Ch. 51..60

Chapter 51

Chapter 51

At the top floor of Regalia Hotel...

Marcus leaned back against the spacious recliner. The weather was not good today. The fog was thick above the sea far away, seeing no end like the knot in his heart.

"Are you not interested in Mr. Z Hamerton?

"You'd shoot up to high society if he took a liking to you!"

Marcus tightened his hold on the wine glass, his joints becoming white from the exertion.

He had just wanted to joke with her but did not expect such a huge reaction from her. Not only had she not allowed him in the bedroom these days, but she was also icy to him. She prepared the meals and cleaned the house as usual but kept a cold and polite distance from him.

The atmosphere nearly suffocated Marcus, who was always calm and collected, making him close to losing his mind. If he could go back in time, he would have choked himself without a filter dead!

A helicopter slowly landed on the helipad not far away. The wind stirred from the rotating propellers messed up Marcus' hair and swept a corner of his shirt up as well.

Josiah got off the helicopter ecstatically and ran over to Marcus when he saw him. The closer he got, though, the more he realized that the guy did not look too good.

He had specifically ordered the hotel to prepare white truffles and caviar, but Marcus had not even laid a finger on them.

Josiah knew better this time. He quietly sat on the chair across from the man and kept his eyes on Fredric, hoping to get some sort of hint from the latter.

It was just that Fredric could not figure Marcus out either, so he silently read and sipped on coffee.

Finally, Josiah was unable to handle this quiet and oppressed mood. He chuckled dryly and tried to strike up a conversation, "Uh, Z... I showed Cordelia's sales proposal to a few directors under me, and they showered it with praise, saying it's done professionally. They even said that the person who prepared this was a talented individual and wanted to recruit her to our company!"

He thought that saying these would make Marcus happier, but the latter only glowered darker and glared at him.

Josiah's heart lurched before it thumped nervously.

“Uh... My assistants say that the collaboration can happen. Bowfest Foreign Trading's asking me to meet too. Z, should I go?"

Marcus snapped, "This is your company's business matter. Should I be asked?"

Josiah was confused again.

Marcus asked, "Were you the one who arranged for Cordelia to attend the dinner at the Splendor Dynasty?"

"Yeah." Josiah paused. "Isn't that what you wanted? So she wouldn't get caught up with the Jenners at the door and could come in for a good meal and a good rest... as long as she didn't see you. That's why I sent someone to put her in a room."

Marcus snarled, "You had already got her in. Couldn't you send her a stylist and dress her up for the banquet?"

"But wouldn't your identity be exposed then?"

"She'll find out sooner or later! What's the difference, sooner or later!?"

Josiah licked his lips, looking bewildered. This fellow had not said that previously! Why did he change his mind all of a sudden?

"Can't even get something this small done! F*cking trash!" Marcus sprang up and glared at him before he left.

Josiah was dazed for a long time before he looked at Fredric, who was equally lost when Marcus' back disappeared in their field of vision.

"What's up with him? Hormonal imbalance?"

Fredric pursed his lips and chortled without saying anything.

"Fredric, he's not really crazy, is he?" Josiah shrugged. "He's going back and forth. It's not normal at all!"

Fredric glanced at him cryptically. "Since when has he been normal ever since he met Cordelia?"

Cordelia blanked out the whole day, staring at the computer. Not even a word flashed on the sales report. It even took her a while to snap out of herself when Annie called for her.

"What's wrong?" Annie packed up while she looked at her. "It's time to get off work, and you're still sitting here!"

Cordelia seemed a little tranced. When she snapped her head up, everyone in the office except her and Annie had left. Even Annie had turned off her computer, getting ready to leave. "Cordelia, you don't look too good recently." She asked in concern, "Did something happen? Did you fight with your husband?"

"No." Cordelia forced a smile. "Just a little misunderstanding."

"Since it's a small misunderstanding, just explain it," Annie said with a smile. "I always hear my mom say that couples who always bicker have better relationships. Spouses fight and make up... all in the same bed!"

Cordelia froze and chuckled awkwardly. She had gotten married, yet her cherry had still not been popped. Same bed? Hah...

She suddenly raised a brow, thinking about this. Was this related to what Marcus had said the other day? She did not let him touch her despite how long they had been married. Any normal man would be unable to take it.

That was why he suspected her and brought up some Mr. Hamerton so she could fly high for no reason.

Cordelia bit her lips. The guilt that seeped into her washed away the disappointment and grievances she felt these few days. She was actually responsible as well, as she did not fulfill a wife's duty. They could... tonight...

Cordelia blushed as her heart thumped wildly. She was going to go home when Jesse came toward her.

"Cordelia, stay back for a moment!"

Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Cordelia froze. Once she heard Jesse's voice now, everything in her automatically shifted to fight mode. She looked at him in alert. Jesse could not help chuckling when he came close and saw her like this. He turned to Annie. "You can go back. Cordelia stays."

Annie could only leave first, but she kept turning back to check on Cordelia, worried. Everyone knew about Jesse's ulterior thoughts regarding Cordelia. Was he up to something by retaining her alone? Annie stopped when she got to the company exit.

Before she and Cordelia went on the business trip together previously, the company regulation stated that each employee had to leave an emergency contact with both the company and their partner. She remembered that Cordelia had saved her husband, Marcus, as the contact.

Annie searched for Marcus' number from her phone contacts and sent him a text after a moment of hesitation.

Jesse smirked at Cordelia in the office.

"What a capable junior I have." He looked her up and down. "The company hasn't been able to score Centrolis' Bayers for years, but you managed to push the sales proposal in right away! Amazing, amazing!" Cordelia's expression was impassive. "Is this why you've asked me to stay back?"

"Of course not." Jesse cleared his throat. "There's a business dinner tonight. Come along!"

Cordelia looked at him loathingly, but he only grinned with nonchalance.

Jesse knew that Cordelia hated events like this the most and intentionally annoyed her with it. Since he could not have her, she could become his stepping stone and give him a boost.

"Sigh, I didn't actually want to ask you." Jesse smirked darkly. "But you're the only pretty one in the company. Sometimes, it's troublesome when a woman's too pretty!"

"Sorry, I can't make it," Cordelia rejected coldly. "My husband's waiting for me at home. I have to "

"Go back and make him dinner?" Jesse scoffed. "What? Your husband can't take care of himself?"

"Jesse Ford, watch your words." Cordelia glared at him. "It's none of your business whether my husband can take care of himself or not, but if you dare provoke me again, he'll beat you up, so you won't be able to take care of yourself!"

Jesse glowered and stopped the topic.

"Anyway, Mr. Johnson specifically asked for you. I'm only a messenger. If you refuse to go and offend the client, forget about staying in the company!"

He left with a swing of his arm after that, leaving Cordelia to gnash her teeth at his back.

Her job was at stake here. She could only give in even if she was unwilling to attend the dinner.

Cordelia texted Marcus and dragged her feet to the Eterous Hotel. The moment she stepped into the room, she saw a handsome man sitting in the main seat, almost like a celebrity. She froze.

She had not looked carefully back when she was at the Bayer Group's building, but now that she was seeing from such a close distance, Annie was right—the man was better looking than his photos. Josiah did not expect Cordelia to be here either. He was surprised when he saw her enter before he felt chills down his spine. When he came in just now, Michael and Jesse hurried to pander to him and told him mysteriously that a beautiful girl would accompany him tonight.

'If Z were to find out about this...' Josiah sucked in a cold breath and sprang up, his eyes trained on Cordelia.

"Mr. Bayer?" Cordelia nodded. "I'm Cordelia Jenner, from the sales department."

"Oh, oh." Josiah nodded stiffly.

Michael and Jesse smirked inwardly. It seemed that no matter how successful a man was, he would barely pass up on a beautiful woman. Josiah would definitely be put in Cordelia's hands! "Cordelia, stop standing there!" Michael gave her a look. "Pour Mr. Bayer some wine!"

Cordelia approached Josiah weakly. Just as she was about to pour him wine, the latter anxiously stopped her. "No, no! Don't... You don't have to be so courteous...” The two men were stunned.

Josiah chuckled awkwardly while fat droplets of sweat dotted his forehead, and he had no idea where to place his hands.

Jesse looked at Cordelia. "Propose a toast to Mr. Bayer!"

Cordelia could only pour herself a glass of wine and empty it as a courtesy.

Josiah felt chills to his core. How would he dare let his sister-in-law give him a toast? He poured a full glass for himself and guzzled it down thrice.

"Don't just keep drinking!" Michael said again, "Hah, Cordelia, help Mr. Bayer with the dishes!"

Before Cordelia could pick up anything, Josiah was quick to cry, "I'll do it myself! I wouldn't dare trouble si- Ms. Jenner!"

Michael frowned, finding the situation not right, but he could not point out what exactly.

It was said that Josiah Bayer was a womanizer and had seen plenty of women. Even if he did like Cordelia, there was no way he should get nervous to this extent.

As Michael observed Josiah with a squint, however, this young and rich heir seemed to act like a cowardly mouse in front of Cordelia.

He met eyes with Jesse, and they left the room with the excuse of getting a smoke.

As for Cordelia, she had a low alcohol tolerance and had drunk too fast, so she was dizzy now that the alcohol had started running in her system. She looked apologetically at Josiah. "Mr. Bayer, excuse me." "Mm, please feel free."

Cordelia smiled, stumbling a little as she walked out.

She had wanted to catch some air at the hotel entrance, but she heard two people talking to each other in a hushed tone just as she turned the corner of the lobby hallway.

Chapter 53

Chapter 53

"Don't you think Josiah Bayer's acting strange?"

"What's so strange?" Jesse was indifferent. "All men are the same when they see a beautiful woman."

"That's true... But he doesn't look like he's met a pretty girl. More like he's seen the ghost of his ancestor!"

Jesse nearly laughed out loud. He covered his mouth and scanned his surroundings before lowering his voice to tell Michael, "Mr. Johnson, I've already made the arrangement. The room's at..." Cordelia's heart came up to her throat. She quietly went closer and listened in attention.

That hotel was some distance away from here and was located in the suburbs, barely having anyone when night fell.

She clenched her fists and felt anger raging in her chest.

Jesse's smirk was evil. "That's a deserted place. Even if Cordelia screams herself hoarse, it's useless! Mr. Bayer will sign anything when he's had enough fun!"

"Oh yeah, Mr. Johnson, I installed a camera in the room. If Josiah Bayer dares to back out of it, we'll publicize the video recording!"

"You!" Michael pointed at him with a chuckle. "You know what you're doing, huh? But it'd be a grievance to Cordelia."

"What else can beautiful women do? She'll at least be useful on the bed!"

"When this is done, I'll transfer the sales director away, and you'll take the place!"

Jesse pandered to Michael even more once he heard what the latter said.

Cordelia gasped, hiding behind the pillar, filled with rage and hatred. She forced down the discomfort from the alcohol and tried her best to keep herself sober. However, Jesse and Michael's despicable faces kept flashing in her eyes.

She clenched her fists, digging her nails into her palms as she trembled. She could take care of the despicable men slowly. The urgency right now was to escape this crisis.

Cordelia calmed down and turned on her location on her phone, then texted Marcus to tell him to constantly keep track of her location and pick her up as soon as possible.

She did not get a response after sending the text and was a little panicked. Just as she wanted to give Marcus a call, Jesse came looking for her. She could only brace herself and go back to the room with him. Michael and Jesse encouraged her to drink even more after that. Cordelia did her best to avoid it, but she still drank quite a lot.

Josiah kept blocking for her as well, but he could not do it openly. He could only watch her empty one glass after another, planning to send her home personally to be safe.

When the dinner finally ended, Cordelia followed behind the men dizzily.

"Tonight was great!" Michael smirked and told Josiah with a lowered voice, "Mr. Bayer, there's a special program in a while... Don't miss it!"

Josiah, who was kept in the dark, was clueless.

When Jesse yanked Cordelia over and pushed her to Josiah, the latter was shocked! Cordelia's face was flushed, and her feet felt light, like she was stepping on cotton. Josiah helped her stand properly and pulled his hands back from her shoulders like he was electrocuted. He then looked at Michael and Jesse.

"W-What's the meaning of this?"

Jesse said with a grin, "Mr. Bayer, Cordelia's had too much to drink. Can you send her back?"

"Oh." Josiah composed himself. "I was thinking the same, even if you didn't bring it up."

Jesse and Michael exchanged a look. This was exactly what they wanted to hear. They quickly pulled the car door open and gave the driver an address, sending off Josiah and Cordelia. "Where are we going?" Cordelia struggled to straighten up in the car.

Her head was buzzing like a million bees had flown in, and she felt the alcohol at her throat. Her stomach was churning as well. It was upsetting.

When she looked properly, though, Josiah was sitting next to her!

Cordelia's heart thumped, and she shuffled to the side, looking at him alertly.

"Where are you taking me to?" When she asked the question, her hands had gone to her bag and untied the thin strap quietly.

Chapter 54

Chapter 54

"Ms. Jenner, calm down." Josiah kept his distance from her. "I'm sending you home."

Cordelia looked outside. This was not the way home!

Actually, Josiah knew all about Michael and Jesse's conspiracy. The car had just left the hotel. He had to put up an act instead of sending Cordelia home directly. That was why they took a longer way.

In spite of it, Cordelia did not know that! She became more alert and quivered a little. She had already unhooked her bag strap and gripped it tight in her hand.

What she was currently thinking were scenes of women's self-defense. She calmed down and thought carefully. There were three people, including the driver, in this narrow space. Other than her, the other two were strong men. She could not fight them directly.

It was a coincidence that she sat right behind the driver... She pursed her lips, and her big eyes kept up with what Josiah would do closely.

Marcus turned his phone as he stepped out of the club.

Robert spoke in a low voice next to his ear. "I have to rush back to Centrolis so that Sir Matthew doesn't notice. Sir, you..."

"Go ahead." Marcus narrowed his eyes. "Pretend nothing happened."

Robert nodded and scanned his surroundings carefully before disappearing into the night.

Marcus pulled out the document Robert showed him, tore it, and threw it into a nearby trash can. There were problematic accounts in the Hamerton Group these years under Matthew. It had to be destroyed, leaving no trace behind after he took a look.

Marcus took a deep breath. He was going to rush home when he felt his phone that was in his pocket vibrate several times continuously. He pulled it out and saw that it was a text from an unsaved number signed off by Annie. Cordelia's coworker seemed to have the same name.

He continued to scroll, and the few texts after that were from Cordelia.

Marcus' face fell as an icy glint flashed in his eyes. He quickly turned on his location setting to search for Cordelia.

"Ms. Jenner, you really don't have to be afraid! I'm not a bad guy!" Josiah waved his hands frantically, flustered. He completely understood what it felt like to be on pins and needles.

He just wanted to send Cordelia home safely! But this girl was looking at him with all her thorns bristling like he was an enemy. Her expression was high on guard.

"Don't come over!" yelled Cordelia.

Josiah was so shocked that he sobered up. He did not even want to go close to her. It was her who clung to the door! It was fortunate that Z was not around. If he were to hear Cordelia's cry, Josiah did not even know if he would see the next sunrise.

"Ms. Jenner, you... Calm down," Josiah stammered and forced a smile. "I wouldn't dare come close to you. S-Sit over a little. I'll stick to the car door, okay? It's not safe for you..."

He then growled at the driver, "Drive slower!"

The driver jolted and stomped on the accelerator accidentally due to his nerves.

As the car picked up speed so abruptly, Cordelia lost her balance and fell on Josiah. The latter was terrified, raising his hand immediately. "Ah! I didn't touch you... I'm not touching you! Don't make things up when you see him!"

Despite that, Cordelia was also in shock. She recalled Josiah's data that she studied before-rich heir, a womanizer with girlfriends from Centrolis to Feranche... He also had plenty of one-night stands! When he asked the driver to slow down just now, it must have been his code with the driver, so the latter drove faster!

"Move away!" Cordelia shoved him. "Josiah Bayer, touch me again, and I'll die with you!"

Her aggressiveness honestly chilled Josiah. He timidly shrunk to a side, not daring to make a sound, and did his best to keep himself the farthest away from Cordelia.

It was just unexpected that... the girl sprang up from the seat again!

She was fast and brutal, swiftly strangling the driver's neck with her bag strap. The driver was astonished and did his best to control the steering wheel, but the car was swerving in and out of the road as the tires screeched against the surface.

"Cordelia! Let go! Are you trying to kill us!?" Josiah was going to pull her off when she kicked him on the knee.

The driver was turning purple from the strangulation, and the car was shaking violently.

Cordelia held back the dizziness she felt. Her hands were shaking, and she finally felt the car door lock by the driver's seat.

"Ah!" Josiah screamed and grabbed the steering wheel.

Just as the car was running into a tree by the road, Cordelia opened the door and jumped...

A loud bang sounded when the car rammed straight into the tree.

Who knew how long it had been when Josiah and the driver helped each other out of the car? Both of them looked pitiful, but they were not badly injured, thanks to the airbags. Cordelia, however, was not as lucky.

Josiah felt like the world had ended when he saw Cordelia lying limp by the road.

"C-Call an ambulance! Quickly! Call the police!"

Josiah pulled out his phone, barely audible as he spoke. For someone over six feet tall, he was crying like he was made of water.

"Hello, Fredric, I'm doomed... Accident... Cordelia died. I killed Cordelia...

"Z's going to kill me! He'll definitely kill me!"

Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Cordelia peeled her heavy eyelids open. She felt like her bones were dismantled and reassembled. The pain was unbearable.

She was greeted with white walls and the smell of antiseptic while being bandaged in gauze from head to toe. What was even more exaggerated was that her leg was hung high.

She was stunned when a large hand held hers, and the warmth of it seeped into her heart.

Cordelia turned to meet the man's deep eyes.

He looked at her quietly with complex emotions running through them. Worry, frustration, concern, affection... and self-blame. He forced a smile and stroked her hair softly, speaking hoarsely. "You're finally awake."

Cordelia jostled, her head buzzing. Other than pain, she could not feel anything.

"What happened to me?"

"You don't remember?" Marcus held her hand in his and rubbed it gently.

Cordelia's lips were dry, and her throat was so parched-it felt like it was on fire. Her streams of consciousness slowly poured in, and she remembered everything that had happened that night.

Michael and Jesse kept making her drink and pushed her to Josiah. The latter took her into the car. She was unwilling to be taken advantage of, so she took off her bag strap and strangled the driver, then... Cordelia grew restless and gripped her fists.

"It's fine now," Marcus consoled her softly. "Everything's over. As long as you're okay."

"Honey," she called out softly, looking at him with her arms stretched for a hug.

Marcus smiled and sat next to her to help her up and carefully take her into his arms.

Cordelia was back to the warm and secure embrace again. Upon listening to the familiar heartbeat, her grievance and fear she had been suppressing were finally released, along with her tears. Marcus' heart squeezed as he rubbed her head.

"Sorry I came late," he said in a deep tone. "Your coworker, Annie, actually texted me about your situation once you finished work. You texted me a few times after that too. But I didn't see any of them." "You're not to be blamed." Cordelia pressed her lips together. "I should have watched out.

"But things like this can hardly be avoided in the workplace."

Cordelia went quiet and felt her calf hurting. She gnashed her teeth, and her expression changed. She looked at her leg that was hung up.

"It's a light fracture," Marcus told her. "This one's more serious. Aside from this, it's scrapes everywhere else. Consider yourself lucky."

"So, I won't get to walk for some time?" Cordelia was dazed.

"Yeah." Marcus chuckled. "I'll take care of you for the time being."

Cordelia paused. He would be taking care of her? She had experienced his culinary skills. If he were to take care of her, she would have blanched vegetables every day.

She chuckled weakly, her hands around his waist wrung tighter.

Marcus looked down at her with an increasingly solemn look. After a while of silence, he asked her, "Why did you do that?"

"Hmm?"

"Why jump off the car?"

Cordelia took a deep breath and told him everything.

"I drank quite a bit at that time. If I didn't hear Michael and Jesse's conversation in advance, I might already..." She bit her lips as tears welled in her eyes. "Jumping out of the car as self-defense was my only choice in that situation. I couldn't sit around and wait for my doom and let Josiah take me to the hotel."

"But do you know how dangerous it is to strangle the driver from the back and jump out of the car recklessly? What if you fell to your death!?"

Cordelia's heart skipped a beat. She looked up at the man. He looked stern and serious, his dark eyes rather frosty. Although he rarely smiled, he was not often this stern. She felt kind of wronged. Was she wrong to have done that?

Cordelia looked at him and murmured with a pout, "Would you rather some man take me to the hotel?"

"I just want you to stay alive!" Marcus' tone was deep.

Cordelia quieted down with her heart thumping. No matter what happened, his wish was for her to stay alive. Warmth gushed into her heart, and she wrapped her arms around him. "Silly." Marcus' tone was still chastising. "Is your innocence more important than your life?"

Cordelia nodded without hesitation.

"You..." Marcus glared at her, but the girl flashed him a naïve and pure smile.

Powerless, he sighed heavily after a long time and told her seriously, emphasizing each word, "Remember, your life matters the most whenever it is.

"This is no longer the ancient traditional times. Women's chastity isn't that important, and I'm not one to mind something like this."

He held her hand and looked into her eyes. He had not spoken loudly, but each word knocked at Cordelia's heart.

"You're the only one I mind. I want you to stay alive and live well. Don't confront danger stubbornly. As long as you're alive, anything can be exchanged. Understand?" Cordelia did not agree with what Marcus said but smiled and nodded in order to not make him worry.

"You're lucky that nothing too bad happened." Marcus looked at her with a look. "But those superiors of yours, are you planning to let them off the hook so easily?" "Of course not!" Cordelia's anger flared when they were brought up.

Despite that, she was just venting.

Michael was one of the company's shareholders, and Jesse was his niece's boyfriend.

What could a small employee like her do to them?

Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Marcus played with Cordelia's long hair with a smile, seeing that she was a little down.

"What's the matter?"

Cordelia sighed and chortled wryly.

"I don't have any good idea to seek revenge from them for now," she said softly. "I don't want word about this matter to get out since it's not exactly glorious. People like them get to live their lives like nothing happened after what they did, but I can't do anything to them.

"I can only pretend nothing ever happened and endure it for now until the day I'm powerful enough to fight them and settle the score with them!"

Marcus chuckled lightly as he looked at her.

Cordelia was not a soft pushover. This woman was tough, clear with what she loved and hated, resilient, and patient. She would avenge if there was a grudge, and she was able to stay calm and help herself in a crisis. She even had the determination and courage to risk it all.

She was like a female version of him.

The corners of Marcus' lips curled up high. The more he thought about it, the happier he was. This was what his woman should be like!

Since he had been conspired against, he had been holding back in patience, even changing his identity to live in Jangasas. It was all so he could defeat Matthew and his people one day.

He could endure it but was reluctant to let his woman go through such grievances.

"Darling, question." He chuckled. "If you had superpowers, how would you take care of those who harmed you?"

"What?" Cordelia widened her eyes at him.

"We're chatting anyway. Let your imagination run wild." He looked at her. "Fantasize it. How would you punish them?"

Cordelia blinked and grinned innocently. "It's not exactly a punishment. I just hope that they have their retribution, go through what I went through, and never ever appear before me!" Marcus nodded and whispered next to her ear, "Got it."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing." He helped her lie back down. "You must be tired. Have a good sleep. I'll get you some congee."

Cordelia went back to sleep, and Marcus slipped out of the hospital ward.

Josiah stood outside apologetically and obsequiously. He had also injured his leg as he limped with a crutch while his head was wrapped like a dumpling. Fredric helped support him on the side, and the two of them had been waiting here for some time.

Marcus glared at him with a heated gaze.

"Z, I-I'm really sorry..." Josiah winced. "But I swear, if I have any ulterior thoughts about Cordelia that night, I'll get run over by a car once I go out!"

"You've already been rammed by a car," Marcus said coldly. "You're lucky it didn't kill you!"

Josiah froze and chuckled. "Z, I wanted to send sis-in-law back that night, but I had to put up an act in front of those two scums, right? What if—"

"You don't have to explain. I understand."

Marcus' expression was icy.

Matthew could send someone to harm him at any time. Jangasas was no longer safe now. He would be put in a passive position if some people targeted Cordelia. He had to be careful in everything. The fewer people who knew about him and Cordelia, the better.

"You heard what she told me just now?"

Josiah was startled, while Fredric reacted faster and asked instantly, "About punishing Michael and Jesse?"

Marcus nodded.

Fredric grimaced. "Z, are we really doing as she wishes?"

"What else?" Marcus' gaze sharpened as he raised his voice. "Should I do it myself instead?"

"We'll do it! Of course we'll do it!" Josiah wanted nothing more than a chance to redeem himself. "Whoever sis-in-law doesn't want to meet will never appear in front of her in the future!" Marcus made a low hum and went off to buy congee with his hands on his back.

Fredric looked at Josiah speechlessly.

"Say... Will Z still be able to go back to Centrolis?"

"I'm not worried about this." Josiah smiled. "Given Cordelia's stubbornness, I'm worried about what she will do when she finds out that Z isn't Marcus one day."

Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Cordelia's injury required rest, so Marcus took her back home to care for.

In the beginning, Cordelia was worried. Marcus did not know how to do house chores, and even cooking was a problem. Now that she was injured, the house would definitely be a mess.

Despite that, her eyes sparkled the moment Marcus carried her into the house.

Their home was clean and tidy. Everything was put in place, not looking any different than before she got hurt.

"Not bad, huh?" Marcus chuckled deeply.

His gaze at her was like a little boy who was waiting for the teacher to praise him.

Cordelia grinned. She had always thought that her husband was unpredictable, but all she saw was him browsing finance news in various foreign languages usually. She did not expect him to be able to handle housework as well!

A while later, Marcus served two dishes.

Cordelia tasted them and found that they were decent, just a little too much salt. However, she was already pleasantly surprised with how they turned out.

"I've always said that my husband is the best!" She looked up at him playfully. "Looks like me getting injured is a good thing. I get to do nothing and wait to be served!"

"Sure." Marcus smiled with a cryptic gaze and replied in a slightly husky voice, "I can serve you well tonight too. What do you think?"

Cordelia blushed instantly as her heart thumped.

Marcus smiled at her and enjoyed his meal.

Cordelia could handle most of the activities, but taking a shower became an issue. Marcus offered to help her, but she rejected him right away.

The man chortled. "We're already husband and wife, and you still mind? You're inconvenienced by your leg now. It's my duty to help you shower."

Cordelia looked down in silence, her hands clutching the hem of her clothes.

Marcus did not force her upon seeing that she was genuinely nervous. Her eyes were cast down, and she bit her lips lightly. Her shyness, innocence, and anxiousness about sex, her embarrassed soft murmurs in front of him like she was playing hard-to-get... All those stripped him of his rationality and made him lose control.

Marcus narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Mm, go on." He passed her a clean towel. "I'll be at the door. Call me if you need anything."

Cordelia nodded and darted into the bathroom.

Some time passed, and Marcus paced back and forth in front of the bathroom door since he was worried.

"Are you done?" He knocked on the door. The water running inside stopped.

"I can come in and help you..."

"No need!" Cordelia cried, "I can handle it!"

Marcus paused with a small smile. The sound of the running water tickled his heart. Once he thought of Cordelia's plastered leg and that she had to struggle alone in the slippery bathtub as well as watch out for the tiled floor, he frowned. He should better go in!

It was not to take advantage of the girl. He was preventing her from falling. With such thoughts, Marcus pushed the door open only to see Cordelia getting out of the bathtub when he looked up...

Her skin was smooth and supple. She was gorgeous getting out of the bathtub and wearing nothing. Marcus gulped, feeling parched. He felt like his blood had all rushed up to his head!

Cordelia was surprised. Because of her leg cast that could not get wet, her leg had been stretched out of the bathtub. Now that she had to get out of it...

"Ah!" she cried and flushed nervously in embarrassment. As her foot slipped, she fell toward the tiled floor. She did not land on the floor, though, as she fell securely into a warm chest.

Marcus grabbed the towel to cover her up, but his hand hovered in the air. The scene presented before him was giving him feelings...

What should have happened on their wedding night had been postponed until almost half a year now! He had not been intimate with her back then because they were basically strangers living under the same roof. They naturally needed some time to get used to it.

Now, however...

"S-Stop looking!" Cordelia shyly turned her face away.

"Mm, I won't look." Marcus chuckled, his husky tone tinged with lust. He bent to carry her up.

Cordelia's mind went blank. When she reacted again, Marcus was already placing her carefully on the bed.

The man got up on top of her after that. There seemed to be two burning flames in his deep eyes.

Cordelia's breathing quickened. She felt his scattered kisses, gentle and cherishing her. "Tonight..."

He was not asking for her permission. His word was masculine and domineering.

Cordelia shuffled anxiously, her wet eyes shy and dazed.

Marcus smirked and avoided her injured left leg.

"Don't be scared." He chuckled in a deep tone. "Don't worry, just leave yourself to me."

Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Cordelia was delirious. She did not know how to answer him and could only respond shyly following what he said.

She gently closed her eyes, listening to the light shower of rain pitter-pattering on the window and feeling the man's passionate kisses... She slowly opened up her heart.

Marcus eventually woke up at the crack of dawn.

Back when he was at the Hamertons', he would sometimes wake up at 4:00 a.m. to work. He would always wake up early, a habit unchanged all these years.

In spite of it, because of Cordelia last night, he was filled with the impulse to sleep in for the first time.

Marcus turned to look at her silently. The girl was sound asleep and looked endearing. He could not help kissing her lips, but the sweetness of it stirred his urge again. He tried to hold himself back as he thought about last night's frenzy. She must be exhausted.

Marcus got up and caught a glimpse of his phone screen lighting up. He put on a T-shirt and got out of bed to go to the balcony quietly.

"Z, hope I didn't disturb you this early in the morning?" Fredric asked in a low tone.

"What's the matter?"

Fredric chuckled. "Your old man has been lashing out recently and took back a subsidiary under Matthew. All the Hamertons are saying that you're the one behind this." Marcus smiled. It was him indeed.

Fortunately, his grandfather doted on him, and there was a flaw in Matthew's accounts, no matter how perfect he fabricated them. Besides, there were many people in the Hamertons-lots more who were more courageous than Matthew. His grandfather was aged but not senile. His punishment for Matthew was actually a warning to the others with ulterior motives.

"What's my uncle's response?" asked Marcus, lowering his volume.

"It's said he's sincere in front of the old man." Fredric chortled. "Don't you know your second uncle well enough? Not only did he cry admitting his mistake, but he even knelt down at the family memorial hall and reflected himself to your ancestors for several nights!"

Marcus sneered. He could already imagine how Centrolis' media would report on Matthew. It would all be positive compliments saying that he was able to correct himself, that he was kind and honest, and that he was serving his family loyally.

This was Matthew's usual trick. With such overwhelming praises, even his grave mistake could be covered up.

Therefore, how could the outsiders believe that such a kind and honest man would tinker with the plane and harm his own nephew?

Marcus' expression was dark as his grip on the balcony railing tightened.

"I won't return to Centrolis yet."

Fredric paused. "Won't you miss the chance if you don't return now?"

"It's no use even if I go back now with his award-winning acting skills. Might as well watch what he does and strike his fatal point to beat him and his lackeys once and for all!" Fredric nodded, agreeing with his viewpoint.

A soft voice sounded from the phone just then. "Marcus? Darling... where are you?"

Cordelia's "darling" was soft and languid with a hint of a whine. Even through the phone call, Fredric was astonished by it-what was more, Marcus, who faced her every day.

Fredric grinned. It seemed that there was another reason the man was not returning to Centrolis just yet...

Marcus hung up in a hurry and went to the bedroom.

Cordelia was wrapped up in the blanket as she tried to reach for the clothes on the floor. However, her left leg prevented her from getting anything, even when her face was red from exertion. Marcus went in and picked up the clothes on the floor before carefully draping them over her.

Cordelia glanced at him and lowered her head shyly. Her gaze at him was different from the past now. She had entirely transformed into a darling wife who was attached to her husband. Marcus stroked her burning cheek gently and asked, "Are you still in discomfort?"

Cordelia nodded almost unnoticeably before smiling and snuggling into his chest.

"Sorry." Marcus rubbed her hair and spoke softly by her ear. "But... I'll know what to do the next time."

She punched him and whined. "Alright, stop it!”

With his arms around her, Marcus laughed heartily.

"Sleep a bit more. I'll go make breakfast." He volunteered. "What do you feel like having?"

"Anything?" Cordelia blinked her big eyes. "Hmm... I don't really have an appetite. Just make me some pasta."

"Sure, I'll add some protein. Let's make pasta and chicken."

"Chicken this early in the morning?"

"You worked hard last night." Marcus smirked. "To replenish you!"

Cordelia flushed as she pummeled him softly. "Stop it! You're not listening!"

The next few days, Cordelia realized that Marcus had not been joking with what he had said.

Her leg injury inconvenienced her movements, so the man took it as an excuse to carry her around daily. She could have used the crutches, but he forbade it. He carried her from the moment she woke up in the morning until she went to bed at night, then...

Cordelia could barely take it as she nagged him.

"My leg injury hasn't healed yet. I need rest!"

Yet, the man retorted, "You need more exercise with your leg, or it'll get moldy!"

"You're just bullying me while I can't move as usual!"

"Honey." He smirked and said, "Alright, I'll help you down to walk around since your leg is injured."

See u tomorrow at FindNovels.com <3

Chapter 59

Chapter 59

After some rest, Cordelia's leg finally healed. She could not wait for the check-up at the hospital and went off to work.

Annie was delightfully surprised when she saw her. "You're finally back! I haven't been in the mood to work without you sitting next to me recently!"

Cordelia smiled. "You're getting sweeter with words!"

"Sigh, I feel guilty! If I had insisted on going to the dinner with you, you wouldn't have been tricked by that scum..."

Alarmed, Cordelia quickly pulled Annie to an emptier corridor.

"Does... everyone know about this already?"

Annie looked around before telling her softly, "No. The people in the office don't know why you suddenly took sick days. The director said that you accidentally injured your leg. Everyone wanted to visit you in the hospital together, but he stopped them."

Cordelia nodded in silence.

The director was not bad, but he knew too well about self-preservation. He glossed over many things and would hardly stand up for anything.

"So even if there are suspicions, no one said it out loud." Annie looked at her. "Don't worry. It has passed. Just insist that you've accidentally injured your leg!"

"Mm."

It seemed that the director's way of handling this matter was right. She was a woman. Reputation mattered to her, and it would not be nice if word about this got out. "Oh yeah, Cordelia, I have amazing news to tell you!"

Cordelia paused and could not help chortling when she saw how gleeful Annie was. "What's so delightful?"

"Michael and Jesse are no longer in the company!"

"What?" Cordelia was astonished. "They-"

"I don't know what's the reason either, but the second day you were in the hospital, I saw Jesse leaving with a cardboard box. He looked dejected when he left, pathetic!

"As for Mr. Johnson..." Annie said with a hushed tone, "The board of directors seemed to have cut down his shares and transferred him to a subsidiary in Chengasas to become a small department manager. Hah... It's worse than chasing him out! How is he going to sell his goods in an underdeveloped place like Chengasas? What's that if not torture? Haha, it's gratifying!

"Cordelia? What's the matter?" Annie looked at her. "Why are you spacing out?"

Cordelia snapped out of her trance and forced a smile. The more she listened to Annie, the more astonished she was.

She suddenly remembered what Marcus had asked her in the hospital ward. She had casually said that she hoped these people would never appear before her again, and Marcus' "Got it" seemed to still echo in her ears.

Cordelia sucked in a deep breath and shook her head. How was that possible? How could Marcus have such an ability? It must be a coincidence!

"Cordelia, you're here!" Another coworker rushed over anxiously.

"I finally found you. Why didn't you bring your phones when you're out here to talk?"

Cordelia was stunned. "Did something happen?"

"Someone's here for you!" Her coworker pointed downstairs. "At the first floor's lobby. The handsome young chap claimed to be your younger brother. He called you many times, but you didn't answer! He looks quite anxious. Hurry and go have a look!"

Cordelia's heart lurched up to her throat as it thumped.

Carter was a sensible child. Even if he was greatly wronged, he would not come to her workplace for her. Now that he was here in such a hurry, there was only one possibility...

"Carter!" Cordelia rushed downstairs. "What's wrong? Did mom get worse?"

Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Carter was soaked in sweat, looking frantic with red-rimmed eyes. He failed to hold back his tears when he saw Cordelia come for him and went up to grab her.

"Cordelia, something happened at home!"

"What's wrong?"

"Your sister..." He panted. "Yelena took a lot of people home saying that she wants to chase us out!"

Cordelia felt her ears buzz, and her mind went blank.

"She came with a lot of workers saying she wants to take back the house to renovate it for her own use! Sis, didn't your father give the house to our mom? What right does she have to take it back!?" Cordelia's heart thrashed. She panicked for a moment, not understanding why Yelena would do that.

"Let's go back and have a look first!" She consoled Carter, "We've been living there for so many years. She can't just take it back like that. There could be some misunderstanding!"

"What misunderstanding could there be? Yelena must be up to no good!" Carter fumed. "She took so many people to our place today and chased me out... Hmph! There are many of them, and I can't fight them, but Marcus can!"

"What did you say?" Cordelia halted her step and turned pale. "Your brother-in-law knows about it already?"

"Yeah!" Carter nodded. "Of course, he's involved when it's something so big!"

"You!" Cordelia glared at him, anxious and angry.

It was only then Carter came to a realization. If Marcus met Yelena, whatever they had wanted to hide would be exposed!

"Sis, I..." Carter knew that he was at fault. "I didn't do it on purpose. I panicked and was scared, so I called Marcus!"

Cordelia's frown was knitted deep. "What did you tell him?”

"I didn't say much. I just said that there are people causing trouble at home and sent him the address!"

Cordelia went quiet and pulled out her phone to text Marcus, mentioning nothing about the house and saying that she suddenly wanted to have the chestnut cake from the bakery west of the city. She asked him to buy it and send it to her office.

She had been basically attached by the hip with Marcus recently, so he listened to her very well. She guessed that Marcus would definitely prioritize what she asked for.

The chestnut cake from that bakery had a long queue. This would buy her time. She could rush home first, take care of the problem with Yelena, then clear it up with Marcus.

"Hey, work faster, okay? Why are you taking so long with just a few pieces of furniture!?"

Yelena stood arrogantly and impatiently in the corridor of the residential building.

The neighbors were all commenting about her. She was pretty but was like a venomous snake with scheming written all over her face. They guessed that she could be the Jenner heiress, Cordelia's half-sister from the same father. However, the sisters' ways of conducting themselves were heaven and earth different.

"What are you looking at!?" Yelena glared at them. "Paupers! You belong to this pathetic birdcage!"

"Hah, rich missy, if you think this is a birdcage, why take back the house? This is still their shelter. You Jenners are rich and successful. Would you lack this small suite?"

"Who do you think you are? What does this have to do with you!? Go away!"

Yelena was haughty. The few kindhearted neighbors were helpless and could only gulp it down with their fists clenched.

"Faster!" Yelena vented on the movers. "These stupid things aren't that precious! Let them be broken! That too. What's that box for? Throw it away!"

Cordelia and Carter rushed upstairs.

Although Cordelia did not know what the box contained either, she had seen her mother's care and regard for the box. Even when she was in the hospital, barely sane, she still reminded her to take care of the box during the rare times she was herself.

Cordelia dashed over and knocked the workers away to guard the box with her body.

"Do not throw it!"

Yelena froze before her expression turned mocking and dark.

"Why not? This house is my place after it's emptied! I don't allow others' filth in my territory!"

"Nonsense!" Carter stepped up and pointed at Yelena. "This is our home! You're intruding! I'm calling the police on you!"

Cordelia looked at the mess. They did not have a lot of furniture at home, to begin with, but the place was currently a mess. Her mother's clothes were ransacked and stepped on, now stained.

Cordelia felt a pinch in her nose as rage and grievances rushed up to her. She slowly got up and stared at Yelena, asking her, "What right do you have to do this? This is my home!"

"Your home?" Yelena cackled and told her triumphantly, "Not anymore! I need a studio. Not too close to the city center or it'll be too noisy, but it can't be too far away, or it'll be an inconvenience. After choosing around, this place's location and size are just nice. Dad's already agreed to give this place to me!"

Cordelia clenched her fists and did her best to stop herself from shaking. What a joke!

If Yelena wanted a studio, William could rent her an entire office floor at any time. Would they have to cause this drama in this mid-range residence?

Yelena was just doing this to force her and her mother to a dead end!

"Cordelia, I'm getting people to renovate the place next. Everything in this house will be knocked down and rebuilt!" Yelena looked at her coldly. "See if there's anything you're reluctant to part with and quickly get them out. Consider it my token for being sisters!"