Ch. 341..350

Chapter 341

Chapter 341

Zephyr paused.

"I'll stay here no matter what it takes," he answered without any hesitation.

Cordelia smiled. She had long expected this answer because this was the reflection of one's deep love for another. If Zephyr was hurt, she would also stay outside the hospital ward no matter what it took.

In spite of it, Phil just left after his moving confession-like everything just now was just a show.

Zephyr's heart squeezed. The moment he met Cordelia's eyes, he understood it.

"I knew it. Phil Nelson isn't reliable!" he said angrily. "Zennie will suffer if she continues falling like this!"

"Calm down first." Cordelia comforted him softly. "It seems like Aunt Cloud doesn't know about their relationship yet?"

"She won't ask too much even if she does," Zephyr answered with a dark expression. "She's an advocate for free love and hates that her child will become a sacrifice for the family's interests. "But Phil and Zennie are worlds apart. They won't be fruitful."

Cordelia bit her lips. "Zephyr, what I'm most worried about is that... Phil isn't sincere about Zennie. He wants to use her."

Zephyr nodded.

"I hope that I'm the one who overthinks," said Cordelia. "But what if!? Let's be more cautious so that Zennie isn't taken advantage of."

Zephyr recalled what had happened in Jangasas.

Ever since Marcus escaped, he had gone through all the surveillance recordings of the junctions. The black car without registration plates had vanished from the surface of the earth in the end.

He had suspected the vague picture of the driver from the surveillance clip. A black cap revealed half of a face that was pale and thin-if Phil's face was blocked from his nose up, he actually matched that face

It was just that Zephyr did not dare conclude it rashly and ordered to investigate more, but nothing came back.

He had also looked into the Nelsons, but even Clark said that all three generations of those who worked in Hamerton Manor were dutiful, honest, and hardworking people.

'Hah, dutiful? If Phil was dutiful, how would he possibly get involved with Zennie!?'

Zephyr clenched his fists with a frown. There was a dark look on his sculpted face.

Cordelia said softly, "Zephyr, girls go all in when they fall in love. Even if you want to separate them, do it slowly. Don't hurt Zennie."

"Mm, I know."

"It'd be best if there's something or someone to distract her now..."

Cordelia's reminder sparked a thought in Zephyr. He could ask Seth to come to Centrolis. The latter could still be a doctor and keep Zennie company. Everything would be resolved then!

Cordelia specially made cranberry cookies and boba tea to bring to the hospital ward for Zennie.

"I remember that these are your favorite." Cordelia smiled and placed them on the cabinet before she sat down and held Zennie's hand.

It was not long into fall, but Zennie's hand was cold like ice.

After a few days of rest, the stitched wound on her head was no longer swollen, but she looked awful. She was pale and forlorn with a depressed gaze. There was no sense of life at all. Cordelia jolted. What she looked like... was really growingly similar to Phil's pale and gloomy face! There was really some truth in the saying, "Birds of a feather flock together."

When one was with someone exuding negativity, one would naturally be drained and no longer have a sense of themselves.

"Cordelia..."

The room was silent for a moment before Zennie's soft voice rang.

"Didn't Phil visit me?"

"What?" Cordelia froze.

Had Phil not visited her even once all these days?

Cordelia did not dare meet the anticipation in Zennie's eyes. She turned around and frantically took the milk tea out of the bag.

Even without meeting Zennie's eyes, she could still feel the spark in them slowly dissipating until they dimmed.

Cordelia helped her up. "Zennie, have a bit. Your brother will get someone to send lunch over later."

Zennie chuckled dryly. "Will I feel better if I have something sweet?"

"Zennie, did something... happen between you and Phil?"

Zennie did not answer but looked at her for a long time before asking softly, "Cordelia, am I really that lousy?"

Cordelia furrowed her brows. "What? You're pretty, and you have a good personality. Your grades are good too, and you're the beloved little princess in the family. Your life's already so much better than so many people's!"

"But I'd be nothing if I wasn't born in the Hamertons!" Zennie cried.

Cordelia now realized the severity of the issue.

Zennie had been protected so well while she grew up that no one dared say anything in front of her. She was also bright and cheerful, so she definitely would not think about this.

There would be no others except for Phil, who instilled such thoughts in her!

"Don't think about it like this." Cordelia held her shoulders. "You're a wonderful girl. Your light can't be hidden even if you were not from the Hamertons."

Cordelia asked anxiously, "You aren't acting like yourself. Is it because of Phil-"

"Nothing to do with him!" Zennie's reaction was violent. "It's none of his business. It's my problem!"

"Zennie-"

"Get out! I don't want to hear anything!"

Zennie covered her ears emotionally.

Cordelia was stunned. She was not unfamiliar with a situation like this... When her mother was ill, she was emotional like this, and anything could trigger her as well. Cordelia's heart felt like a hand was grabbing it. She wanted to comfort Zennie, but she knew that the latter needed the quiet more than ever at this time.

She recomposed herself and told Zennie softly before she left, "Zennie, don't give yourself too much pressure... Remember, whatever happens, your family is your best support." Zennie kept covering her ears on the bed.

Cordelia sighed and walked out. She was worried on her way back. It was now confirmed that Phil was no good person. To separate Zennie from him, though, might take some time. She wanted to call Zephyr but saw an unread message when she took her phone out.

No number or name was stated, and there was only a line of text when she swiped on it. [Remember me?]

Cordelia jolted. Perhaps an abrupt message like this was a wrongly sent one.

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Chapter 342

Cordelia paid it no mind and was about to keep her phone back in her pocket when she received another anonymous text.

[I miss you so much.]

Her heart dropped, and a bad feeling crept over it like vines.

She stood rooted for some time with a blank mind before she took a deep breath. Her throat felt like it was closing up on its own, and it was awful.

'Like the previous one, it's probably sent wrongly,' she said to herself.

She kept her phone but felt chills run down her spine. She hurried home, pulling her jacket closer to herself.

At the top floor of the Hamerton Group...

Zephyr stood before the floor-to-ceiling window and overlooked the bustling streets down the building. His brows were knitted together as an icy glint flashed in his eyes.

"Sir." Robert came in with a knock on the door to report. "Dr. Stafford's accommodation is prepared, and he reported at the medical center today."

Zephyr hummed softly in response.

"Dr. Stafford's a surgeon, but he's done research in psychiatry and psychology, so the medical center hopes he can usually do consultations.

"And he met Ms. Zennie after arriving in Centrolis in the afternoon yesterday." Robert continued to say, "Ms. Zennie's mood has improved." Zephyr's furrowed brows slowly smoothened out.

"That's good," he replied and turned back to look at Robert. "Cordelia suspects that Zennie passing out in the mall has to do with Phil Nelson."

"But..." Robert was confused. "We've gone through the surveillance cameras. Phil wasn't around her at that time."

Zephyr narrowed his eyes and said softly after a long time, "Maybe the issue lies during their usual interaction..."

"Mr. Zephyr, you mean?"

"If they're really dating, they must have texts they sent each other on their phones." Zephyr wore a straight face. "Zennie won't let me look at her phone, so we need to see if we can get our hands on Phil's phone!"

"I understand!" Robert nodded firmly.

Zephyr sat back down at his spacious work desk. His calendar showed there was still half a month to Kate's birthday party. There was also an "SOS" text from Nicholas on his phone.

[Bring Cordelia, and let's hang out this weekend?]

Zephyr chuckled.

Linda's hormones had been out of balance since she got pregnant. Her temper was hot, and Nicholas must be at his wit's end.

Therefore, Cordelia and Zephyr made their way to Nicholas' place during the weekend.

Linda was close to the fourth month of pregnancy. Her belly bulged a little, and she looked pink and radiant. She also grew fuller.

She was so happy about Cordelia's visit that she suppressed her bad temper.

"The doctor says that I'm well nourished," she said with a smile. "But I still have to watch out. If I don't control what I eat and the baby grows too big, I'll suffer when I give birth!"

"You won't." Cordelia held her hand. "I'll keep an eye on you so you won't get too fat."

The two friends had not met for some time and had endless things to talk about once they did.

As Linda and Cordelia chatted in the bedroom, Cordelia could not help wanting to touch her belly.

"Can I?"

"Of course!" Linda pulled her hand and placed it on her belly.

"I'm not too far along for now," she said smilingly. "There's movement sometimes, but not obvious. It'll become more frequent when I get further along. You'll even see a hand or foot pressing against my stomach!"

Cordelia smiled together. The moment she touched Linda's belly, there was a strange feeling. There was a life under the thin layer of skin and flesh that grew from a small seedling to a little baby that kicked and stretched...

Linda had turned gentle too, motherly love glowing on her.

Cordelia felt a pinch on her nose and could not help the reddening of her eyes. Perhaps, she would not have such luck in this lifetime.

"What's wrong?" Linda looked at her.

"Nothing." Cordelia chortled. "I'm guessing whether it's a boy or a girl."

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"I think it's a girl." Linda stroked her belly. "The baby's behaving well and considerate. People's morning sickness comes in all forms, nauseous, dizziness, and whatnot, but I don't have any reaction. I eat and sleep well!"

"Linda..." Cordelia laughed. "It's not the baby who's considerate toward you. It's Nicholas!"

She looked toward the kitchen.

While they chatted, Nicholas was preparing Linda's meal there. It was well balanced with meat and vegetables. It also looked, smelled, and tasted great. The meal was even served in pretty plates and bowls. It was like a prop for a food commercial!

Zephyr, who leaned against the kitchen door, was astonished. He recalled the breakfast he made for Cordelia-burnt toasts, burnt eggs, and oatmeal without many oats...

He thought that he would never reach Nicholas' level in this lifetime.

"Why are you spaced out?" Nicholas wiped his hands as he admired his handiwork, discovering a small problem. "Nope... Linda gets upset once she smells carrots. I need to pick these diced carrots out!" He then took a spoon and scooped them out one by one.

Zephyr patted his shoulder and gave him a big thumbs up.

"No need to admire me." Nicholas flicked his heir and chortled. "You know what? I'm already like this, and she still gives me a hard time!"

"Why?"

"Hormonal imbalance, I guess." Nicholas shrugged. "But it's okay. It's the wife I chose. Got to pamper her even on my knees!"

"Mm, commendable spirit."

"She has my baby, after all! How can I not be nice?"

Zephyr chuckled and cleared his throat, saying in a deep voice, "Right, I have something to tell you."

"What?"

"Neil Harris, you can't have him anymore."

Nicholas' mind went blank before he had the impulse to grab the chopping knife to swing it at Zephyr.

A few seconds later, Cordelia and Linda heard clinks and clanks coming from the kitchen...

"Zephyr Hamerton!" Nicholas wanted to hit him with a ladle. "I f*cking tested over 300 lipsticks! Over 300! "You said you'd get Neil for me! You f*cker!"

'D*mnit! No one dared play me like this when I was in the gangs!'

Zephyr took the spatula and sparred with Nicholas. In the end, he was overpowered and forced to a corner.

"Alright, quit it!" Zephyr tried to hold in his laugh to make himself look sterner. "Look at you. Which part of you looks like a gang leader? You look more like an unreasonable barbarian!" "You!" Nicholas' eyes widened in a glare.

"You think I want him to go to Imperial Media?" Zephyr scowled.

The fact that Neil had signed with Imperial Media meant that he received the best treatment. Who knew whether Janine would let her senior assistant be his agent to express her sincerity.... Zephyr balled his hands. Would he want Cordelia to be around that man all day?

Nicholas calmed down and asked as he looked at him, "What do you mean?"

Zephyr smirked. "I've done what my mother asked for, pulled all the strings to sign Neil over. But the credit goes to Cordelia."

"Hah, I knew it!" Nicholas rolled his eyes. "You really resort to everything to win your girl's favor!"

"He's signed, but I didn't say I'd give him the resources."

"Hmm?"

"Basically..." Zephyr's eyes were dark. "I won't let him stand out too much!"

Nicholas was smart and caught on swiftly. This was probably Mr. Z Hamerton's jealousy and possessiveness at play.

Nicholas chuckled darkly. "Oh, you want me to play Mr. Harris with you? Single him out? Shelf him?" Zephyr glared at him.

It was like he was asking if Nicholas was in or not. They were bros, so he had to take his side and do it with him. Nicholas scoffed. "Do you know anything about Neil's background?"

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Zephyr was not interested in Neil's background. He looked indifferent and tossed the spatula on the counter, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. There was an unknown emotion in his eyes.

Nicholas continued. "It's said that Neil Harris is from Mengasas, and his family has relations with the military of Southeast Aciatic. His accomplishments certainly come from his hard work, but he wouldn't get popular so fast if he didn't have support behind him!"

After a long time, Zephyr glanced at him in silence and uttered, "What stupid background is this?"

Nicholas could sense his jealousy from a mile away.

"I just want you to know." He held back his laugh. "You can only win knowing your enemy! Wouldn't you have to know him thoroughly to tackle him?"

"Why should I care?" Zephyr scoffed. "I call the shots in Centrolis!"

"Oh, you call the shots? Can Mr. Z Hamerton go buy a packet of cigarettes now?"

Zephyr was rendered speechless.

"I wonder if you can call the shots in this?"

"Nicholas Thompson!" Zephyr growled through gritted teeth.

Nicholas looked like he wanted to laugh but could not bear to laugh at him. He then waved his hand before resuming cutting up some potatoes.

'Who was unwilling to give me just half a pack of cigarettes back then? Who laughed at me for not having money to buy even a packet of cigarettes? 'Hah, this was karma!'

Zephyr rolled his eyes hard. "Thompson, careful not to cut your own finger!"

Half a month later...

A black Rolls-Royce stopped in front of Splendor Dynasty.

Those who were there tonight were elites of the society. Cordelia took a look through the car window and could already feel the opulence and pressure of such a grand event. She interlocked her fingers with Zephyr and suddenly felt anxious.

The man seemed to feel her fingers lose warmth as he smiled and said softly, "It's not your first time attending an event like this. Besides, you've met Aunt Cloud. She's friendly and nice."

"I know." Cordelia took a deep breath. "But this is still my first time attending your family event."

This was a world she had never seen before.

She felt wary, and the feeling clutched her like a vice right now.

Zephyr took her in his arms and pressed a kiss against her hair. He knew what she was worried about and spoke next to her ear. "It's grand, but the main character is Aunt Cloud. She's happy knowing that you are coming, so she's told me to take good care of you.

He looked at her. "Also, my grandfather is not attending tonight."

"What?" Cordelia was surprised.

The rock in her heart seemed to be lifted by what Zephyr said.

"Grandpa's an elder. It isn't appropriate to celebrate for a younger family member, so he won't be coming tonight.

"I'm mainly taking you to meet my father tonight. Don't worry. He's a nice man and has a mild temperament. He'll be happy meeting you."

Cordelia lowered her head with her hands fiddling with her dress.

Upon seeing that she stayed silent, Zephyr's husky voice was enticing as he spoke into her ear. "Someone said that she'd work hard to enter my world. Has she forgotten so soon?"

Cordelia paused and looked up to meet his eyes. She could not help wearing a sweet smile. It was like her smile only bloomed for him, and his world only allowed her entry.

She nodded and felt courageous again, squeezing his hand.

Zephyr did not want to get out of the car so soon. He kept his eyes on her and brushed a finger past her cheek, causing it to blush where he touched.

He jolted and suddenly felt like kissing her...

"Cordelia." His voice was deep and hoarse as he went closer and puffed warm breaths against her lips.

Zephyr was going to kiss the soft petals when...

"Sir, Ms. Jenner, should-"

Robert froze as soon as he pulled the car door open!

Cordelia gasped and shoved Zephyr away, her blush spreading from her face to the tip of her ears. Meanwhile, Zephyr gave Robert a death glare. The latter felt chills running down his neck. 'No, but...' He had calculated the time and clearly gotten out of the car in advance to give the two of them some private time! He thought that his boss would have finished what he wanted to say, and it was time to enter too. Why was it... such a coincidence!?

Robert's mind went blank, and he forced a stiff smile. The next second, he closed the car door without much thought!

The Rolls-Royce had an excellent soundproofing effect. Despite that, one could still hear an angry growl from the inside while Robert fled for his life-"Robert Davis!"

When Cordelia held Zephyr's arm and walked into the hall, everyone's amazed gazes focused on the two of them. They made guesses and comments, jealousy and gossip interlaced within. Cordelia kept a smile up and acted graceful and gracious, looking more like a Mrs. Hamerton.

As Zephyr went to socialize, Kate took the initiative to hold Cordelia's hand and told him with a grin, "Don't worry. I promise she won't suffer any grievance by my side!"

"Thank you, Aunt Cloud." Zephyr smiled.

Cordelia smiled at him too. The atmosphere of the party was slowly making her relax more.

She stayed next to Kate and met plenty of people. She also drank quite some wine, and her face felt warm. Kate had a high alcohol tolerance, so she had been fending the toasts off for her. "It's so strange," someone commented softly. "Who's this Ms. Jenner? Even Mrs. Kate Hamerton is won over?"

"Hah, she might just be doing that to keep her stepson happy!" A shrill voice said mockingly, "After all, how can an upstart survive in high society if she doesn't do some pandering?"

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Cordelia looked over, following the voice, and saw Yelena sashaying among the crowd in a long golden tube dress. Nelly stood nearby with a mocking gaze as she watched the show.

"So what if she's Mrs. Hamerton? She's just an upstart! Who in Centrolis doesn't know that the Clouds sell pig slop? Hahaha..."

Kate's expression changed for the worse when she heard the commotion there. Plenty of guests heard the comment as well and wore complicated looks.

Compared to the other major families, it was true that the Clouds did not have much to compare to. However, they were wealthy. Aside from agricultural business, they were generous in buying lands and construction.

Actually, no one in high society dared look down on the Clouds, and no one would even mention the word "upstart"...

Cordelia looked over. Yelena looked like a fool with how triumphant she was. She was sure that Yelena was being treated as a pawn again.

Cordelia felt embarrassed for her. Although she was not related to Yelena by blood, she still has over 20 years of history with the Jenners.

"Aunt Cloud..." She felt apologetic. "Don't listen to her. She's-"

"She's that elder sister of yours?" Kate was indifferent.

Before Cordelia could answer, Yelena came over and waved exaggeratedly at her.

"Oh, sis! You're here too?"

Cordelia was helpless and looked elsewhere.

The onlookers commented softly, "Hah, these sisters are really something. I wonder what they did to hook themselves up with the two Hamerton heirs!"

"Whether they're able to marry in the Hamertons, though, is another story."

"Mrs. Hamerton's attitude toward Ms. Jenner just now isn't the same. It must be due to Mr. Zephyr... Now that she knows her relationship with this Ms. Yelena Jenner, she might look down on her, huh?" Cordelia's heart lurched. She was going to pull her hand away from Kate, but the latter tightened her hold.

Kate looked at her with a smile. Her gaze was fond as usual.

"There are many gossipers in events like this," Kate said softly. "The more people talk, the more you can't let go of me! Or some despicable ones will really think that they've gotten their way." "Aunt Cloud..." A surge of warmth gushed into Cordelia.

"It's okay!" Kate patted the back of her hand. "I'm here."

Cordelia nodded with a smile and recovered her calm composure.

Despite that, Kate...

"Oh, Ms. Yelena!"

Cordelia froze as she watched Kate put on a front. Her movement and expression were extremely dramatic, with her red lips blossoming into a grin while she threw herself to Yelena in a little over-friendlily

manner.

Cordelia found that it was kind of funny.

Yelena was also shocked, unable to snap back to herself when Kate hugged her unexpectedly.

"Welcome, welcome! Haha..." Kate's laugh was loud. "Who did you come with, Ms. Yelena?"

"-"

"Oh, it wouldn't be Yale, would it?" Kate dragged her words. "I saw him just now! That kid's got a female celebrity in his arms, and I think the Hamertons will get another daughter-in-law!" Yelena scowled instantly as she clutched the flute in her hand tighter.

"Oh, Ms. Yelena, I've always thought that you match Yale very much!" Kate scoffed. "What is it called... a wolf and a jackal often go hunting together?"

Yelena widened her eyes and glared at her.

"Anyway! Something along the line!"

Kate ignored Yelena's reaction.

"Ms. Yelena, don't mind me if I misuse my vocabulary! I'm an 'upstart', after all! I was so busy making money that I didn't study well!"

Yelena kept rolling her eyes but could not retort.

"Oh, you look great today." Kate scanned her up and down. "What's that word again... Wh*rish? Or is it sl*tty?"

"You!"

Yelena was furious and wanted to splash the champagne on Kate, only for the latter to do it in advance as she splashed her iced wine on her face.

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The crowd gasped. All of them were happy to keep watching since no one would be dumb enough to offend Mrs. Hamerton for Yelena. Moreover, Yelena deserved it.

"You look very angry, Ms. Yelena," Kate said coldly, looking at her with a sense of superiority. "Just nice. The iced wine will put out the fire for you!"

Yelena shrieked and wiped her face, smudging her makeup. She refused to give up and grabbed the cake on the side. Before she could throw it, the security guards who came in time pinned her down. Kate paced to her slowly and reeled in her smile. Her gaze was stern and sharp.

"If you're too free next time and let me hear you whine and gossip behind my back again, it's not going to be as simple as putting out the fire then! I'll put your tongue out as well!"

...

Kate took Cordelia to the restroom to touch up their makeup.

"I've long wanted to teach that woman a lesson!" Kate reapplied her bright red lipstick, looking even livelier.

"How could Yale be okay with such a repulsive thing? My impression of the Hamerton heirs just hit a new low!

"Yelena, too. Since Yale has eyes for her, she should just be good and stay in Yale Residence! Why must she come and taint my eyes..."

As she spoke, she looked at Cordelia and suddenly thought of something. "Uh, Cordelia, you... You don't mind, right?"

Cordelia was startled and chuckled. "Of course not!"

"Then I've overthought it." Kate smiled as well. "I know that you value relationships, so I was worried that you might feel bad since I was so impolite to Yelena just now."

"Even though I value relationships, it depends on who it is," answered Cordelia. "I'm willing to sincerely repay those who are nice to me, but why should I be nice to those who are not so nice to me or even hurt me?"

"Mm, that's right!" Kate patted her shoulder.

Like Janine, Kate was also a woman who was clear about what she hated and loved.

Cordelia thought that she was lucky. She had assumed Zephyr's two mothers to be tough to handle, but they were unexpectedly easy to get along with.

Kate finished touching up her makeup and smiled at Cordelia. "I have a few business friends that I have to meet as a whole. They're from the Clouds, so it's not quite convenient for me to take you along..." "It's alright!" Cordelia quickly said, "I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself."

"I intended to let Zennie keep you company, but who expected that she'd fall and bust her head at this time? She's still resting at home today."

Cordelia remembered Zennie's pale and timid look and could not help the lurch of her heart.

There was a knock on the door before Helen came in with a smile. She greeted Kate and went to Cordelia.

"Mr. Zephyr told me that Ms. Zennie can't keep you company, so he asked this old woman to come!"

Cordelia nodded.

Kate went out to greet her guests while Cordelia rested on the couch in deep thought.

Helen asked with a smile, "Ms. Cordelia, aren't you going to the party?"

"I don't really want to..."

"Is it because Mr. Zephyr isn't with you, so you're not in the mood no matter what you do?"

"Aunt Helen!" Cordelia blushed and giggled shyly.

"Great to be young, isn't it?" Helen grinned teasingly. "Ms. Cordelia, all you and Mr. Zephyr are missing is a child! How's the soup I made you these two days?"

Before the conversation could go on, they heard noises outside, like someone was trying to open the door to the restroom.

Cordelia was in the room inside the suite. She paused and gestured for Helen to take a look.

"It might be Ms. Tanner." Helen frowned. "I ran into her in the hallway when I was coming just now. Wait here. I'll fetch Mr. Zephyr!"

"No need." Cordelia calmed down and looked around. She thought that if it were Nelly, the latter must not have good intentions coming, so she must figure out something to protect herself.

In spite of it, this was a deluxe suite of a hotel, and there could never be any surveillance setup in the room.

She bit her lips and heard voices outside again.

"Ms. Tanner, why are you standing here?"

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Nelly froze and turned around.

"Oh, it's you." She smiled unnaturally. "Mrs. Hamerton said that she missed a piece of jewelry and asked me to collect it here, but I don't have the keycard."

"It's fine. I have a spare." The manager smiled and immediately pulled out a keycard to open the door.

Cordelia eyed Helen with a look that asked the latter to hide in the closet. Helen did it instantly. She was petite. Although she was old, her legs were light and agile, so she snuck into the closet swiftly. The next moment, Nelly entered as anticipated.

It was exactly what she wanted when she saw Cordelia standing there without anyone around.

Cordelia smiled. "Ms. Tanner, you're here to rest too?"

"Yeah," Nelly answered nonchalantly.

"But this is Aunt Cloud's private room," Cordelia replied coolly. "Shouldn't you inform her that you want to take a rest here?"

Nelly curled her hands into fists and kept her eyes on Cordelia.

Yelena had humiliated Kate with the word "upstart" but was chased out of the hotel by the latter instead of succeeding. She was useless! Yelena could no longer execute the plan of slapping herself. Naturally, Nelly would be indignant if Cordelia was not embarrassed in public.

"Aunt Cloud's private room?" Nelly raised a brow and poured herself a glass of water at the bar, "Aren't you here as well?"

"We came in differently," Cordelia said softly. "Aunt Cloud brought me in while you..."

She looked at the spare keycard in Nelly's hand with a cryptic smile.

Nelly took a deep breath. This was not the time to get angry.

There was no surveillance camera in the room, and this was Kate's private space. If any commotion happened here, people would rush over instantly!

Nelly smiled and tried to act softer as she approached Cordelia.

"Can we talk?"

"About what?" Cordelia furrowed her brows.

"What's there to talk about between us aside from Zephyr?"

Nelly's perfume was a little too strong, and Cordelia stepped back discreetly.

"Cordelia, I know that you've always been hostile to me.

"I grew up with Zephyr, and our families made a marriage agreement long ago. Ever since I can remember, I knew that I would marry him in the future. I've always seen him as my only man all these years as well..."

Nelly cast her eyes down. The arrogance she always exuded dimmed a little. She looked more like someone devoted, whose love was unrequited.

"Cordelia, this marriage agreement isn't just between Zephyr and me. If Zephyr stays so stubborn, we will have to withstand pressure from our families."

Nelly could be too immersed in her acting as the rims of her eyes turned red, and she looked rather pitiful.

"Cordelia, I'm here to sincerely discuss this with you today. Please be merciful and let me and Zephyr go!" "Let go?" Cordelia huffed an angry laugh.

This woman in front of her was the heiress of a wealthy and reputable family, but how could she be so shameless?

"Sorry, Ms. Tanner." Cordelia looked at her coldly. "I don't understand what you're talking about. If you want to vent, you've got the wrong person!"

She wanted to leave as she spoke, but Nelly went forward and grabbed her. "Cordelia-"

"Let go of me!"

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Chapter 348

In spite of it, Nelly kept a tight grip on her. Cordelia was anxious and grabbed her wrist to push her away.

While they jostled, a vicious look suddenly flashed across Nelly's eyes. She gnashed her teeth and let go of Cordelia. She then slapped herself a few times harshly! Cordelia was stunned. She did not expect this at all.

Nelly's cheeks were red and swollen. After that, she ran to the door screaming like she had lost her mind.

"Help! Somebody! Cordelia's going to kill me!"

She screamed as she ran out to press the alarm, prompting the manager, servers, and security to rush up the fastest they could.

Soon, the people in the banquet hall heard the alarm as well and ran upstairs.

Nelly disheveled her own hair and stood at the door frantically. When she caught Zephyr in the crowd out of the corner of her eye, she ran to him crying.

"Zephyr... Zephyr, I was chatting with Ms. Cordelia just now, and I don't know what I said that offended her... She started hitting me!"

Zephyr pushed her away with a straight face and a cold glint in his eyes.

The marks on Nelly's face were clearly visible. There were even fingerprints. Both her cheeks were swollen.

The guests commented in whispers upon seeing how unsightly she was. At the same time, they looked at Cordelia.

Zephyr was also the most worried about Cordelia. He weaved through the crowd to get to her and held her petite shoulder tightly with a large hand, pressing his warm chest against her. Cordelia smiled at him with a composed expression.

"I know that you wouldn't hit her," he whispered in her ear. "But this is... a little tricky.

Cordelia saw a few elderly-looking people comforting Nelly and thought that they must be from the Tanners. The few of them were condescending as they looked at Zephyr sternly.

"Mr. Zephyr." One of the elders spoke up. "Whatever relationship you have with this lady here, she hit Nelly. That means she's hit the Tanners! I think you won't just let it slide, right?" Zephyr's smile did not reach his eyes. "How do you want me to handle this, sir?"

"How else?" Another woman said angrily, "Let us hit her back since she has hit our Nelly! She has to take as many slaps as Nelly has taken! That's only fair!" Zephyr took a step forward, his tall build shielding Cordelia completely. His authoritative presence gave off enough pressure that silenced the Tanners.

"You hit me once, and I hit you back once... Hah, do you think this is child's play, madam?"

His deep voice was commanding. "The cause and effect of the matter haven't been cleared up, and a conclusion is made so recklessly?"

"Our Nelly's got hit to this point. How much clearer do you want it to be!?"

"Yeah! Ms. Cordelia, here next to you, has always seen Nelly as an eyesore. It's not surprising that she would do this!"

The elder's gaze was strict. "Mr. Zephyr, if you can't make a decision, I'm afraid I'll have to disturb Elder Mr. Hamerton tonight!"

"Everyone." A soft voice interrupted the commotion suddenly. "Do you all really think I've hit Ms. Tanner?"

Cordelia stepped up with a smile, composed and gracious.

Zephyr jolted and was going to hold her hand to stop her from interfering, but she shook her head at him.

"I'll be responsible for what I did," Cordelia said clearly. "Since you think I hit her, don't ask Zephyr to be responsible for it. Isn't it better to come to me directly?"

Chapter 349

Chapter 349

Everyone shifted their gazes to Cordelia.

Zephyr looked at her worriedly and asked Robert to get things done in secret. "Keep the Tanners and negotiate with them. The consequence of the matter must be dispelled. At least they can't bring it up to my grandfather!"

Robert lowered his voice to say, "But, sir, it's obvious that Ms. Tanner framed Ms. Cordelia!"

Zephyr gnashed his teeth. "It has already happened. Something needs to be done to appease them first... then get rid of them!"

"Yes, sir." Robert nodded.

The elder's voice rang again with a hint of mockery. He looked at Cordelia. "I wonder how you're going to be responsible for what you did, Ms. Cordelia?"

"I'd like to ask you first." Cordelia smiled. "How will the Tanners be held responsible if I didn't hit her?"

"The truth is already clear, and you still want to shirk responsibility?" Joe Tanner raged.

Joe was the one at the helm of the Tanners. He had spent years in the business world, and even his older brother, Murphy, had to be courteous to him.

Joe had a condescending attitude, but this young girl before him had an unusual air and was not timid at all in front of him. He squinted. It seemed that Nelly was no rival against this girl.

He must take the opportunity and chase this woman away from Zephyr's side!

Joe knew that his daughter had most probably set this up herself, but he had to make a ruckus out of this for the sake of the Tanners' interests. It must be so huge that it alarmed Liam. The woman could only be officially chased off, and the marriage pact between Nelly and Zephyr could be kept with the old man's appearance.

"You want a clarification?" Joe scoffed. "I've seen too many women like you who'd do anything to achieve your goal! You cling to Mr. Zephyr and see our Nelly as an eyesore. Of course you'll do all you can to pick on her!"

"Firstly, your daughter's the one who sees me as an eyesore. It's only out of courtesy that I don't like her either." Cordelia smiled. "But even when I don't like her, do you think I'd be dumb enough to slap her at an occasion like this?

"Besides, if I were really the one who slapped her, I wouldn't be stupid enough to give her any chance to cry and whine here and attract everyone over."

Joe's face fell.

Cordelia's tone was light. "Got to nip a weed in the bud. If I were to hit her, I'd hit her to death! She wouldn't get to cry and scream here at all.” "You..." Joe was rendered speechless and could only shoot daggers at Cordelia.

The crowd snickered with palms over their mouths and whispered comments. They already had a judgment of who was right and wrong.

"You're a shameless woman!" Joe got angry out of his embarrassment. "You're the one who hit my daughter, and you accuse her instead!

"I want to call the police!"

"Yeah, we're calling the police!" Mandy, Nelly's mother, stepped up as well. "Let the police inspect her injury! Our Nelly's not going to suffer a grievance like this!" "Are you sure you want to report it to the police?" Cordelia arched her brow.

Zephyr went up to keep an arm around her shoulder and pulled her toward him, afraid she would be hurt.

Cordelia pushed him away softly and held his hand to give him a reassuring gaze.

"Zephyr, it's alright," Cordelia said softly. "Reporting it to the police is the best solution. I think they can inspect her injury and see whose fingerprint is on her face." Nelly's eyes were filled with anxiousness as soon as she heard that.

"If I really did leave a handprint on her face, my fingerprints would be there, right?"

Cordelia pulled out her phone to call the police.

Nelly discreetly tugged Joe and shook her head at him as subtly as possible.

Joe understood it immediately. His daughter was really the one slandering others! She was stupid enough to shoot herself in the foot!

Chapter 350

Chapter 350

Joe was caught in the middle right now.

Cordelia caught a glimpse of the closet out of the corner of her eye. There was a small gap opened, and Helen was still in there. She hid a small smile.

She had planned to let Helen out, but it did not seem that it was necessary now.

Cordelia dialed 911 and was going to press the 'Call' button when Joe shouted, "Wait!"

It went pin-drop silent.

Joe took two slow steps and looked at Cordelia and Zephyr while everyone else watched them.

"I think that... it's best not to alarm the police with this. After all, it involves the Tanners and Hamertons' reputation."

"You're wrong, sir!" Zephyr's gaze was cold. "It's exactly because it involves our reputation that we shouldn't simply gloss this over!"

"Yeah." Cordelia smiled. "You were the one shouting to call the police earlier, and you are the one asking us not to call the police now. I wonder what you're thinking, sir."

Joe glared at her and huffed. "It's enough to let Elder Mr. Hamerton know! He'll call the shots!"

"My grandfather's aged, and he is not the police. What's there for him to call the shots over?" Zephyr's gaze was stern. "Could it be that you feel guilty, thus going back and forth on your words and stopping us from calling the police?"

"Zephyr, you-"

Joe knew that Zephyr was willful, but he did not expect him to be so rampant before him as well!

Nelly thought quickly and immediately cried hard. As tears fell on her cheeks, she swiped them here and there. This way, the fingerprints would not be seen so easily...

"Dad, mom, forget it!" Nelly sobbed. "I wanted to celebrate Mrs. Hamerton's birthday, but I didn't expect to be tricked here!

"Dad, mom! The Tanners can't take this sort of embarrassment. I can't either. Let's go back!

"Ms. Cordelia..." She acted weak and soft. "I'm sorry that I angered you! I'll try not to appear before you next time, okay? But if we do meet again, can you please not hit me... It really hurts..." "Oh dear goodness, I can't watch this any longer!"

A voice suddenly came from the closet.

Everyone looked over in surprise to see Helen getting out of there.

Cordelia hurried over to help her while Helen held her hand with a smile. She then approached Nelly and scrutinized her.

"Ms. Tanner, right?" Helen squinted thoughtfully. "Hmm... You don't have a good face. High cheekbones, not good for your husband!"

"Where's this lunatic from!?" Nelly changed swiftly and got the Tanners' bodyguards to drag Helen out.

Zephyr stepped forward and scanned them with an icy gaze. His powerful presence intimidated everyone.

"Is someone from the Hamertons yours to lay a finger on too?"

The bodyguards dared not do anything and stepped back.

Helen smiled and passed her phone to Zephyr.

"Mr. Zephyr bought me this phone. The latest model with plenty of functions!" Helen said with a smile, "The resolution especially is superb for taking photos and recording videos! "Mr. Zephyr, Ms. Cordelia. Take a look. What I recorded earlier is interesting. Dramas wouldn't dare script it like that!"

Zephyr and Cordelia exchanged a look and were going to check the video, but Helen stopped them.

"Hold on!" Helen smiled slyly and looked at Joe. "We can watch the video, but we must make it clear first. If our Ms. Cordelia didn't hit Ms. Tanner, what's your compensation?"