even though she had already bought the painting, it was still in the gallery and unmoved. Anyone who passed by could take photos of it. Yet, this girl was asking for her permission.

A rare smile broke on Janine's face.

"You want to take a photo of it for your mother?"

Chapter 295

Chapter 295

"Yes," Cordelia answered honestly. "My mom rarely likes something, so I quite wish to fulfill this wish for her. Since you've already bought it, I can't snatch it from you."

Janine smiled. The girl was well-taught. Young girls who were graceful and composed like her seemed to be getting rarer nowadays.

She suddenly thought of Nelly. She had picked her as her future daughter-in-law in the past because she found their families to be on equal footing. It might benefit the Bakers if Zephyr were to marry Nelly. She was also decent looking and was alright standing next to Zephyr.

It was just that Janine later realized that the Tanner heiress did not have the grace and composure of an heiress, nor did she have the ability and skills to run the family business at all! Instead, she had traveled to Chaiseland countless times in a year to get close to Janine or shop till she dropped.

Janine was extremely annoyed by her!

She hated beauties without a brain. Moreover, Nelly was barely a beauty....

"Madam?" Cordelia smiled at her, pulling her back from her thoughts.

"Can I take a photo?"

"Oh, go ahead!" Janine snapped back to herself and smiled gently.

"Thank you!"

"Oh." Janine could not help wanting to chat with the girl. "Do you know what the painting is?"

"Firefly," Cordelia blurted, but she frowned. "But..."

The firefly looked kind of strange. It had two sets of wings.

"Heh, but I don't get it." She smiled. "This is probably an artist's creativity."

"This isn't the imagination of the artist." Janine looked at her. "This is a firefly species only available in Sabe in Southeast Aciatic. It's very rare."

"What?" Cordelia was surprised.

Janine said in a low voice, "I've seen them in a private forest before."

"Cordelia, are you done? Can we buy this painting?"

Xyla walked over with a colorful chiffon scarf, showing it to her daughter with a beam.

"I bought this just now. Look at the embroidery. Nice, right? This embroidery is rarely found in Centrolis. Only South—”

Before she finished her sentence, the air went silent like it was warped into a vacuum.

Janine stared at Xyla, and Xyla stared back at her. Both of them looked at each other for some time, eyes widened, and calling each other's name almost in unison. "Xyla?"

"You... Janine?"

Both women shared shock, surprise, and ever-changing emotions in their expressions and gazes.

Cordelia was dumbfounded. Others would have thought they were the gallery's wax figures looking at their frozen states from afar!

"Mom, Madam, you... know each other?"

Xyla snapped back to reality. With a grimace, she grabbed Cordelia and muttered, "Seen a ghost in broad daylight. Come on, let's go... Let's hurry home..."

"Xyla Irwin!" Janine called for her and stepped in front of her. "You didn't see a ghost! You're just too ashamed to see me, huh?"

"You..." Xyla's finger shook. "Stop making things up! Why am I ashamed to see you?"

"Hah!" Janine scoffed and crossed her arms. "I was right about everything back then. What shame do you have when you put yourself into such a pathetic state over a man?" "Shut up!"

As Xyla growled, the whole gallery looked over.

Chapter 296

Chapter 296

Cordelia tucked Xyla behind her and looked at Janine in alertness. She tried to say as calmly as possible, "Madam, my mother doesn't feel well. Please don't talk to her like that!" Janine looked surprised. "What's wrong with her?"

"It's not my place to disclose it." Cordelia wrapped an arm around Xyla's shaking shoulders. "I'm going to send her back now!"

"Wait..."

Janine failed to hold them back as Cordelia quickly took Xyla out of the gallery.

Janine's assistant asked her softly, "Madam Baker, do you need me to check them out?"

"What's there to look into?" Janine gave him the side eye. "Could I not know her when we grew up together?"

Her assistant shut up and quietly backed away.

Janine looked at Cordelia and Xyla's fading backs in deep thought. She then looked down and realized that the scarf Xyla had bought had fallen to the floor in their hurry just now. She picked it up and smiled.

"So old, and you still like the same thing! Sigh, did you think you were still a princess?

"Not too reliable as one, but... the princess you gave birth to is pretty decent!"

Cordelia took Xyla back home and frantically rummaged through the medical box once she entered the door.

Xyla knew what she was looking for and waved for her to come over with a chuckle. "Cordelia, forget it... I don't need to take any meds."

Cordelia froze and looked at her in worry.

"I'm fine now, even without the meds." Xyla was a little tired. "I'm just a bit tired. I'll be okay after a nap. Go draft your article. Finish up your work as soon as you can!" "Mom, are you sure you're fine?"

"Yes."

"I'll... stay around here then." Cordelia carried her laptop there. "Have your nap. I'll write up my article. I'll be able to help you in time if anything does happen!"

"Okay." Xyla smiled kindly and patted Cordelia's head lovingly.

She was lucky she had her daughter all these years. She was the one who had been holding up this fragile family.

Xyla closed her eyes, but it was not a sound sleep.

Ricos Bridge, the snow-capped mountains in Sweltzar, the fireflies in Southeast Aciatic... These scenes flashed before her eyes, and she soon saw a young Janine. They were still in school uniforms as they cheered at the bottom of the Elps, motivated each other in the national library, and shone in various academic competitions...

"Say, what kind of man will you marry in the future?"

"I don't know. Our families will get that sorted anyway."

"Haven't you thought of resisting? I'm going to marry a man I love. I'm ready to give up everything for him!"

"You're too naïve! Men aren't dependable. We've got to rely on ourselves in the end!"

"Janine, be my child's godmother when I have one, okay?"

"Mm... Why don't you have a daughter? I'll have a son. Isn't it better if we become a family!?"

"It's a deal!"

Xyla grabbed the blanket, her tears drenching her lashes.

"Xyla! That man isn't worthy of your love! He only wants the Irwins. You're being used! He's lying to you! Wake up!"

"Stay out of my business! Janine, we're no longer friends!"

"Janine..." Xyla murmured inaudibly, "The Irwins took advantage of him, actually. He isn't wrong..."

"Mom!" Cordelia had been wiping Xyla's sweat. "What are you talking about? Where do you feel ill?"

Chapter 297

Chapter 297

Zephyr was informed that Janine was already back when he returned to Zen Residence. He got changed and went upstairs to greet her.

"Mom, are you happy with the room?"

"Mm, it's alright."

Janine had just made herself coffee, and the room wafted with its aroma. She took a sip and scanned around.

The room was spacious and bright. The floor-to-ceiling window faced the mountains, and the room decoration was tasteful. Even a small ornament felt luxurious.

She sat on the soft lamb leather couch.

The place was great, but she felt an inexplicable sense of distance.

She could not help wondering where Xyla was living. With a considerate and caring daughter, the room she was in must feel much warmer than this place... Zephyr noticed her oddity. "Mom, what's the matter?"

Janine took a deep breath. Her gaze at him was slightly disappointed.

Zephyr noticed that she seemed to be shaking a little and asked, "Are you cold?"

"Mm." She tugged her shawl. "I'm not quite used to the weather here after living in Chaiseland for so long."

"It's fine. I'll make sure they adjust your room temperature."

The answer would be fine in usual times, but Janine had just watched the close-bonded mother and daughter, so it felt impassive in her ears.

"Mom, you wore too little today. Put mine on!" The sweet voice suddenly rang in her ears.

She looked at Zephyr and thought to test him, so she coughed and said in a low voice, "Zephyr, I think I didn't wear enough..."

"Didn't wear enough?" Zephyr was astonished as he looked at her five suitcases.

"Put on more clothes if you didn't wear enough." His answer was straightforward. "Have you brought enough clothes? I'll get someone to buy more otherwise."

It was asking someone to do it again... Janine's face began to fall.

Her eyes were trained on him. "Zephyr, I said that I didn't wear enough! I'm not wearing enough right now!"

Zephyr was bewildered. "Then put on more clothes now?"

His mother was starting to look angry. "Do I have clothes with me now?"

Realization struck Zephyr. It seemed his mother did not get to unpack in time. He rang the bell to let the helpers know. "Come up and unpack for my mo-"

Before he finished his sentence, Janine growled, "Zephyr Hamerton!"

Zephyr was stunned. He then heard his mother nag. "Don't you have a jacket on you? Can't you take it off and let me wear it!?

"Other kids know how to care for their mother, and you never do! You ask the helpers to do everything. Who's my son now!?

"Hah, why did I even give birth to a son? Just keeps worrying me and making me angry!"

Janine paced back and forth in the room with her hands propped on her hips.

"People are just doing better... with a good daughter! She doesn't even complain about going shopping and exhibitions and cares whether she's cold or warm. She's just so caring and sensible! I just don't have that!

"I don't even have a good daughter-in-law!"

Zephyr was dumbstruck. He stood on the spot as he looked at his mother with a frown, like he was looking at an alien.

The scolding felt absolutely ridiculous.

All this time, his impression of his mother was that she was a woman made of steel. She was more rational and calmer than men. To complain and nag like this was unbelievably the first time.

Furthermore, he had always been the golden child, yet his mother was actually comparing him to somebody else's child right now...

Zephyr's face slowly sank, and he was upset. Whose child was this? They best not let him meet them!

He took a few deep breaths and slowly calmed the rage in him. He ultimately forced himself to ask, "Mom, are you alright?"

Janine crossed her arms in front of her chest and took a long breath.

She calmed down much more after the scolding and got clear-headed. Looking at Zephyr, she said without missing a beat, "Sit." This was more like Janine's usual tone.

Zephyr narrowed his eyes and only sat after ensuring she had gone back to normal. He showed her the acquisition of Wattz Media.

"The Bakers and Hamertons are holding the shares. 49% on your side and 48% on my side. The rest are fractional shares and shared among a few other shareholders."

"You have only 1% less than me?" Janine's gaze dimmed a little.

"Mom, this is already an advantageous condition." Zephyr's tone was flat, and he did not have much of an expression. "It's because you like this company, and the Bakers have a significant professional standing in the media industry. Plus, this company isn't doing too much under me, that I agree―" "Advantageous condition?" Janine suddenly raised her voice. "This is how you talk to your mother?" Zephyr was befuddled again, asking softly after a long time, "Are we not... talking about work?" "Hah, so we are no longer mother and son now. Only work's left between us, is that so?" Zephyr stayed silent. Was this what people said to be menopause?

"Mom, I-"

"Alright, this is fine. We'll keep it this way!" Janine signed easily. "Since I'm the biggest shareholder, Wattz Media needs to change its name. Name it Imperial Media." "Sure."

"I want my people in there too."

Zephyr nodded. "Mm, it makes sense.

"But Mr. Smith stays as the general manager. He's experienced and well-connected, whether in the entertainment or media industry. The company needs him.

"Do you have any other candidates in mind?"

Janine thought of Xyla's pretty and gentle little princess.

When she recruited someone, she prioritized their character. The princess was kind and honest, and Janine liked her at first glance. As for her professional skills, it would not be a problem with some training. She coughed. "I need a senior assistant whom I'll be bringing around. I already have someone in mind. But it'll take some time to recruit her into the company."

"Okay." Zephyr agreed. "Let me know where the person is. I'll do it for you."

Janine did not answer. She looked at her son for a bit and said softly, "Zephyr, I'll be direct with you. This person I chose, I hope that you'll interact with her more, other than work-related issues." "What?" Zephyr frowned.

"Be it her looks, character, or family status, this girl is a thousand times better than that indecent Ms. Jenner!"

Zephyr's expression hardened as he clenched his fists. "Mom..."

"Anyway, I have my mind made up about this girl!" Janine said coldly, "Nelly Tanner can't compare to her either! Consider it carefully."

"Mom, you haven't even met her. Why are you saying this?"

"I haven't met her?" Janine scoffed. "Zephyr, it's more like you haven't seen her true colors."

Chapter 298

Chapter 298

Zephyr's expression was cold with a deep gaze. He looked at Janine quietly.

He did not know why she had such a prejudice toward Cordelia, but he knew that he would do his all to protect the woman he loved.

"It's set," Janine said impassively. "You and Nelly have no marriage agreement, but both families have been in that understanding for years. It could be tricky to take care of it. "But you don't have to worry. I'll get it sorted with the Tanners!"

Janine approached him and patted his shoulder twice. "Just do as I say. Spend some time with the girl I told you about!"

"That's impossible," Zephyr uttered icily.

The atmosphere froze, and it felt like the temperature had plummeted.

Janine looked at him with a stern gaze.

Zephyr said clearly, "Mom, if you insist, I'll pull all my shares out from Imperial Media!"

"What did you say!?" Janine was alarmed.

"You probably know already. Rules in Centrolis are different from Melorian." His voice was flat, but each word was impactful.

"If this company doesn't have my shares, foreign investment can't come in. The money you invested earlier won't see any return!"

He then said coldly, "I know you don't lack that money, but you don't like losing! If word got to grandpa, the board of directors, or even uncle, you'll become the Baker Group's joke! Are you sure you want to push me?"

Janine was stunned.

"I won't date the person you mentioned." Zephyr walked to the door and turned back to glance at her. "Give up on the thought!"

Cordelia took the day off from work after submitting her article to take care of Xyla at home.

Even though Xyla had said that she did not need her care, she was still worried. She constantly remembered what the doctor had said. Mental illnesses were not produced in a day. She had to be careful and keep an eye out constantly.

"Mom, I'll go do a bit of grocery shopping." Cordelia looked at her watch. "Wait for me to come back and make lunch. Don't go into the kitchen for nothing!"

Xyla grimaced. "Listen to yourself. What am I? Three?"

Cordelia grinned and turned back to hug her. "You have to be good anyway. No TV for you in the afternoon otherwise!"

Xyla was rendered speechless. Her daughter was really taking care of her like she was a child!

"Hmph! I think I need to get my son-in-law to teach you a lesson!"

The mother and daughter giggled together.

Cordelia was ready to leave, but an uninvited guest greeted her when she opened the door.

Janine wore a small smile and still exuded a strong presence. She explained softly, seeing that Cordelia was on guard against her, "I was very good friends with your mother in the past."

Cordelia nodded in silence but still did not let her in.

Janine chuckled. 'The princess is very alert. Hmm, that's right! She should behave like this!'

"Child, I'm really good friends with her, best friends. We got distant over some misunderstandings." Janine sounded sincere. "But please trust me. I absolutely have no intention of hurting her. I'm here specifically to visit her today."

Cordelia was surprised. She saw the gifts Janine carried-they seemed to be expensive health supplements.

"Is this Bird's Nest?" Cordelia had a bright idea and smiled. "I'll accept them on behalf of my mother. Thank you."

"This isn't Bird's Nest. It's Manuka honey." Janine paused. "Heh, your mother's a germaphobe. When she was younger, she found out that Bird's Nest comes from the swallow's saliva and refused to eat it ever again!"

Janine met Cordelia's clear eyes after she spoke and realized that she had been tested. How could she remember such a detail if they were not best friends?

Chapter 299

Chapter 299

"You..." Janine's smile was doting. The more she looked at Cordelia, the more she liked her.

Cordelia let her in, and Xyla was shocked to see Janine.

"Mom, she's here to visit you."

Xyla was silent for a moment. Seeing that Cordelia was still standing at the side, she told her with a smile, "Go do your shopping. I'll chat with her for a bit."

Cordelia pressed her lips and stayed rooted.

"Nothing to worry about!" Xyla waved a hand. "This woman here is my best friend!"

It was only then Cordelia nodded, but she softly told Xyla to hold on to her phone and call her instantly if anything happened before she left.

Janine had a gaze of complicated feelings as she watched Cordelia leave.

"Envious, huh?" Xyla arched her brow, getting up to boil some water for tea and chuckling smugly. "I could tell back at the art exhibition. You're very envious that I got a daughter!" Janine rolled her eyes. This woman had not changed-she still had to be better than her in everything! Forget it. She would act like the past and let her have it this time as well. "Yeah, having a daughter is great." Janine chortled. "But you've got to keep a close eye on your daughter. Don't let her run into bad people and walk the path you've taken!"

"Janine Baker! You-"

'Why is this woman just the same like old times? Such a sharp tongue!'

The two women stared at each other for a long time with changing emotions on their faces.

They came from families of high social standing, and they were still the girls guarding each other's side despite experiencing life.

Both of them chuckled in unison.

It had been so many years without news from each other, but they still had endless things to talk about when they met.

The poor Cordelia would have been done with grocery shopping in 20 minutes, but she received her mother's call asking her to return later. Therefore, she wheeled the shopping cart weaving through isles and almost memorized all the price tags...

Xyla told Janine what she had gone through in recent years briefly. The latter grabbed her hand tightly with red eyes, biting her lips, and was unable to speak a word.

Xyla had to console her instead. "It's fine. It's all in the past. Fortunately, Cordelia has been by my side these years, or I wouldn't be here today."

Janine nodded with a comforted smile. She now knew that the princess was named Cordelia. Like her name, she was like a jewel.

"Let's stop talking about me." Xyla refilled Janine's tea. "What about you? Have you been doing well?"

"Not long after we had a fallout, I followed my family's arrangement and got married... Hah, I married the wrong guy. I got a divorce after giving birth to my son. I've been living in Chaiseland all this while and came to Centrolis the day before yesterday over some business affairs."

Xyla looked guilty. "Janine, back then... I know that you were doing it for my sake. You didn't want me to be with Rowan Irwin because you were worried that I'd suffer a loss."

"But you still did, didn't you?" Janine got angry at the mention of the matter. "Rowan Irwin's only an adopted child, yet he took over the Irwins! Has he looked for you all these years? Does he know you bore two children for him?"

"I did these willingly." Xyla looked determined. "He didn't do anything wrong..."

"You're still defending him!" Janine was furious that she was still so stubborn.

Xyla patted her arm with a smile. "I'm indifferent about these now. The most important item of the Irwins is with me. Rowan passed it to me."

"What is it?"

Chapter 300

Chapter 300

Emotions rippled in Xyla's eyes.

A while later, Janine was struck with realization and blurted, "Those medicine formulas!?"

She knew that the ancestors of the Irwins were royal doctors in the palace and had been for generations. They later combined the local herbs unique to Southeast Aciatic and came up with a set of formulas that they used until this day.

Xyla nodded with mixed feelings.

Janine looked at her. "Those formulas were supposed to be yours! Rowan giving them to you is returning them to the rightful owner, yet you're still hung up on him?"

"The formulas aren't mine," Xyla said softly. "The Irwins' formulas had long been lost. My grandfather later sponsored a medical student, Rowan's birth father, who became our family's right-hand man. The medicine formulas... were his creations.

"The whole set of medicine went viral back then, but... since I left the family, all types of medicine produced by the Irwins' drug manufacturing factory have switched formulas."

Janine was stunned. "Because the formulas are with you? This... shouldn't be. Rowan must have long memorized the set of formulas!"

The air went quiet suddenly. Only the bubbling of the kettle could be heard.

"Is this... considered the last piece of memory he's left you?" Janine's voice was low. "But why did he give them to you?"

Xyla took a deep breath and elaborated slowly, "I've never met Rowan's birth father. Since I could remember, I treated him as my elder brother. After I grew up, I found out he was an adopted son. After that..." After that, they fell in love, and Rowan doted on and spoiled her.

No one wished the relationship well back then. Her parents, the family, and even Janine, who had always been close to her, did not support it.

Xyla had left home out of anger and intended to elope with her love, but the Irwins switched their leader in the blink of an eye.

Rowan had tricked everyone-including her!

She had fallen hard. Her entire family despised her, and everyone she had been close with turned their backs on her. The day she was chased out of Southeast Aciatic, Rowan officially took over Irwin Pharmaceuticals.

She later found out that Rowan's hatred had long been planted in him. Her grandfather had caused an explosion in the lab of the drug manufacturing factory many years ago in order to obtain the formulas. Rowan's father was in the lab when it happened...

Janine stroked Xyla's back and could not help feeling bad for her as she felt the latter's shaking body. More of it was resentment.

"So I was right!" Janine got emotional. "Rowan did use you and abandon you!”

"No!" Xyla looked at her. "He came to me after that. A few years after I gave birth to Cordelia. He had been looking for me!"

"So you caved? And gave birth to his son?" Janine really wanted to crack Xyla's head open to see what she was thinking.

"Xyla Irwin, you fool! I hope your daughter hasn't inherited this part of you."

Xyla fell silent for a moment before she said softly, "That last time, I made it clear with Rowan. Our grudges wouldn't be resolved ever. I won't return to the Irwins, and I hope he won't come to me again." "You..." Janine really did not know what to say. In the end, she scoffed. "How noble of you!"

Xyla chuckled, looking at her.

Both of them were different. Janine was rational and could remain calm no matter what happened. She could think straight and make decisions that were the best for her.

Xyla was intuitional. Everything was meaningless without feelings and relationships in her world.