Ch. 311..320

Chapter 311

Chapter 311

"Is it my fault then?"

Janine felt guilty when she yelled this. After all, she was the one who had recognized the wrong person first, mistaking Yelena, who had been messing around with Yale, as Cordelia. However, being unreasonable had always been her style.

She cleared her throat and glanced at Zephyr, forcefully turning the table around. "Cordelia's wonderful. Why didn't you let me meet her sooner? You just don't want us in-laws to meet, do you?"

Zephyr was rendered speechless. He remembered a certain someone saying that his marriage did not only concern the Hamertons but also the Bakers. The same someone had also said that he had to choose either Cordelia or her if he dared marry Cordelia.

"Mom." Zephyr was exasperated. "Can you be a little more reasonable? Weren't you "

"I said I have a daughter-in-law I like, but you weren't willing at all and even threatened me with pulling your shares out!"

Zephyr was baffled. The blame game could be played this way?

He looked at Cordelia in panic. "I didn't—"

"Cough!" Janine straightened up to approach Cordelia and grinned, looking at her. "It's okay, Cordelia. If this brat doesn't want to, I can take you to Chaiseland!

"The Bakers are filled with talented young men and blue-eyed blonde hotties. By then..."

"Mom!" growled Zephyr. She was his mother for sure she was relentless!

Cordelia giggled and went over to hook arms with Zephyr.

"Thank you for the kind offer, Aunt Janine. I just want this one!"

Zephyr bent down to rub noses with her fondly, grinning like he had the world.

The Bayers were never uptight, so the dinner was held buffet-style to allow the guests free room for interaction.

Mr. and Mrs. Bayer clinked glasses hand in hand among their guests. Although it had been 30 years since they got married, they were still sweetly in love and made many envious. Zephyr noticed Cordelia's gaze and held her hand. "No need to be envious of them. We'll be like that too."

She looked up. "Let's hold a grand ceremony like this when it's our 30th wedding anniversary as well." 'Wedding?' Zephyr's eyes sparkled.

What Cordelia wanted to emphasize was the ceremony, but Zephyr's focus was only on the word wedding. He could not help being thrilled. "You're willing to marry me?"

"Dummy!" Cordelia knocked his head. "I've never said that I'm not marrying you! I just want to learn more things now and accumulate more experience so that I can stand next to you better in the future!" Zephyr was impatient. "You don't actually have to-"

"Why not?" Janine's voice cut in abruptly.

She had been socializing all this while and came to the pair. She smiled at Cordelia, growingly admiring her independent and diligent character.

"I think Cordelia's right!" Janine nodded. "Whenever it is, women should stay independent in terms of finance and personality! Only then will people not look down on us."

"I absolutely will not look down on her!" Zephyr quickly promised.

"It's too early for you to say this." Janine maintained her smile and looked serious. "Everything in this world changes, including people. Only the skills and abilities you own won't ever betray you.

"So, I support Cordelia to grow stronger and have the ability to handle things on her own."

"Mm!" Cordelia's eyes on Janine were glittering like she was looking at her idol.

"Cordelia, would you like to join my company?"

"What?" She froze.

"Don't worry, I won't make you go to Chaiseland," Janine said softly. "I'm back to Centrolis this time for the subsidiary under the Hamerton Group. I've invested in Wattz and changed its name to Imperial Media as the largest shareholder. I'm prepared to establish myself in Centrolis, and I need talented people to help me out. I wonder if you'd like to work with me."

"Um..." Cordelia was surprised, delighted, and suddenly at a loss for words.

"No way!" Zephyr pulled a long face. He was well aware of his mother's working style. She looked so kind to Cordelia now, but that was not how she was going to be at work.

"Mom, Cordelia's current job is alright."

"Alright? She wanted to interview Donald West, and the man mocked her. I saw it with my own eyes how she suffered the grievance!"

How could she allow her princess to suffer out there?

"There are a lot of unpredictable things in the workplace," said Janine. "I went through it and have lots of experience. I'll teach Cordelia so she can explore her own career in the future!"

Cordelia felt like a free lunch was just thrown right to her from the sky, and she nodded profusely.

Janine looked at her lovingly. "Besides, I think that Cordelia's a capable, determined, and smart girl. She'll do well!"

"Aunt Janine..." Cordelia felt a sob. No one had ever complimented her like this.

Her mother was ill all the time in the past and rarely said things like this to her. It had caused her to assume she was stupid and did not deserve anything good. It was after growing up that she slowly corrected the thought, but the inferiority complex planted deep within still pricked her occasionally.

Janine rubbed her smooth hair. "My dear child, will you become my assistant and work with me?"

"Of course!"

"I'll teach you well then. But I don't have a good temper and am quite merciless at work. Can you stand it?"

"Yes!"

Janine looked at her with a grin.

"I knew it. You're your mother's daughter. You wouldn't be weak!"

Cordelia did not understand what it meant. In her impression, her mother had always just been a regular housewife and had been ill. Why did it seem like she was someone impressive to Janine? Maybe it was because they were best friends like she was with Linda-they thought that each other was the best too.

"Alright, enough of this." Janine came back to herself. "Resign from your current work and complete the handover as soon as possible. Try to report yourself next week. What do you think?" Cordelia agreed immediately. "No problem!"

Both of them chatted in glee, completely ignoring Zephyr, who was at the side.

The next second, Cordelia seemed to recall something and looked at Zephyr with a troubled expression.

Zephyr jolted. Did she finally remember that he was here?

Cordelia said after a pause, "Aunt Janine, can you... do me another favor?"

Chapter 312

Chapter 312

Janine was glad to be of service. "Sure! What is it?"

Cordelia glanced at Zephyr and giggled. "Can you get my salary card back for me?"

"What?"

"I haven't even gotten to hold my salary card ever since I started working in the news agency!"

Janine frowned. "Which news agency is it? That's too much! How dare they delay payment?"

"The agency didn't delay my payment." Cordelia met Zephyr's widened eyes and pointed at him with a chuckle, "He took it!"

Janine was surprised.

Although she had opinions about Zephyr recently, she still thought her son was a responsible man. 'W-When did he develop the awful habit of snatching a woman's salary card!?' "Zephyr Hamerton!" she roared.

A lot of people attending the event turned.

Zephyr could not afford to embarrass himself like this and quickly eyed his mother to lower her volume.

Janine did not care. She slapped him again.

"You brat! How dare you snatch Cordelia's salary card? She works so hard to make money every month, and all of that goes into your pockets!?"

"No. Mom!" Zephyr had never felt this speechless. "We made a promise back then. Cordelia said that she'd take care of me forever!"

"Oh, very successful of you now, huh?" Janine was dumbfounded. "You actually don't mind spending your wife's money?"

Zephyr frowned and looked at his mother gloomily. She must not be able to understand that this was how they flirted and showed love.

Due to his mother's authority, though, he slowly pulled out the salary card. He always carried it with him, tucked in the pocket of his shirt where it was the closest to his heart. Cordelia beamed. Her pretty eyes turned into crescents, brimming with mischief and affection for him.

Zephyr smiled as well and pinched her cheek.

"Just one card?" Janine glared at him.

Zephyr paused. "What else?"

"And all your other cards. Give them all to Cordelia!"

Zephyr was rendered speechless.

"Without Cordelia's permission, you're not to spend as you wish, you hear me?"

Zephyr suddenly recalled Nicholas asking him for a cigarette while hiding on the balcony when they were back in Jangasas.

The current Cordelia was unlike the past Cordelia!

She had been unaware of his identity and felt bad for him, always worrying that he did not have enough money.

Now that his little bunny was going to become a successful career woman with the help of Janine, she would definitely tighten the leash around him!

Zephyr subconsciously put a hand in his pants pocket. There was only a lighter in it, and he clutched it like he was hiding a treasure.

Nicholas took some time out of his busy schedule to have lunch with Zephyr. Both of them went to a nearby mall after the meal.

"Are you buying something?" Zephyr looked at him strangely. "Hid some money of your own?"

Nicholas glared at him.

Zephyr understood and smirked. "Don't worry. I won't tell Linda."

This was a tacit understanding between them.

Nicholas sighed and chuckled wryly.

"Say, do women's tempers change too when they get pregnant?"

"Why?"

"She picks on me every day!"

Zephyr gloated, "Can't blame her. It's not like you're perfect without anything to pick on!"

Nicholas lifted a hand to punch him. They jostled a bit until Nicholas called it quits and gloated as well.

"I heard that Nelly Tanner is relentless about you?"

"Who told you?" Zephyr scowled.

"It's everywhere, okay!" Nicholas looked at him. "The land project in the western suburbs you have, the Tanners are involved too, right?"

Zephyr glowered and nodded.

The companies that had placed a bid for the land were Donmein and Lyan, which were under his name. After the land was obtained, the development and management rights should be his as the project was also shared among the Hamerton Group's subsidiaries, but the Tanners refused to stay in their lane.

Chapter 313

Chapter 313

"The project requires people from the University of Centrolis' design department, and Murphy Tanner is on the board of trustees." Zephyr scoffed. "It's also one lucrative project that everyone wants in, so the Tanners definitely aren't missing this chance.

"More like Nelly Tanner isn't missing this chance to get close to you? This way, she'll have an excuse to visit the Hamerton Group every day to discuss work with you!"

Zephyr glared at him. His cold gaze told him that he should shut up if he had nothing better to say.

Nicholas only cackled more gleefully. After that, he patted Zephyr's shoulder seriously. "To be honest, I am the boss of an entertainment company and not much in the high society of Centrolis. But one word from you, and I'll do my best!"

"Thanks." Zephyr patted his wrist as well. "But Nicholas, you probably don't know that I'm only working for someone too, yeah?"

"Huh?"

"Make a guess. Who's the big boss behind this plot of land and the listed companies Donmein and Lyan?"

Nicholas paused. He was clever, so he quickly arrived at the answer-who else, if not Cordelia, when Zephyr could proudly claim that he was working for someone!?

"You..."

Zephyr smiled in silent confirmation.

Nicholas smiled as well, lamenting that he could not compare to the man.

"So, Cordelia's everyone's boss?"

"Exactly," Zephyr answered. Once he thought of Cordelia, he could not help the quirk of his lips.

"But she doesn't know about this yet. She wants to make something of herself first, so I didn't disclose this."

"Well, I'd love to see what Nelly Tanner looks like when she meets your big boss!" Nicholas cackled.

Zephyr pulled a long face. "Can you stop bringing up this woman?"

Nicholas followed him gleefully.

He had wanted to buy some pregnancy-friendly skincare for Linda, but the two men did not know how to shop and somehow made their way to the makeup section.

Zephyr saw people testing lipsticks. He had never known what difference there was among the rows of lipsticks. They all looked red. When he saw the two girls testing, he suddenly had a thought. 'Women must all like these.'

Cordelia had never put on makeup. In the past, it was because she was thrifty and only used the cheapest lip products. Now that she was a senior assistant by Janine's side, she should dress up a bit more. Zephyr went over to take a look at the lipsticks, nearly dropping Nicholas' jaw.

The sales assistant came over warmly to ask him which type he needed, but he looked at the choices seriously with a frown, suddenly feeling like he was colorblind.

"Let's go!" Nicholas said in a whisper, "No man buys this stuff. It's embarrassing!"

"It's not embarrassing for you to buy skincare products for your wife, but it's embarrassing for me to buy lipstick for mine?" Zephyr glared at him.

Actually, it was logical. Nicholas kept quiet.

"Sir!" The sales assistant wore a professional smile. "If you really can't make up your mind, you can try swatching them and see which color matches your girlfriend more." Zephyr paused. "How do I do that?"

"You can swatch them on the back of your hand."

"Shouldn't lipstick be applied on the lips? What can you see putting them on the back of your hand?"

The sales assistant was rendered speechless and could only chuckle dryly.

"Can I put it on the lips?" asked Zephyr.

It was the sales assistant's first time meeting a man like this. "Err... sure.

"Will you be applying it?"

How could Mr. Z Hamerton be subjected to something like that!?

Zephyr contemplated with furrowed brows and suddenly turned around to see Nicholas, who was standing there dumbly.

"Which artist does your company still want to sign?"

Nicholas jolted and met the man's unfriendly gaze.

Zephyr smirked. "Neil Harris, right? I'll get him for you!"

"Zephyr Hamerton, what... What do you want?"

Nicholas stepped back, but Zephyr grabbed his collar.

"You're fair, almost like Cordelia!" Zephyr squinted. "Miss!"

Nicholas was in despair. "Zephyr, you f*cking-"

"Test these all on him!"

Zephyr waved a hand at the over 300 lipsticks.

Chapter 314

Chapter 314

At the Hamerton Group's top floor, the meeting felt exceptionally solemn and serious due to Liam's presence.

Liam was seated at the table, dressed in a black silk suit. His silver hair told of the years he had lived. Even with age catching up to him, his gaze was bright and lively while he exuded a sense of authority. He looked at Zephyr and asked, "Has the handover procedure with the Baker Group been completed?"

"Yes," Zephyr answered calmly. "Madam Baker is the largest shareholder of Imperial Media right now."

"Mm." Liam nodded with a complicated gaze flashing in his eyes. "I hope this company shows its value under Madam Baker."

Even when he had conflicts with the Bakers in the past, he was definitely able to still be tactful with how long he had been in the business world.

Moreover, the interests of the Hamertons and the Baker Group were intertwined and complicated. Zephyr was Janine's son, and that meant that it would be impossible for the Hamertons to cut contact with the Bakers.

In that case, they might as well work together and seek a suitable opportunity in the future.

Liam frowned and looked at Zephyr with a deep gaze. Everything else was great-he was happy with this heir he had trained, but Cordelia was a troublesome issue!

Liam did not pay much attention in the meeting. It was when it ended that he asked others to leave. He kept only Matthew and Zephyr, as well as Clark and two other trusted ones.

Matthew glanced at Zephyr with a smirk. The latter knew clearly that he must have instigated something in front of his grandfather again.

After all, Janine had caused a scene at the Bayers' party the other day, and Nelly had failed to win any favor. Instead, because of the "mistress" issue, she dug her own trap and became the joke of a few major families in Centrolis. She must have whined and complained when she returned home.

This went well with what Matthew wished.

He already had a good relationship with the Tanners, and Liam was supportive of the marriage between Zephyr and Nelly. As long as Matthew exaggerated and added fuel to the fire, Liam would absolutely be upset about Zephyr.

As expected, Liam toyed with a piece of jade and asked with a grim expression, “Zephyr, I heard that your mother's met that woman?"

"That woman?" Zephyr arched his brow. "Who are you referring to, grandpa? I don't understand."

Liam scowled. "Stop pretending!"

"Grandpa, you're not even mentioning that person's name. How would I know who it is?"

"You"

Zephyr said seriously, "Grandpa, she's not 'that woman'. She has a name. I remember you teaching me when I was young that we should respect others first before we gain respect from others. Isn't that right?"

Matthew snickered on the side. He would love for Zephyr to argue with Liam over that woman. Once the grandfather and grandson were in discord, he and Yale would reap the benefits of it!

He guessed that Liam would not go along with Zephyr's request. Who was the old man? His whole life, there were only people going along with his wishes-never him going along with the others. Zephyr was still too young. Perhaps, he did not understand his grandfather at all!

Matthew did not even know whether to call him too smart or too dumb for fighting his grandfather over a term of address. He scoffed and sat up straighter in anticipation of the show.

In spite of it, Liam uttered the name with a huff after being quiet for a moment. "Fine, I'll call her Cordelia Jenner!"

Matthew was dumbfounded.

He had already thought about how he would instigate things after that, yet this was the show his old man gave him!?

Was this man really senile that he disregarded his principles? He could not dote on Zephyr like that!

Matthew clenched his fists under the table and gnashed his teeth as he squinted at Zephyr.

Chapter 315

Chapter 315

"You brought Cordelia to meet your mother?" asked Liam.

"Yes," answered Zephyr. "My mom likes her very much."

"Hah!" Matthew snorted. "Zephyr, Ms. Jenner is really something, huh!? What trick did she play that she won over Madam Baker, who's so dominant and picky?" Zephyr's gaze darkened.

His uncle had said this to create an impression that Cordelia was scheming to his grandfather.

Liam was already dissatisfied with Cordelia's family background, and it would be harder to win his acknowledgment with the addition of the label of a scheming woman.

Zephyr took in a deep breath and chortled. "Cordelia does get along very well with my mom. This one, she does better than you!"

"What did you say?" Matthew frowned. "Zephyr, why are you getting me involved?"

"I'm just stating a fact."

Zephyr twirled his pen leisurely. "Uncle Matthew, all these years you've spent with my mom, you don't seem to have received any positive comment?

"Even though she's a little picky, she's a good judge of people. Instead of instigating here, Uncle Matthew, you might as well learn from Cordelia and see how you can get closer to my mom. It'd benefit your future development, no?"

Zephyr's sharp words baffled Matthew.

"You rascal!" Matthew slammed the table and snarled, "Is this how you talk to your elder?"

Liam looked at him unnervingly.

It was only then Matthew realized that he had been too emotional, but he was indignant.

"W-Why should I patch things up with your mother? I don't have a favor to ask for!"

"Really?" Zephyr snickered. "Then how did you fill up the $3,000,000,000 hole on the accounts? Are you sure you didn't use the Baker Group's money?" "Zephyr! You! How dare you check my accounts?"

"As a decent heir, it's of utmost importance to separate work and family. In the Hamerton Group, you're not my uncle. You're only my subordinate. "Should a superior pick a date and ask for the subordinate's permission to check their accounts?"

Matthew was rendered speechless by the retort and sweated profusely.

Liam's authoritative voice rang as he stared at the man sternly. "Matthew, what's the matter with the $3,000,000,000? Explain this!"

Matthew stammered and was unable to answer it.

Mattle Industrial had gotten listed as a shell corporation and raked in lots of wealth on the share market, but it also stirred some controversies. The amount of $3,000,000,000 was to fill up the hole it made the last time.

It was just that, how would he dare tell his old man!?

Matthew grimaced. "Dad, actually, I—"

"This is what you do all the time!" Liam growled and hurled his dragon-head cane toward him.

Liam had been thinking of ways to keep a clear line from the Baker Group, but they now had another $3,000,000,000 to fill! He really wanted to twist Matthew's head off.

"Grandpa, the sum isn't exactly a big number to the Hamerton Group. The western suburbs project can totally take care of it."

"That project?" Liam scoffed. "Matthew and Yale can pull themselves out of it from now on, lest they cause another embarrassment!"

Chapter 316

Chapter 316

Matthew's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Looks like it's useless to you, whether it's taking the subsidiary from you or dismissing you!" Liam looked at him coldly. "You don't have to come to the company anymore, then! The projects you have are to be distributed to the Hamerton kids!"

"Zephyr, make arrangements for it. Those who take over must have a virtuous character. No more blunders!"

"Mm, I understand." Zephyr smiled as he already had a plan in his mind.

He had a lot of peers in the family. His elder cousins were mature and steady people who were trustworthy.

"As for the western suburbs land..." Liam thought about it. "Zephyr, take full charge. Make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Alright."

Zephyr wore a small smile.

He managed to dismiss Matthew from work in the board meeting last time with a few words, and now, with the same brief words, he kicked the man out of the project.

It was like an obstacle removed for him, but the Tanners were still around.

Zephyr said with a low tone, "Grandpa, since Uncle Matthew isn't involved now, then the Tanners..."

"The Tanners have been our best partners." Liam looked at him.

"Zephyr, I understand what you're thinking." Liam's gaze was cryptic. "I'm not forcing you to marry Nelly, but you can't just stay fixed on Cordelia alone!" "Grandpa-"

"Alright, I'm tired." Liam waved his hand and got up with his cane. "I do not wish to talk about this further.

"Work well with Nelly." He turned back and said at the door, "Maybe you'll realize that a woman like Cordelia isn't the best for you!"

During the weekend, Cordelia and Zephyr took their mothers out.

It was cool and breezy, and the sky was clear blue with cotton-like drifting clouds. The sun showered its warmth on the world, and the sea glittered. The scenery was beautiful. They had wanted to go hiking but ultimately roamed around the city under the two mothers' insistence.

The city area of Centrolis was large, but it did not feel like a trip. It felt more like they were shopping.

Cordelia gloomily rested her head against the car window, and Zephyr pulled her shoulder to let her lean against him upon noticing her slightly disappointed look.

"The window's cold and hard. It's not comfortable," he said in a low voice.

Cordelia looked up at him with a smile.

Their mothers' chatter and giggles came from the front.

"Let's drop them off later, and I'll take you somewhere!" Zephyr chortled next to Cordelia's ear.

"No." Cordelia shook her head. "We're out today to spend time with them. What's the meaning of it if we leave first?"

"But..."

"We've got to go all the way if we're doing this," Cordelia said seriously. "It's nice to roam around with them. They might buy us something nice!"

"Something nice?" Zephyr asked with a chuckle, "Why didn't I realize that you were a little money grubber in the past?"

"You'll know in the future!" Cordelia's eyes were beaming in crescents. "I'm also a miser! I think the cutest thing in this world is my money!"

Zephyr glared immediately. "What about me?"

"You..." Cordelia stuck her tongue out. The way she looked when she was unable to answer was endearing.

It felt like a kitty was scratching Zephyr's heart. He could not help getting closer to her with a sense of tension, speaking hoarsely next to her ear. "Which one's cuter between me and money?"

Cordelia smiled without a word.

The atmosphere began to heat up... Cordelia blushed and leaned back a little only for Zephyr to push in closer with his muscular chest.

"Tell me!" Zephyr's eyes were smiling. "Which one's cuter?"

Before he got an answer, his head was thwacked by Janine.

"What's wrong with you? Why ask a dumb question like this? Of course it's money!"

Zephyr was rendered speechless.

Robert drove steadily and caught his employer's empty look from the rearview mirror. It seemed that he often wore this expression ever since Cordelia learned about his identity.

It seemed about right, though. Each time they tried to be more intimate, there were always interruptions-an emergency brake or Janine's slap...

Robert could not help laughing as he thought about it, and his foot stomped on the brake, causing the car to jolt.

"Sorry! I'm sorry!" He was horrified. "Are you all okay?"

Janine looked at him, befuddled. "No, but I remember you used to drive well, didn't you? What's gotten into you now?"

Robert chuckled awkwardly.

As the car door opened and they got out, Cordelia realized they stood before a lofty well-designed mansion. It was in an excellent spot of quietness despite the bustling city center. Janine and Xyla looked at them with a beam.

Josiah then came out of the mansion area and nearly gave Zephyr a bear hug when he saw him.

"Z! A grand welcome to you and sis-in-law for choosing Royal Manor!" Josiah was rarely this serious with a suit and tie. "This will be your home from now on!"

Cordelia was stunned and looked at Xyla. "Mom, this is-"

"Cordelia, this is a gift from both your mothers to you!" Josiah said with a grin.

"Yea, Cordelia." Xyla held Cordelia's hand and looked at her lovingly. "I've discussed it with Janine and think that you both should have your own space."

"It's not too nice to stay in Zen Residence," said Janine. "After all, you haven't officially married into the Hamertons. And the place is full of rules. It's torture. I'm worried that you won't adapt to it so soon.

"So we chose here! This place is an exclusive mansion residential area that the Bayers developed. The facilities are absolutely marvelous!"

"The service is great too!" Josiah stood between them. "I'm your exclusive butler from now on. Just come to me if you need anything!"

Cordelia giggled while Zephyr wrapped an arm around her and gave Josiah a dirty look.

"Z! Don't look down on me! I'm in serious work mode now!"

Zephyr smiled and looked at his mother in approval.

She had come back to Centrolis for so long and was arguing with him all the time. This was the only thing that sat easily with him. He just did not know if Cordelia was happy with this.

He was a little worried and looked at her. Cordelia was blushing a little as she looked down and fidgeted with the hem of her clothes.

He knew that she was nervous. She had a traditional mind and might not accept this, but she had long been his!

Zephyr looked at her, feeling a little emotional. "Cordelia, will you start a new life with me?"

Chapter 317

Chapter 317

It went quiet all of a sudden.

Cordelia's eyes were cast down as she held her hands together and remained silent.

Janine and Xyla exchanged a look and smiled, leaving tactfully. The young couple needed some private space right now.

"Robert, take us around somewhere else," instructed Janine.

Robert caught what she meant instantly and went to start the car. Only the ever-jolly Josiah stood rooted dumbly and stared at the two of them.

He grinned. "Z, sis-in-law, you don't have to bring anything. I've set the place up for you. You can pack your bag and check in anytime!"

Cordelia looked up and met Zephyr's deep gaze.

Zephyr grew a little nervous. "Cordelia, I won't force you if you're reluctant."

Cordelia could not help chuckling inwardly. "I won't force you"... Ever since she learned about his real identity, these four words seemed to have grown in his mouth!

She wondered if he knew that she sometimes quite wished that he would "force" her a little...

Sometimes, she thought of the old times when he was glued to her. He would not say polite things like "I won't force you". Her occasional fightback would cause him to pin her down with one big hand while his other hand got rid of whatever she wore...

People said that the body would give the most honest answer to whether one loved someone or not.

Cordelia's heart skipped a beat. Her expression looked unnatural as her cheeks burned.

Zephyr could not guess what she was thinking and thought that this was her rejection, so he could not help feeling disappointed.

It seemed like this was a failure again.

"It's fine." He squeezed her hand and reluctantly said, "I'll wait for you."

Until when did he have to wait?

Zephyr winced. Cordelia caught the flash of dejection on his face.

She smiled cheekily, her eyes bright like stars, as she asked softly, "Wait for me do what?"

"Wait for you to say yes," he answered.

"Did I say no?"

Zephyr stared at her.

What did she mean? Did she want him to "force" her?

Cordelia's blush became more intense, and she whined, "Never mind if you don't understand it!"

Josiah patted his shoulder. "Hey, Z, what riddle are you two on?"

Zephyr was confused.

"It's just staying together! Do you have to guess here and there? Since when did you two need so much effort to talk!?"

Realization struck Zephyr. It felt like a jackpot hit him... but he still warily checked Cordelia's expression. Calming down his thumping heart, he asked her, "Really?"

Cordelia smiled and held his face to look at him.

For someone who was so decisive and authoritative to the outsiders, he acted like a child walking on thin ice in front of her, afraid to upset her.

She suddenly felt a pinch in her heart, and happiness brimmed within her.

"Mm, really." She nodded and said softly, "I've already married you once. You're my husband to me. Staying together with my husband is only a matter of course!"

"Cordelia, I”

Zephyr was speechless. He had yet to give her a proper wedding or announce to the world that she was his beloved wife.

Yet, it felt like she knew what he thought and smiled softly. "I know that as long as I nod, you'll marry me no matter what. "But it isn't time yet."

Chapter 318

Chapter 318

"It really isn't easy to be Mr. Z Hamerton's wife!" Cordelia grinned at him playfully.

It was lonely at the top. Zephyr was high in status, and all his family glory was focused on him-that also meant that all the resentment and hostility were on him.

Those in the Hamertons did not dare lay a finger on him, so they would naturally shift their target to the people around him.

"I can't put myself in danger." Cordelia looked into his eyes. "And I can't allow you to be distracted because of me.

"Only when I'm strong and able to protect myself that I won't burden you and, instead, become the last and your most secure line of defense."

"Cordelia..." Zephyr had mixed feelings.

He knew that his woman was smart and strong. She was no weak pushover bunny.

He was great, and she was decent-she could stand with him. This was the best for them. Being parallel and on par with each other was the best version of love. "Say..." Josiah approached them. "Are you two staying here or not?

"Never mind, stop stalling! I'll decide for you two. Stay here tonight! Or all my effort will be wasted!"

"What?" Cordelia looked at him curiously. "What effort of yours?"

Josiah chuckled and scratched his head.

"Why don't I show you two around?"

The couple explored the mansion with him.

Josiah was in a suit and tie with leather shoes and a folder. His passionate introduction made him look like an excellent property sales agent.

Zephyr smiled. They had grown up together, and he had never seen the man so serious.

"Your house is my first sale!" Josiah tugged his tie proudly. "I must make sure my service is top-notch! Look here please..."

Cordelia followed his hand and could not help widening her eyes.

"What are these?" Zephyr frowned.

Josiah laughed innocently. Lucky charms were all over the bed and corners of the room. There was even a big baby photo above the bed.

This was the result of his effort-so they could get a baby soon!

"Z, what do you think?" Josiah was triumphant. "These are traditional tricks and charms from the folks. I think they should be effective, so I put all of them on for you both! And that baby photo... I specifically combined your faces!"

Cordelia winced while Zephyr looked at Josiah like he was looking at an idiot.

How would he sleep tonight when the bed was like this? If they could not even sleep on it, how were they going to make babies!?

"Z, are you happy?"

Zephyr took a deep breath and patted Josiah's shoulder. He suppressed his temper and forced a smile.

Josiah was ecstatic. "Z, if these aren't enough, I'll get someone to bring in another sack of them. Guarantee that you'll get a baby soon!"

Zephyr said in a low voice, "Josiah Bayer, you can get out now!"

"Alright, okay, I'm out!" Josiah cackled. "Can't disturb your romantic time together, I understand. But keep that photo. I made it myself. It's special!"

"Out!"

"Yeah, yeah. Why are you being so mean?" Josiah was clueless. "Oh yeah, Z, don't be skeptical about these! The old woman is quite effective. A lot of people go to her for fortune telling!"

"What old woman?"

"Around your family's hot spring hotel." Josiah said, "There's a building nearby, and the old woman's often there to tell one's fortune!" Zephyr furrowed his brows.

Cordelia went to one of the charms. It was a yellow drawstring bag with a charm in it and a red string bracelet.

"Zephyr, look!" Cordelia acted like she had discovered a new continent. "This bracelet... Why is it exactly the same as ours?"

Chapter 319

Chapter 319

Zephyr was wearing it on his hand, so Cordelia was able to compare them straight away.

They were really identical. Even the design of the bell and weaving method was the same.

The couple exchanged a look and nodded in unison. Zephyr held Cordelia's hand, and they swiftly left Royal Manor.

They drove to the hot spring hotel close to the beach. The air smelled slightly salty as well. After getting out of the car, they took the winding path and heard a familiar voice not too long later. "Young lady, your life ahead is great!

"Hmm... but romantic relationship-wise, it's a bit weaker. Hah, you two will part sooner or later!"

Cordelia's heart squeezed as she quickened her steps.

The one standing there was still that old woman. She was reading a tourist's palm with a small smile that looked like she knew everything.

Cordelia froze and heard the old woman say, "But one day, you'll be happy!"

Was this not what she had told them back then as well?

"These two bracelets are for you." The old woman produced two red-weaved strings with bells on them. "If you separate one day, this bracelet will let you know where each other is." Zephyr was stunned as well.

She said the same thing to whoever it was!

He chuckled self-depreciatingly and was going to leave with Cordelia, but the latter's stubbornness flared and insisted on making things clear with the old woman.

"How could she do this? Isn't that tricking us? At this age too!"

"Forget it." Zephyr chortled. "If it wasn't to make a livelihood, she wouldn't be fortune telling here at this age."

"But..." Cordelia pouted. "I was worried for so long because of what she said!"

A surge of warmth rushed into Zephyr's heart. He was the same. Sometimes, when he woke up in the middle of the night and recalled those words, thinking that they would part one day, he could hardly get back to sleep.

Now that he knew the truth-that the old woman did not know how to tell one's fortune and was only tricking them-he did not feel the anger of being cheated but like a rock had been lifted off.

"Young lady, would you like me to take a look for you?" The old woman slowly walked to them with a cane and pretended to scan Cordelia before saying with certainty, "You have a wealthy destiny. I think you're..."

"I have the destiny of an empress!" Cordelia crossed her arms in front of her.

The old woman looked surprised. Since she was experienced in this, though, she calmed down and smiled. "Yes. It's good... But young lady, your romance will not go smoothly. You and this one next to you..." "We'll part sooner or later!" Cordelia was so angry she actually huffed a laugh.

The old woman blinked. 'Whoops, I might have met them before and not done a good job. They are not here to settle the score with me, are they?'

The old woman was going to flee when a voice came from nearby. "What nonsense are you spewing here again!?"

When Cordelia and Zephyr looked in the voice's direction, they found it was actually Clark!

It was like a mouse meeting the cat when the old woman saw Clark. She stopped limping or hunching and was going to toss her cane away and run for it. Clark managed to stop her before that and grabbed the back of her collar like he was catching a chicken.

"Hey, softer! Softer!"

"Softer what?" Clark glared at her. "You still worry people at this age. You're here pretending to be a fortune teller to trick people again, aren't you?" "No, I-"

"And you managed to trick our young master this time!?"

The old woman was shocked. "Your... young master?"

Clark dragged her to Zephyr.

The latter squinted. His aloof expression was tinged with a hint of confusion. "Uncle Clark, this is?"

"I'm so sorry, sir!" Clark looked guilty. "She's my younger sister..."

Cordelia quietly approached Zephyr and laced their fingers together, looking at Clark and his younger sister.

Over these decades Clark had been working dutifully for the Hamertons, his only concern was his younger sister. Helen was also worried about him, so she took on odd jobs around the hot spring hotel to stay closer to him.

She then discovered that many fortune tellers around the area made money by saying a few words. She copied them and started the trade as well.

She did not have a good life. Because she could not give birth to a child when she was younger, she was tortured by her in-laws and was often injured. Her husband passed away in an accident later on, and she had no children, so she lived alone until now.

That was why when she did fortune telling, she made good things up even though she did not know how to at all. It was because she hoped that those who sought fortune-telling from her would be happy and that no one would repeat what she had been through.

Cordelia was a little sad as she listened.

It seemed that Helen was not a bad person. Even when she did not have a good life, she was willing to pass on the love.

Clark explained, "Mr. Zephyr, I've actually always asked people to keep an eye on my younger sister, afraid that she'd be making nonsense up around here and damaging the Hamertons' reputation. That's why I rushed over when I heard people say she was out to fortune tell again.

"I apologize on behalf of her, sir. Please be merciful and forgive her if she said something she shouldn't have!"

Clark took a deep bow, making Cordelia feel awkward, and she quickly stopped him.

The old man was respected in the Hamertons and was Liam's most trusted aide. Zephyr had always respected him like he was his family elder.

"Uncle Clark, nothing so serious." Zephyr looked at him. "I'm not blaming Aunt Helen. What she said were all good things, and I like it." "Sir..." Clark was surprised.

If this had been before, Zephyr would have definitely chased her out and forbidden her from appearing around the hotel with a cold face. Now...

Clark smiled understandingly after his surprise and looked at Cordelia with a meaningful look.

Now that she was around him, his character softened up significantly.

Zephyr asked seriously, "Uncle Clark, given your status in the Hamertons, it isn't difficult to arrange a job for Aunt Helen."

"It's not, but I can't do that." Clark smiled. "Your grandfather hates abuse of power, and I'm constantly around him. All the more I can't let down his trust!"

"You can't be partial around my grandpa, but you can be at my side."

"What?"

Zephyr smiled. "Cordelia and I are staying outside, and I've been considering getting someone to take care of her. I won't be assured if I get someone directly from the Hamertons." "Sir, you..."

"Let Aunt Helen come to Royal Manor," said Zephyr. "She'll be treated well."

Chapter 320

Chapter 320

Cordelia and Zephyr officially made their home in Royal Manor.

Although Josiah had everything set up, Cordelia still thought that it only felt right that they decorated their home personally.

This was why she roamed the streets of Centrolis and bought plenty of things during the free days after resigning from the news agency and before she reported to Imperial Media. She paid for everything with Zephyr's card.

Zephyr's phone kept buzzing while he was in meetings, notification after notification of transaction history. He furrowed his brows, but there was an indulging smile in his eyes. 'The purchasing power of his girl... Why did I never realize that she is a shopaholic?'

If she kept on shopping like this, his monthly allowance would be in peanuts, or he might end up like Nicholas, who did not even have money for a pack of cigarettes! Zephyr's heart lurched.

The department director who was reporting work-related matters accidentally caught Zephyr's expression when he looked up and panicked. "M-Mr. Zephyr?"

The department director's lips twitched as he grimaced. "Mr. Zephyr, d-did I say something wrong?"

Zephyr did not even hear what he was saying because all that was on his mind was that his cigarette money was gone.

'No way!' He stood up abruptly and rushed out of the meeting room as fast as he could.

The others were left baffled and looked toward Robert.

"What's up with Mr. Zephyr?"

"Did something happen to the company?"

"Elder Mr. Hamerton's doing okay, right?!"

"Shush..."

Robert palmed his forehead and sighed weakly.

He had clearly seen the notifications that Zephyr had swiped on his phone earlier and a sweet message that Cordelia had sent.

[Baby, the bedsheets are the only thing left to buy!]

Yeah... baby-this was Cordelia's latest term of address for him.

Robert could not help shuddering as his goosebumps raised.

Zephyr drove the car Cordelia had bought for him straight to the mall.

The mall was not as luxurious as DL and was only a regular one in Centrolis. Although it was under the Hamerton Group, the company had never really cared, and the main person in charge of the mall was no even qualified to participate in the company meeting.

Somehow, Mr. Zephyr Hamerton came today!

The person in charge was delighted and surprised. In a flurry of emotions, he took a group of people to welcome Zephyr at the door. He was going to open the car door for the latter, but his hand shrunk back timidly when a "Don't touch my car!" echoed.

"Ah, M-Mr. Zephyr!" The person in charge grinned obsequiously. "We didn't know that you were coming and didn't manage to get ready in advance. Our apologies!"

Zephyr had no time to be bothered with him. He went straight into the mall to look for Cordelia.

Cordelia was currently shopping for home goods. She held two essential oil diffusers and compared them seriously, asking the sales assistant about the difference.

She had seen Zephyr being insomniac at night too many times. While she was sometimes groggy with sleep, she felt bad opening her eyes and seeing he was still typing away on the laptop, looking focused. That was why she thought of alleviating his pressure with essential oil.

After comparing, however, she looked up and realized that the bustling mall was immensely quiet. There was nobody else on the floor besides the sales assistant and her.

Cordelia was bewildered when she heard familiar footsteps coming from afar.

The moment she saw the man's tall build and sculpted face, she waved at him with a genuine grin.

"What brings you here?" She went over to snuggle him and looked at him with her big, bright eyes. "Didn't you have a meeting today?"