Ch. 371..380

Chapter 371

Chapter 371

Josiah was not wearing pants! He was not wearing any pants!

"Ahh!" Godd*mn!

Josiah kept shrieking as he frantically pulled a piece of clothing from the side to cover himself.

The girl was terrified, shaking as she crouched on the floor with her hands wrapped around her head.

At the same time, someone knocked on the dressing room door.

Josiah stopped screaming abruptly and was still in shock when he heard someone asking, "Is there anyone in there? Can I enter?"

It was a man's voice.

Josiah was a little befuddled. He was going to open the door when something grabbed his ankle. Looking down, the girl crawled in front of him, grabbing his foot. Her eyes were misty.

"No..." she pleaded. "Don't open the door. Don't say that I'm here..."

"What?" Josiah was lost. "What's happening?"

"Please!"

The knocks grew louder.

Josiah did not have much time to think. The moment the person outside kicked the door open, he grabbed the clothes he covered himself with and pressed the girl on the floor. His hank was on her back, separating her from the cool floor. His well-built body covered her petite self up just nicely.

The few men who barged in were baffled by the scene.

"What?" Josiah turned and looked at them in annoyance. "Where are you from!? On a suicide mission?"

Those men were the Tanners' servants and could recognize Josiah. Their hearts lurched. "M-Mr. Bayer..."

"Get the h*ll out of here! Can't you see I'm in the middle of something!?"

"Y-Yes..."

The men left nervously and did not forget to close the door properly.

When their footsteps faded, Josiah propped himself up and pulled the girl up carefully.

"Are you okay?"

The girl coughed and did not even have the strength to speak.

"You don't look good..." Josiah frowned. "I'd better take you to the hospital!"

"No need..." It took the girl some time to say, "It's an old illness. I know what's up."

What followed the words was a genuine smile.

Josiah was stunned for some time before he remembered to ask, "Who are you? Why are those guys after you?"

"I..." she thought and said softly, "I'm someone who steals time from the grim reaper. Those people are the grim reaper's accomplices who want to catch me back." "What do you mean? I don't understand." Josiah scratched his head.

From his angle, the girl's petite shoulders, and fragile and pretty face, all stirred his urge to protect her.

"I'm Josiah Bayer," he told her softly. "Did you get into trouble? Do you need me to send you home?"

"I don't want to go home." She looked at him. "If it's possible, can you take me to the front for a walk?"

"The porch?"

"Mm, a walk anywhere without anyone." She smiled. "I can't go far with my body, anyway. I just want to walk around and breathe the outside air."

It was Josiah's first time meeting someone so strange. Since the auction was boring, he might as well accompany the pretty girl for a walk under the starry sky.

"Mm, of course!" He smiled. "But before I walk with you, I'd have to know your name?"

After a long pause, the girl bit her lips and said, "Kelly."

"Kelly what?"

"Kelly." She smiled at him. "Just call me Kelly."

Chapter 372

Chapter 372

"Is your name just Kelly?" Josiah puffed his cheeks and frowned, looking lost. "What's your last name?" Kelly looked down and stayed quiet.

Josiah laughed. Who cared what her last name was? A name was just a term of address.

"Alright, I'll take you for a walk!" he said and was going to leave the room.

"Hey, you..."

Kelly tugged him back before he could walk away.

Josiah paused and looked down... He still had no pants on!

He flushed immediately and looked up at her in a panic, forcing a smile that looked more like a wince.

Kelly was amused by it, and there was finally some color on her pale face.

Josiah ran back inside the dressing room frantically and pulled on a pair of pants before he took Kelly for a walk.

The fall night was beautiful. The porch was in the sun the whole day, so there was still a warm sunlight scent now. It was quiet all around, with occasional bird chirps and dots of light that seemed like fireflies.

Kelly took a deep breath and closed her eyes gently. Standing on a porch and breathing freely like this felt like the last lifetime to her.

"It's nice." She smiled and opened her eyes to look up at the navy sky.

"What?" Josiah was confused.

"I'm saying it's already a rare thing for me to stand here and breathe fresh air like this."

Josiah was simply more bewildered. "Don't you usually breathe? Or do you wear a breathing mask?"

Kelly looked at him and giggled. For some reason, they had just met for the first time, but it felt like they had known each other for a long time.

It had been a while since she laughed, and he was the reason she laughed tonight.

He had pressed her against the floor earlier to hide her from those men... Her heart sped up at that moment, and it felt like it had never calmed down until now.

As Kelly smelled the fresh scent on his shirt and took in his masculine figure, he knocked the doors to her heart that had been long shut off again.

"Kelly." The man's nice voice sounded. "What are you thinking about?"

Kelly's cheeks heated up, and she ducked her head, her hair covering half of her face.

Josiah smiled, looking at her, and had the urge to push her hair away.

"Nothing..." Kelly answered softly as she looked into the sky, "Just... I'm envious of those stars."

"Envious of the stars?"

"Mm, I want to be as free as starlight."

It was Josiah's first time hearing someone say that starlight was free.

To Kelly, everything in this world—a drop of water or a tree-had the freedom she dreamed of but could not have.

"You mean you like to stargaze?" Josiah asked with a smile, "Looks like you women are the same. You like things like this that you can't touch!"

Kelly froze. "Us women?"

"Yes! My sis-in-law likes it too!"

Kelly did not know who he meant by his sister-in-law, but she liked listening to him.

"My bro got the stars and made them into a necklace to make my sis-in-law happy!"

"Really?"

"Of course not!" Josiah chuckled. "The stars were made up of hundreds of drones. As for that necklace, he asked for the gems to be polished long ago. Who knows how long he kept it in his pocket?" Kelly's eyes glittered in envy.

"Then your brother must be really devoted to your sister-in-law."

"Yeah!" Josiah said, "Actually, all men will be devoted when they meet someone they like."

"Have you met one?"

"..."

Chapter 373

Chapter 373

Josiah suddenly felt his heart skip a beat. He could no longer control it.

It was like Kelly had magic. Her eyes felt like a mysterious world that tempted him to explore.

He looked at her in a daze and felt their surroundings quieting down all of a sudden. It was like all the lights in the world were concentrated on her.

A cool breeze blew, prompting coughs from the girl. It snapped Josiah out of his daze, and he removed his jacket to drape it on her.

"It's okay..."

"Put it on!" Josiah pulled it around her. "Don't you have a weak body? You can't catch a cold!"

Kelly licked her lips and looked at him quietly.

There were noises from the auction, and people were already walking toward the door.

"Looks like it's over," said Josiah. "Uh... Let me send you home. Where are you living?"

Kelly shook her head. Everything that happened felt like a dream. Now that it was time to wake up, she should go back to her reality.

Her reality was that she was the unknown daughter of the Tanners. She did not know she could live until which day or if she would ever have a future...

She turned back and walked slowly. The voices of the Tanners' servants looking for her could be heard from a distance. She stopped and looked back at Josiah, telling him with a smile, "Thank you." She should thank him. He gave her the dream just now.

Josiah was startled.

"Hah, no worries!" He looked carefree. "You can still look for me if you want another walk next time..."

Before he finished, Kelly disappeared in the dark. Josiah widened his eyes, but he could only watch the frail white figure get farther away from him.

Zephyr told Cordelia discreetly, "I think Josiah's fallen in love."

Cordelia was feeding Ginger some cat food and failed to process what he said.

"He would too?"

"What kind of silly question is this?" Zephyr stroked her nose intimately. "Can't Josiah enjoy the pleasure of romance?"

"Oh..." She murmured, "I see him being so close to Mr. Constable usually, so I thought he liked men!"

Zephyr's eyes bulged, and he was at a loss for words.

"What's in your little head even?"

Cordelia looked at him and grinned cheekily.

The next second, she hugged his arm and cuddled him. Her finger poked his chest playfully.

"I'm thinking... you're so close to Nicholas usually too. Would you also..."

"Is that what you think!?"

Zephyr scooped her over and ran his hands all over her, tickling her. Cordelia almost choked from how ticklish she was. Just when she was completely defenseless, he carried her into his arms. He rubbed his nose against her smooth forehead, and his warm manly sense engulfed her...

Cordelia knew what he wanted to do too clearly after being together for so long. She held him up quickly with her hands. "Not today!"

The man smirked. "But I don't have any money to buy cigarettes today..."

"Zephyr, put me down!"

No matter how she struggled, the man remained unfazed and was going to carry her into the room with a smirk.

"No! Ginger, save me!"

Ginger looked up slowly with a squint and dug its head back into its bowl.

"The fella's sharp!" Zephyr was delighted. "It's sensible at critical moments, haha..."

At the same time, the doorbell sounded hurriedly.

"Sir? Sir!"

Robert stood outside and was on his tiptoes to look in...

Zephyr scowled right away.

Chapter 374

Chapter 374

Cordelia blushed red and struggled away from Zephyr's hold to run into the room while he was distracted.

Robert sucked in a cold breath, but it was already too late to run.

Zephyr's glower was so dark that it could drip ink.

He walked briskly to the door and pulled the metal bolt open with a clank. His eyes felt like ice as they gave Robert a death glare.

The corners of Robert's lips twitched as he plastered on a smile, his heart almost leaping out of his throat.

"What is it?" Zephyr spat coldly.

Robert had completely forgotten what he wanted to say and stared at the man dumbly.

The few seconds of silence felt as long as centuries.

Cordelia then heard someone's deafening growl from where she was in the room. "Robert Davis..."

Helen was picking vegetables and hurried out of the kitchen, shocked by the noise.

"What happened to Mr. Zephyr?"

Cordelia sat on the couch with a secret giggle.

"What did Robert do this time?" Helen sighed, shook her head, and turned back to the kitchen, talking to herself, "It hurts the throat to shout like this. I'll have to make soup to nourish Mr. Z's throat..."

Ginger finished the cat food on the porch and snaked in between the men. It looked left and right before it meowed.

Zephyr looked down, and his tense face finally cracked a little. He glared at Robert. "You're worse than a cat!"

Even a car knew that it must not disturb him from asking for allowance!

"Yes, yes..." Robert chuckled apologetically, drenched in a cold sweat.

There was a sudden jolt in his mind, and he recalled why he was there, so he quickly pulled an old phone out of his pocket. It was the one they had found in Phil's room. "Sir, the data in the phone's recovered. Take a look!"

Zephyr recomposed himself and went through the phone. There was indeed chat history between Phil and Zennie. He scowled and walked back to the house to show Cordelia.

Cordelia's frown was deeply etched, with her fists clenched as she shook a little after looking at it.

"I knew it..." She was emotional. "Phil must have been brainwashing Zennie with wrong thoughts! That she's nothing outside of the Hamertons, that he's the only one in this world who won't despise her... He's shameless!"

Zephyr's expression was grim when he turned to ask Robert, "Has Phil been found?"

"Our men are following up," said Robert. "But Phil's too cunning. His routes go back and forth, so it shows up as a tangled mess on the GPS. It's not easy to track him down."

"Zephyr, look at this!" Cordelia suddenly cried.

She checked the phone gallery, and the latest photos were of their home.

"Mm, it's here..." She compared the phone to their living room. "Zephyr, it's this place. He's been snapping photos here that day!"

Zephyr took a look. The photos were the painting on the wall in the living room, and nothing seemed wrong.

However, Cordelia zoomed in on the photos.

There was a cabinet under the painting that was locked. Placed in there were the jewelry Zephyr had given her and what her mother had passed to her.

The more Cordelia thought about it, the more she found it wrong. Her heart thumped hard. "Zephyr, does he know what's inside this cabinet?"

"I don't think he does," answered Zephyr. "But he wants to. That's why he took the photos!"

Cordelia was frightened. "He's too scary... Why would he be curious about this cabinet?"

"Maybe it's because there's a lock on it."

Cordelia nodded. The lock on the cabinet basically told others that there were incredibly important things in there.

"Sir, Ms. Cordelia, don't worry," Robert said softly. "Phil's sly, but we can catch him. He won't have it easy by then!"

Zephyr patted Cordelia's shoulder and gave her a resolute and warm smile. His expression changed swiftly when he looked at Robert with disdain. "Nothing else? Leave if there's nothing!" Robert was rendered speechless.

Cordelia saw that Robert seemed hesitant to speak, like what he wanted to say could not be brought up in front of her. She went to the kitchen and told Zephyr, "Keep Robert for dinner. I'll make you all sticky ribs!"

"You want to stay for a meal?" Zephyr's tone went up at the end of his sentence.

"No, no, no!" Robert refused frantically. It was until Cordelia entered the kitchen and closed the door that he lowered his voice to tell Zephyr, "Mr. Zephyr, there's one more thing..." "What again?"

"Rowan Irwin's in Centrolis!"

Zephyr scowled. He had heard about Rowan making an appearance but not getting into the seats in the auction that other day.

"It's said that he'll stay in Centrolis for some time, so I've sent some guys to follow him," Robert said in a low tone. "But what's strange is that he didn't meet up with Mr. Matthew."

"Hmm?" Zephyr arched his brow. "He came to Centrolis but didn't meet the sly fox... Could he have other purposes?"

"Well..." Robert did not know.

Zephyr scoffed, "They wouldn't have a falling-out because they had a fight over the loot, would they?"

What moral bottom line could someone who would work with Matthew to harm him have?

"But sir..." Robert looked at him and said, "I've asked around Southeast Aciatic and Mengasas. Rowan Irwin didn't rise up to his status too nicely, but he's so reputable in Southeast Aciatic that even the royals there are respectful of him!"

"Really?"

"Mm. He's mainly in charity these few years, did a lot of them, and the medicine prices of Irwin Pharmaceuticals have never gone up. Many poor people who can't afford to go to the doctors are able to recover because they can buy their medicines."

There was a thin layer of ice over Zephyr's gaze.

Many philanthropists were wolves in sheep's skin. One could not just judge a book by its cover.

Take Matthew for example. He was docile and tolerating in front of Zephyr's grandfather, but he was also the one behind the mercury in Zephyr's 9th birthday's birthday cake.

Despite that, Zephyr was interested in something Robert said. "How not nicely did he get up to his status?"

"Something about... He's the adopted son of the Irwins." Robert licked his lips. "But he used the Irwin heiress romantically and chased her out of Southeast Aciatic later on while he took over the Irwins." The frown between Zephyr's brows grew deeper.

He was just like Phil then! Zephyr hated people like these from the bottom of his heart.

"If he did have a falling-out with the fox, it's not exactly a bad thing," he said after a while.

The doom of any matter began internally. With both men acting on their individual interests, the one who reaped the benefit ultimately would be Zephyr!

He smirked. "Figure out a way to meet Mr. Irwin. I'd like to talk to him!"

Chapter 375

Chapter 375

"Yes, sir." Robert nodded.

It was just that Rowan was low-profile and mysterious. He had never liked making public appearances. He had even just attended but did not take a seat in the auction, so not many got to see him. "He might be guarded if we ask to meet as us." Zephyr had already thought of this.

"Then... under Mr. Matthew's name?"

"No need." Zephyr smirked. "Say that grandpa wants to meet him!"

Robert froze before replying, "Mm, it's an idea too. After all, Elder Mr. Hamerton's reputation is significant. Rowan can't just be rude."

Zephyr smiled before his expression hardened the next second abruptly. He bowed and gasped in pain-his knees felt like something was cutting through them.

"Sir, are you alright!?" Robert panicked a little.

Zephyr eyed him instantly to shush him since Cordelia was still in the kitchen.

"Fine." He moved his legs. "Old issue."

"Is your old injury relapsing?" Robert was worried.

Zephyr had been injured during the plane crash. Everything else had healed up nicely, but there was a sequela with his legs.

"Mm, it's not serious." Zephyr straightened up and said, "The weather's getting colder recently, so they hurt quite bad sometimes. I'll be fine after they adjust to the weather."

"Do you want to... get Dr. Stafford to look at it again?"

Zephyr nodded lightly.

He remembered that he had been all bandaged up back then, and his bones had felt like they were being disassembled one by one. There had been a few times he thought he would die from the agony. Seth had taken care of him diligently, unaffected by his glower. Now that he was all healed, the credit was all Seth's.

He also vaguely remembered that Seth had given him a type of medicine before that was rather effective. Now that his old injury was acting up, he might recover soon after taking that medicine again.

Zephyr came to the medical center the next day. He went around, seeing that Seth was not in his office, and saw him walking with Zennie outside. Both of them were smiling brighter than the sun. Seth held a book and read something to Zennie, causing the latter to giggle heartily.

Zephyr was finally relieved. This was the smile his younger sister had-this was the little Zennie who would follow him like a tail since she was a child. It seemed now that she was all grown up and probably would not be following him like a lost puppy anymore. Zephyr felt a little down upon thinking about it. He chuckled self-deprecatingly and planned not to third-wheel them, but Zennie spotted him.

"Zephyr!" She waved at him fervently.

He went over with a smile, his deep eyes brimming with solace.

"What brings you here?" Zennie hooked an arm over his. "Where's Cordelia?"

"She's working," answered Zephyr.

"She's so busy recently!" The girl pouted. "I crave her cranberry cookies so much!"

"I know how to make them. I'll make them when I go home and send them to you." "Bro, have mercy!" Zennie widened her eyes. "Is what you make even edible?" "How dare you look down on me!?"

Zennie cackled, her eyes turning into crescents.

Zephyr looked at her quietly before flipping her bangs up. This was what they often did when they were younger. His affectionate gaze on his baby sister simply could not be hidden. Seth smiled, looking at them. "I won't be disturbing you, siblings, then. I'm sure you have things to talk about.”

"Hold on!" Zephyr called him and turned to tell Zennie, "I'm here for Dr. Stafford today. Zennie, get the nurse to go back with you first, okay? I'll go meet you after I talk to Dr. Stafford." "Oh, okay!" Zennie nodded and returned to her ward in the nurse's company.

Seth looked at Zephyr. "You're here for me?"

Chapter 376

Chapter 376

"Yes." Zephyr's expression was grim with a light frown. "I didn't tell Cordelia about this, so I hope you keep it under the radar as well..."

"What is it?"

"My leg injury... It's starting to hurt recently."

Seth was alarmed and wanted to take him for a proper checkup.

"That's unnecessary." Zephyr patted his shoulder. "It's just an old injury. It didn't come back in the past, but recently, the pain's quite bad once the temperature drops.

"I remember that you gave me a type of medicine before. Half of it is to be ingested, and half of it is to be applied. It's very effective... I'm here today to get more of that from you."

Seth looked troubled and stammered for a good while without making any sense.

"What's the matter?"

Zephyr was bemused. Was it that difficult for a doctor to prescribe medicine?

Seth looked at him, licked his lips, and finally said, "Zephyr, actually, I... I don't know what kind of medicine it was."

"What!?" Zephyr was astonished. "But you administered the medicine to me back then!"

"I did. But someone gave it to me!"

Zephyr was only more confused.

Seth sighed and spilled the beans.

"Zephyr, think about it. I graduated from medical college, but it hadn't even been long since I was a doctor then. I hadn't even performed surgery independently. How could I possibly heal you?

"I really wanted to, but my ability was limited... You were injured everywhere, and your infected wounds pulled up a fever. You were in such a critical state that I thought you were a goner. I thought you would be the first patient who died in my hands in my career...

"While I was troubled, an old man gave me that medicine and said that it'd heal you, so I—"

"Old man?" Zephyr perked up.

Seth nodded. "The reason I haven't told you this before is that, one, I was sort of vain. No doctor is willing to admit that they can't treat someone.

"Two, it's... because the old man forbade me from telling you. He just gave me the medicine, told me the dosage and usage, and said nothing else, disallowing me from telling you too." Zephyr squinted, and doubts rose within him.

"The old man..." He had a strange feeling. "How old was he?"

"Like in his 70s, maybe," Seth said while recalling. "His hair was all white."

Zephyr snorted. How could he think of that man? He must be losing his mind!

Rowan was in his middle age and would be around 50 years old. How could he possibly be an old man with white hair?

Moreover, he was Matthew's accomplice!

Seth looked at him sincerely. "Zephyr, I'm really sorry, I... I don't have that medicine. And it didn't look like you'd get it in the market. There was a strange aroma when it opened, like... a herbal scent!" Zephyr furrowed his brows. He felt like he had entered a maze and could not find the exit.

Matthew had just gotten out of the hot spring in the private club at the bottom of Splendor Mountain and was lying on the recliner with a robe.

The expensive tea in front of him was steeped to a golden amber color that looked wonderful in the glass.

He sipped on it, admiring the beauty, and wore a satisfied smile.

Matthew looked to the side. "Mr. Irwin, this tea isn't available in Southeast Aciatic. Since you're here, you must have a taste!"

Rowan was indifferent. He took a glance but wore a blank face.

"Don't be so uptight, Mr. Irwin!" Matthew smiled with a squint and gestured for his underling to serve Rowan the tea. "I must play host seeing that you're here in Centrolis!

"You know what? Let's go have a meal after having tea. I'll take you around. We can go to "

"Matthew Hamerton." Rowan spoke up coldly. "I have serious matters coming to Centrolis this time. I don't have time for your nonsense. If you've called me here for nothing today, I'll be taking my leave!" "Hey, Mr. Irwin..."

Matthew was bemused. The guy was here to relax after spending too long in Southeast Aciatic, was he not? What serious matter could he have other than fun?

"Mr. Irwin, chill!" The lines around Matthew's eyes were visible from his grin. "We're partners no matter what! Heh, our collaboration's perfect in that plane crash incident!" "What did you say?"

Rage crackled in Rowan the moment he heard this, and he nearly flipped the table.

Chapter 377

Chapter 377

"You despicable man!"

Rowan was red from anger.

Matthew grinned at him with a sly gaze and ill intentions.

Rowan had been clueless about Zephyr's private jet crash. He had gotten to know Matthew over several events back then, and they, at most, could be considered acquaintances.

The Irwins in Southeast Aciatic ran a commercial airport other than manufacturing medicines. A few big air terminals in the region were also under their authority.

That was how Matthew had his idea. He somehow brought a technician into the airport without Rowan's knowledge and tinkered with Zephyr's plane... He then produced an insurance policy with a huge sum insured and told Rowan that he was the beneficiary of the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Never in Rowan's dream would it occur to him that he would be framed for this disgusting and repulsive extent!

"Mr. Irwin, if word about this gets out, the outsiders won't listen to your explanation. They'll only assume that someone under you harmed Zephyr!

"Your lifetime of reputation will be ruined then!"

Rowan took a deep breath and left after an abhorring glance at the insurance policy.

Later, he felt guilty and asked around for Zephyr's whereabouts. Upon discovering that he was not dead, he thought that this was a chance God had given him, so he sent someone to check on Zephyr's condition in secret and give him the medicine.

The dosage he had given back then was enough to support Zephyr for two to three years. The duration was about to come to an end now... Rowan looked at Matthew impatiently. "Matthew Hamerton, I'm not some saint, but I'd never conspire with someone like you either!" Matthew snickered. "Hah, Mr. Irwin, don't talk of yourself so highly! Who doesn't know your interesting history of getting up the ranks!?" "No matter how interesting it is or how interested people are, they wouldn't dare talk about it in front of me. Know why?"

Rowan kept his hands behind with a powerful presence.

"It's because I'm already up there!

"While you, Mr. Matthew Hamerton..." He stepped closer to Matthew with a sense of oppression. "You might never get up here!"

"You..."

"To be honest with you, I'm here in Centrolis to send medicine to the child." Rowan dusted his sleeves and looked at Matthew with a smile. "Matthew Hamerton, it won't be possible for you to rise up anymore when I completely heal him, right?"

"Rowan Irwin!" Matthew was flustered.

He had wanted to threaten the man only for the latter to counter him!

"Rowan Irwin, I'm telling you!" Matthew yelled at his back, "It's no use that you pander to that rascal! That b*stard isn't just ambitious. He's inhumane! Pander to him, and you'll end up dead one day!" Rowan had just gotten to the door when he halted his steps and turned around to slowly walk back to him.

Matthew froze, looking at Rowan's smirk, but he did not see the latter's fists with popped veins on the sides of his body.

"What did you call that child?"

"W-What?" Matthew did not quite get him.

Rowan smiled, discreetly putting his hand into his pants pocket and holding a silver needle.

"Stop yapping with me!" Matthew rolled his eyes. "Rowan, we aren't saints. Stop calling the kettle black! You think that b*stard won't look for you to settle the score? He'll definitely think you're part of this! "Work with me, Irwin! Let's kill that b*stard together. When I get the Hamerton Group, I'll definitely—

"Urgh!"

Before Matthew could finish his sentence, Rowan stabbed a needle at the back of his ear. Matthew's eyes rolled back, and he fell right onto the couch.

Rowan was familiar with the acupuncture points on the human body. He often treated patients holistically and had a small box of silver needles in his pocket. He just did not expect that he would use them like this today.

He scoffed and looked at Matthew in disdain, opening the door to call the Hamertons' servants.

"Your Mr. Matthew is just asleep," he told them flatly. "When he wakes up later, give him some warm water!"

The underlings looked at each other in shock.

"Mr. Irwin, why did he fall asleep so suddenly?"

"Why?" Rowan turned away with a cold gaze. "Ha, it's because he should shut up already!"

He left after that.

The people in Centrolis were weird. He met Nelly Tanner in the auction the other day, who slandered his daughter, and then Matthew kept calling his son-in-law a b*stard!

Could he swallow this? Of course not!

If he had stabbed the needle just a little bit off, Matthew could forget about waking up—ever!

...

When Cordelia got to the company, she could obviously tell it felt merry.

She came to the office to take care of her daily tasks, and Mr. Smith came in to pass a few documents to her.

"What's going on outside?" Cordelia asked curiously. "It sounds like it's a lot of fun!"

"It's a new celebrity we just signed," Mr. Smith explained nonchalantly.

"Who is it?"

"Mona Adams."

Cordelia was astonished.

Mona was a female celebrity who had gotten popular rapidly over these years. She did not have any memorable work, but she was incredibly popular with millions of fans. Recently, she often showed up in variety shows, and the character her team made up for her was the diligent goody two-shoes type.

Mr. Smith said softly, "Ms. Cordelia, Nelly Tanner recommended Mona here."

Cordelia was a little upset about it but said nothing.

Mr. Smith continued. "The Tanners have always worked with the Hamerton Group, and Mr. Zephyr's moves are all under the board of directors' scrutiny.

"If he doesn't get along with Nelly, the board will pressure him. Madam Baker doesn't want him to have too much pressure, so when Nelly pushed Mona over, she didn't reject her..."

"Mm, I understand." Cordelia smiled. "The Tanners and Hamertons' interests are intertwined and complicated. Zephyr has to consider each and every aspect."

"That's right." Mr. Smith breathed in relief. "It's great that you understand, Ms. Cordelia!"

"Where's Madam Baker?"

"Oh, she's back in Chaiseland for a few days. She left this morning," Mr. Smith said with a smile. "She's there to take care of some matters at the finance groups and told me before she left to assist you fully and manage the company artists."

As he spoke, someone barged in. Before they saw the person, they first smelled the perfume and heard a shrill voice.

"I heard that my manager's here? Who is it?"

Chapter 378

Chapter 378

Cordelia frowned and looked at the source of the voice.

She was greeted by the sight of a woman who wore bright makeup and large sunglasses that covered half of her face with dramatic earrings and necklaces as she sashayed in. "Isn't it said that I have a professional team?" She took off her sunglasses and looked at Cordelia with hostility. "Where?"

Mr. Smith and Cordelia exchanged a look, nodding lightly.

Cordelia stretched her hand with a smile. "Ms. Mona Adams, right? I'm—”

Mona looked arrogant and did not shake her hand.

Cordelia's hand hovered in the air for a moment before she pulled it back quietly.

Mr. Smith stepped up to say, "Ms. Adams, this is Imperial Media's senior assistant, Cordelia Jenner. She's in charge of artist management. Communicate with her if you have any issues."

"Oh, Cordelia Jenner!" Mona smiled and asked, looking at her freshly made crystal manicure, "Does she have experience? I refuse to be taken care of by a random agent!"

"Don't worry, Ms. Adams. Ms. Cordelia hasn't been in the industry for long, but her capability in work is exceptional!"

"Is she exceptional in working capability or the ability to woo men?"

Mr. Smith looked at Cordelia, but the latter remained unfazed. He had told her that Mona was someone Nelly pushed over.

With this kind of hostility, she must be here to target her.

Despite that, Mona has been quite popular in recent years. Although she did not have any memorable work, she did not have to worry about making ends meet for her whole life just based on her popularity and fans.

This must also be the reason Imperial Media took her in.

Cordelia took a deep breath and was thinking about what to say when her phone buzzed. It was Janine's international call.

She excused herself, entered Janine's office, and locked the door. The soundproofing effect of the room was great, so no one could hear anything inside.

"Aunt Janine." She greeted softly as she answered the call.

"Cordelia, is everything okay?"

"Yes." Cordelia knew that she was asking about Mona's addition.

"Is Adams behaving?"

Cordelia went quiet and did not answer.

Janine could guess most of it and scoffed on the line. "What good could come out of someone Nelly Tanner pushed over? I just didn't want to be too obvious since Zephyr's still working with the Tanners." "Aunt Janine, I understand," Cordelia said hastily. "I won't confront Mona directly-"

"You silly child, what do you understand?" Janine chuckled. "What do you mean you won't confront her?"

"Huh?"

"You don't think I'm asking you to go along with her whims, do you?"

Cordelia was bewildered. "Then you mean..."

"We signed her, but you're her superior! If she doesn't listen to you, you don't have to play nice, you hear me? Her contract is with us, anyway. If Nelly Tanner wants to support her, that's the best! We'll clean up the two little b*tches together by then!"

Cordelia was stunned listening to her and finally let out a giggle.

"You silly goose. I really worry about you!" Janine sighed and lamented. "You've been working so long with me, yet you haven't learned any of my qualities!"

Cordelia giggled in glee. "Aunt Janine, I understand! Don't worry about me. I won't be taken advantage of!"

"Mm. It's fine if Mona is obedient. If she isn't... You know what to do, right?"

"Yeap!"

"Cough, uh... Watch out a little!" Janine said very seriously, "Just don't kill her!"

Chapter 379

Chapter 379

Cordelia had just poured herself a glass of water and taken a gulp, so she almost spat it out.

She ended the call and left the room.

Mona seemed impatient outside and glared at her in frustration.

"What's this? You call this professional?" she yelled. "Imperial Media's a capable company in showbiz. How's there an agent like this!? Where's the courtesy when the artist came and was just abandoned at the side!?"

Mr. Smith could not take it. "Ms. Adams, have you been courteous then?"

Mona glared at him.

"Ms. Cordelia is Madam Baker's senior assistant. She oversees all artists' activities, schedules, training, and so on. Even Neil Harris has to follow her arrangement!

"Or do you think you're higher in status compared to Mr. Harris?"

What Mr. Smith said carried a lot of weight. Mona took a step back in indignation.

Cordelia smiled and picked up a folder on the desk. It contained the schedules of several artists in the company.

"This is your arranged schedule." Cordelia passed Mona's to her. "There are a few things to note going on this show. I'll let your assistant know beforehand."

"What show is this?" Mona cried again after taking a look and tossed the document to the side. "I'm not going!"

"This is the company's arrangement." Cordelia looked at her coldly.

"The company's arrangement? Ms. Cordelia, I signed with Imperial Media aiming for famous directors and big productions! You're not arranging film roles for me but asking me to go on variety shows?" "Your direction is that of an influencer celebrity. You need sufficient exposure. Besides, there aren't any films suitable for you currently."

"I think you're doing this on purpose!" Mona glared at her with a twisted expression.

Cordelia chuckled. "Ms. Adams, you're here to make money for the company. How will I benefit from picking on you?"

"I'm not going on this show anyway!" Mona was disdainful. "Madam Baker already said when she signed me. I can do what I like!

"Ms. Cordelia, should I listen to Madam Baker or you?"

Cordelia looked at her. "I've already signed the contract for this show."

"Then pay the penalty!" Mona threw herself on the couch. "Or... you can beg me?"

Cordelia's expression was cold as she stayed silent. She caught the flash of triumph in the woman's eyes.

She was an influencer type of celebrity with a massive fan following-blind, mindless ones.

Cordelia would not possibly ask for her to be carried to the variety show. Even if she could force her there, she could make nonsense up on the show and destroy the company's painstakingly built reputation.

Mona snickered.

She was a little regretful that her best friend, Nelly, was not here to witness how Cordelia suffered!

She stretched, wearing a laden gaze. “Ms. Cordelia, if you beg me, I might be willing to go!"

Cordelia smirked without saying anything and just kept looking at her like that.

More than ten seconds passed. The room was eerily quiet. The calm composure in Cordelia's eyes made Mona anxious.

Cordelia asked softly, "You really don't want to go?"

Mona glanced at her and snorted.

Cordelia smiled and pulled her phone out to call a number.

"Ms. Lulham, yes, it's me. Heh... Our company has been doing well recently. We just signed with Mona. Her? She probably won't be going to the show this afternoon. Yeah, it's quite a pity..."

Mona widened her eyes and stared at Cordelia in disbelief. It was until the latter was done with the call that she asked in a daze, "W-Who did you call just now? Was it Trinity Lulham!?"

Chapter 380

Chapter 380

Cordelia said nothing with a smile.

Mona looked frantic.

Trinity Lulham was a famous director in the business. Most of the films that she had directed won international awards. Not only was she doing well in the local entertainment industry, but she was also making a name for herself in the international film scene.

Those in the entertainment industry wanted to get into Trinity's production.

Mona was no exception.

It was just that Trinity was known to be a prodigy, and talented people were usually eccentric and prideful, so she had no regard for an influencer like Mona.

Now, however...

"D-Did you really call Trinity Lulham just now?"

"That's right." Mr. Smith glanced at Mona. "Ms. Lulham has a new film recently starring Neil. Ms. Cordelia's been in contact with her."

Mona was instantly regretful.

"M-Ms. Cordelia..." She looked at Cordelia. "Will Ms. Lulham go on this show too? But I heard that she's never been on variety shows!"

Cordelia just kept smiling without saying anything.

"It's just a regular variety show!" Mona huffed.

Cordelia pressed her lips together before saying, "It's fine. Our company's priority is always to respect the artist's choice.

"Mona, I'll get someone else since you don't want to go on this show. Or I'll just pay the penalty! It's a big sum, but it's nothing to Madam Baker! Nothing is more important than keeping our artists happy!" "Wait!" Mona stopped her.

Trinity was on the show. Even if she just made an appearance to leave an impression, she would not mind if she was given the opportunity to just be a side character in the future!

Cordelia turned back and asked with a smile, "Anything else?"

"I..." Mona bit her lips. "I'll go on this show!"

"Sure?"

"Yes. Of course, I'm willing to follow the company's arrangement!" Mona smiled obsequiously. "There's nothing bad about going on variety shows. Just like what Ms. Cordelia mentioned, it maintains my exposure!

"Ms. Cordelia, when am I leaving for it?"

Cordelia smiled. "Right now!"

Mona nodded and went to look for her assistant and driver, swiftly rushing to the filming studio.

Mr. Smith shook his head and finally found peace.

"Send someone to keep an eye on her," Cordelia told him softly. "If she dares try anything there, take photos of it and upload them online. Clear?"

Mr. Smith gave her a reassuring gaze. He had been in this for years and understood very well how to train an artist.

Cordelia froze. "Mr. Smith, why do you keep looking at me?"

The man smiled. "Nothing. I just think that you aren't as weak as you look. You know how to relent and be harsh when you manage artists too. Madam Baker has really found herself a capable assistant." Cordelia blushed from the praise and smiled shyly.

"Ms. Cordelia." Mr. Smith frowned. "Trinity Lulham wouldn't actually be there, would she?"

Cordelia smiled mysteriously. "We'll know when Mona comes back!"

Mr. Smith more or less had a guess already.

"Ah, it's been a whole morning. I'm kind of hungry!"

Cordelia stretched from working all morning and suddenly missed Helen's home-cooked meals, so she called her excitedly.

Just as she grabbed her phone, she received a text. There was no name, and it was still an anonymous number. The message was still weird.

[How have you been doing? I miss you so much.]

Cordelia's heart dropped as her brows knitted together. Chills crept up her back.

A black Maybach was parked across Imperial Media's building for a long time already.