Ch. 481..490

Chapter 481

Chapter 481

Charlie smiled helplessly and was going to pick up a wine glass when Rowan caught his hand mercilessly.

"No drinking!" Rowan glared at him. "You can't drive after you drink!"

Charlie was befuddled. "Mr. Irwin, didn't you say that... we'll walk back later?"

"Who said that!?"

Rowan glared at Charlie but was immensely gentle to the person on the line.

"Cordelia, calm down... Oh, don't fret!

"Don't worry, don't worry. I'm just around!

"Not far at all! Hah, I'll be there very soon. I promise I'll heal Elder Mr. Hamerton!

"Silly child, what are you saying? No need to be courteous with me!"

Rowan put on his jacket and ran out as he spoke.

Charlie chuckled wryly on the spot. He looked at the two glasses of wine that were not even touched reluctantly before he sighed and went after his boss.

The pub was obviously a long way from Hamerton Manor!

Rowan kept urging Charlie to step down on the pedal on the way.

When they arrived at the manor, the living room was filled with people, but Rowan only had his eyes on Cordelia.

He smiled at her with a sense of duty and pride in being needed by his daughter and went up the stairs with his medical kit.

Zephyr watched him and could not help feeling sorry when he recalled the same man at Imperial Media who had argued with him and then left forlornly.

He turned to look at Cordelia and wrapped an arm around her shoulders to pull her into his embrace with complicated feelings.

A while later, Rowan left the room, and everyone crowded around him instantly.

"Don't worry." Rowan sounded confident. "I've given Elder Mr. Hamerton acupuncture. He'll be alright."

He then handed a bottle of oils to Clark. "Let him take this twice a day and one pill each time."

Clark took it and memorized what Rowan said dutifully.

"From what I see, Elder Mr. Hamerton's embolism is due to over-nourishment," said Rowan. "He mustn't take those tonics anymore! I've taken a look at the residue. The ingredients are good, but the ratio is obviously wrong.

"Elder Mr. Hamerton's senior in age now. How could he afford to be supplemented like this?"

Zephyr's guard went up immediately, and he asked for the person in charge to send the tonic daily to be brought over.

A while later, the person came-it was a man who looked honest. He wore a Hamerton employee's uniform and stood there cautiously. When he occasionally peeked at Zephyr, he quickly ducked his head down.

Zephyr found him to be familiar but could not recall who he was.

"Sir, he's Lukas Welkie," Clark told him. "Mr. Welkie's nephew..."

Zephyr was alarmed.

Mr. Welkie was a butler in Gale Bay whose duty was to take care of Henry and Kate's daily needs. How could it be him?

"Mr. Welkie's nephew hasn't found a job after graduating, so Mr. Welkie came to me to ask for a job for his nephew," explained Clark. "So he was recruited into the Hamertons."

Zephyr questioned icily, "Then what about the tonic? Does he know how to prescribe the ratio?"

"No, I don't!" Lukas nearly fell to his knees as his eyes flitted around in guilty conscience.

When he met eyes with Yale, both of them paused before averting their gazes in unison.

Matthew, who was clueless, mocked Henry right away. "Oh, the tonic sender's from your side, Henry?

"Those who know will understand that you're helping dad, but those who don't will think that you're poisoning him!"

Henry stood aside quietly without a word, not fighting back even when others threw accusations at him.

Kate was the one who stepped up. "Matthew Hamerton, what rubbish are you on? I can sue you for slandering when you speak without proof!"

"Hah, who am I slandering?" Matthew looked victorious. "I'm speaking the truth! Mr. Irwin here said that the tonic's ratio is problematic! And the person sending it daily is from Gale Bay! How can you not be involved?"

"You" Kate was furious.

It was then a soft voice spoke up. "Zephyr, I think Uncle Matthew's the one who usually takes care of your grandfather the best at home, right?"

Zephyr paused before he laced their fingers together.

Cordelia continued to talk with a soft volume, but it was clear enough for everyone to hear it.

"If Uncle Matthew's so good to grandpa, why does he stay away like the plague on the matter of medication?

"It doesn't seem logical, does it?

"Or you have some other plans, Uncle Matthew?"

A few sentences were all it took to render Matthew speechless. He stared at Cordelia with bulging eyes and a red, flustered face.

"You! Who do you think you are!? You aren't even part of the family yet, and you're poking your nose into our family affairs?" Zephyr took a step forward and put a hand on Cordelia's shoulder. His gaze that was trained on Matthew was as if it was ice. "What did you say, Uncle Matthew? I didn't catch it clearly!"

His words were light but authoritative.

In addition to his domineering presence and stern expression, Matthew shrank back. He was indignant but didn't dare to confront Zephyr directly either. Matthew muttered, "That's a lot of business for an outsider to be concerned with! Even if dad allows you into the family, the board of directors won't agree! "Self-awareness is a wonderful thing to have! Does she really think she's Cinderella? Hah, dream on..."

While Matthew was muttering to himself, he did not realize that Rowan had gotten behind him. Rowan then pushed hard against a certain pressure point below his hips. Matthew was surprised as he felt a numbness around his hips before he felt a gush of warmth flowing...

Clark was stunned. "Mr. Matthew, you... You're..."

Matthew had yet to react to what happened but took in how everyone was looking at him as well as below him in shock...

He looked down as well, only to see a pool of liquid on the floor-it was his!

He had wet himself right in front of everyone!

Despite his embarrassment and anger, the numbness below his hip area grew stronger, and he could not even move. He stood rooted and took in the gazes like a statue, not even having the ability to change his pants as his legs felt as if they were electrocuted. He was weak as he stood, yet unable to sit.

"R-Rowan Irwin!" Matthew roared in rage.

Rowan shushed him and flashed him a smile.

"Don't be afraid, Mr. Matthew. This only numbs you temporarily. It's like partial anesthesia in medicine."

"W-Why are you doing this!?" Matthew bellowed, "Are you on that brat's side?"

Rowan glanced at him with a smirk. "Should I be on your side instead?"

Chapter 482

Chapter 482

Matthew was dumbfounded. His pride could not bear it being embarrassed like this in broad daylight.

In spite of it, it was still fine that others ignored him-Yale was pretending not to see him too! He was going to call for Yale only to discover that his wonderful son had slipped away from the crowd in secret!

"Yale! Yale Hamerton!" Matthew was furious. "You brat!"

"Clark, help me back!"

Clark glanced at him and said, "My apologies, Mr. Matthew. I have to hurry upstairs. Someone has to be by Elder Mr. Hamerton's side!"

"You..."

Before Matthew could lash out, Zephyr instructed everyone with the sense of authority of the family head, "Grandpa's no longer in a critical state. Stop crowding here! Off to whatever you should be doing!" All of them answered in unison, "Yes, Mr. Zephyr!"

Zephyr smiled and left, holding Cordelia's hand.

"Hey, what do I do when all of you are leaving!?" Matthew flailed, frozen on the spot. "Zephyr! You b*stard... At least leave someone with me!

"Come back!

"Hey!"

"Mr. Matthew, please quiet down." Rowan snickered. "Your father's resting. You wouldn't want to wake him up, would you?"

Helpless, Matthew could only glare as the group of people left right before his eyes.

Rowan could see Charlie waiting for him from the front yard not too far away. He picked up his pace to get in the car when a low "thank you" came from behind him. He froze before turning around and meeting Zephyr's deep gaze.

Rowan held on to his pride and rolled his eyes, not planning to regard the younger man.

As Zephyr looked at Rowan, he could not help chuckling when he suddenly thought that the latter was acting just like Ginger at home.

"What are you laughing at?" Rowan glared at him.

"Nothing," Zephyr replied faintly. "Mr. Irwin, I was serious just now. Thank you very much."

"You're thanking me for saving your grandfather or for making your uncle wet himself?"

Zephyr pressed his lips together speechlessly.

"Don't think so highly of yourself!" Rowan snorted. "I'm not here for you!"

Yes, he was there for Cordelia. If he had not wanted to show off himself in front of his daughter, even ten Hamerton families combined would not be able to get him to budge. Zephyr's feelings when he faced Rowan were currently complicated and contradictory.

He did not hate this old geezer anymore but thought the following days would be quite interesting with a father-in-law like this. It was just that he was worried about Cordelia. Cordelia's over 20 years of hardships could not be recompensed so easily.

"That's all, right?" Rowan glared at him. "I'm leaving in that case!"

"Hold on, Mr. Irwin!" Zephyr quickly stopped him. "There's one more thing I'd like you to find out!"

"What is it?" Rowan squinted.

"Please find out what other things are in the meds my grandpa takes."

Rowan paused.

After checking on Liam earlier, he had said that the ingredients in the tonic medicine were good nourishment items, but the ratio was wrong.

There was actually something he had not said there was an addictive ingredient in there! He had yet to find out what ingredient that was, so he dared not mention it. Rowan had always been cautious, never bringing up anything without solid evidence.

How did Zephyr know?

Chapter 483

Chapter 483

Rowan looked at him for a long time with confusion in his eyes.

"I don't get what you're saying, Zephyr."

Zephyr smiled. "Mr. Irwin, you don't have to act oblivious. I don't know medicine, but I know my grandfather.

"To be honest, I've watched him take this tonic since I was young. He's been alright taking it for years. How could there be a problem now?

"Besides, Clark mentioned that he has recently been taking unusually much of this tonic. It used to be once every three days, but he'd more than like to have it thrice a day now. It's medicine, not some gourmet delicacy. Not to mention, he wouldn't have more than three bites even if he came across something delicious. Why has he lost control when it comes to this tonic?

Zephyr's gaze turned deep. "Mr. Irwin, there aren't just nourishing supplements in this tonic, right?"

Rowan looked at him quietly.

The kid was not stupid. He could see the problem at a glance.

It seemed that Cordelia would do fine marrying him. It would save her a lot of trouble being together with a smart man. Moreover, their children would not come out with too low of an IQ.

He wondered how adorable and cheeky a baby Cordelia would give birth to in the future... Not only would the baby be smart, but it would also inherit his parents' outstanding looks. Marvelous! The Irwins would have their heir too!

As Rowan thought about it, he slowly put on the loving smile of a father, and his gaze on Zephyr grew much gentler. He actually thought Zephyr looked easier on the eyes now!

Despite that, Zephyr had no idea about the drama going on in Rowan's mind. He only felt goosebumps rising from being looked at like that by Rowan.

"Mm, you're right." Rowan lowered his voice. "There's some other ingredient in the tonic, but I haven't found out what it is, so I can't bring it up lest it raises alarm."

Zephyr understood instantly and nodded.

"Don't worry. I'm not some angel, but I know what's right and wrong. Drugging an old man with slow poison is despicable."

Rowan took out a bottle containing small pills.

"This is a nourishing supplement too, specially manufactured by Irwin Pharmaceuticals. One pill can make one bowl of soup," he said softly. "Your grandfather's senior in age and has his mind set. It won't work to persuade him to stop taking the tonic. This supplement can replace that, and the color, smell, and taste don't differ much when it becomes soup. Let him drink this."

"Thank you, Mr. Irwin."

"Hamerton..." Rowan looked at him with a complex gaze and was hesitant to speak.

Zephyr knew what he wanted to say. He smiled. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of her."

Rowan was taken aback and was in a daze for some time.

Returning to Royal Manor, Cordelia took off the heels she had worn for the entire day once she stepped inside and threw herself on the couch.

If she had known that so many things would happen today, she would have worn a pair of flats so her calves would not feel like they were cramping now.

Zephyr took a seat next to her and naturally picked up her legs to put them on his lap and gently massage her.

"Mm, it feels so good!" Cordelia grinned.

The man stopped and smirked.

"There's something better in a while..."

Cordelia kept her guard up immediately and pulled back her feet.

"What are you going to do?"

"Why are you so nervous?" Zephyr asked innocently. "What I mean by something better is a foot massage. What are you thinking?" Cordelia was rendered speechless.

"Darling. Why are you blushing?" He looked at Cordelia with a smile.

Cordelia was exasperated and kicked him with both her feet.

Zephyr complained aloud, "You use domestic violence on me every time you can't argue over me!"

Jokes! When could she ever be stronger than him in strength?

Zephyr snuggled up to her with a cackle. "But I like you being violent with me... Do it more often!"

"Mm!" Cordelia feigned a straight face. "I'll learn well from Uncle Irwin from now on. I wonder where he needled your Uncle Matthew today..." Zephyr's eyes went round in fright. He did not know where the needle had poked in particular, but he had seen that it was around Matthew's hips.

Chapter 484

Chapter 484

For the sake of the rest of his life, Zephyr must not let Cordelia learn acupuncture from Rowan, no matter what!

He began to divert the topic. "Honey, you were amazing today!"

"What?"

"What you told my uncle. That felt so good!"

Cordelia smiled. It was because Matthew was too much and was hurling accusations recklessly!

After a few interactions, she actually found Henry unproblematic aside from being relatively honest and timid. No one said that honest people should be bullied. She could not stand it.

In addition, she stepped up because it did feel powerless when Kate was defending them alone.

"It's my honor to have seen my wife's cool side again today!"

"And you sound like you've eaten honey today." Cordelia glanced at Zephyr with a smile.

Zephyr rested his head on her shoulder and held her arm with both hands.

"Honey, you saw it too... We have so many snakes at home. It's really hard for me to survive! You've got to protect me well!"

Cordelia really could not stand it anymore and shoved Zephyr away, only for the latter to pull her back.

"Zephyr!" she cried. "Looks like you want your wife to take care of you again?"

The man nodded like a pecking chicken. "Have you forgotten that I need lots of love and care?"

"Well, that's true!"

Zephyr's eyes lit up, and he pinned Cordelia down on the couch with a smirk.

Before Cordelia left the house the next day, it took her a long time in the closet to find a turtleneck top to cover the marks on her neck.

Zephyr was already waiting in the car, but he was not quite happy.

Cordelia had put Ginger in the car too!

Zephyr barely smiled during the drive. He glanced at the fat tabby cat next to him and glared at it from time to time. Finally, he failed to hold it in and asked Cordelia, "Why are you taking it along when we're visiting mom?"

"My mom will like it too!" Cordelia pouted. "I'm busy with work and rarely go back. Carter's staying in his university dorm. My mom's lonely at home!

"Besides, Ginger needs some fresh air outside too. It's not good to keep it just in our house!"

"But..."

But he could not stick to her when the cat was between them! Cordelia also kept petting the cat and not him!

Robert could not help chuckling when he spotted his boss' glower from the rearview mirror as he drove.

Zephyr did not want a son or a daughter, yet Cordelia's attention was still easily stolen away by a cat. He glared at Ginger begrudgingly... Ginger wondered if the man would throw it away one day.

As the couple arrived at the seafront condominium, Xyla was delighted when she saw Ginger and carried it in her arms.

"Is this really a stray?" she asked several times. "But the luster of its fur and the pattern... It really isn't like a regular stray!"

"Maybe it's a purebred." Cordelia smiled. She was clueless about these, but her mother looked like she knew everything.

What Cordelia did not know was that back at the Irwins, they had never lacked purebred animals. She also did not know that her mother was basically like the princess in Princess and the Pea. Even with layers of mattresses, she could still easily notice the tiny pea underneath them.

Some nobility and extravagance were innate they flowed in the blood.

"Can I have Ginger?" Xyla looked at her daughter in anticipation.

Cordelia was reluctant, but Zephyr was thrilled.

"Sure!" He was more than willing.

Cordelia elbowed him and gave him a look.

Despite that, he sounded righteous. "Cordelia, don't be insensitive! Let's let Ginger stay here since mom likes it!"

"You..."

"Mom looks experienced in taking care of cats!"

"Zephyr Hamerton!" Cordelia gritted through her teeth.

"As long as mom likes it, I'll bring her the moon and stars. What's more, a cat?”

Cordelia pouted and stared at him with her big eyes.

Ginger looked like it was enjoying itself. Not only was it basking in the sun, but Xyla was also combing its fur. Life was great.

It must be grumbling about how Zephyr sounded so righteous when he just did not want it to third-wheel him and Cordelia.

"I had a cat before." Xyla grinned happily like she had gone back to her childhood.

She told Zephyr with a smile, "I had it with your mom! We boarded in an international school back then, and we couldn't keep it in the dorm, so Janine and I secretly kept it outside. We needed to go over the wall to feed it daily after school!"

"Was it a tabby too?" Cordelia was curious.

"No." Xyla chuckled. "It was a Siamese. Super cute!"

'A Siamese cat?' Cordelia's eyes lit up.

She remembered that Rowan had a Siamese in his arms back when she met him at the veterinary hospital!

Both adults had the same breed of cat! Cordelia was gleeful-she found another thing they shared in common! This made her more determined to introduce Rowan to her mother.

While Zephyr went to collect the laundry on the balcony, Cordelia went to her mother with a beam and told her softly, "Mom, I know someone who likes cats too!"

"Oh, who is it?" Xyla asked in passing.

"It's..." Cordelia thought about it. It was not like Xyla would know if she told her, so she might as well introduce them when they met.

"It's the uncle who's in the joint hospital project with me. He's really nice and is a skilled doctor. He's also kind... Hmm, he looks handsome too!"

Xyla caught the intention between the lines and turned to Cordelia. "What do you want?"

Cordelia smiled embarrassedly. "Nothing... Just wanted to let you both know each other! You can exchange thoughts about keeping cats when you're free!"

"You!" Xyla poked Cordelia's head. "Trying to set your mother up now? Don't try to look for a partner for me. I don't need it!"

"Mom..."

Cordelia licked her lips and said softly, "I don't mean harm. I just think you're a little lonely, and I can't come back often to accompany you. And I don't want you to stay in the past. You've got to look forward..." Xyla's expression sobered, and she stayed quiet for some time.

Cordelia hugged her lightly, feeling a pang. She kind of regretted saying what she did so rashly. She knew that her mother had been ill before.

"Sorry, mom. I won't bring it up again..."

"I don't blame you." Xyla sighed and forced a smile after a while. "You're right. One should look forward."

Cordelia was astonished. "Mom, you mean you agree?"

Chapter 485

Chapter 485

"I didn't say that I agree!"

Xyla looked at her daughter and smiled when she caught the slight disappointment in her expression.

Even when she could not see Rowan again in this lifetime, having the pair of children she had was the most precious gift the man had given her.

"I know that you're doing this for my sake," Xyla said gently, "But I really don't want to look for someone else. How William Jenner treated me in the past... It's still fresh in my head." Cordelia hung her head in silence.

"But the man you mentioned, he's not as bad as William Jenner, right?"

"Huh?" Cordelia jolted. "No, of course not! He's super nice!"

"Treating the sick and saving those in need is benevolent." Xyla smiled. "I don't agree to another marriage, but meeting him and having an acquaintance is fine."

"Really?" Cordelia's eyes lit up. She hugged her mother.

The sun traced a gentle outline of gold around the mother and daughter cuddling together. Ginger meowed and stretched with a squint.

Everything looked peaceful and pleasant.

Cordelia smiled. It was not easy that her mother was willing to take this step forward. She would leave the future to the future. Many married couples started from being acquaintances anyway! "Right." Xyla looked at Cordelia. "What cat does the man have?"

"The last time I met him, he had a Siamese!"

"What?"

Xyla froze and felt a clench in her heart. It was an inexplicable sadness that even breathing felt painful. She recalled her carefree days in the past-it felt like something from her past lifetime.

The school found that Xyla and Janine kept a pet cat back then. The international school had strict rules and busy school work, forbidding students from doing anything unrelated to their studies. The school ordered the two friends to send the cat to a shelter, or they would be punished.

Xyla's eyes were rimmed red as she stood at the school gate with tears falling. It was then she was pulled into a warm and familiar embrace.

Rowan rubbed her head, his eyes brimming with indulgence that was reserved only for her.

"Silly goose, why are you crying over something so small?"

Xyla looked at him and sobbed, saying after a while, "I can't bear to..."

"I'll take care of it."

"What?"

"I said I'll take the cat back." Rowan chuckled. "The shelter can barely provide, and you have spoiled the cat. It probably can't stand an environment like that. I might as well take it home. We have space at home anyway. It won't end up in the streets."

"Then..." Xyla pouted. "I won't be able to see it often."

Rowan stared at her. When the wind blew, she could not help shuddering.

Southeast Aciatic had no winter, but the air was chilly coming to this time. Xyla only wore a short-sleeved school uniform and had wrapped her arms around herself.

Rowan did not take off his jacket to drape it on her. Instead, he unbuttoned it and pulled her into his embrace.

The masculinity he oozed enchanted the young girl.

"Don't worry." Rowan's voice was husky. "I'll pick you up every night, and you'll see it once you get home. Then I'll send you back before your curfew. No one will notice." "But isn't it tiring for you to come back and forth?"

He rubbed her hair. His love and doting on her were like chocolate, melting and spreading in his smile.

"It's not tiring at all to do anything for you."

Chapter 486

Chapter 486

Although Xyla had no intention of getting married again, Cordelia still thought that it was hopeful because of her willingness for an acquaintance.

Therefore, she had been thinking of ways to pull the two together these days. Ultimately, the best method seemed to be the most old-school as well-that was to come out and meet.

Cordelia first called Rowan and vaguely expressed that she would like to sit down somewhere with him for a chat and explicitly asked him to bring the Siamese cat along.

When Rowan hung up, he felt a buzz in his ears and was delightfully surprised.

"Charlie, I didn't mishear, did I?" he repeatedly confirmed in disbelief. "Cordelia wants to... She wants to have coffee with me?"

Charlie felt like it was a miracle too.

Cordelia was gentle and approachable but almost never took the initiative to ask someone out.

Charlie frowned and suddenly caught a detail.

"Mr. Irwin, Cordelia asked that you bring the Siamese cat along!"

"Hmm, so?"

"You forgot? She had a tabby when you met at the veterinary hospital last time... Those two cats got along pretty well!"

Charlie deduced, "Do you think Cordelia wants to... breed her cat?"

"Uh..." Rowan was simply puzzled.

What was there to do when their breed was not even the same?

In spite of it, this was an invitation from his daughter. He was not giving up on this chance, no matter how many challenges and obstacles he faced!

It was just that where was he getting a cat? He had bought the Siamese cat to approach Cordelia-he had given it away after that!

"Charlie! Quickly!" Rowan instructed, "Get another Siamese cat, a pretty one!"

Charlie assented and quickly did as he was told.

Rowan darted to his closet. His hands were shaking in thrill when he picked out his outfit.

The next day, he was all suited up with a tie and even a hat. With a Siamese cat in hand, he arrived at the cafe Cordelia had asked to meet an hour earlier.

Before he went in, he practiced various smiles against the window. He finally decided on one with the best-ticking angle and was going to go in when he heard the familiar voice at the corner of the street. "Cordelia, slower! What hurry are you in?"

Rowan's mind went blank, and his heart felt like it had ruptured.

He froze. While they came close, he abruptly dashed off to hide behind the pots of tall shrubs by the cafe's door.

"Goodness, can't you walk slower!" Xyla nagged with a chuckle carrying Ginger. "I have this one in my arms. How could I catch up?"

Cordelia turned around and hooked arms with her mother with a beam. She was just a little too eager to let Rowan and Xyla meet. "Mom, I think the uncle will be here soon! Let's go in first. Let's not make him wait for us."

"Mm, sure."

Rowan hid nearby. As he watched the mother and daughter chat merrily, a pang came from his heart, and a tear slid from his eyes. Cordelia had never been late or let others wait a long time for her. This was what Xyla had taught her.

He had caused Xyla to become the family's sinner, to be chased out of Southeast Aciatic, and to have no home.

Yet, she had given him a fantastic daughter and son, giving new meaning and hope to his life after this.

This was their difference-one was consumed by resentment and revenge, while the other was filled with love. He had won Irwin Pharmaceuticals and the whole world, but he had lost her.

Chapter 487

Chapter 487

Rowan quietly watched the mother and daughter as his vision blurred. He fell in a daze, and the crate in his hands fell to the ground. The small Siamese cat meowed helplessly and began to claw at the crate

door.

A strong arm held onto him then.

Startled, Rowan turned to meet Zephyr's complicated gaze.

"You..."

Zephyr picked the crate up. "Mr. Irwin, are you not going in?"

Rowan's eyes were still red. It took him a few deep breaths to calm his emotions down.

Zephyr sympathized with him for some reason. He had not thought it was a good idea when Cordelia was making arrangements for this, but he could not bear to interrupt her, seeing how excited she was. He was afraid of something undesirable happening today when Rowan and Xyla met, so he had stayed there to keep an eye out.

When he saw the old geezer's shocked and regretful look, he felt a mix of feelings.

After he survived the plane crash, Rowan had sent him specialized medicine to treat him. The older man had said he was not getting involved with the Tanners, but he healed Kelly.

Even on the day when his grandfather passed out, Rowan had gloated for one second before he rushed to Hamerton Manor with his medical kit. Yes, it was for Cordelia, but he had also saved Liam from a critical condition.

Furthermore, Irwin Pharmaceuticals had saved countless lives by producing good quality and cheap medicine each year.

By the look of things, Rowan was a good man. However, only Xyla had personally experienced his bad side.

People were complex. One could not be labeled or determined as good or bad with a matter or two.

The adults' world was never just black and white, to begin with. Many times, it was gray.

"I..." Rowan was silent for a moment. His voice was tinged with a sob. "I won't be going. Cordelia will like this cat... Pass it to her for me."

"It probably isn't Cordelia who likes this cat." Zephyr looked at him cryptically. "It's my mother-in-law, Xyla Irwin."

Rowan felt his heart drop. He lost his balance a little as he felt dizzy.

Zephyr sighed. "Mr. Irwin, I'll get someone to send you back for some rest."

"Zephyr..." Rowan sounded weak. "You brat, did you find out something?"

Zephyr smiled without saying anything.

Rowan muttered under his breath, "I should've guessed it. Janine and her big mouth—"

"I don't know anything." Zephyr patted his shoulder. "I only know the two women in there. The both of us are going to protect them from now on."

Rowan was stunned. After a long moment, there was a resolute and comforted gaze in his eyes. Well, this son-in-law of his was growing easier on his eyes. He was smart and had a way with words. Rowan nodded and padded to the car by the road holding the crate.

Charlie was not with him, so Zephyr asked Robert to drive.

It was until they drove off that Zephyr entered the cafe.

Cordelia was surprised when she saw him. "What brings you here?"

Zephyr sat next to her with a smile. "Some details about the hospital project have to be decided. I've called to meet and will head to the office in a while."

"What?" Cordelia looked at him. "Is there a meeting today? Why didn't anyone tell me!?"

"You're the big boss, no need to worry over something small like this." Zephyr slung an arm around her shoulders. "The big boss can rest well when I, the dutiful worker, am around!" Cordelia giggled, her eyes shining with bliss.

Zephyr took the excuse of ordering coffee and pulled Cordelia to the side to tell her softly, "Mr. Irwin's attending to decide on the details too, so he won't be able to make it today. Let mom know nicely."

Chapter 488

Chapter 488

"Oh..." Cordelia was rather disappointed.

"Mr. Irwin said next time." Zephyr decided for his father-in-law. "He'll definitely come and share his thoughts about keeping cats as pets with mom when he's ready."

"Alright." Cordelia pouted and pulled out her phone, talking to herself in puzzlement, "Even if Uncle Irwin's not coming, he should've texted me..."

"Maybe he forgot it when he got busy, with old age and all."

Zephyr suddenly pulled Cordelia into his arms and rubbed her head.

Cordelia could feel the man's passion, but this was a public space, so she punched him in embarrassment.

"Let go of me..."

"Cordelia."

"What?"

Zephyr felt a squeeze in his heart.

He thought of how she walked on the muddy road in the white wedding dress despite the storm, how she was timid and cautious back when they were in the rundown house, how she agreed to marry in place

of Yelena to gather enough money for her mother's medical fees, how she wanted to sell his heirloom jewelry when she failed to ask for her wedding gift yet took it back determinedly in the end... He hugged her tighter, feeling a pinch on his nose.

He said seriously, "Cordelia, I'll make it up to you for all the past hardships you've gone through."

"This is so out of the blue!" Cordelia replied in exasperation.

Zephyr smiled and looked at her seriously. He did not know what he was saying either, but he simply felt his heart ache for her.

Xyla, who was not far away, looked over. She had a slight furrow of brows. Her heartbeat seemed to be on an unusual rhythm today. Everything seemed off...

After the first date failed, Cordelia planned for the second meeting. However, she was busy with work recently, with lots of petty affairs and pressure, so she dropped the case for the time being. When she entered Imperial Media that day, Mr. Smith greeted her.

"Morning!" Cordelia smiled. "You're always so dedicated, Mr. Smith!"

"You flatter me, Ms. Cordelia." Mr. Smith's expression was honest and respectful.

"Is Madam Baker not in today?"

"Oh, she's gone back to Chaiseland on an early morning flight," explained Mr. Smith. "She has instructed me to leave you with some tasks."

Cordelia removed her jacket and changed into the suit jacket she usually wore for work, immediately throwing herself into work.

Mr. Smith handed a document to her.

"This is the new film that Imperial Media's geared to invest in for production."

Cordelia nodded. The investment was a large sum this time, but data analysis showed that the return would be high as well. It was just that she had just never seen the director before.

She looked at Mr. Smith in confusion. "Who's Chad Green?"

Mr. Smith smiled and lowered his voice to tell her, "The director of this film. He's from Jangasas and hasn't been exactly famous. For some reason, he got lucky this year and won an international award, shooting himself to stardom. Hah, this kind of big production wouldn't go to someone like him otherwise."

"What's someone like him like?" Cordelia was curious.

"He used to shoot... those kinds of films." Mr. Smith snorted. "Doing things the quasi-legal way and taking advantage of all the loopholes. Basically, you'll know what kind of person he is once you meet him, Ms Cordelia."

"Alright." Cordelia smiled. "What do we do now?"

"Prepare for a variety show. It's to publicize this film too," answered Mr. Smith. "It's a celebrity talent show. We're doing an open audition for the film."

Chapter 489

Chapter 489

Cordelia immediately related it to a name list that Janine had passed to her not too long ago. It was a list of Imperial Media's artists who had potential but had yet to get famous. They were hopeful, though. Cordelia smiled. This celebrity talent show was most probably prepared for these artists.

"Alright, I understand." Cordelia looked at Mr. Smith. "But I have something to ask."

"Go on, Ms. Cordelia!"

"Why would Madam Baker work with someone like this?" Cordelia frowned.

Mr. Smith explained with a chuckle, "It's not that Madam Baker wants to work with him. It's the market's choice. We're investing in a big production this time and hope to win internationally. We're bound to use a director who's globally recognized.

"Chad's films are pretty low-class, but same thing... He got lucky somehow and won the award. It's been a smooth sail for him from then on.

"And he is sort of talented in filming angles. Even Ms. Trinity Lulham has openly praised him before."

"Oh..." Cordelia nodded, deep in thought.

Someone who Trinity could compliment should be fine in terms of talent. However, the usual problem was that an individual's morals did not deserve their status.

"Don't worry, Ms. Cordelia." Mr. Smith's tone was calm. "This film will be produced in collaboration with several parties. It won't just be this director. Ms. Lulham is involved too. I heard that Sol Entertainment has shares as well, so they'll send someone too. Chad's just one of them. It won't affect the bigger picture."

"Mm, that's good." Cordelia smiled.

She was quite worried about a director like this causing a negative impact on Imperial Media's reputation.

A few days later, it was the meeting before the celebrity talent show, and Cordelia chaired it personally.

She had prepared a detailed proposal a long time ago and was calm and composed as she ran the meeting that day, from introducing the show's program to listing Imperial Media's recommended artists. She was composed in speaking and wore a constant smile, exuding an extraordinary presence.

Many people whispered among one another as they said she was like another Janine.

Zephyr observed the meeting from another room, both comforted and anxious as he saw how at ease Cordelia was. She was no longer the little bunny who relied on him for everything in the past-even though she was not exactly that dependent in the past too.

As a man, though, he hoped that his woman could rely on him for everything and that he could be her strength and support.

Zephyr smiled, watching the screen. Cordelia was really pretty today.

She wore a classic Cece suit with matching heels and looked poised and elegant. Her legs, especially-straight, slender, and long-could make any man drool.

Zephyr suddenly narrowed his brows!

Was the skirt... a little too short?

He turned to look at Robert, who was beside him.

Robert was serious at work, staring at the screen and what was happening there, but Zephyr was inexplicably furious and assumed that he was staring at a certain someone...

"Looking good!?" Zephyr suddenly raised his voice.

Robert jolted and looked lost. "Sir?"

"Stop looking!"

Zephyr got up with a stern expression.

To be honest, he really wanted to ask Cordelia to change, but Janine had chosen the outfit for her, and he had been there too. He had felt his world light up when Cordelia came out of the changing room. How could his girl not have the freedom to dress as she wished? Hah!

Robert had worked for Zephyr for a long time, so he easily saw through him. He could not help chuckling inwardly.

He coughed and said softly, "Mr. Z, should I ask the assistant to send Ms. Cordelia another outfit..."

"No need." Zephyr's face was cold. "Ask the men there to keep their heads down!"

Robert paused and felt speechless.

Chapter 490

Chapter 490

The meeting came to an end very soon.

Cordelia took a deep breath and suddenly felt a strange gaze following her. She looked around and met Chad's smirking gaze.

She was instantly unnerved.

Chad smiled at her. Out of courtesy, she forced a smile back and left hurriedly with her documents.

"Cordelia Jenner..." Chad sat on the chair as he watched her leave, looking like he did not have enough of it.

As expected of Imperial Media, it was really a place of talented individuals. The female celebrities were gorgeous in their own way, but none was as captivating as Cordelia was to Chad.

He had been shooting for so many years, so he had seen plenty of beautiful women, but he had never come across someone like Cordelia, who had delicate features and a faint distant sense to her. She was cold and elegant when she did not smile, yet she felt like the gentle winter sun when she did.

Chad also found her name incredibly familiar.

After asking around, he discovered that she was also from Jangasas. It was only then he suddenly recalled that William seemed to have two daughters, and one of them had the same name. He made a call somewhere vacant as soon as he left the building.

Chad smiled, his features squeezed together. "William, how have you been doing?"

"Oh, the famous director has time to call me?"

Chad chuckled. He and William were old friends. Before he became famous, it was thanks to William's investments that he could shoot the films. Even when they were not played in cinemas, he had earned a good amount on some rated websites.

Chad had never contacted William after getting famous, and the latter had once called him ungrateful. Now that he was calling William again, he could hear the obvious mockery in the latter's voice. "Bro, don't say that!" Chad chuckled. "I'm just a bit busier recently and don't have the time. That's why I can't keep catching up!"

"Just say what you want. Stop babbling nonsense with me!" William scoffed. "I hope it's not for money? You're an international director now. Would you lack investment from me?"

"No, no..." Chad hurried to say, "I'm just catching up. How are your daughters?"

William paused. "What are you trying to say?"

Chad was direct as well. "You have a daughter named Cordelia Jenner, right?”

Silence greeted him on the other end of the line. It was after a long time that William's low voice answered, "She has... moved to Centrolis."

Chad was delighted. This meant that Cordelia was really William's daughter.

"If I remember correctly, she's your illegitimate daughter, right?"

William was irritated. Cordelia was not his daughter, and he knew about it a long time ago. It was just that he had been coveting the medical formulas Xyla had, and there would be a sum of money transferred from Southeast Aciatic to Xyla's account every month throughout these 20-something years.

William was greedy. While Cordelia was young and Xyla was ill, he claimed the money as his own. When the money came from Southeast Aciatic each month, he would leave a small portion to Cordelia and Xyla-as long as they would not starve to death-and the rest would go to his pocket.

The money and medical formulas he coveted were the reasons he refused to back off from Xyla all these years.

It was just that he did not expect Xyla to get better and that the one Cordelia had married was not Marcus but the Hamerton heir in Centrolis!

His own daughter was also connected to the Hamertons, but she was just Yale's plaything.

It felt like a thorn in William's heart. His arrogance and pride made him run deeper into a dead alley. He could never tell Chad the truth.

"Oh, yeah!" William went along with what Chad said, "Cordelia's my illegitimate daughter. Why? Have you met her?"