Ch. 431..440

Chapter 431

Chapter 431

Cordelia spent these days accompanying Linda.

It had a serious impact on Linda's health, and she was to have bed rest. She was usually sleeping and would rest against the headboard when she was awake, staring outside the window without saying anything. Her pale and weak state saddened one who looked.

Cordelia passed her chicken soup that was freshly made.

"Linda..." She sobbed a little as soon as she opened her mouth. "Have a little chicken soup. It tastes nice. I added some dates to make it nourishing and sweet."

There was no response from Linda. Her lips were cracked from how dry they were.

Cordelia could understand what she was feeling.

Her baby had already been formed, but it did not even get to greet the world. It was said that it was a boy too. Nicholas liked boys.

Cordelia had also promised her that their children would marry each other in the future so they would become in-laws.

Everything had become a burst bubble now.

Cordelia's phone rang. It was Zephyr. She hurried out of the room to answer.

The man's husky voice always assured her. "Cordelia, how's it going on your side?"

"Linda's still the same..."

There was a pause before Zephyr said, "Anyone who encounters something like this won't be able to take it. The doctor says that it's normal for her emotions to swing. Just keep an eye on her, and don't let anything happen to her."

Cordelia hummed in agreement. It was just that she did not know when she would get to go home this way.

Zephyr's voice was tender. "Cordelia, did you miss me?"

Cordelia chuckled and hummed almost inaudibly.

She actually wanted to go home, seek refuge in his embrace, take a sniff of his scent, hug him tightly, and not let him go.

Zephyr said softly, "Tell Linda that Nicholas didn't do her any wrong. We've caught Mona, and she admitted to everything. Nelly's the one behind this."

"What!?" Cordelia was shocked.

"Nicholas took his gun and was going to settle the score with Nelly..." Zephyr continued. "Luckily, I stopped him in time."

Cordelia was silent.

Zephyr had done the right thing. Nicholas was fuming, and there would definitely be a casualty out of it. Not only would the Tanners get to the bottom of this, but the law would not let him go either. She asked him softly, "Zephyr, do you already have a way to punish Nelly?"

"You know something?" Zephyr chortled.

"What is it?"

"When the heavens want someone dead, they'll let them have the best time of their life first," he said. "So, wait a few more days. We'll make sure Nelly pays the price!" Both of them chatted for a bit more, and Cordelia ended the call hastily.

When she returned to the hospital ward, she saw that Linda had already gotten up and was quietly drinking the soup. She forced a smile when she saw Cordelia entering. Cordelia felt her heart clench for her friend and forced her tears back, afraid that she would trigger Linda's sadness.

Despite that, she heard Linda mutter a while later, "Nicholas wouldn't betray me."

Cordelia was stunned. "Linda, what did you say?"

Linda looked up slowly. She was pale, but her eyes shone with determination.

"I said, Nicholas wouldn't betray me. He wouldn't have an affair!"

"Yes... Yes!" Cordelia was so emotional that she was at a loss for words and gripped Linda's hand.

She had been thinking about how she should talk to Linda these days. She even thought that she should wait until Linda accepted the reality that her baby was gone and then counsel her that Nicholas would not cheat...

It was just that the miscarriage was directly related to Nicholas. That was why Cordelia thought of various ways to phrase it but did not know how to start.

It was a surprise that Linda spoke up first.

"Linda, it's Nelly Tanner who's behind this! But don't worry, Zephyr's thought of a way to handle her..."

"Why isn't Nicholas back yet?" Linda asked softly.

"He's in Royal Manor," Cordelia reassured her. "I'll keep you company for now!"

Linda put the bowl down with a bitter smile. She looked up at her and said slowly, "Let him come back."

"But..."

"Things have already happened. I can't keep wallowing in sadness!" Linda took a deep breath. "Me being depressed saddens all of you, people who love me."

She smiled. "Cordelia, since Nelly Tanner's the one who hurt me, I'll personally avenge this grudge!"

Mandy had spent three days in the hospital due to her rage that attacked her health. If Rowan had not treated her with acupuncture, she might have already ended up in the ICU.

"Sigh, you're elegant and lofty, Mrs. Tanner. How's your temper so bad!?" Rowan pursed his lips as he kept his needles. "Can't you stay calm and composed? Happy now that you angered yourself to a cerebra hemorrhage?"

"Thank you, Mr. Irwin..." Mandy was lying in bed, but she still got up slightly to bow.

"No need for that." Rowan smiled. "Your daughter's condition is under control. It's not improving, but it's not getting worse. It's already the best case."

"Thank you!"

"If my girl hadn't asked me, you think I'd treat you all for free?" Rowan huffed in his tantrum again.

Mandy was stunned. 'What girl? His daughter?'

He was said to be a bachelor, though! How could he have a daughter!?

Someone knocked at the same time.

Before Cordelia came in, her sweet voice rang first.

"Mrs. Tanner, are you feeling better?"

Rowan straightened up and perked up, not forgetting to brush his hair and put on the most loving expression.

"Cordelia, you're here!" He went up only to be greeted by a wall separating him and the girl.

"Mr. Irwin, how have you been?" Zephyr shook his hand with a smile.

Rowan was disdainful but could not show it in front of his daughter, so he could only shake hands in passing. The moment Zephyr turned around, he rolled his eyes at his back.

Zephyr went up to greet Mandy. "Aunt Tanner, how are you feeling these days?"

"Thank you for your concern, Zephyr."

It was already exhausting for Mandy to speak a sentence in her state, forget running the company. Therefore, Nelly must think that she was worry-free now.

Cordelia smiled and sat by her side. "Mrs. Tanner, you still don't look too good. Are you worried about the company?"

"Hah, what company do I have..."

"Not now, but you will have it in the future." Cordelia patted her shoulder with bright eyes. "Mrs. Tanner, if you don't want to see Nelly taking over everything in your family, work with us... Nelly Tanner will pay her dues!"

Mandy's hand jerked.

"With you? How?"

Chapter 432

Chapter 432

"Just be patient, Aunt Tanner," Cordelia said with a smile. "Stay as you are for now."

Mandy looked anxious.

"I own half of the Tanner Group... To be precise, 2/3 of it is mine! Before Joe married me, he was nothing! The wedding gift I brought along filled up the gap and hole in the Tanners!

"But he betrayed me and raised his illegitimate daughter right under my nose for 20 years! He played me like a fool!" The more Mandy spoke, the more agitated she was as she hit the side of the bed with clenched fists.

Once she thought about this, she was repulsed and regretful.

She had taken care of an illegitimate daughter but overlooked her birth daughter's feelings for so many tears. She was not worthy as a mother!

"Aunt Tanner, don't be like this." Cordelia quickly stopped her. "Don't worry. Nelly won't have the Tanner Group, and Mr. Tanner isn't the sole decision-maker in the company. There are other shareholders! "What you have to do now is to eat and sleep well and take care of yourself properly." Zephyr looked at her. "You can only fight them when you're healthy."

Mandy looked up at them with a moved gaze. Despite what happened, she did not expect that Zephyr and Cordelia would be willing to help her and Kelly. Everything was moving in a positive direction now, and she believed that Nelly would not get to gloat for long.

Zephyr told her seriously, "Aunt Tanner, we're here today to visit you and tell you about this so that you're mentally prepared. When we need you, we hope you can help us with your all!"

"Zephyr, Ms. Cordelia..." Mandy's voice was quivering. "Don't say that. You're my saviors! Let me know anytime you need me. I'll give it my best shot!"

With how everything was progressing, these few days were exceptionally quiet.

It was Cordelia's day off on Friday, and she slept until 10:00 a.m., going out to bask in the sun in her slippers after having a quick breakfast.

The fall sunlight was warm, and she sat on the swing leisurely. Ginger came over to rub against her but ran off when it saw Zephyr.

Cordelia turned to smile at him and leaned against his shoulder lazily when he came over and sat next to her.

"Kelly's recovering well." Zephyr wrapped an arm around her. "Looks like Mr. Irwin lives up to his title."

"Of course, he's the president of the Southeast Aciatic Medical Association! And he's good at treating various obscure illnesses. The medicinal drugs Irwin Pharmaceuticals makes each year have saved countless people!"

Zephyr watched Cordelia quietly.

The girl seemed to have gotten much closer to Rowan. He did not know when it started, but she looked like a fan whenever Rowan's name was mentioned. That sense of pride was as if he was her father. Zephyr frowned and did not feel good about it.

"Hah, yeah."

He glossed it over and wanted to divert the topic, but Cordelia continued. "Remember when we went to Mengasas the last time? We saw a lot of medicines from Irwin Pharmaceuticals on that night market street. The vendor said they can treat everything!"

"I remember..." Zephyr replied softly and ruffled her hair. "You didn't know about my identity back then."

Cordelia looked up at him and smiled sweetly. She stretched and snuggled closer against him, the past scenes playing in her mind like a movie.

It had actually been two years since they got together.

She sighed. "Time flies."

Zephyr pressed a kiss on her hair. The sweet fragrance on her distracted him.

"I still remember the night I married you. It was so windy and stormy, and the house was all broken down..." she murmured. "You were scowling too. It was scary."

'Was I?' Zephyr paused. 'I scowled? How could I bear to scowl at her? She must have seen it wrong.'

"Don't even think about retorting!" Cordelia glared at him. "You were icy when we just got married anyway and kept punching the sandbag. You didn't even know how to cook, and I had to make sure you were fed and clothed!"

"But you looked happy doing it!"

Zephyr cackled and pinched her nose.

"Tell me, why did you take care of me so willingly?" His voice was low. "Was it because you liked what you saw?"

Chapter 433

Chapter 433

"You..." Cordelia huffed.

"Anyway, someone said that she's going to take care of me forever!" Zephyr said, entitled.

Cordelia gave him a punch. Why was he so shameless!? Then again, he would not be Zephyr if he had any shame.

The man laughed and tickled her softly, causing her to bend over. Both of them messed around on the swing, their giggles resounding on the front porch. Ginger even stopped eating to look at them enviously. Cordelia was fair. Her face was pretty pink as she laughed.

She was pinned under Zephyr. Her clear, wet eyes were expressive and only heated Zephyr up.

His hand scooped her slim waist in one go, and she felt the strong manliness that rushed toward her.

"Don't..." Cordelia's hand was against his chest. "We're still outside!"

Zephyr smirked. "I know... I didn't say I was going to do anything!"

Cordelia blushed harder.

He ran his hand through her hair and spoke huskily next to her ear. "I'm just kissing you... Anything else, I'll do it at night!"

His lips came closer to her, and she closed her eyes, wearing a sweet smile.

Just when Zephyr was going to meet her lips, though, he stopped abruptly and looked around in alert...

'Hmm, no Robert in sight!'

He smiled in relief and moved closer...

The door was knocked!

"Sir? Mr. Zephyr!"

Zephyr was so close to kissing Cordelia. It felt like iced water doused him from head to toe, and he scowled harder than the scowl in Cordelia's impression! Robert patted the door outside in determination. The loud clanking spoiled Ginger's mood. It glanced at the door and then at Zephyr before going to its bed to take a nap. Cordelia pushed Zephyr away with a flushed face and giggled.

Zephyr froze for a few seconds before he sprang up and briskly went to the door, pulling it open with unnecessary force.

"What?" It was a thunderous roar.

Robert was dumbfounded. His experience told him that... he was in trouble again!

"Robert!" Zephyr gave him a death glare. "Are you too free, or do you think I pay you too much?"

Robert was in despair. His lips twitched. "Sir, I—”

"I can adjust your payment anytime if you think it's too much! Half a year's bonus deducted first!"

"No, no, no!" Robert quickly pulled out his phone and rambled, "Uh-I... I have something important for you! I-It's about Nicholas, well, Nicholas..."

The more anxious he was, the harder it was to make himself clear. His tongue felt like a knot, and he sweated profusely.

It was fortunate that Cordelia came over slowly and put an arm on Zephyr's. It was like a tranquilizer shot, and the man calmed down eventually.

"Robert, go on." Cordelia asked softly, "What's the matter with Nicholas?"

"Nicholas' live streaming a press release!" Robert showed his phone to both of them.

From the live stream, Nicholas was openly facing the reporters, but his cold looks could not hide the haggardness in his eyes.

"Mr. Thompson, why are you only making an explanation now?"

"Did you actually spend the night with Ms. Adams?"

Chapter 434

Chapter 434

Nicholas' icy gaze raked across everyone there.

Dressed in a black suit, he was almost mercilessly impassive with a bloodthirsty sternness in his eyes. Those who stood around him were his underlings with actual guns and bullets.

No entertainment company boss in Centrolis dared to have a lineup like that thus far.

"Nothing happened between Ms. Adams and me," Nicholas said strictly. "Before that grand event, I barely knew her. I felt weak after drinking the alcohol she passed me. Ha, I'll be consulting my lawyer about this. If she spiked my drink, I must press charges!"

A reckless reporter mocked him. "But Mr. Thompson, how can you prove that nothing happened between the two of you?"

Nicholas' expression was dark, while lan could not hold himself back. He pulled a pistol out of his pocket, but Nicholas noticed it and stopped him with his eyes.

"Mr. Thompson, please don't avoid the question with silence."

Nicholas took a deep breath and smiled at the provocative reporter.

"Don't worry. I'll answer each of your questions without missing any."

The reporter merely snickered.

"Firstly, why did I drag it until now to explain? Because my wife had a miscarriage. The brewing of this incident had a great impact on her health. I had to leave work and make those who hurt my wife pay. "And your question." Nicholas looked at that reporter. "How can I prove it?"

Everyone glanced at Nicholas curiously.

He pulled out a medical certificate. What he was about to say was hard to be spoken. The thin certificate was clenched in his hand and trembled lightly.

"It's because I drank. So nothing happened between us."

"Hah, isn't this too perfunctory!?"

"This is the certificate of diagnosis. The doctor can prove it. I have a dysfunction after drinking!"

Those who were present were shocked.

The same reporter asked again, "Mr. Thompson, can you explain what you mean by a dysfunction?" "You don't know?" Nicholas arched his brow. "You're a f*cking man too, and you don't know!?"

Nicholas' roar intimidated the press, and everyone fell silent.

Despite that, the comments in the live stream were flying in and almost took up the whole screen.

"I, for this whole life, can't get it up for all the women in the world except my wife! You f*cking understand it now!?"

Cordelia and Zephyr could not see Nicholas' expression, but they saw the comments flooding the screen. They were all supportive of Nicholas.

[Good job, Mr. Thompson!]

[This is a true man, admitting something like this in public to protect his wife!]

[I support Mr. Thompson. I'm only watching Sol Entertainment's production from now on!]

Cordelia and Zephyr met eyes and exchanged smiles.

Both the live scene and the live stream were lively. After Nicholas roared, lan and the others threw the provocative reporter out. One could guess what happened to the reporter next. Cordelia returned the phone to Robert and sighed as if talking to herself, "I didn't expect Nicholas to do such a touching thing when he looks quite careless!"

"You're moved so easily?" Zephyr hugged her. "I did a lot of things for you too. Have you been moved?"

She purposely teased him. "You've never said anything like Nicholas did!"

"That's because I don't have a dysfunction!" Zephyr looked serious as he spoke next to her ear.

Cordelia felt her face burn. Robert was standing just next to them too, so she was incredibly embarrassed.

Robert coughed and fled with the excuse of still having tasks in the manor.

"Ow!" A voice suddenly rang.

"What's the matter? Robert? Aren't you usually calm and collected? Why are you running so fast today!?"

"Ah, Madam Baker!" Robert quickly addressed the woman.

He had run into Janine, who was coming in during his frantic escape just now. He apologized and left just as swiftly, not wanting to be tactless. In spite of it...

"Hey, why are you running away? Didn't you see I have bags with me? Help me carry them!"

Janine walked in with a huff.

"Robert's spoiled by the Hamertons!" She glared at Zephyr. "He's getting slower now!"

Zephyr smiled and took over what she held. "What brings you here, mom?"

"I miss Cordelia!" Janine answered without thinking.

Zephyr was rendered speechless. If he remembered correctly, the two of them had just worked in the office together yesterday.

"Aunt Janine!" Cordelia was happy to see her and led her into the house. "Oh yeah, I've just finished a few artist development plans and wanted you to go through them!"

"You have the day off today, right? Let's not talk about work." Janine smiled. "Cordelia, you usually don't even have time to shop, and you just want to sleep at home when you get a break. I feel bad about it. "Here!" She pointed at all the bags. "I bought you these, but I don't know if you like them or not. Go have a look!"

Zephyr was already checking out the pile of goods.

There were big and small shopping bags with all sorts of products, from branded clothes to limited edition bags, as well as the latest jewelry, perfumes, and cosmetics of the season... Everything one could possibly need was there.

Zephyr looked up. "Mom, I don't have any?"

Janine rolled her eyes at him and ignored him.

Well, it was not exactly that he had nothing... There was a baseball bat amidst the pile of goods.

"That's Cordelia's too!" Janine cried, "This is your punishment at home when you don't listen to her!"

Zephyr's grip loosened, and the baseball bat fell to the floor with a clank.

Cordelia chuckled and turned to Janine. "Aunt Janine, I feel bad that you spent so much."

"You deserve all these!" Janine's eyes were crescent-shaped from how much she was beaming. "Right, pick something out of the clothes and jewelry. Put them on this weekend and go to a charity auction with

me."

"Another auction?" Zephyr asked, "Why are you only taking Cordelia and not me?"

"Why should I take you there?" Janine glared at him. "The paintings in the auction are female-themed. It's specially held for women!

"Tell me what you're going to do going there. Be our gal pal?"

Zephyr was rendered speechless.

As expected of his mother!

Chapter 435

Chapter 435

The charity auction on the weekend was grand. Famous people who gathered there were big names in the sphere of art collection.

Cordelia was gradually more familiar with events like this. Perhaps it was the noble blood in her. As she stood among the crowd smiling in a gown, she was as if a glistening pearl.

Janine happily introduced her to her business partners as well.

"This is my daughter-in-law!

"Yes, daughter-in-law!"

The woman's face was split open with a wide grin throughout the networking.

"I know, right? Got myself a gem! Hahaha... Our Zephyr's lucky!

"What? Elder Mr. Hamerton doesn't agree?" She immediately raised her voice, causing the people around them to look over.

Cordelia tugged her discreetly.

Janine did not care, though. She kept her voice raised. "Why does it matter if he agrees or not? Am I, or is he the one choosing a daughter-in-law!? The old man disliked me in the past, and now he wants to dislike my daughter-in-law too?

"I refuse to accept this!"

The auction hall went quieter than the vacuum of outer space.

Cordelia felt warmth gush in her heart and felt like crying, holding Janine's hand.

Over ten seconds of silence later, people began to whisper comments.

"So... Madam Baker's getting her message across to Elder Mr. Hamerton indirectly?"

"I think she isn't taking Ms. Jenner as daughter-in-law because she likes her. It's because Elder Mr. Hamerton hates her. The enemy of your enemy is your friend. This is still the grudge between the Bakers and the Hamertons!"

"Aren't you being a little too superficial? Madam Baker's a smart woman. No matter how big their grudge is, it's impossible that she'd embarrass him completely. If she really didn't like Ms. Jenner, she wouldn't defend her like this."

"Hmm, makes sense..."

Janine smiled at Cordelia and marched forward in confidence.

"No matter what others say, don't lower your head," Janine said with a pat on the back of her hand. "Or your crown will fall!"

Cordelia smiled as well and walked on with the same composure.

"Aunt Janine, how nice would it be when I get to be like you!"

"Me?" Janine raised her brows. "Hah, silly girl, your mother was even better than me when she was younger!"

"Really?"

"Yeah, I learned from her. Speaking of which, your mom's the real lady. I'd feel inferior in front of her!"

Cordelia smiled.

How could Janine feel inferior? She was just going along with Xyla in everything because she cared about this friend too much.

That was why Cordelia was curious. Why was there a 20-year gap when both of them were so close?

"Aunt Janine, I've always wanted to ask my mom, but I'm scared of reminding her sad past... What happened between you two back then that you broke off your friendship for so long?" Janine was silent for a moment before she answered with a chuckle, "Not that we broke it off. It's... over a man. We had a disagreement."

Cordelia widened her eyes.

Janine immediately knew that she had misunderstood it upon seeing her expression. "Oh dear, what are you thinking? How could I possibly fight over a guy with your mom!?" "Oh..." Cordelia chuckled dryly. "Then?"

"Because I didn't like the guy!" Janine answered directly.

Cordelia stared at her dumbly again.

What kind of man was it that Janine was still so angry when he was mentioned today?

Janine thought about it. When Rowan's refined rascal look flashed in her mind, she waved a hand with a frown. "Never mind, I'm not talking about the j*rk. It's bad luck!

"Anyway, just don't bring it up to your mom. It's the past. Let bygones be bygones. We have to keep looking forward!"

Cordelia nodded. It was at the same time a commotion broke out in the venue.

The doors opened with bodyguards rushing in to stand on both sides. Everyone's gazes focused there.

"Who is it to be coming so grandly!?"

Chapter 436

Chapter 436

While the onlookers speculated, the sound of high heels echoed.

Cordelia saw Nelly walk in on her high horse as the tassels of her shawl swayed with her movement. Her chin was tipped up as she looked down like she was scorning everyone-until she saw Cordelia. She paused, and her gaze stayed on Cordelia for a moment before a mocking smile pulled her lips up.

"Ah, Ms. Tanner!" The auction host went to welcome her.

Someone in the crowd said swiftly, "I heard that Mr. Tanner's passed the whole Tanner Group to her!"

"She's the youngest female president among the four major families now! It's no wonder her appearance was grander than a president's!"

Nelly slowly approached Cordelia. A flash of cold contempt gleamed in her eyes.

"Ms. Jenner, it's been a while!"

"Yeah, it's been a while." Cordelia knew that Nelly did not have any good intentions. "Heh, what's keeping you up recently, Ms. Tanner? Busy inheriting your family business?"

"It's alright!" Nelly crossed her arms. "Dad's passed the Tanner Group for me to run, so I've been occupied recently!"

"You should inform me of your day off no matter how busy you are," Cordelia said with a smile. "The western suburbs' project hasn't ended yet. It's been three weeks since there's an update on the part the Tanner Group is in charge of!"

There were snickers from the crowd as soon as the words were spoken.

Nelly glared at Cordelia.

Cordelia said seriously, "Nelly Tanner, I don't care what family business you have to inherit. I'm your boss in the western suburbs' project! According to the agreement, you missing work for no reason and not reporting the progress to me allows me to break the contract with the Tanner Group from my side!"

"You-"

"I'll remember this and let it slide this time, but you won't get away so easily the next time. Understand?"

Nelly was furious but could not retort at all.

What Cordelia had said was reasonable and justified. The onlookers chuckled and went off to socialize, ignoring Nelly.

Nelly had assumed that her grand appearance would be able to intimidate everyone, but she still failed to get what she wanted ultimately... She pressed her lips together and gnashed her teeth.

A while later, the host went up the stage and showed the paintings that would be auctioned. They were all painted by female artists, and some of them were old but increasing in value-like "The Fireflies' Light' in the center.

Cordelia's heart lurched as she stared at the painting with widened eyes.

"This is..."

"Fireflies with double sets of wings." Janine looked at her. "Look who drew this."

Cordelia felt like her heart was about to leap out of her throat.

The bottom right corner of the painting had one word written clearly-Xyla.

"Mom..." Cordelia murmured, "It's my mom?"

Janine nodded with a smile.

"She painted this when we were still schoolgirls. We were in the same international school, and I was just right next to her when she painted this."

Cordelia was thrilled. She had never known that her mother was so talented.

"But why's her painting here?"

"I'm not sure either," said Janine. "This painting could already be sold at a decent price back then. Maybe it's been passed around outside and ultimately collected by this auction place.

"This is also the reason I brought you here." Janine looked at Cordelia. "Your mom loved doing charity when she was young. This is a charity auction too. If this painting can be sold for a good price, the proceeds will go to impoverished places.

"I believe that your mom will be happy to see that happen!"

"Let me call her then!" Cordelia was ecstatic.

"Better not..." Janine stopped her and looked like she was reluctant to say more.

Chapter 437

Chapter 437

Janine sighed and looked at the painting quietly.

There were two double-winged fireflies on it, representing Xyla and Rowan. The forest that was the background was where they usually dated.

It would be unnecessary if Xyla were to see it and be reminded of the sad past.

That was why Janine did not plan to buy the painting. She wanted to raise the bidding price to donate more money to charity. It would be the best this painting could do. "Never mind, Cordelia..." She forced a smile. "Actually... Actually, I asked your mom, and she didn't want to come."

"Oh." Cordelia nodded in a daze and put down her phone.

"This was her creation in youth. She doesn't like it. Oh yeah, don't bring this up to her when you go back, lest she overthinks it and thinks of the past."

Cordelia quickly replied, "Mm, I understand!"

Although she could not share it with her mother, she felt proud to see her mother's painting being auctioned today.

"Our honorable guests, the auction will start soon!"

The host stood on stage and introduced with a lively voice, "The first auction piece, The Fireflies' Light!"

There was already someone bidding for it below the stage. Cordelia looked at Janine, and the latter responded with an encouraging smile. "Raise your bid paddle!"

"$300,000!"

The host smiled. "Alright, $300,000 by this lady over here! Any more bids?"

"$450,000!" The voice was shrill.

Cordelia turned over to see Nelly smirking provocatively at her.

"It's fine." Janine smirked. "Just keep bidding against her and lose to her in the final round!"

Cordelia understood immediately and raised her paddle again. "$750,000!"

Nelly glared at her and continued to compete.

In the end, the painting's bid reached $30,000,000. The host was in glee. The higher the price was, the more it showed the success of this auction. It was unexpected that the first piece reached such an astronomical price when they had just hoped for a good opening!

"Ms. Nelly Tanner is bidding for $30,000,000!" The host raised his voice and asked, "Any more bids?"

Cordelia met eyes with Janine and smiled, putting her paddle down.

"$30,000,000 going once!

"$30,000,000 going twice!"

The host scanned the hall and lifted the hammer. "$30,000,000, sold!

"And gone!"

When the hammer slammed down, the guests clamored and got up to applaud.

Nelly went up the stage proudly, not forgetting to give Cordelia a glance as she wore a triumphant smile. She finally got to overshadow Cordelia this time.

"Thank you!" Nelly took the painting from the host.

She did not know what the painting was about or who Xyla was, but the piece of art and its artist must be significant since it could be auctioned.

$30,000,000 was not too much or too little. She was going to take over the Tanner Group soon, so she ought to create some popularity.

A charity was a good place to start. Auctioning the painting would not only make others think that she was graceful and artsy, but it was also a charity and could elevate the company's image.

Nelly flicked her long hair to the back and smiled at everyone. She was going to say something to stay in the limelight when Cordelia walked over to her.

"Ms. Tanner!" Cordelia was beaming. "Congratulations!"

"All thanks to you!" Nelly looked at her with a side-eye. "$30,000,000 isn't a big sum, actually. You have three listed companies under you, Ms. Jenner. Why are you still reluctant to fork out this sum?" "It's not that I'm reluctant. I just think that it's a rare opportunity, and it fits you, Ms. Tanner!"

Nelly's gaze was disdainful.

Cordelia added, "Also, I'd like to sincerely thank you for bidding on this painting."

Nelly snickered. "Cordelia, don't you think it's too hypocritical of you to say that?"

"It's from the bottom of my heart! After all, you bid for my mother's painting. Not only did you obtain it, but you also fulfilled her wish of donating the proceeds to charity. There aren't many who are as kind as you now, Ms. Tanner!"

There was a loud boom in Nelly's head as she stared at Cordelia without a blink.

"Ms. Tanner, you probably don't know it yet." Cordelia smiled. "Xyla is my mother's name!"

"You!"

Nelly turned pale and trembled. It was no wonder Cordelia kept raising the paddle earlier, yet she kept bidding because she did not want to lose to her...

'I was actually played!?'

Some people failed to hold back and laughed openly below the stage, the peals of laughter grating in Nelly's ears.

"All Ms. Tanner's gone through only to be giving someone else a hand!"

"She wanted to put up a front. Can't blame others for that!"

"She's just like her father... paper tiger. They will crumble with just one poke!"

Nelly was furious from the embarrassment, feeling like thousands of bees were buzzing around her ears. She turned around and shouted hysterically, "Shut up! I... I'm not buying it anymore! I don't want it!" "What?" The host looked at her in surprise.

One got to see everything as long as they lived long enough! The host had been in this field for so many years, yet this was his first time meeting someone who won the bid and then refused to buy it. "Ms. Tanner, this is against the rules!" The host chuckled. "The hammer goes down, and it's sold. You-"

Before he finished speaking, the Tanner Group's finance director jogged over with a smile to ask for credit.

"Ms. Tanner, all done! $30,000,000 has been transferred!"

"What did you say!?" screamed Nelly.

The finance director was baffled. "Didn't we bid for the painting? It's $30,000,000, right? The bank disallows such a huge transaction, and I went through my brother-in-law to make sure the sum went through straight away-"

"Scram!"

It was as if Nelly went crazy as she slapped the finance director and then targeted the host to hit him next. The stage fell into chaos.

Cordelia took her escape amidst it while dozens of security guards rushed in. The Tanners' bodyguards were lost as well.

It was disastrous both on the stage and below the stage.

Janine discreetly moved Xyla's painting to a safe place backstage and called the person in charge of the art gallery, whom she had contacted in advance.

"Liaise with the auction place regarding the follow-up of this painting," Janine said softly. "The payment has been completed. It'll be too much of an embarrassment if the Tanner Group insists on getting the money back!

"And I hope that your gallery is fully in charge of taking care of this painting!"

"I understand, Madam Baken," the boss said with a smile. "I'll come back to you with a satisfactory answer!"

"Very well." Janine nodded and looked at Cordelia. "Let's go!"

"Mm!" Cordelia left with her but turned back to take another glance at the painting longingly before that.

Chapter 438

Chapter 438

The nurses greeted Josiah friendlily. "Mr. Bayer, you're here again!"

Josiah smiled at them and headed straight to the hospital ward.

The nurses had heart-shaped eyes as they gathered around to chat with grins.

"Mr. Bayer is so handsome! Not bad at all compared to those hunks!"

"Right? He's not just good-looking, but he's also devoted. He's here every day while Ms. Kelly's hospitalized... Sigh, it's a pity that she doesn't recognize him."

"Ms. Kelly's a poor thing too. She got into an accident, and her father doesn't even care... Lucky Mr. Bayer's keeping her company every day."

Josiah pushed the door open and saw Kelly spacing out in bed. He forced a smile and walked over to her.

"Are you feeling better today?" He wanted to pat her head, but she avoided him instinctively and stared at him as she hid to the side.

Josiah was sad. It had been so long, and she was still unfamiliar with him. He forced a smile and kept his hand to pour her a glass of water and tell her a joke sitting next to the bed.

"Kelly, you know, there was someone who was sleeping, and a mosquito came to bite him. He was woken up by it and was going to slap the mosquito when it said, 'Please don't kill me. It's my birthday today!' "That person carefully placed the mosquito in his palm after listening to it and sang a birthday song clapping his hands! Hahaha..."

Josiah burst out laughing first after he spoke while Kelly looked at him expressionlessly.

Josiah's smile froze.

"Uh... it's not funny, is it?" He scratched his head. "My jokes are always lame."

Yet, Kelly chuckled because of what he said.

Her smile was as pretty as it was under the starry sky that night.

Josiah was startled and felt his heart clench. He was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness.

If time could be rewound, he would have surely taken her away the first night they met. Or he would have paid more attention and not let the two assassins Matthew had sent get into the sea party... The yacht would not have strayed from the cruise, and he would be able to receive her cry for help earlier.

Josiah's head hung as his eyes were rimmed red.

It was then he felt a soft hand on the back of his hand. Astonished, he looked up to meet the girl's clear eyes.

"Kelly..."

Kelly smiled at him and swiftly pulled back.

There was a soft cough at the door.

Josiah came back to himself and saw Rowan come in with his medical kit.

"Mr. Irwin."

"Mr. Josiah." Rowan smiled politely. "You're here to visit Ms. Kelly again?"

Josiah was a little embarrassed. He checked the time and saw that it was when Rowan would treat Kelly. He exchanged some pleasantries with the older man and left.

Before he got out, he reluctantly turned back for another glance and hurried downstairs.

Rowan was thoughtful as he retrieved the medicine and adjusted the dosage as usual.

"Take the meds first," he said. "We'll do the injection if there's no allergy reaction half an hour later."

Kelly obediently took the medication.

Chapter 439

Chapter 439

"You..." Rowan gave it a thought and asked softly, "Did you remember something?"

Kelly jolted.

"There's nothing you can't tell me." Rowan's smile was as if he knew everything. "Actually, from the first day I treated you, I knew that you were hiding something from everyone.

"You didn't remember something. You've never forgotten anything."

Kelly sat on the bed with her legs curled up as she bit her fist.

After a moment of silence when Rowan was going to inject her, she grabbed his hand abruptly and looked with a pleading expression on her pale face.

"Uncle Irwin, you're a good person..." Even Kelly's voice sounded pale. "Please don't tell others!"

Rowan automatically scanned the surrounding area of the hospital ward with a serious gaze. Confirming that there was no one else, he turned around swiftly and shut the door.

"Some of the doctors and nurses around me are actually Nelly's people," Kelly said softly. "But I don't know who they are, so I can only pretend to have lost my memory."

Rowan frowned. "So, you purposely ran into Cordelia's car on the day of the accident?"

"I didn't know that it was Ms. Cordelia's car!" Kelly hurried to explain, "I was abducted, and the driver said that Nelly asked him to do it. I was scared... so I just wanted to run into a car and create an accident. At least I wouldn't be harmed by them!"

Rowan nodded. "You think pretty fast.

"So, you pretended to have amnesia after that also to avoid Nelly from doing anything to you?"

Kelly bit her lips and nodded.

"Nelly will keep thinking of ways to kill me since she failed this time. I can only stay alive if I'm not a threat to her..."

Rowan had newfound knowledge of this weak and ill girl. She was calm and knew how to protect herself, seeking survival despite the despairing situation.

This girl was the one who had actually inherited Mandy's true blood.

Rowan sighed. "I understand your situation. You can't help it. But you should at least let your mother know. Do you know how worried she is about you?"

Tears brimmed Kelly's eyes, and she looked down without a word.

"Your mother's in a crisis now," Rowan told her. "The career she has worked hard for will soon be gifted to Nelly by your father!"

"Actually, I knew that..." Kelly said after a long time, "I knew that Nelly was my father's actual daughter a long time ago."

"How did you know?" Rowan was surprised.

"I've suspected it for a long time. Every time Nelly is upset, she vents on me, but dad turns a blind eye and forbids my mom from intervening. Mom's busy with the company and doesn't have the additional attention to spend at all. Nelly also keeps threatening me, saying that she'll kill mom if I dare tell others...

"It's from my dad's attitude that I suspected his relationship with Nelly."

Rowan listened to her quietly with a grim expression.

"I come to the hospital for a detailed checkup each month, and I have injuries on me each time. I get them checked secretly."

Kelly pulled a stack of medical records from under her pillow. They were her injury assessment reports throughout the years.

Rowan was alarmed, just flipping through them casually. He could not imagine how a weak girl like her withstood it and pulled through. How strong must she be mentally to persevere and collect the evidence at the same time?

"Once, I plucked Nelly's hair while she hit me." Kelly met Rowan's gaze. "I did a DNA test in secret..."

It was just in time that Rowan flipped to the page of the DNA test. It was between Kelly and Nelly, and their percentage of being family was 99% and above.

He sighed heavily and placed the stack of documents back under her pillow.

Kelly's voice was airy. "Uncle Irwin, can these... help my mother?"

Chapter 440

Chapter 440

Rowan's brows creased. He looked into the girl's eyes. She was sick, but her eyes were full of life. They told him she already had an answer before she asked the question. She wanted to help Mandy and seek justice for herself.

"You've thought through this?" asked Rowan. "Once these are exposed, the Tanners' dirty laundry will be aired to the world. You'll be implicated too."

"I'm not scared." Kelly shook her head with a smile. "I'm dying soon. What's there to be scared of?

"But I can't just sit around and watch them take advantage of my mom!"

"Who says that you're dying soon? Are you doubting my skills?" Rowan smiled. "Aren't you afraid that your crush will be sad when you say that?"

Kelly froze before a rare blush colored her pale cheeks.

"Josiah is great. He's more concerned about you than your father is!" Rowan took the syringe and injected her at the vein with ease.

"My dad's never been concerned about me." Kelly chuckled self-deprecatingly. "He's always scorned that I'm a burden because of my congenital disease. He doesn't even want to pay the thousands of dollars of medical fees each month. If it weren't for my mom's insistence, he might have let me fend for myself, dead or alive."

Rowan could not bear to hear something like this the most.

'Daughters should be coddled and pampered. If it were Cordelia, forget hundreds of thousands of dollars, even if it were millions or hundreds of millions of dollars, even if I had to go bankrupt, I would-

'Wait, no!'

Rowan looked appalled and immediately stopped what he was thinking. Everything was fine. Why did he imagine his daughter to be sick!?

"Uncle Irwin, I know my dad," said Kelly. "He is prideful and has always kept the image of a good husband and good father. There's no way he'll openly admit that he has an illegitimate daughter to the public." "So, this is a fatal blow to him." Rowan smiled approvingly. "You're really smart."

"I just don't know if I'm right about being smart in this..."

"Don't think too much about it." Rowan patted her head. "What you need the most now is to rest. I believe that these things will be resolved appropriately in the end!"

The day the Tanner Group held a press conference, it shook a good half of Centrolis.

Nelly stood before the full dressing mirror and specifically picked a gown with griffon embroidery. The yellow dress was adorned with thousands of diamonds, looking exceptionally lavish.

It was said that the design came from a famous embroidery family in Centrolis.

As Nelly listened to the crowd's fawning words and watched the servants get down to put on a pair of extravagant satin high heels for her, her pride peaked.

Would anyone dare call her an illegitimate daughter or someone from the orphanage from now on? Would anyone dare say that she was not worthy of Zephyr?

Even if Zephyr refused to marry her, she could find someone better than him and marry him. It was just that she would continue to cling to Zephyr just to annoy Cordelia!

Nelly smirked, triumphant and vicious.

When the press conference started, Joe announced that he would pass the Tanner Group to Nelly in front of everyone. The guests congratulated them as Nelly socialized amongst the crowd, and Joe wore a pleased smile.

"Mr. Tanner." Their friends in business came forward with a toast. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. It's expected of your daughter. Ms. Nelly has the looks of a boss!"

"Do look after our Nelly from now on!"

"We're all friends! No need to be so courteous!"