Ch. 41..50

Chapter 41

Chapter 41

"Linda? What's wrong?"

Cordelia was afraid that Linda had accidentally burned herself as she took so long in the kitchen, so she got up to check on her. Unexpectedly, Linda was giggling at the pot of soup like a mad woman. "This is..." Cordelia froze. This was the scent she had been smelling since she got up in the morning!

Linda held back her laughter and looked at her with a meaningful gaze. "Don't react too badly if I tell you, okay?"

"What's the matter?"

"So all these are herbs..." Linda picked up some ingredients and explained, "These are ginseng slices, this is black fungus, these are fennels...

"The rest are common. You know them too. Goji berries, ginger..."

Cordelia was confused. "What are these for? Why did Marcus make this soup for me?"

"These enhance women's libido!" Linda kept giggling. "Lucky, you haven't consumed any. One bowl and I promise you'll be insatiable like a starved wolf. Marcus wouldn't be your rival!"

Cordelia was stunned before she blushed.

"So, what's up with him?" Linda hooked an arm around Cordelia's neck. "You're having your period, yet he wants you active and wild at night?"

“Linda!" Cordelia glared at her and stopped her from saying more.

"Alright, alright, I'll stop." Linda helped her back to bed.

Whatever Marcus' intention was, the bowl of nourishing soup was not Cordelia's to take. Linda made her some honey water.

"Oh yeah, I have something serious to tell you."

Cordelia grew nervous seeing Linda reel in her smile and put on a serious expression. "What's the matter?"

"I passed by Mr. Johnson's office this morning and heard him talking to Karine. You were mentioned."

Cordelia's face fell.

Michael Johnson was Karine's uncle, a major shareholder in the company. She had hit Karine the other day, and the latter must have complained about her to her uncle.

She would not get to stay in the company now, but she had yet to send out her resume. She also had a few cases on hand...

"Don't get nervous now." Linda patted the back of Cordelia's hand. "I was quite surprised when I heard the conversation. Karine kept badmouthing you, but Mr. Johnson said nothing. He praised your capabilities at work instead and sounded like he wanted to promote you to the sales team leader!"

"What did you say?" Cordelia widened her eyes and was instantly puzzled.

She was just a meager salesperson and had not met a higher executive like Michael much. She did not know what he was like either. Despite that, she had often heard the seniors in the office saying that the man was cultured and polite. He was easy to get along with and was not completely biased in favor of Karine.

"Maybe Mr. Johnson values those capable and not those who are family?" Linda looked at her. "Two veterans in the sales department left and took many clients with them. This is the time the company needs talented people. Cordelia, maybe this is an opportunity!"

Cordelia pressed her lips together and stayed silent.

She remembered what Marcus had taught her. When she was unsure about something or someone, she could put herself in their shoes to consider the matter.

"Linda," Cordelia uttered softly. "If you were a big shareholder in the company and your niece got hit by an employee, would you promote that employee without a care of what happened?

"If that employee is capable, do you think they'll be your niece's ally or enemy?"

Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Not only did Linda's expression change but the way she looked at Cordelia did as well. She genuinely did not think of this! If she were Michael, she would take it personally, too. After all, she was no saintess. "Looks like I still lack the most basic judgment of people!" Linda chuckled. "Cordelia, I didn't expect you to be so sound in logic when you're always so quiet!"

"My judgment might not be right either." Cordelia chortled. "But Marcus told me that I can't not keep my guard up. He's asked me to keep an eye out for whatever I do.

"He also said that those who are in higher ranks had a tough time climbing up there, so they aren't as simple as they seem."

"Oh, your husband became your mentor now, huh?"

It was supposed to be a tease from Linda, but Cordelia could not stop showing off her husband.

"Of course! Marcus knows a lot!" Cordelia could not hide how pleased she was. "Linda, I always see him browsing foreign sites, you know? He knows several foreign languages and keeps up with politics and economy!"

"What?" Linda found it unbelievable as well.

When she met Marcus earlier, she would have actually assumed that he was some impressive figure judging by the powerful presence and pressure he exuded if she had been unaware that he had gone behind bars for fighting.

"Cordelia, how much do you know about your husband?"

Cordelia jolted. "Why are you asking this?"

Linda chuckled. "Just chatting. I'm curious about him when you make him sound so amazing!"

Cordelia giggled without much thought but speaking of which, she did not know Marcus much. Other than his "glorious past" and that he had no family, she knew nothing more. The next day...

When Cordelia went to work, Michael called her into his office.

Cordelia was on pins and needles, but Michael smiled at her warmly and even asked his secretary to make her coffee as he sat across her watching her in silence.

"So, you're Cordelia." Michael chuckled. "I've heard that there's a talented individual in the sales department, sealing the deal with Mr. Sean within her second month in the company, and I've always wanted to meet you. My wish is finally fulfilled today!"

"You've flattered me, Mr. Johnson." Cordelia placed her coffee down and remained composed. "You can actually see me anytime, Mr. Johnson. But you're usually busy, and my sales aren't actually outstanding in the department."

Michael squinted and studied her from head to toe again.

Cordelia was not just a pretty face-she knew how to talk. With just a few words, she managed to take care of his ego and keep a low profile about her merit. She was truly a talented individual. It was no wonder that his niece was so against her.

In spite of it, this was a time when the company needed talented people. It would be the company's loss if they lost a capable person like this.

They could pick on Cordelia anytime they wanted but could not do it in broad daylight. She had to suffer, but in others' eyes, it was the company and superior's appreciation of her capabilities. Only then could their goal be achieved.

Michael stroked his gold ring with a sly smirk.

"Cordelia, I asked to see you today because I have a task for you."

Cordelia looked up at him.

"The company's always hoped to enter Centrolis' market and started planning for this a few years ago." Michael said, "But it isn't easy. Supply has always been more than demand. Everyone has their eyes on it, and our company doesn't have any unique strength, so we can only watch others make a profit.

"Now that two seniors from the sales department left and have taken many clients, it's tough for us.

"We shareholders discussed it and want to promote capable young people."

Cordelia frowned slightly as her heart thumped.

Michael smiled at her with a complex gaze. "Cordelia, we unanimously agree that you fit this role." "Mr. Johnson, you mean..."

"Those who are capable do more," replied Michael. "You're the best person to explore Centrolis' market." Cordelia blinked, suddenly feeling anxious.

"We've seen the sales proposals you prepared. They're pretty much perfect," Michael complimented her. "Your sales result speaks for itself too. You're outstanding in performance. We don't want to miss a talented individual like you!

"Cordelia, if we manage to enter Centrolis' market, the board won't just keep you as the sales team leader. We'll promote you to sales supervisor and replace Jesse. What do you think?"

...

Cordelia took a few deep breaths after leaving Michael's office to calm down her thrashing heart. She patted her face, but her frown remained knitted as her brain was both blank and chaotic.

It had not been long since she entered the workforce, and she had handled everything based on instinct. She could not figure out what Michael was thinking or what kind of chess game he was playing. Was she indispensable or cannon fodder?

The sales supervisor position was tempting, and she considered the job to explore Centrolis' market challenging, but was this an opportunity or a crisis?

Cordelia sighed and wanted to go back to her seat to mull over it, only for someone to walk toward her with a sneer.

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Cordelia was surprised. Jesse blocked her way with a sneer, and his gaze was hostile and disdainful. "Hah, my dear junior, you're learned and skilled now! You even have your eyes on my position, huh?"

Cordelia did not want to argue with him and went around him, but Jesse spoke up again behind her. "You think that sly old fox Michael sincerely wants to promote you? He's just using you!"

Cordelia turned to look at him.

Jesse tugged his tie in annoyance. He slowly paced to her, but she could not help being nauseated by the pungent tobacco scent on him.

"Cordelia, if you like my place so much, I'll give it to you! Why come at me like this?"

"I've never coveted your place." Cordelia looked at him coldly. "Mr. Johnson asked me over and said that—"

"Those who are capable work more?" Jesse scoffed. "That fox used me the same way back then!"

Cordelia's gaze dimmed as she leaned back to put some distance between them.

"Centrolis is a piece of meat so hard to chew that the director is powerless. And you? You want to score it?"

"We'll have to try to know if that's possible," Cordelia answered clearly, as clear as her gaze was. "The company has never taken seniority into account. If you're so scared of me taking your place, compete with me fair and square!"

Jesse laughed.

"Cordelia, you're so silly it's cute! Fine, since you're set on trying to chew this rubber meat, let me tell you what I've picked up over the years!

"There are four major families in Centrolis. Win over any one of them, and you won't have to worry for the rest of your life!" Jesse's gaze was dark. "Don't even think about the top of the four major families, the Hamertons. You can try the Bayers! The heir is known for being a womanizer anyway. Who knows? He might take a liking to you!"

Cordelia was scowling with clenched fists. She took a deep breath and smiled at Jesse after a few seconds of silence. "You always like talking about women and their beauty."

Jesse paused and studied her with a squint.

"Jesse Ford," Cordelia called him with his full name and a cold gaze. "To you, women must have exchanged whatever achievement they got with themselves, is that it? Women must sell themselves and take such shortcuts if they want to achieve anything?"

Jesse looked at her and snorted in disdain.

"Hah! Looks like you must be envious of women's innate advantage since you talk about it so much, right, Mr. Ford? You must hate that you're a man and can't take a woman's 'shortcut' when you fail to sign a deal!

"That's okay, though." Cordelia crossed her arms and said, "There's a country excelling in transgender surgeries. It's not too far, and it's cheap. Return tickets will only cost half a month of your salary. You can totally free up a weekend to get the surgery done."

"What!?" Jesse gnashed his teeth. "Cordelia, you-"

"You're good-looking, Mr. Ford. You'd definitely look better than me if you became a woman! The company will rely on you for its sales then!"

The people around them who heard it chuckled behind their hands as they whispered about Jesse's loss.

Cordelia smirked and left.

Jesse stood rooted, dazed for a long moment. The sharpness that gleamed from Cordelia's impassive gaze was chilling and exactly like Marcus, who had beaten him up the other day.

Cordelia looked up information on the computer right after returning home and having dinner.

Marcus was curious and peeked behind her only to see Josiah's photo on Cordelia's screen!

Cordelia studied the information and photo the whole night, memorizing Josiah's preferences and such.

Marcus' gaze darkened, and he silently went to the balcony, closing the door. His sandbag and boxing gloves were there, and he spent some time boxing. The longer he did it, the more frustrated he felt. He glanced inside the house and saw that Cordelia was still focused on the computer.

He punched the bag and went to stand at a corner of the balcony. He pulled out his phone, gave it a thought, and called Josiah.

"Z?" Josiah was at the bar, surprised at receiving the call. "How may I help you?"

The other end of the line was silent.

Josiah checked his screen. The signal was fine, and the call was connected, so he asked again, “Z, what's up?"

Marcus was still quiet.

"Z, tell me anything, I'll surely-"

The speaker suddenly boomed with a growl, "Don't appear in front of me for nothing!"

Josiah shuddered. When he checked the screen again, the call was cut. He could not believe it. Marcus, who had never contacted him first, called him at night just to shout this at him? Perplexed, Josiah looked at Fredric. "How did I offend him again?"

Chapter 44

Chapter 44

This time, Fredric could not help him either.

"Is it because... the recipe you gave him was problematic?"

Josiah slapped his own head. "Was she not insatiable?"

Fredric chuckled wryly. "Maybe it was too much and disrupted Z's hormones!"

Josiah almost spat the alcohol he drank on the man's face.

...

Marcus pulled the balcony door open to go inside, looking up to meet Cordelia's slightly surprised eyes.

"What?" He looked unfazed.

"You were on the phone?"

"Mm, sn... inmate last time," Marcus answered. "He asked to borrow some money now that he's out. I asked him not to contact me anymore."

"Oh." Cordelia nodded. "No wonder you shouted so loudly just now. The whole building nearly collapsed! But you did the right thing. Don't contact those people in the past if you can. After all, you're married. We ought to live well from now on."

It strung a chord in Marcus. Despite that, Cordelia's eyes were still on the screen when she said that. Once he remembered that Josiah's photo was there, he was disgruntled.

Cordelia was on the screen for a long time. She rubbed her eyes and felt her stomach ache again. As she looked around for painkillers, Marcus walked over and slammed her laptop shut.

She froze and stared wide-eyed at him. "What are you doing? I'm still reading!"

"What's there to read?!" He pulled a long face.

"It's... it's a client. I need to get myself familiar with his habits and interests first, then-"

Before she finished, she saw Marcus taking her pillow and sheets into the bedroom and placing them on the other side of the bed.

Cordelia's heart skipped a beat as she felt her face heat up. She asked softly, "What are you doing?"

Marcus was still scowling when he uttered, "Sleep."

Cordelia's face was red. She timidly stood by the bedroom door and fiddled with her clothes.

"I... I can't today." Her voice was barely audible.

"Can't what?" Marcus frowned.

Cordelia stomped her foot in embarrassment. "Can't... that!"

Marcus only came to a realization when he saw how red she was. She misunderstood what he meant by sleeping. With a stretch of his arm, he pulled her over and kept her in front of him.

As they lay on the bed, Marcus hugged Cordelia from the back. She tensed as she felt his hand move down all the way to her lower abdomen...

She wanted to stop him, but his hand began to rub her stomach gently. His palm was warm, and he was hugging her from the back. The heat he gave off soothed her stomachache. Cordelia felt much better. She then heard his husky voice next to her ear. "I know you can't. I'm not doing anything!"

It pulled a sweet smile from Cordelia as the sweetness went all the way to her heart.

"Feeling better?"

"Mn."

"Don't take the painkillers next time," he said softly. "I'll warm you up with my hands. Much better than the medicine."

Cordelia nodded and snuggled toward Marcus. Her soft hair scratched his Adam's apple, causing him to gulp and feel a little parched. Her fragrant scent seemed to keep invading his nose too. Marcus bit his lip harshly. Only the pain could keep him rational and clear-minded for the time being.

Cordelia had no idea of the sufferings Marcus was currently going through. She only felt warm and relaxed since her tummy did not hurt anymore. She smiled. She had had no choice back when she married Marcus. It was a gamble that betted on her happiness.

The fact that she had won the bet was unexpected. God had given her such a nice husband.

If she had not married in place of Yelena, this warmth would belong to the latter, and the one in Marcus' arms right now would be her too...

Cordelia was suddenly sorrowful upon recalling these.

"Marcus." She asked softly, "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" Marcus paused.

"If..." She turned around to look at him. "If you discovered that I've lied to you one day or done something you can't accept, would you forgive me?"

Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Marcus looked at her quietly with a dark look. There was no expression on his cold face but a complex emotion that surged at the bottom of his dark eyes. Cordelia suddenly realized it. 'I have been meeting clients and studying client profiles, so he better not misunderstand it...'

"Marcus! I-I don't mean it like that!" She hurried to explain, "I definitely won't betray our marriage. What I said about lying to you is..." She paused, licked her lips, and said very softly, "If you realized I don't deserve you being so nice to me one day, what would you do?"

Marcus looked at her for some time before he chuckled. He did not say anything. Instead, he hugged her gently and stroked her long hair. Cordelia's face was pressed against his chest as she listened to his powerful heartbeats. It gave her a great sense of security.

"Stop thinking so much." His voice was hoarse. "Sleep."

Cordelia grinned and wrapped her arms around his waist, closing her eyes softly.

Sleep was incredibly sound to her.

Marcus was used to sleeping alone and did not sleep much through the night. His arm was Cordelia's to rest her head on, and his entire being was hers to hug. He dared not move.

When he woke up groggily in the morning, he realized that the girl was clinging to him like an octopus. One of her fair legs was hooked over his hips, and her arms were wound around his neck. She was also grinding her teeth.

She did not look presentable in her sleep, but it was adorable and real.

Marcus chortled and did not have it in him to disrupt her sweet dream. He very gently turned her to another side and carefully slid off the bed to make breakfast.

When Cordelia woke up and patted an empty spot next to her, her heart dropped, and she ran out.

"You're awake?" Marcus stepped out of the kitchen with an apron. "I didn't wake you since you were so sound asleep. Wash up and come eat."

She looked at the breakfast served. It consisted of simple hard-boiled eggs, milk, and toast, but this was a significant improvement compared to the burnt things previously.

Happiness flooded Cordelia as she thought that she had not married the wrong person.

"Right, I have something to tell you." Cordelia remembered something halfway through breakfast. "I'm going on a business trip tomorrow and won't be around for four to five days. Take good care of yourself." "Business trip?" Marcus did not look thrilled as he buttered the toast. "Where to?"

"Centrolis."

Marcus' action halted, and an unnoticeable dark hazy look flashed in his eyes.

"Your company has business in Centrolis?"

Cordelia nodded. "I was given the task to venture into Centrolis' market. If I succeed, they'll promote me to sales supervisor!

"I didn't want to fight for anything." Her gaze was clear, and her voice soft. "But Jesse and Karine are too much. I can only work hard and climb higher if I want to save myself. I've also calculated. If I manage to become the sales supervisor, my income will be three times higher!"

Cordelia glanced at Marcus. The man was still expressionless.

"Honey." Cordelia held his hand gently and said with a smile, "We can move into a bigger house and live more comfortably when I make more money. I'll get a cheap car, and you can drive it around when you're free. You won't have to squeeze into the bus anymore!"

Marcus looked up into her beautiful eyes, filled with anticipation for the future.

A house? A car? He could have as many of those as he wanted to. No matter how big a house and how luxurious a car, they were as common as the butter and bread in his hands right now. There was no second woman who was like this one in front of him, who only had eyes for him, though.

Marcus' eye twitched. He felt choked like a rock was lodged in his heart.

"Silly." He rubbed her head. "You really want to take care of me?"

Cordelia blinked. "Yeah. Why?"

"It's always men who take care of women. No wife who earns for her husband!

"I've been looking for jobs recently too. There should be news soon," Marcus said softly. "I won't let you handle everything alone. This home belongs to the two of us. I'll be responsible for you." Cordelia kept a long look at him and smiled sweetly. She peeled another egg and placed it on his plate.

The next day...

Cordelia was off to Centrolis with her coworker, Annie.

Centrolis was unlike Jangasas-it felt richer. If Jangasas were a docile and pretty heiress of a notable family, Centrolis was the royal and noble princess.

Once they landed, Cordelia called Marcus to let him know.

"Darling, I've arrived." She smiled as she looked around. She and Annie were walking on the busy street in the business district of Centrolis, where towering skyscrapers were everywhere, and Annie was busy snapping photos.

Marcus replied without much emotion, "You have someone else with you?"

"Yeah, Annie's with me," Cordelia answered softly. "She's all play and doesn't want to go back to the hotel, insisting I walk around with her."

"Mm, you both be careful. Don't get separated. You aren't familiar with the area."

"I know!"

"There are lots of fun places in Centrolis." Marcus smiled. "I'll send you a few addresses later. You can visit there with your coworker after work." Cordelia was quiet for a moment before she asked him, "Honey... y-you've been to Centrolis?"

Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Marcus had a slight change of expression.

Robert, next to him, signaled him to look outside.

He saw his little lady through the car window, standing in the middle of the street, stunned. Pedestrians were passing her by. The landmark building behind her was the Hamerton Group's headquarters. Cordelia stuck her phone against her ear, patiently waiting for his reply.

He sighed and said softly, smiling. "I... stirred trouble in Centrolis before, so I was there for some time."

Cordelia paused and then changed the subject instantly.

Robert had been watching. He had no idea what Marcus was talking about on the phone, but he was smiling happily.

He had never seen him looking so gentle before.

He only asked quietly after Marcus hung up while seeing Cordelia and her colleague walking far away, "Sir, should we clear the places you mentioned to Ms. Jenner?"

"No need. Let her be at her ease." Marcus regained his usual coldness. "Send more people to protect her for the next few days. Be discreet. I don't want her to know." "Okay, got it."

"Also..." He squinted. "Unless I'm there, stop anyone from the Hamertons from getting close to her!"

At the Hamerton Manor located on Splendor Mountain on the south of Centrolis...

It was built along the mountain. Its magnificence and sophistication made it look like an independent kingdom. As the head of the four families, the Hamertons predominated close to half of the country's economy.

Zephyr Hamerton walked down the stairs slowly. The massive living room was lively before. It fell silent suddenly.

The neat suit he wore complemented his tall and muscular body perfectly. His chiseled face filled with resolution. His deep and cold eyes put a guard up against him and the world.

He glanced through those fawning faces lightly and nodded to show courtesy. He said nothing as he got his men to get rid of those people.

Since the two days he returned to Centrolis, visitors did not stop coming.

Rumor had it that Zephyr Hamerton had been burned into dust during the air crash. Infightings were roaring among the Hamertons, and everyone was coveting the heir's position. However, not only did Zephyr survive, but he also came back.

Be it the Hamertons or the other families, those idiots wanted to find out the truth themselves, to see what exactly happened.

"Master." Robert walked to him and whispered, "Your second uncle sent his men here many times."

Zephyr suddenly clenched his fists that were on the sides of his body.

Before the news of his death spread to the Hamertons in Centrolis, his second uncle, Matthew Hamerton, was the one who had been worked up the most. It was said that he would pray to God every day, eager to show the world how much he loved his nephew.

However, the more guilty a person was, the more they wanted to prove themselves.

Zephyr knew that Matthew had been putting on a show for his grandfather.

"He even held a welcome dinner for you tomorrow night at the Splendor Dynasty." Robert chuckled. "They're spreading the news that the Hamertons are using the dinner for a wife search for you. So not only the ladies from Centrolis will be there tomorrow, but many will also come from other places."

"Hah. My second uncle is putting so much effort into my marriage." Zephyr scoffed. "I believe he has been picking girlfriends for me since I was in university?"

Matthew had introduced over ten women to Zephyr throughout the years. Each of them had been under his uncle's orders, but Zephyr had seen through all of them. He had mercilessly chased them out of Centrolis.

He wondered what game he would play at the setup dinner tomorrow.

"Are Josiah and Fredric back?" Zephyr played with the plants on the balcony in a relaxed manner.

"They are." Robert nodded. "They'll be at the dinner tomorrow."

"Okay, ask them to watch out, especially Josiah. Don't let him drink too much. He spews nonsense whenever he does that."

Zephyr went upstairs when he was done.

He suddenly felt the stairs were extremely long as if he could not get to the end no matter what.

He felt tired as he made his way to his room. He laid his hand on his forehead as he lay on the bed. He was missing the tiny place he rented in Jangasas.

There was also the fragrance of flowers on the balcony. They were irises Cordelia had planted herself. She loved basking in the sun on the chair. She had a dazzling smile when sunlight hit her face. Zephyr got up to the cloakroom, took a belt, and caressed it for a long time.

It was the belt that Cordelia had gotten him.

She had only had $400 in her account back then and transferred him the money without hesitation since he said he liked the belt. She even eased the situation, saying, "A wife should buy her husband belts. It's to bind you to me!

"We must get a good one since we're spending the money. It's durable, so we'll be bound forever!"

He smirked in sweetness.

There were many branded belts in his cloakroom. He never cared for those things.

However, he could never wear this belt. It would pain him even if there was the slightest scratch on it.

Zephyr took a deep breath in as he quickly changed into the T-shirt and jeans he wore when he came from Jangasas. He finally felt normal as he looked into the mirror.

That was Marcus-the Marcus that belonged to Cordelia only.

Chapter 47

Chapter 47

There had been no progress on the project the past few days. Cordelia and Annie could not even get into the Bayer Group.

The latter was discouraged. She squatted by the road, defeated.

The scorching sun was burning. The heat was enough to agitate.

Cordelia fetched her a bottle of water with a smile. "Let's have lunch somewhere. We'll try again in the afternoon."

"It's useless, Cordelia." Annie's voice sounded dispirited. "Seems like Jesse was telling the truth. It's hard to conquer the Centrolis market. We've been here for so many days. Mr. Bayer aside, we haven't been able to meet the mere person in charge!

"I suggest that we give up..." Annie pouted. "I don't know how long we will have to wait if this goes on!"

"Don't say that!" Cordelia was optimistic. "You've been in sales for two years now. You should know that closing the sales from one meeting is impossible. As soon as we have the slightest chance to deliver our proposal, it'll be a big step for us!"

"But we don't even have the chance to do that!"

Just as Annie was done complaining, she saw a black luxury car driving toward the building's entrance. Some ten security guards lifted their spirits as they ran over to welcome the person.

A young man got out of the car. He looked like a celebrity. He had the arrogance coming from a prestigious family.

Annie recognized that he was Josiah Bayer and patted Cordelia's arm in excitement.

"It's Mr. Bayer!" Her eyes lit up. "Wow, he's even more good-looking than in pictures. He's so handsome and cool... Hah, seems like Jesse was truthful about that as well!" Cordelia rolled her eyes at her.

She was not a fanatic like Annie. She knew she could not miss this opportunity!

If they could hand the proposal to Mr. Bayer directly, it would be more useful than scheduling hundreds of appointments.

Cordelia gnashed her teeth and sprinted forward!

However, the tall security guards around blocked her right away. They were used to these fanatic girls. They assumed she was some fangirl throwing herself at their boss again, so they made a wall and blocked Cordelia out.

"Sir, I have something urgent to talk to Mr. Bayer about..."

"Miss, everyone who comes for Mr. Bayer says the same thing!"

"That's not it!" Cordelia flushed as she panicked. "I have a sales proposal. It won't take too much of Mr. Bayer's time. I only need five minutes... I can do it in three minutes. I can explain it if he doesn't want to look at it!"

The guards looked at each other and smiled. They worked perfectly together as they held Cordelia on each side outside of the building. They let go simultaneously, almost dropping her on all fours. Annie got up immediately to help her up. She reasoned with the guards in rage.

"Miss, please stop this!" The guards were rendered speechless. "This trick is so old. Can you come up with something new?"

"All girls are trying to get ahead by marrying rich men nowadays!" Someone teased. "Hah. Miss, if you really want to marry rich, the Hamertons are doing a wife search tonight. There will be rich men at the dinner. Our boss will be there too. Don't miss it!"

"Eh, can they get in? Haha..."

Cordelia was stunned. She went over, limping. "Sir, where is the dinner?"

The guards gave her a helpless and scornful look.

"The Splendor Dynasty! Hah, all the best, young lady!"

Cordelia ignored their disdain and memorized the hotel's name in all seriousness.

She squeezed the proposal in her hand. The confident and optimistic smile appeared on her pretty face again.

Josiah heard the commotion behind faintly. He instinctively turned his head to look the moment before he stepped into the building.

Forget it that he did not look. Now that he had, his mind went blank, and he froze where he was.

"W-What happened?"

"I think the two ladies wanted to see you," the assistant said softly. "But the guards chased them out."

Josiah had his eyes widened, feeling a chill on his back. He was getting goosebumps.

He took out his phone to call Marcus right away.

"Mr. Z, your wife is in Centrolis. But I don't know why she came here to see me... Umm, should I meet her or not?"

Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Marcus chuckled a little bit over the phone.

However, the meaning of it was unclear. Josiah could not figure out why he did that, so he braced himself by asking, "Mr. Z... Why did she come to me? For work?"

Marcus paused. Upon recalling Cordelia had been researching Josiah the entire night, the uneasiness he felt came rushing back.

"Because you're good-looking!" He hung up the phone after saying that angrily.

Josiah spent the entire day in fear.

In the end, he decided to wait. He would wait to see what Cordelia would do next and would play it by ear then.

Later on, Cordelia waited at the Splendor Dynasty's entrance on her own.

The building, as magnificent as a castle, was lit bright tonight. It was extraordinarily lively. There were luxury cars parked everywhere on the property. Some people landed their private helicopters on the helipad behind the hotel.

Those who were invited were of high status.

Cordelia's plain outfit did not fit in the event at all.

She tried her best to hide behind the pillar to avoid the crowd. Nevertheless, she would look around every now and then, worried that she may have missed Josiah.

However, everyone dressed in elegant dazzle here, while all luxury cars looked almost the same. It was rather tough to find someone among them.

Cordelia sighed. She continued to wait while holding the documents.

Soon, she saw a few familiar faces walking toward her.

She was shocked, but it was too late for her to run. Yelena coughed loudly and yelled, "Cordelia?"

William and the stepmother, Joanne Garcia, suddenly stopped walking.

Cordelia slowly showed her face from behind the pillar. She looked awkward as she nodded to greet them.

"Cordelia?" William was nothing less surprised than her. "W-Why are you here?"

She bit her lip and remained silent.

Yelena crossed her arms. Stepping on her heels, she circled Cordelia to take a good look at her and scoffed. "Do you think you belong here? Don't tell me you're here for the Hamertons' ball as well?" "What? What makes you think that you belong here?" Joanne chimed in. "Cordelia, did you not look at yourself in the mirror before you came? Aren't you embarrassed to be dressed like this for such an event? You want Mr. Z to take a liking to you when you look like this? He might be disgusted even if you threw yourself at him!"

"That's right! You're married. Instead of staying home with your useless husband, you came here to embarrass yourself! Or are you just like your mother, that you just have to seduce men?"

Yelena and Joanne threw insults at Cordelia. They did not want to miss any opportunities to humiliate her.

Cordelia felt as if there was a rock pressing on her heart.

She knew that her mother had done something shameful back then and was well aware that she was an illegitimate daughter. Therefore, she lived her life tipping her toe. She even substituted Yelena to marry Marcus.

When would they ever let her go?

She took a deep breath in with her fists clenched. She was shaking a little bit.

William glanced at her with a frown. "Cordelia, are you really here for the ball?"

"No," she replied softly. "I'm here for work. I'm waiting for someone."

"Work?" Yelena snickered in mockery. "Ahh, I almost forgot my sister is soaring in that Bowfest Foreign Trading. I heard you're being promoted to a supervisor?

"Wow, a promotion sure comes fast for you! Sigh. You're working so hard to feed your useless husband. How many men did you sleep with to be promoted so quickly?"

"Stop slandering me, Yelena!" Cordelia's face turned pale. "You're violating my reputation by making things up. I can totally sue you!"

"Wow, you know the law? Sue me, then!"

Yelena was boastful. She pointed her finger at Cordelia and then poked her head.

Her sharp and long nail scratched Cordelia's scalp. Before she could react to the pain, Yelena grabbed her collar and shoved her hard!

Cordelia staggered, fell backward, and the documents in her hands scattered everywhere.

Cordelia picked them up in panic while Yelena glanced at her in disdain. Just when she was going to step on the back of her hand, a middle-aged man in a suit walked out of the hotel. Joanne tucked at Yelena and signaled her. "Let's get away from this b*tch. We should quickly make our way to the banquet hall!"

The people around greeted the man as he walked over.

He walked directly to Cordelia. He bowed and looked at the crowd with a polite smile.

"Are you Ms. Jenner from Jangasas?"

"Yes, that's right!" Yelena and Joanne rushed forward with obsequious smiles. "We're the Jenners. I'm Ms. Jenner!

"Are you here to welcome us? Please lead the way, then!"

Cordelia's eyes dimmed. Her hair was messy, and she looked clumsy with the pile of messy documents.

She knew that the man was not asking for her, so she backed off quietly. Never had she thought the man would clear his throat and say louder, "I'm sorry, the Ms. Jenner I'm asking for is Cordelia Jenner!" "What?" Everyone was dumbfounded.

Even Cordelia stood where she was, frozen. It took her a while to snap back to her senses.

Chapter 49

Chapter 49

"D-Did you make a mistake?"

After a moment of silence, Yelena yelled with her shrill voice, "How is it possible that you're looking for her!?"

"May I know if you're Ms. Cordelia Jenner?" The man had a smile on his face, but his eyes were cold. "If you're not, please step back!"

"You-"

"This is the Splendor Dynasty. The Hamertons are hosting the dinner," the man said flatly. "It's my job to decide who to welcome and who not to welcome. I don't need you to tell me how to do my job!"

Yelena's face paled from the rage. The corner of her lips twitched, and she could not squeeze a word.

Joanne and William looked at each other, troubled. They thought what was happening was odd. It was Cordelia! How would a disgraced illegitimate daughter deserve to be in such an event!? "Ms. Jenner." The man walked to Cordelia and nodded respectfully. "Please come with me."

Cordelia's heart was pounding. As if she was struck by lightning, her chaotic mind was now empty.

"Sir, d-did you make a mistake?" she asked softly in a testing manner. "I don't have an invitation. And I'm not here for the ball. I just want to deliver some documents..."

"Please come with me, Ms. Jenner. Don't get me in trouble." Smiling, the man looked at her.

"Hey!" Joanne was pissed and tucked at the man. "What about us?"

The man smirked. "Do you have an invitation?"

"What invitation!?" Joanne looked like a shrewd woman with her hands on her hips. "Go ask around. The young lady of the Quimbies of Centrolis is m-my aunt's niece! She'll grant us access to the ball! Who are you to ask for the invitation from me!?"

"The Quimbies?" The man pursed his lips and chuckled out loud. "Ma'am, I'm the Splendor Dynasty's general manager. I work for the four families. Forgive me for being ignorant, but I don't see the Quimbies on the list."

Joanne's expression changed. William glared at her angrily.

At that moment, more and more people were passing by. Some looked at them curiously. Their eyes were like sharp blades, making William ashamed.

"Ms. Jenner." The general manager stretched his arm respectfully. "After you!"

Cordelia pursed her lips and went with him. The general manager clapped, and two attendants instantly came over, stopping reporters from bothering her.

Yelena stomped hard as she watched Cordelia being escorted to the dazzling hall like a star. Cordelia went into a room with the general manager. It was beautiful as if it was a fairy's lair. However, the room was located far from the banquet hall. She could no longer hear the noise. Exquisite and sumptuous dishes were served on the table. There were even attendants on call.

Just as Cordelia was confused by the situation, the general manager smiled at her. "You may eat first, Ms. Jenner. My master knew that you didn't come in a gown, so he arranged to put you here. Are you happy with this?"

Cordelia was stunned before nodding hard.

"Master said it's fine if you don't go to the dinner as long as you're well-fed and have fun."

"May I know who your master is..."

The general manager showed a cryptic smile while looking at the documents she was holding.

"Who are you giving these documents to, Ms. Jenner?"

Cordelia thought about it. Could it be that Josiah had seen her trying to get into the Bayer Group this afternoon?

She was surprised by the high and mighty man being kind to a guest. He had arranged her somewhere far from the hall. She did not have to be drowned in the crowd, yet she would be fed and rested all she wanted here.

Perhaps she could get this man to deliver the sales proposal...

Cordelia smiled and bowed at the general manager. She then placed the documents in his hands with all seriousness.

...

After returning to Jangasas, Cordelia excitedly told Marcus about it.

He sat on the couch, watching her lady cleaning the house while telling her story like a happy magpie.

He chuckled as if they were a world apart.

Cordelia was over the moon. Not only had she managed to deliver the sales proposal, but she was also happy that she saw Joanne and Yelena's raging faces when they were stopped at the door. However, she did not tell Marcus about it.

Therefore, Josiah's name was repeated many times throughout her story.

"I thought I'd return with nothing. All thanks to Mr. Bayer, I finally sent the proposal out. I've done my job.

"I didn't expect Mr. Bayer to be so nice to be inviting me in! But I didn't join that ball. I was only eating in a beautiful room.

"He's different from what I imagined. I thought a person who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth like him would be playful... I didn't expect him to be ambitious!"

"Ambitious?"

Marcus was quite pissed already. He was fuming when he heard that. He could not help but scoff.

"Did you see him? Did you talk to him?"

"I didn't." Feeling embarrassed, Cordelia scratched her head. "But isn't he ambitious to be willing to look at my proposal?"

"All you know about him is limited to pictures and some official information. The dinner was the biggest connection you guys had, but you have never met him... You can tell that he's ambitious just from that?" Cordelia peeped at Marcus carefully and noticed something was wrong. He looked terrible.

She was stunned when she asked softly, "Wh-What's wrong, hubby? Are you mad?"

Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Marcus was stunned too.

Was his rage that obvious? Why was he jealous of Josiah for nothing? The latter had been following him since they were young.

After coughing softly, Marcus picked up the mug and took a sip of water. He stayed silent.

A pair of tiny, soft hands tucked at him.

Subsequently, the subtle scent of her body flirted with his nose.

"Hubby." Cordelia's voice was as soft as cotton candy. She showed a pleasing smile. "I'll stop if you don't like me talking about work."

Marcus instinctively smirked. He felt better now.

"It's not that I dislike listening to you talk about your work." He turned his face to look at her and spoke slowly. "It's just that you've been talking about Mr. Bayer the entire night. Can you talk about someone else?"

Cordelia widened her eyes. "Who do you want me to talk about?"

"Like..." He paused. "Wasn't that ball organized by the Hamertons? Then I'm sure you heard about Mr. Z, right?"

She thought about it, and a light shake of the head followed.

Marcus' eyes dimmed.

He refused to give up and continued to ask, "You don't know Mr. Z?"

"Why are we talking about him?" She glanced at him before getting up to collect the washed clothes on the balcony. She started folding them.

"I don't know that person, nor have I met him. What does his welcome dinner have anything to do with me?"

Marcus got closer and looked at her with his interest piqued. "But I heard he's powerful. The Hamertons control Centrolis' economy. Many socialites went to the dinner.

"You were at the hotel. Aren't you curious about what he looks like? You didn't check him out at the ball?"

"Are you out of your mind?" Cordelia chuckled. "Why would I be curious about him?"

"Weren't they picking a wife for him at the ball?" he asked. "If you went to the ball, wouldn't you get ahead if he fell for you? That'd be such a great opportunity!" Cordelia stopped the work she was doing. She frowned, lifting her eyes to look at him.

"So I'm such a woman to you?"

Marcus was stunned.

His lady was always soft and would always smile at him. It was his first time seeing such a serious Cordelia.

"Marcus, I know who I am. I'm married, I have a husband. I've been taking care of our relationship. I've been nothing but loyal to our marriage!

"I've never thought about clinging to the powerful to get ahead! I don't care who Mr. Z is. Those men have nothing to do with me! Ever since marrying you, I have had my mind set on being with you for the rest of my life... How dare you say that?"

"No, I..." Marcus felt his throat tighten. He was dying to swallow whatever he had said before!

He always said Josiah was a fool!

Was he not a fool as well?

Marcus started sweating and could not say a word.

Feeling wronged, Cordelia glared at him and turned around to go to the room. Marcus followed like a puppy. When he tried to explain, he saw her carrying his pillow and blanket. She then tossed them on the couch!

He wanted to hold her hand, but his lady shook it off stubbornly and shut the door.

He heard the door being locked.

Sitting on the couch, he scratched his head hard.

After falling into silence for a moment, he had his eyes on the pillow and blanket. Those things were initially in the bedroom! But now...

He laid on them. Cordelia's scent lingered on the pillow and blanket. He could smell it.

He gnashed his teeth while tossing and turning and released a heavy sigh.