Ch. 301..310

Chapter 301

Chapter 301

"Hey, Xyla." Janine suddenly gave it a thought. "If you sell these formulas, I'm afraid they'll be more than invaluable, right? Ha, it seems like Rowan isn't entirely atrocious. He has given you a way out!" She quickly calculated in her mind. The profit generated in the medicinal drug industry was immeasurable.

"Surprise, surprise, Xyla. What you have is more valuable than the Baker Group!"

"Nonsense!" Xyla stuffed her mouth with cakes. "I'm not selling these!"

"You..." Janine rolled her eyes. "You're just so stubborn! I don't even know how much my daughter-in-law's suffered with you..."

"What daughter-in-law?" Xyla was stunned.

"You forgot?" Janine said seriously, "We agreed back then. If you have a daughter and I have a son, we'll become in-laws!"

"No way! My daughter's taken!"

Disappointment flashed in Janine's eyes. "She's... married?"

"Not yet. But soon!"

"It doesn't count when she's not married yet!" Janine was worked up again.

Xyla looked at her up and down disapprovingly and rolled her eyes back at her. "What kind of person are you to wreck someone's marriage? I'm telling you, I'm very happy with my son-in-law. I won't make Cordelia break up with him!"

"I'm sure you'll be happier when you meet my son!"

"That's for the future." Xyla suddenly put on a serious face. "For now, don't tell anyone about me. Even Cordelia doesn't know who I am, so... I don't want others finding out either."

Janine nodded. "Mm, I understand."

The Irwins might be under the impression that Xyla was already dead. For years, Rowan had also been running the family business very well. If Xyla appeared again, it might cause trouble. People in the family with ulterior motives might utilize it, and the loss would be uncalled for.

"But don't blame me for being nosy." Janine sighed. "I still think that the Irwins are yours. When the time's right, you should go back with your children and get back what's yours."

"There's no need..." Xyla smiled. "I just want to spend the rest of my life in peace. I'm fine as long as I'm around my kids."

"Speaking of which..." Janine refused to give up. "You're really not considering my son?"

Xyla frowned and gave her a dirty look. She then pursed her lips and went to collect the dry laundry on the balcony.

Janine began to murmur behind her like a broken record, "Come on, my son's awesome, definitely better than your son-in-law! Our princess is precious. She can't just simply get married! She has to marry someone outstanding too, right? Xyla, I'm talking to you!"

Cordelia sat by the grocery store exit with her phone and pursed her lips from time to time out of boredom.

The big lobster in her shopping bag was spitting bubbles as if it was bored like her as well.

She saw that the lobster was fresh and cheap and thought she would hurry home and prepare it after buying it. It was unexpected that her mother and best friend would chat so much that no one called her to go back, even when it was almost noon.

Cordelia pressed her lips together. Her pretty eyes flitted around before she wore a mischievous grin.

She called a certain someone, and a deep voice greeted her from the other end of the line after a few moments.

"Yes?"

She smiled languidly and asked sweetly, "Can't I call you if there's nothing?"

Chapter 302

Chapter 302

Cordelia thought that Zephyr should not be busy since it was near lunchtime, but she had no idea that a terrifying storm had just ended in the meeting room on the other end. In spite of it, Zephyr's heart melted listening to the soft and sweet voice. No matter how big a temper he had, it was gone like the wind. He smiled, looking affectionate and indulging. Cordelia waited for a bit upon hearing there was no sound on the other end and asked nicely, "Are you... busy? Did I interrupt anything?"

"No," he replied in a low tone.

"Then what are you doing?"

"Do you want to hear the truth?" The man chuckled.

"Of course!"

"Missing you."

The two words colored Cordelia's cheeks pink as she clutched her phone.

"What about you?" Zephyr asked as well, "What are you doing?"

"I'm missing you too," Cordelia said softly.

Zephyr grinned. The ominous cloud that had been fogging him was all gone.

The others in the meeting room looked at Robert with an expression like they had seen a ghost in broad daylight simultaneously. The latter could only keep giving them looks with a helpless expression.

"Have you had lunch?" Cordelia asked softly. "Come home if you haven't. I bought a lobster. I'll make you baked lobster risotto."

Zephyr's consciousness was already nodding in agreement and abandoning the meeting room full of people to dash home and wait for the meal.

The reality, however...

He was laden with tasks and work in the Hamerton Group and could not even have a moment of peace.

He looked at Robert, who was anxiously flailing at him to gesture that he had a negotiation, a meeting, a visitor, and a few stacks of documents waiting for him in the afternoon.

Despite that, Zephyr asked on the phone, "Where are you now?"

"The grocery store near my house." Cordelia chortled.

"Wait for me. I'll be there soon."

When he hung up, Robert's eyes almost fell off from how much they were bulging. "Sir, you..."

"What?" Zephyr gave him an icy look. "Do I not have the right to eat lunch now?"

"No..." Robert winced. "Actually, the meal is ready for you at Splendor Dynasty. You can have a break after lunch...

"Hey, Mr. Zephyr!"

Before Robert finished, Zephyr was long gone. Nothing was more important than Cordelia missing him.

Zephyr soon arrived at the grocery store. He went up and hugged Cordelia tightly as soon as he saw her. He could forget about eating, but he could not not see her. The faint fragrance on her was the best medicine that could cure all his woes.

"What's gotten into you?" Cordelia giggled, patting his back. "You're still so strong even when you're hungry!"

"I'm always stronger when I'm 'hungry'." The man's voice was smiling as he spoke next to her ear. "When weren't I in the past?"

Cordelia was suddenly struck by realization regarding what he was saying and blushed, raising her fist to punch him.

Zephyr grinned as he allowed her to do that. He even tugged her hand toward his chest. "Here, punch here, harder!"

Cordelia was unable to get the upper hand. Instead, a light pull from him caused her to fall right into his arms.

"Alright, I'll stop messing with you." Zephyr kept smiling and looked at her seriously. "I'm leaving after meeting you. I won't be eating with you." "Huh?" Cordelia was stunned. "Why?"

"I still have a lot to do in the office."

Chapter 303

Chapter 303

"Oh..." Cordelia nodded. She was a little disappointed, but work was more important. "Alright, come over at night if you're free then." "Sure." Zephyr stroked her hair. "I'll carry these back for you."

"It's fine! It's just lobster and some vegetables. I can do it myself. Besides, we have a guest. I might only be able to go back a bit later."

"A guest?" Zephyr paused. Cordelia's mother rarely interacted with people. How did she suddenly have a guest?

"Mm. It's my mom's best friend from last time," Cordelia said with a smile. "An elegant middle-aged woman."

Zephyr nodded without thinking much of it. He held her shoulders and looked at her. "Cordelia, I plan to... arrange for you and my mom to meet."

Cordelia's heart went right up to her throat.

"Don't worry." Zephyr said gently, "I'll handle your relationship with her in the most appropriate way. I won't put you in a tough spot."

Cordelia was saddened. "I'm the one who put you in a tough spot..."

"That's silly of you to say!" Zephyr rubbed her head with a chuckle. "It's Josiah's parents' 30th anniversary this weekend. The Hamertons will definitely attend, and my mom will also be there as she's been close to Josiah's parents.

"Go with me, Cordelia. I want everyone to know you!"

Janine could hardly forget about the little princess after she went back. She was determined to make Cordelia her daughter-in-law.

She had heard Xyla say that the princess worked in a news agency and that she was going to the financial center today to interview some investment elite who came back from Wahl Street. Therefore, Janine drove there without her assistant.

Cordelia had been waiting for close to two hours at the door of the financial center. Even though her back and legs hurt, she dared not slack. The meeting at the hub was ending soon. She made the best of these last ten minutes or so to run through her interview outline again.

The meeting room door opened suddenly, and a few reporters had already run over.

Cordelia was already familiar with the setting, so she grabbed her cameraman and rushed forward as well. Because she was petite, it was easy for her to get to a good spot in front.

The interviewee was Donald West. He came from a middle-class family and had ten years of experience investing in Wahl Street after he graduated from university. Undoubtedly, he was an elite.

In addition, he looked decent, so he was the center of attention wherever he went.

It was also because of this that he was arrogant.

"Media!" His assistant shouted, "Mr. West has to rush to another finance talk and only has five minutes to spend. Please hurry with your questions!"

Cordelia quickly turned on her pen recorder and politely asked an investment question.

Unexpectedly, Donald paused and side-eyed her.

"Which agency are you from?"

Cordelia was surprised.

Donald continued. "This question is quite challenging, but it's a professional question. Even if I answer it, I'm afraid you won't be able to write it down clearly." Cordelia explained, "Mr. West, I've been reading up on finance recently. You can briefly go through this question. I think I'll be able to understand it."

"Hah!" Donald scoffed. "You think you're up to par with me after reading a few books?"

Donald looked disgruntled and impatient. "Which agency are you from? What articles have you published?"

Cordelia bit her lips, feeling that this was getting nowhere.

Her cameraman stepped up to defend her. "Our reporter here interviewed Neil Harris a few days ago!"

"Ah, I see." Donald snickered. "Neil Harris is from showbiz, and I'm in finance. Could he compare to me?"

"Mr. West, I've written Neil Harris' exclusive interview," Cordelia said softly. "The views are at around 100,000 clicks."

"Only 100,000 views!" Donald smirked. "Then don't interview me! Any article by the reporters who have interviewed me has roughly millions of views!"

Chapter 304

Chapter 304

Cordelia froze, feeling embarrassed, as she listened to the comments around her.

Donald rolled his eyes arrogantly as he spoke. His assistants made way for him, and he rushed for the door.

When they left, an assistant ran into Cordelia. It was unknown whether that was intentional. Cordelia lost her balance and nearly fell, dropping the interview equipment in her hands.

"Hey, what are you doing?!" Her cameraman was angry for her.

Cordelia stopped him. "Forget it..."

"Wahl Street elite? This is the kind of people Wahl Street has?"

"Alright, let's not argue with them here," Cordelia said softly. "We won't get anything out of the crowd here. We'll only be embarrassing ourselves if we keep making a fuss. Would you want to get scolded by the chief editor?

"Why don't you head back first?" Cordelia gave it a thought. "I'll think of something later and see if I can make it to the next talk!"

The cameraman let out a heavy breath. He had other tasks in the agency, so he could only leave as she instructed.

The surrounding gazes on Cordelia felt like knives stabbing her. It was as if they were mocking that she was overestimating herself.

She recomposed herself and was going to pick up her things from the floor when she realized that the hall had gone incredibly quiet. Everyone's gaze was on the door. She then heard the strong sound of heels clicking against the floor.

Donald halted as well. When he saw who it was, he looked both surprised and obsequious. He quickly went up and fawned over the woman, "Madam Baker, what brings you here?"

"I heard you have a finance talk here, Mr. West," Janine answered flatly. "So I'm here to learn!"

"You must be joking, Madam Baker! What are my petty skills before you?"

Janine removed her sunglasses. Her gaze was indecipherable as she wore a smirk like she was angry but not. The impact of her presence made it too scary for one to act boldly in front of her. "You're too humble!" Janine looked at him. "An elite back from Wahl Street. Your experience in investing must be a lot more than ours."

"You're flattering me..."

"I'm also looking for suitable investment projects coming back to Centrolis." Janine smiled. "Are you interested in introducing a couple to me?"

Donald's eyes glowed immediately as they widened.

Who was Janine Baker? She was basically mission impossible, yet she stood before him today to talk about investing with him?

He would be a fool not to seize this opportunity!

"Madam Baker!" Donald rubbed his hands together, grinning from ear to ear. "The current investment environment in Centrolis is truly decent! If you want to make investments here, I'll be happy to provide full assistance!

"Hah... My company's actually specialized in investing. I guarantee you'll make a profit!"

"Really?" Janine raised a brow with a complex smirk.

"May I know how big a scale your company is, Mr. West?"

"Our company's registered capital is $7,000,000!" Donald straightened up proudly and adjusted his necktie. "We invested in several projects recently and saw hundreds of thousands of dollars of return-" Before he finished his sentence, Janine interrupted him. "Are you joking with me, Mr. West?

"Only $7,000,000? Then don't work with me. Any project of the investment companies I've worked with makes $150,000,000 in net profit!"

Donald stared at her dumbly.

Janine spoke with emphasis. "Being arrogant is easy. The point is, you have to have what it takes for you to be arrogant!"

She pulled out her phone to call her assistant. “Blacklist Donald West. The Baker Group, alongside all the holding companies of the Hamerton Group, will never work with this man!"

Donald was pale and drenched in a cold sweat. He had no idea what he had said that offended this she-devil!

Janine rolled her eyes at him and walked toward Cordelia. She picked up what the latter had scattered on the floor and put a hand on her shoulder, giving her a warm smile. Everyone in the hall looked at Cordelia with bated breaths and in disbelief.

Chapter 305

Chapter 305

Donald went over frantically. "Madam Baker..."

Janine had a poker face as she questioned coldly, "You ran into my child just now. You're not apologizing?"

Donald was befuddled. He stuttered after a while, "T-This... young lady is..."

"The most precious princess of the Baker Group!" Janine snorted. "Do you catch that clearly?"

Without even a glance at the man, she took Cordelia and left the financial center with her after speaking.

Both of them came to a cafe outside.

Janine did not know what Cordelia liked, so she ordered all the coffees available. Cordelia was unable to stop her. The warmth and friendliness this woman showed caught her by surprise. "Thank you so much for just now," Cordelia said sincerely.

"It's a small thing. No need to thank me!" Janine looked at the girl with a beam, but she seemed to have something bogging her mind.

"Cordelia, what's the matter?"

"Oh, nothing." Cordelia forced a smile, still clueless about how she would pen this interview draft.

Janine could guess it right away. "Is it because you haven't completed your interview task?"

"Mm."

"Show me your interview outline."

Cordelia passed it to her. As Janine skimmed through her outline, she thought that it was clean and clear. The questions had value to them, and there was no nonsense or fillers. The more she looked at it, the more she liked it. She admired this style of work.

"Must you interview this Donald West?" she asked.

Cordelia answered truthfully, "Not exactly. As long as it's someone in the finance industry."

Janine contemplated. Someone in finance? Well, who other than her son would fit this task better!?

She would be attending the Bayers' event this weekend anyway, so she would take the princess along to meet her son. Who knew if both of them would... and then...

Love at first sight, deeply in love, passionate night...

Janine felt like she could already see herself playing with her grandchild. She was gleeful and grinned widely.

Cordelia looked at her a little strangely and prodded her. "Hello? Aunt Janine! What's the matter?"

"Huh? Nothing, nothing!" Janine snapped back to reality.

Cordelia shrugged. The woman's grin and gaze were a little unnerving.

Janine asked her, "Cordelia, how long have you been a reporter?"

"Not too long. That's why I'm inexperienced," Cordelia said humbly. "I need to learn more."

'Hmm, a will to learn and improve! What a good girl!' Janine nodded with a smile.

"Heh, don't throw yourself into work," she said with a chuckle. "Your mom's quite concerned with your personal life!”

Cordelia looked at her in confusion.

Janine continued. "You're so pretty. There must be a lot of people after you?"

Chapter 306

Chapter 306

"Not really," Cordelia replied awkwardly.

"Do you have a boyfriend already?"

Cordelia nodded.

"When are you breaking up?"

Cordelia was rendered speechless.

Janine went mute. 'Goodness! Why did I blurt out what I was thinking!?'

"Ah, no, no!" She quickly chuckled and said apologetically, "Heh, I mean, you're young and pretty. You have a lot of choices. No need to be fixed on just one tree in the forest!" Cordelia widened her eyes at her.

Why was she blurting out her honest thoughts again!? Janine bit her lips. She was acting too strange today. She actually forgot how to talk after meeting the princess! "Cordelia..." She explained weakly, "Actually, what I mean is..."

"It's okay, I understand." Cordelia smiled politely. "But I won't break up with my boyfriend. I love him very much, and he's my husband to me. I'm going to spend the rest of my life with him!"

Janine paused and fell silent. She was quite disappointed. This was telling her that her son had no chance.

'The rest of her life... This Cordelia is like her mother, a stubborn romantic!'

Although Janine disagreed with this vision of love, stubborn ones like them would devote themselves loyally once they fell in love with someone. If a girl like this could love her son, he would be hitting the jackpot!

This was why she must never let this princess go!

It was just that their conversation had hit a dead end now. How was she supposed to resume it?

Janine gripped her coffee mug and drummed her fingers against it.

She had gone through the biggest negotiations and formidable rivals with a clear head and a sharp tongue, but she was suddenly at a loss in front of this willful little princess.

"Thank you so much today, Aunt Janine." Cordelia got up and bowed with a grateful smile. "But I have to go now. I still have other interview tasks."

"Wait!" Janine stopped her and grabbed her hand gently. "Cordelia, are you free this weekend?"

"-"

"Didn't you say that your interviewee just has to be someone from the finance industry? I know someone, and I can introduce him to you this weekend. As such, you don't have to scrap your interview outline." Cordelia was troubled. She had promised Zephyr to go to the Bayers' this weekend and meet his mother. If she left halfway through it, it might leave her future mother-in-law with a bad impression. Despite that, the chance for an interview was rare. She would complete this month's task in advance if she could finish this interview article.

"Why?" Janine could see that she was hesitant. "Do you already have an appointment?"

Cordelia nodded honestly.

"Oh, that's fine." Janine smiled and wrote down an address on the girl's book. "If you change your mind or your appointment ends earlier, come to this place."

The woman was sly like a fox. "Don't worry. No matter how late you come, I'll ensure your interview goes smoothly!"

Internally, she was thinking, 'Don't worry. No matter how late you come, I'll make sure I hold Zephyr back and throw him to you!'

The Bayers' residence was also built along the hill and was far across Hamerton Manor.

The place had a traditional design with four main buildings that formed a square. It had a sense of history with a noble air. Meanwhile, the addition of high-tech facilities added a touch of modern charm.

Chapter 307

Chapter 307

Zephyr's car slowly drove into the road in the Bayers' residence.

He held Cordelia's hand all the way and smiled at her. "Don't worry. The Bayers are nice people. You can tell just by looking at Josiah.

"His parents are all warm and kind people. They're honest and open."

Cordelia was curious. "Then how do they adapt to the conspiracies and deceptions in the business world?"

Zephyr stroked her hair. "The best way of survival is to face changes by remaining persistent."

"Oh, so I have to stay persistent to face the changes when I meet your mom later?" Cordelia chortled. "Stay who I am and face her with my most honest self. I think she'll accept me." "Of course."

Zephyr rubbed noses with her. The faint fragrance she had rushed into his nose again. Delirious, his hand grabbed her waist and began to have a mind of its own...

"Don't..." Cordelia nudged him away.

Zephyr smirked and kissed her on the lips instead.

Robert, who heard the noise in front, wanted to raise the board that would separate them, but he accidentally pressed the wrong button and lowered the window instead. As a gust of wind blew in, it ruffled Zephyr's hair. Robert was horrified and quickly raised the window, catching a glimpse of Zephyr's glower from the rearview mirror. Robert grimaced. Due to his nervousness, his foot stepped on the wrong pedal and stomped on the brake.

Zephyr scowled harder.

Robert turned back with a wince. "Sir, we're here."

Zephyr gave him a death glare and stayed silent while Cordelia blushed with a small smile holding his hand. It took her a few tugs to get him out of the car.

The Bayers' residence was unusually merry today. Their guests were elites with high social standing as well. The Bayers were hospitable and liked kids, so playful children were running around and playing at the front of the house.

A big group of kids was chasing around with balloons. A boy around four to five years old was scurrying behind them with a piece of cake. It was obvious that the boy could not catch up and whizzed through the crowd out of distress, coincidentally running into Zephyr, who had just gotten out of the car...

"This boy!" Zephyr was exasperated. The whole piece of cake had slammed right against his suit.

The boy knew that he had done something wrong and stared at both of them adorably. Cordelia did not find it in herself to scold him, so she let him off to play at the side with a stroke on his face. "Fortunately, I didn't wear the one you got me," Zephyr said with a chuckle. "Or I'd beat that boy up good!"

"How old are you to still be petty with kids!?"

Cordelia wiped him down, but there was too much cream-the suit was as good as gone.

Robert quickly took the spare out of the car.

"I'll go get changed first," Zephyr said softly. "Just stay here. Don't wander off. I'll be back very soon!"

Cordelia nodded with a smile.

The Bayers' residence was like a maze, and there were so many guests. Naturally, she was not going anywhere. She recalled the interviewee Janine had mentioned to her, but she did not pay attention when the woman wrote down the address.

Looking at the situation here, it might not end early today.

Cordelia thought about it and pulled her phone out to text Janine.

[Aunt Janine, I'm sorry. I might not be able...]

"Cordelia?" A familiar voice rang from behind her before she could finish typing the text.

Cordelia turned back in surprise.

Janine was dressed to the nines as she walked over with a flute of champagne, looking delightfully surprised.

"Cordelia, why didn't you tell me that you're here!?"

"Aunt Janine?" Cordelia was astonished. "Why are you here?"

Chapter 308

Chapter 308

Janine was over the moon. She met Zephyr, who was going to get changed at the patio earlier, and this brat of a son actually told her very seriously that he had brought Ms. Jenner this evening.

Janine nearly died in rage after hearing it and threatened him, "Zephyr Hamerton, if you dare let that woman step in my family, it's either me or her from now on!"

Zephyr smiled nonchalantly. "Mom, it's going to be the Hamertons that she's marrying into anyway, not the Bakers."

Janine choked from his retort and gnashed her teeth, glaring at him. What a horrible son she had!

She got a flute of champagne huffing and came over here only to bump into Cordelia!

'Heh, this is great. My princess is here. Even the heavens are helping me!'

Janine grabbed Cordelia's hand and flashed her a kind, motherly smile. She scanned her head to toe. "Cordelia, you look gorgeous today! The dress is pretty too. It brings out your charm!" Cordelia smiled shyly. "My boyfriend picked it out for me."

Janine pulled a long face right away, grumbling in her mind, 'Boyfriend? A bumpkin's taste! Awful!'

She quickly wore another expression and beamed again. "Right, Cordelia, you're here for the interview, right? Come, I'll take you to the person I wanted to introduce to you now!" Cordelia was bewildered. This was actually the address Janine had written down for her...

'Since Aunt Janine is attending the party, she must also be connected to the four major families. She might know Zephyr's mother then?' Cordelia frowned with a strange feeling. While she was in a trance, Janine was pulling her away.

"Aunt Janine, I-"

"Hurry!" Janine was impatient. "I saw the guy just now. Let's hurry to him. Don't let him run away!"

"But I'm waiting for someone here." Cordelia looked at her with a troubled look.

Janine paused. She could not bear to see her princess in a dilemma, so she thought about it and said, "Alright, wait here. I'll get him over!"

She put down her flute of champagne and darted into the crowd with her high heels.

Cordelia waited where she was. The people around her were all dressed up and chatting happily. The atmosphere felt just nice with the melodic violin playing.

She looked around and thought that Zephyr should almost be done changing, wondering how he was going to explain about the woman with him. It was at the same time she heard a shrill voice. "Oh, Ms. Jenner, you're here too?"

Cordelia looked up to see a woman dressed glamorously with intricate makeup and a pompous flair. It was the same person she met at her house the last time-the woman who "grew up together" with Zephyr Cordelia smiled and greeted politely, "Hi, Ms. Tanner."

Nelly was rather surprised. "You know who I am?"

"I do." Cordelia looked at her. "Zephyr's mentioned you to me."

Nelly was stunned. Her gaze was skeptical. "He... actually talked to you about me?"

Cordelia did not deny it.

It felt like a rock was lifted from her heart to Nelly. This meant that she had some significance to Zephyr. After all, no matter how reluctant he was about the marriage between the Hamertons and the Tanners, he could not fight back against the whole family.

Thinking of this, Nelly smirked triumphantly and crossed her arms.

"Since you know about my relationship with Zephyr, do you think it's appropriate for you to be here today?"

Cordelia smiled without saying anything.

Nelly approached her. The girl's calm grace made her anxious. The elegance that felt innate raised her doubts as well.

Cordelia was said to be an illegitimate daughter and came from a small place like Jangasas.

She was the heiress of the Tanners. How could she pale in presence compared to her!?

"I know that you and Zephyr met each other in Jangasas." Nelly cleared her throat. "He was recuperating there, and you got together over some misunderstandings."

She kept a close eye on Cordelia. "Ms. Jenner, you're smart. Why didn't you wonder why Zephyr didn't tell you that he already had a fiancée in Centrolis?"

"Fiancee?" Cordelia arched her brow. "You mean you and Zephyr have a marriage agreement?"

Chapter 309

Chapter 309

Nelly raised her voice. "This is a tacit understanding between the Hamerton and Tanner elders!"

Cordelia smiled and said gently, "Ms. Tanner, I'm rather ignorant. I don't quite understand things like 'tacit understanding'.

"I wonder, if the adults of both families approve and understand each other, and Zephyr doesn't reject it, why is it 'tacit'? Since it's not announced, it means that both families still have reservations about this marriage.

"Or perhaps..." Cordelia said, looking Nelly in the eyes, "Zephyr doesn't even acknowledge it!"

"You-"

Nelly was flustered.

Cordelia raised her hand to run it through her hair. The big emerald jade ring on her ring finger exuded extraordinary loftiness and affection.

It stung Nelly's eyes. She was resentful but knew she could not show it on her face, no matter how furious she was.

This was the Bayers' place. If she got into a fight with Cordelia here, she would be ruining the Tanners' image.

Zephyr was also here. She could not make him think that she was a crazy woman.

Nelly suppressed the rage and jealousy within her and forced a smile after glaring at Cordelia.

"You have a sharp tongue, Ms. Jenner. It's no wonder Zephyr likes you. But some things are still pointless even if Zephyr likes them." She scoffed. "He has the whole Hamerton family behind him. His marriage is tied to the interests of the family!"

Cordelia looked down and stroked the emerald ring on her finger.

"Don't think that you can decide on his marriage privately and step into the Hamertons just because you exchanged rings. Ms. Jenner, the Hamertons' door isn't so easy to enter." Nelly went closer to her and said in a low tone, "But I can see that you like Zephyr a lot, and having someone like you by his side can tie him down. It's better than him going to some random woman outside."

Cordelia looked at her coldly. "What are you trying to say?"

On the other side...

Robert walked in front like he was threatened-behind him was Janine.

He dared not turn around because that would make him meet Janine's unflinching and unnerving eyes.

Who would dare interrupt Mr. Z Hamerton when he was changing? Still, Robert dared not provoke his boss' birth mother either.

He lamented hundreds of times in his mind and stopped in front of a room. He chuckled dryly at Janine. "Madam Baker, i-it's here."

"He isn't done yet?"

"He'll probably be out soon."

Janine knocked on the door directly. "Zephyr, stop stalling! Come out and meet someone with me!"

Zephyr felt a headache upon seeing his mother when he opened the door.

"Mom, can you just give up? How many times do you want me to tell you? I'm not interested in the person you mentioned!"

"Interest can be developed!" retorted Janine. "What were you interested in other than eating when you were younger? It's all my teachings and training that others have the illusion you're gifted..." "Mom, you-"

"Hurry up, come with me!"

Zephyr scowled. "I need to use the washroom!"

"Hold it in!" growled Janine.

Robert could not hold back and let a chuckle escape, but he quickly clamped his mouth shut.

"Zephyr Hamerton, if you must go to the washroom, I'll take the girl and look for you there! Make up your mind!"

Janine left after she spoke.

Zephyr glared at her back, his face turning purple from holding back his rage.

"Mr. Zephyr, it's actually fine to have a quick meeting," Robert reminded him softly, "Don't forget that Ms. Jenner's going to meet Madam Baker tonight. It's best that you don't get into a conflict with the queen now. Think of it as doing this for Ms. Jenner. Hurry!"

Zephyr actually shared the same thought. He would meet the girl and make it clear-it was better than dragging it on like this.

"Mm, I'll go now," he replied. "Go to Cordelia. Don't keep her waiting. Take her to the room or get Zennie to keep her company. "And... she mustn't know who I'm meeting, understand?"

Chapter 310

Chapter 310

Cordelia and Nelly stood facing each other. As Cordelia looked at Nelly's quirked lips, she clenched her hands into fists.

"Ms. Jenner, don't you understand what I mean?" Nelly snickered. "I won't stop you from being together with Zephyr. Even when I marry him in the future, I'll ensure you're well taken care of. I won't get jealous, either!

"Heh, things like these are actually common in families like ours. I'll adapt to it slowly, and I believe that you'll get used to it too!"

Cordelia bit her lips and took in a deep breath. Nelly might as well just say "mistress".

Nelly's smile was vicious as she looked at Cordelia quietly. This woman overestimated herself and humiliated her by talking about exchanging rings the last time. She must not show her any mercy this time! "Yeah, Nelly's right!" A brilliant voice rang suddenly.

Nelly's eyes brightened up. She was all smiles and greeted sweetly, "Auntie!"

Just as she was going to run over, though, Janine moved to the side and refused her hug with a hand. Nelly's arms were already spread open, so it was awkward as they froze in the air.

She was alarmed when she saw Janine walking toward Cordelia and putting an arm over her shoulder.

"Nelly's right." Janine chuckled. "It's too common for men to have mistresses in families like ours. One isn't enough. They have to get three or four!"

"Auntie?" Nelly could not figure out what she was trying to say.

"But Nelly, don't worry." Janine looked at her. "My Zephyr isn't someone like this!"

Nelly thought that Janine was taking her side and could not help smiling shyly. However, she saw Janine look lovingly at Cordelia the next second and speak gently. "It's enough that he has Cordelia!" "What!?" Nelly was dumbstruck.

Cordelia felt a buzz in her ears as her mind went blank as well. 'Aunt Janine said... Zephyr? Her Zephyr?

'Is it Zephyr Hamerton? There could not be a second Zephyr here, could it!?

'How was this possible? Aunt Janine is Zephyr's... mother!?'

"Auntie, what do you mean?" Nelly was in disbelief.

Janine was smiling, but it was obvious that the smile was icy and mocking. It was totally unlike when she was smiling at Cordelia.

"Nelly, what's gotten into you, child? You can't understand words now?"

"Auntie "

"I think you were right." Janine had long had an opinion about Nelly and took the chance to clap back at her. "You really shouldn't stop Cordelia from being together with Zephyr, nor should you be jealous. "When they get married, I'll ensure you're well taken care of as their mother-in-law. Our Zephyr doesn't like all such messes, but if you insist on being his mistress, it's not like it's impossible. "But 'families like ours' have a lot of rules, and you've got to follow them!" Janine grinned. "You have to kneel before Cordelia as part of the ceremony. It's the duty of a mistress to the lawful wife!" Janine patted Cordelia's hand and continued. "You can't be petty. As long as she kneels, serves you tea, and walks in from the back door, per ceremony, you have to accept her! What do you think?" Cordelia was stunned. She could not even wrap her head around the situation and stared back dumbly.

Nelly was appalled and pale, shaking with clattering teeth.

It was no wonder that even Liam Hamerton was wary of Janine. It was not just because the Baker Group was wealthy and lofty, but it was also because of the woman's sharp tongue and powerful presence. People were looking over and whispering with piqued interest.

Nelly was unwilling to become the joke and stomped her foot, glaring at Cordelia, before she left.

Cordelia took a moment to recover. "Aunt Janine, you... You're..."

"What is it?" Her reaction amused Janine. "I only left for a bit, and you don't recognize me anymore?

"Right, I got you the person. It's my son, Zephyr Hamerton!

"Zephyr, come over!" Janine turned around to call for him.

Zephyr's expression actually mirrored Cordelia's-they stared at Janine in shock and then looked at each other in astonishment.

As Janine watched them, she thought that they looked really matching!

"Don't keep standing like this! Get to know each other!"

In spite of it, even Robert was dumbfounded.

Janine finally felt something was wrong and looked at Cordelia and Zephyr. She finally tossed the question to Robert.

"What's up with the two of them?"

Robert let out a peal of laughter. "Madam Baker, when did you get acquainted with Ms. Jenner?"

"Ms. Jenner?"

"Yes!" Robert chuckled wryly. "The person Mr. Zephyr wants you to meet tonight is Ms. Cordelia Jenner!"

"C-Cordelia Jenner?"

'My princess is a Jenner?'

"Then who did I run into at Yale's!?""

"Madam Baker, that's Yelena Jenner, Ms. Cordelia Jenner's sister by name... Ms. Jenner isn't William Jenner's daughter, in fact!"

This time, it was Janine's turn to widen her eyes.

The woman his son was dead set on marrying was the same person as the daughter-in-law she was determined to have! She did not even have to introduce them, and her son had long won her daughter-in- law over!

'Ah...'

She had made a blunder and was actually the clown.

Happiness surged within Janine like a tidal wave, like a strike of thunder, like an explosion of lava! She kind of malfunctioned because of it and slapped Zephyr, who was grinning.

"You brat! Why didn't you tell me that the person you like is Cordelia? You made me so angry at me these days for nothing!"

"Mom, how is this my fault!?"