Ch. 361..370

Chapter 361

Chapter 361

"She got food poisoning, but it's very light. I've already treated her. She ought to have a good rest this week, and she'll recover very soon." Cordelia gasped. "Food poisoning?"

"It's my fault." Zephyr looked at her. "Cordelia... I didn't let you drink the soup in the morning because I suspected that Aunt Helen drugged it." Cordelia sucked in a cold breath. She knew that Zephyr would not suspect someone out of the blue or wrongly accuse an old helper loyal to him. "I wanted to bring the soup to you, but Ginger came to the window sill looking for food, so I gave it a bowl too.

"But it went away after sniffing it.

"I got suspicious that something had been added to the soup since then."

It was only now that Cordelia understood why he had looked worried and said strange things about how not to eat what Helen made next time...

"I went home in the afternoon and saw Helen busying about at home," said Zephyr. "I was already suspicious of her then and thought I'd wait for her to expose herself, so when she asked why you didn't take the soup, I told her that there's a strange taste.

"Aunt Helen scooped some out and tasted it herself."

Cordelia turned pale as she listened in shock.

If Helen had poisoned the soup, she would not have tasted it knowing that.

It seemed that she was clueless about it as well! Did that mean someone could come in and out of their house freely and even drop things in the kitchen?

Cordelia could not help the chills that ran down her spine and the quickening of her heartbeat once she thought of this.

"What... What kind of poison is it?"

Zephyr held her lightly and could feel the tremors within her.

"It's a slow poison," explained the doctor. "There's an additive in the drug that will damage one's central nervous and cardiovascular systems when consumed long term.

"But this patient had coronary thrombosis before, so the poisoning played out faster. It's fortunate that she didn't consume a lot and wasn't addicted."

Cordelia's hands went cold.

Zephyr blamed himself. "Cordelia, it's my fault. I was careless. And I watched Aunt Helen drink the soup without stopping her..."

Cordelia looked at him.

He had his head lowered like a child who had done something wrong in front of her again. He took all the blame because he knew that she liked Helen. The latter doted on her like a mother and took good care of her when he did not have time to keep her company.

He cared a lot about the people she cared about.

It was just that this was not his fault. This was an ambush no one could prevent.

"You can't be blamed," Cordelia said softly. "We can't avoid it when someone wants to harm us."

Zephyr froze.

Cordelia's sweet smile lit up his whole world.

"Besides, I know that you did it for me. You're worried about people harming me, so not even Aunt Helen, who's so close to us, can do it.

"So why should I blame you?"

Cordelia cuddled him after that, stunning him before he lifted a hand to stroke her smooth hair.

"It's fortunate that we discovered it early," Zephyr said seriously. "And so fortunate that Aunt Helen is fine."

"Mm."

"But we can only ask Aunt Helen how that stuff got into the kitchen when she wakes up."

As soon as he said that, Robert rushed over from the other end of the corridor.

"Sir..." He lowered his voice as much as he could. "Phil Nelson has applied for a long break from the manor and went traveling!"

Chapter 362

Chapter 362

"What?" Zephyr narrowed his eyes and thought about it before scoffing. "More like he's absconding!"

Cordelia looked at him. It was a coincidence because she was also suspecting Phil. Other than the young man and Zennie, Royal Manor had never taken in other guests.

Zephyr's gaze was icy. "Robert, are his whereabouts traced?"

Robert nodded. "His flight goes straight to Jangasas."

It meant that there must be something in Jangasas that attracted him.

"Seize the Nelsons at home first," he said coldly. "Send our people to Jangasas to keep track of him!"

"Yes, sir."

"Phil must have support behind him to be able to take a long break from the manor so easily!"

Zephyr's gaze was cold as a draft of a plan formed in his mind. Phil was just the bait. He wanted to use him to fish out the person behind him! As for who it was, he more or less could already guess it.

Zephyr turned to Cordelia, who had been quiet by his side. He sighed and hugged her, speaking softly. "This kind of life is scary, isn't it?"

Cordelia was silent as she let him hug her in a daze, a flicker of complex emotions flashing in her bright eyes.

"You said that you'd work hard to enter my world." Zephyr's voice was hoarse. "This is what my world is like. It's not pleasant at all. You get harmed anytime.

"Before I met you, I didn't take anything sweet at all. Do you know why?

"On my 9th birthday, there was mercury in my birthday cake... That birthday left me with a huge trauma, so I've never tried anything sweet from then on." Cordelia looked up at him with a jolt.

The wealth, the opulence, the power, the status-these were all that others saw. The rotten and savage, the scares and worries-no one could feel it other than himself. Cordelia held Zephyr's face with a soft smile. She looked into his eyes and said seriously, "Your world really isn't that pleasant.

"But you in front of me, you're the one and only in this world!"

"Cordelia..."

"You aren't fighting alone in your world." She smiled softly. "You have me!"

Zephyr pressed his lips together and clutched her hand. He did not ever want to let it go.

The nurse came out and informed them that Helen had woken up, so the two of them hurried in to see her.

Helen was a little weak, but she forced a smile upon seeing them.

"Aunt Helen." Cordelia sat by the bed and looked at her in concern. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel..." Helen smiled kindly. "I feel so fortunate that you didn't drink that soup!"

Cordelia felt heat rush up her eyes.

"Aunt Helen, the doctors who are treating you are the best ones," said Zephyr. "Don't worry. There won't be any sequelae. Take the opportunity to have a rest too. You've got to make sure you recover completely."

"Mr. Zephyr, Ms. Cordelia..." Helen coughed and panted. "I... I'm a little tired, so I'll keep it short.

"The soups I make daily, I prepare the ingredients myself. Nothing will go wrong for sure!

"But the soup today, I suddenly thought about adding some Bird's Nest in there... Cough. Phil and Ms. Zennie brought that Bird's Nest the last time they came!"

"What!?"

Chapter 363

Chapter 363

Zephyr's gaze darkened.

Cordelia froze. She vaguely remembered that Phil did hold something in his hand when he came with Zennie the last time.

"Those things are kept in the kitchen, and I've never paid them any mind," Helen sighed. "I wanted to make chicken and Bird's Nest soup for you today and took them out, but..." Zephyr's expression became sharp.

This meant that Phil was absolutely not just a permanent employee! His purpose of approaching Zennie was clear-he wanted to eliminate him and Cordelia through Zennie!

Once something happened to him and Cordelia-and since they were staying in Royal Manor-the Bayers would have to carry the blame.

By then, the Hamertons and the Bayers would be in discord, and they would get into a fight which no one would benefit from...

Cordelia also realized the severity of the issue. "Zephyr, we must inform Aunt Cloud about this!

"I just came from Seth's. He's been counseling Zennie all this time, and she isn't very well mentally. She has light depression!

"This must be Phil's doing!" Cordelia said angrily, "We must catch this guy back and avenge Zennie!"

Zephyr hugged her and patted her shoulder.

He had never regarded Phil in the past, not expecting him to be this frightening... The targets of the force behind Phil were not just him-they were also Cordelia, Zennie, his parents, Kate, and even the Bayers! Everyone related to him must be a target that force wanted to wipe out!

"Don't worry. I'll take care of everything." He looked down at her.

Cordelia shook her head. "I'm not scared. I just want to fight together with you.”

He smiled with an indulging gaze. "I'm your man. It's enough for me to be on the battlefield alone.

"I'll protect you, but you have to protect yourself too. It's only when you're safe that I won't have any worries!"

"Mm." Cordelia smiled.

Both of them returned home. Ginger was bored and hungry on the porch.

Cordelia made something simple for it and stroked its round head, looking up to see Robert at the door. There were a few more people behind him.

Cordelia let them in, and they bowed at her respectfully.

Robert said with a smile, "Ms. Cordelia, these are people who've been following Mr. Z for years. When you were in Jangasas, they were the ones responsible for protecting you.

"Mr. Z has asked them to come and keep guard around Royal Manor daily, so you're safe going in and out!"

"Oh." Cordelia's gaze was gentle as she looked at the men. "Thank you guys."

"You're most welcome, Ms. Cordelia."

Before Robert could finish, he saw Zephyr walking out of the room in loungewear and slippers. He first ruffled Ginger when he saw it before he straightened up and looked at them. "Is there a problem?"

Robert was a little dumbstruck. If it were not for Cordelia, he might not be able to see a Zephyr like this his whole life.

"Mm, yes." Robert coughed and pulled a phone out of his pocket to pass to Zephyr.

"The Nelsons who are working under us are under our supervision right now. They currently have no contact with the outside world, as our men keep an eye on them. "This phone was found in Phil's room."

Zephyr frowned. It was an old phone and was greasy.

"This was the phone Phil Nelson used the other day." Cordelia could recognize it. "Zephyr, that day when he came, he took photos of our place with this phone!"

Chapter 364

Chapter 364

"What?" Zephyr's frown was tightly furrowed. He did not know about Phil's visit to Royal Manor the other day.

Cordelia told him the whole story and said, "I didn't tell you before this because I thought that it was already resolved, so there was no need to, and...

"I thought too simple of it." She was frustrated with herself. "I didn't expect Phil to hide his motive so deeply!"

"No need to blame yourself." Zephyr rubbed her shoulder. "Even I didn't expect Phil to be someone like this."

"Aunt Helen damaged the phone." Cordelia looked at him. "I was worried about him having photos of our home in his phone and that it wouldn't be safe so Aunt Helen figured out a way and dropped the phone into hot soup."

Zephyr nodded.

Although the phone was ruined, they might be able to get a glimpse inside if the data could be recovered...

He passed the phone to Robert, who knew what to do with just a glance from him and left immediately.

"Sleep earlier." Zephyr held Cordelia, telling her with a deep voice that was tinged with warmth, "I'll visit Zennie early tomorrow morning and look for a good time to tell Aunt Cloud about this.

"With how Aunt Cloud is, she'll never let Phil off the hook," he said. "We'll be able to force the person behind Phil out with Aunt Cloud's assistance!"

Cordelia looked at him and rested her head against his chest.

"You already have an idea who the person is... right?"

"Mm." Zephyr chuckled. 'What a clever woman...'

"Is it your Uncle Matthew and Yale?"

"Maybe." He rubbed her hair and hugged her close. Her sweet fragrance allowed him a moment of relaxation from his otherwise tense state.

"Our grudges go a long way," he said in a low tone. "They make me understand that people can disregard family ties and everything else to fight for power." Cordelia pursed her lips and muttered, "How many assets are in your family waiting to be inherited?"

Zephyr smiled without saying anything.

She then asked, "Are money and power... so important?"

Zephyr looked at her. Her expression when she asked the question was pure and serious. Her beautiful doe eyes were clear like pools of spring.

He smiled and rubbed her head with a doting gaze, answering her questions.

"My family does have quite some assets. Our status as the head of Centrolis' four major families isn't for nothing.

"Let me put it this way..." He thought about it and said, "Do you know the GM of DL Tower, Jerry Wang?"

"Mm, I do!" Cordelia had an impression of the man. When Zephyr took her to DL once, this general manager cleared up the whole building and welcomed them personally. "Jerry used to be the Hamertons' employee."

"What?" Cordelia widened her eyes.

It was no wonder that the general manager pandered to Zephyr so much when he saw him and Zennie was already a black gold card member of DL Tower despite her young age.

"Actually, the Hamertons will select part of the butlers and helpers to train up each year. Jerry was dutiful and smart when he was in the manor. He's also diligent. Thus, he's one of the people we focused on training.

"These people who are trained are scattered in various fields, and they basically can reach up to senior executive levels.

"These industries and companies can better serve the Hamertons because they're there."

Cordelia sucked in a deep breath and nodded thoughtfully.

In the past, she thought that these rich families were just rich. They had their strategies and planning with a whole web of connections.

When one said that a certain major family grasped the economy of a whole city, it was not an exaggeration.

"It's not just the Hamertons." Zephyr continued. "It's the same for the Bayers and the Tanners. This is why marriages must be arranged among the few major families. Such relationships are the most stable." 'This is also why he has to marry Nelly...' Cordelia pouted a little.

Chapter 365

Chapter 365

This was not just the reason he had to marry Nelly. This was also the reason Nelly repeatedly boasted in front of her! The girl had a strong family background to back her up! Cordelia bit her lips and suddenly felt upset, so she shoved him away.

Zephyr was startled and carefully observed her expression, not missing even a subtle one out.

"What's wrong, honey?"

"Nothing." Cordelia's face was blank, and she regretted a little the moment she pushed him away.

She knew that she was throwing an unreasonable tantrum again, but she just cared that another woman had eyes for her man!

Zephyr grinned obsequiously and tried to put his hand back on her shoulder. "If it's nothing... let's sleep earlier?"

"Go ahead. I still have work."

"You still have work!?" Zephyr's tone changed.

Cordelia gave him a glance, and his temper simmered out immediately. He forced a smile and held her hand to negotiate nicely.

"Cordelia, it's so late now. Stop working... You work so hard all the time. It's fine to take a break."

"No." Cordelia stood firm.

Zephyr began to pester her and hugged her tightly from the back with his chin resting on her shoulder. "Darling, I don't have enough allowance this month..."

"Hmm?"

The man smirked. "Give me a chance to prove myself. Let me make some cigarette money!" "Zephyr, you—"”

Before Cordelia could say more, she was picked up by Zephyr, and he darted into the bedroom. "Zephyr!"

He was not listening to her at all as he took off his clothes and hid them both under the covers.

"I... I'm working so hard to catch up to you...

"Before I entered, who'd have known that your world's like a mountain of gold... I probably won't be able to save up enough this whole life!" Zephyr felt his heart clench seeing her red eyes. It was until now that he realized she had shoved him away because of the marriage agreement. He understood her inferiority and guarded her pride carefully.

His warm lips were against her fair neck as he said softly, "You don't have to save anything. You have me."

"That won't be enough either..."

"I'll marry into your family then, okay?"

Cordelia's mind went blank.

Zephyr kissed her softly. His husky voice was endlessly indulging.

"I'll marry into your family and take your last name, yeah?"

Cordelia felt her heart leap and a pinch on her nose. Her tears rushed up.

Zephyr smiled. His tender "Silly" was the last straw that broke the dam.

"I mean it." He looked into her eyes. "If you think it's hard to enter my world, then stand there and stay there. I'll come to you.

"Cordelia, it's the same whoever moves. Because we both know that none of us will just stand there. We'll run toward each other." "Zephyr..."

Cordelia stretched her arms to hug his neck and kissed him on the lips.

Zephyr finally got what he wanted...

Chapter 366

Chapter 366

The next day, Cordelia dragged a sore and hurting body to work.

Janine gave her numerous tasks again without noticing anything wrong with her. Cordelia was embarrassed to tell her things like this as well, so she could only withstand the fatigue and work.

While she worked, she secretly lamented that she must not allow the man to do as he pleased in the future just because of a few touching words from him!

Someone suddenly knocked on her desk, and a loud voice followed. "What's the matter? Are you feeling unwell?"

Cordelia looked up to see Janine standing before her.

Her desk was right outside Janine's office, so Janine could summon her easily anytime.

"Oh, no." Cordelia shook her head awkwardly.

Janine squinted with a smile and lowered her voice to ask, "Is it because... you were too worn out from last night?"

Cordelia was startled and flushed red in the face like it could drip blood. She sprang up. "Madam Baker, you—"

"Don't worry. It's fine. What's there to be shy about with me?" Janine giggled. "You know what? Take half the day off and go back to rest—"

"No!" Cordelia interrupted quickly.

Zephyr would definitely mess with her again if she took half the day off and went home. Thinking of this, she suddenly shuddered. It seemed like the man was home every time Janine gave her a break. What could Zephyr do at home? 'Ask for allowance' from her, of course!

Cordelia looked at Janine's sly smile once more, and realization struck her. She was his birth mother, after all!

"You should, you should!" Janine pulled her up directly, her eyes turning into crescents. "Your health comes first! When you get enough rest, I'll get a grandchild sooner...

"Oh, no, no! I mean... You'll be able to contribute more to the company!"

'Look at me! I accidentally blurted my honest thoughts again!'

Cordelia smiled weakly and saw Janine pull out her phone.

"Hello, son?

"What? You're not home? Oh... auction?

"Hmm, sure!" Janine nodded. "I'll send Cordelia over to you!"

While Cordelia was still in a daze, Janine had already pushed her out of the office and had her personal chauffeur bring her down.

The auction was grand and attracted famous people and collectors from all over the world.

Zephyr had not wanted to show himself, but the Hamertons were the co-organizers, so he had to be there. Naturally, he was annoyed. However, when he received his mother's call saying that she would send Cordelia over, a hint of a smile resurfaced on his icy face.

As expected of his actual mother-she would create any chance possible for her son and daughter-in-law to spend quality time together.

Therefore, he must not let his mother down. He must marry Cordelia this year itself!

Oh wait! He would marry into her family instead. It would be best if she had a little something in her womb when they got married...

Oh, no, not right. The little one in his dream was so fierce for nothing. No way he would want that!

Robert took in how Zephyr looked gloomy and bright interchangeably and suddenly remembered Josiah's question: "What do lunatics look like?" Right about this...

Robert sighed. It was at the same time Cordelia came over as if with all the lights in the world shining on her.

Zephyr beamed and held her hand. The two of them standing together attracted plenty of attention.

"What do you want later?" he asked in a low voice. "I'll bid it."

"No need." Cordelia stretched slightly and said with a smile, "I just hope that this ends fast. I want to go home and have a good sleep."

Chapter 368

Chapter 368

Nelly's expression was stiff, and her gaze was resentful when she stared daggers at Cordelia. As Zephyr took Cordelia elsewhere, she kept her eyes on their backs and suddenly heard Mandy's words in her ears "You don't have Tanner's blood in you. You aren't even worthy of Zephyr Hamerton.

"I shouldn't have taken you back from the orphanage and let you be a Tanner back then!"

Nelly shook, rage almost breaking through her ribs. She took a few deep breaths to force herself to calm down.

"Hah, being mocked again?" A familiar voice sounded.

She turned back and saw Yale holding a glass of whisky as he stood leisurely with a smile. The one next to him was no longer Yelena but a young model who wore a low-cut dress.

"What does it have to do with you!?" Nelly was annoyed seeing him.

"With the woman next to Z, you don't have to think about marrying into the Hamertons ever!" Yale gloated.

Nelly rolled her eyes at him. She was going to leave when Yale drawled his voice. "There's someone important you have to meet in this auction!"

Nelly halted.

Yale smiled and groped the young model before letting her leave first.

Yale smirked. "Ms. Tanner, I heard that the Tanners look good only on the outside. Glitz and glamor in appearance, but it's actually the weakest among the four major families!" "What do you want to say?"

"I'm just saying, you want to marry Zephyr so much just to secure Tanner's status, right?

"It doesn't have to be through marriage," Yale said with a chortle after a pause from swirling his glass. "I can introduce someone to you."

"Who?" Nelly furrowed her brows.

"Rowan Irwin."

Nelly paused.

The name sounded familiar, like a significant force in Southeast Aciatic. She had heard that Matthew was quite close to the man.

Nelly looked at Yale doubtfully. "What's Rowan Irwin like?"

Yale jutted his chin, and she followed his gaze. Not far away from them, a middle-aged man in a suit and leather shoes was chatting with someone.

He was in his middle age but maintained himself well. He was tall and well-built, radiant and manly in his features. People would easily do a double take upon seeing a man like this on the streets.

"That's Rowan Irwin." Yale smiled. "The head of Irwins in Southeast Aciatic and the chairman of Southeast Aciatic Medical Association.

"The Irwins are also close to the Southeast Aciatic military, so it's a rare major family with military support.

"Heh, Nelly." Yale looked at her. "If you could cling to this force and keep Mr. Irwin happy, wiping out Cordelia would be like squashing an ant!"

Nelly glared at him resentfully. "I don't need Rowan Irwin, and I can squash Cordelia like an ant too!"

"Really? Go on and show me now! Hah, Zephyr will dig your eyes out before you can get close to Cordelia!"

"You..."

Yale cackled and finished his whisky before going to look for the young model.

Nelly stomped her foot. When she calmed down and thought about it, though, Yale was right. If she could build a good rapport with Rowan, she might be able to do what she wanted to through the Irwins' power.

Nelly adjusted herself and asked for a glass of red wine from the server to go to Rowan.

Joe and Mandy would take her to all sorts of events since she was young, so she was more than at ease in settings like this.

Rowan chatted with her for a bit, smiling all this while. Nelly was a good conversationalist, never once letting the chat turn awkward. It was until she noticed that Rowan's gaze kept going to a certain spot...

Chapter 369

Chapter 369

Nelly looked toward that direction discreetly as well and discovered that he was actually staring at Cordelia!

She was shocked but did not show it, merely asking, "Mr. Irwin, the auction's starting. Which piece are you going to bid for?"

Rowan's brows were furrowed lightly. His mind had long gone to Cordelia.

As he looked at her from afar and watched how a man kept her in his arms like a treasure and how she smiled that even her dimples oozed happiness... he suddenly felt a pinch on his nose. A sob was lodged in his throat.

She really looked a lot like Xyla. Yet, the cool brilliance from her eyes looked so much like his.

Rowan smiled and felt sullen. He had promised Xyla that he would never disrupt their lives. Those formulas had severed all their relationships. The moment Xyla left Southeast Aciatic, they were strangers to each other.

Rowan's fingers on the wine glass tightened, and his joints turned white from the exertion.

"Mr. Irwin, what's the matter?"

"Hmm?" He snapped out of his thoughts and met Nelly's questioning gaze.

"Oh, nothing."

"Heh, did you have eyes on a pretty girl?" Nelly asked semi-jokingly. "That girl's off limits!"

"What are you talking about?" Rowan furrowed his brows.

"Weren't you looking at Cordelia Jenner just now?"

Rowan jolted. 'Cordelia Jenner is her name...'

Back then, Xyla had lied about the child being William Jenner's in order to survive in the Jenners. That was why their daughter's last name was Jenner. Rowan tightened his fist, his nails stabbing into his palms.

"Ms. Tanner." He looked at Nelly. "What were you saying about Cordelia Jenner just now?"

"Her?" Nelly scoffed. "She's good. An illegitimate daughter of some small family hooking up with the third heir of Centrolis' Hamertons!"

"That's the third heir, Zephyr Hamerton?"

"Exactly!"

There was a change in Rowan's expression.

Nelly continued to say, "Mr. Irwin, the woman's something. Zephyr offended Elder Mr. Hamerton in public because of her before!

"Mr. Irwin, I hear that there's voodoo in Southeast Aciatic that can control one's mind... I think this Cordelia Jenner might know some voodoo magic!"

"Really?" Rowan's tone turned icy abruptly. "You know a lot, huh, Ms. Tanner? Why don't I know that there's voodoo in Southeast Aciatic?"

Nelly froze upon realizing that she had said something wrong.

"Mr. Irwin, I don't mean it like that-"

"If there's really such powerful voodoo magic, Irwin Pharmaceuticals can close up!"

"No, no, Mr. Irwin, let me explain—"

"Ms. Tanner!" Rowan raised his voice. "I'll ask my assistant to give you a present before I leave! It's a few bottles of new medicine. It's not too expensive, but it's good for the brain and eyes. I think they'll do good for you!"

He left briskly upon saying that. Where did this crazy woman come from to slander his daughter right in front of him!?

Rowan's subordinate said softly beside him, "Mr. Irwin, the person next to Ms. Cordelia is Zephyr Hamerton... He recuperated in Jangasas after the plane crash and met her there."

Rowan halted abruptly like he was electrocuted.

'The plane crash...'

The words crashed against his heart like a hammer, and a thick fog clouded his eyes.

Chapter 370

Chapter 370

Nelly stood rooted angrily.

The auction began, and the guests eventually got seated.

Zephyr and Cordelia sat at the frontmost VIP seats while Rowan did not make a public appearance. He found a suitable spot on the second floor, and its angle allowed him to look down and catch Cordelia's side profile.

Nelly noticed it and was even more convinced that the old lecher, Rowan Irwin, had eyes for Cordelia! He had never spoken a word to Cordelia before, but he defended her so much!

Meanwhile, Nelly had spent the whole night talking to him, yet she could not compare to that b*tch...

Nelly had rage boiling in her and did not even go to her seat. She went to a corner to make a call.

"Where's Kelly Tanner?" The resentment in her voice was hardly hidden. She took a deep breath and sounded vicious. "Hah, tell her that her big sister will pay her a visit when she's done with this auction!" "Ms. Nelly, but..." The servant on the other end of the line sounded frantic.

"What else do you want? Just tell her that!"

"No, Ms. Nelly!" The servant was panicking. "Ms. Kelly, she's... She's gone!"

Nelly nearly dropped her phone.

"What?" She questioned almost hysterically after a beat of silence, "What do you mean she's gone?!"

"T-This afternoon, Ms. Kelly said that she wanted to get some sun, so the nurse wheeled her out. Then she said she wanted to look at the cars in the garage, so the nurse wheeled her there without thinking much about it. Then... Then she was gone!"

The servant was stumbling over their words, and Nelly was bewildered listening to them. Despite that, she knew from what the servant said that Kelly had gone missing this afternoon. It was when she was getting ready to come to the auction...

Could Kelly be hiding in her car!?

Nelly calmed herself down. "Send more people to look for her! Do dad and mom know about this?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Tanner flew to Asperia this morning. I heard it's for financing the company or something. They said that they'll be there for one to two months!"

Nelly breathed out in relief. This meant that she would have time to look around.

The first place of suspicion was this auction! It was highly possible that Kelly had hidden in her car while no one was watching and escaped!

Josiah muttered curses under his breath as he opened the door to the dressing room.

This auction was incredibly boring. All he could do was drink a little during the event, yet he wore a pair of white pants today! He got careless when he raised the glass, and the red wine spilled on them. He was lucky that the Bayers had always been meticulous, so pants of various colors were already prepared for him in the male dressing room.

Josiah took off his pants, staying in a pair of briefs after he entered the room. He hummed a song and rummaged through the dressing room only to reveal a curled figure trembling under the pile of clothes! "Ahh!" Josiah stumbled back, flailing his arms in shock.

The person was the same, staring at him in terror and with a pale face.

Josiah was stunned for more than ten seconds. Those seconds felt as long as centuries.

He scrutinized the person. It was a pale and weak girl like she was very ill as she coughed occasionally. She covered her mouth unconsciously when she did to prevent herself from making any noise.

All Josiah could be certain of was that the girl was really gorgeous... so beautiful that she did not seem like she was from this world.

He crouched down. Like how Ginger at Cordelia's place would act before catching a bird, he approached the girl slowly and observed her carefully, asking softly, "Who... are you?"

The girl was silent. Her eyes were still widened, the big eyes looking extremely out of proportion on her small face.

"Do you not know that this is a male dressing room?"

The girl pressed her lips together and kept her eyes on him.

Josiah looked down as well... Immediately, he felt like lightning had struck him. His chaotic mind went blank right away.