Ch. 521..530

Chapter 521

Chapter 521

Nicholas weaved through the crowd to congratulate them with a clap.

"Nicholas, you're here too!" Cordelia greeted with a nod. "Where's Linda?"

"Sigh, your bestie's a workaholic. She's still working in the office now!" Nicholas shook his head with a helpless smile. "Say, Zephyr, has the world changed now? These women are so capable. Are we men waiting to be taken care of?" "That'd be great!" Zephyr smirked with a sly glint. He picked up Cordelia's hand, the diamond ring on it glowing prettily. "See, I've already handed in the deposit." Zephyr was triumphant. "Cordelia will take care of me after this!"

"Yeah, right!" Nicholas looked at him in disdain.

"Right. Time for something else."

The smile on Zephyr's face slowly hardened, and his gaze turned deep and complex.

He was again the cold guy and felt even more oppressive than earlier. It felt like a pressure was weighing the hall down.

Nancy noticed that things did not look good, but before she could grab Michelle and go, they were stopped by a deep voice. "Ms. Carmichael, we have something we haven't cleared up, don't we?"

Michelle froze in her steps and turned around stiffly. She could not help shuddering when she met the man's icy gaze.

Zephyr looked at her coldly. "Someone stopped my wife from entering and boldly claimed that she's the future Mrs. Hamerton?"

"No!" Nancy cried frantically, "You've misunderstood it, Mr. Zephyr. Michelle "

"I'm asking her, not you!"

Nancy dared not speak and stepped back.

Michelle was long consumed by various emotions-jealousy, rage, fear, confusion... They overwhelmed her, and she was stripped of her rationale and thoughts. Zephyr spoke slowly. "Nicholas, I heard that she's your new artist?"

"Uh, yes." Nicholas nodded.

"I don't want to see this artist of yours again!" Zephyr announced in public. "I'll pay you double whatever the amount it takes to break the contract off with her!" Nicholas took a deep breath.

Zephyr's tone was flat, but he could hear the rage burning within. He thought that it was a pity, but it was not something he could not do for a friend.

Besides, the woman must be crazy to offend Cordelia. Did she know that Cordelia was Mrs. Thompson's best friend? The best friend of his wife was his best friend too! Nicholas' expression was nonchalant, and his tone was emotionless.

"lan, heard what Mr. Z said?"

"Yes!"

"Draft the agreement. Break off the contract!"

lan received the order and left straight away.

This was like a stone thrown into the calm lake. The ripples made the hall noisy again.

"Hah, break the contract? If only it's that simple!"

"Yeah, which company dares sign with her now that Mr. Zephyr's spoken? This is like shelving Michelle!"

The award-winning actress chuckled dryly without making any comment. She admired her new crystal manicure and spat, "She deserves it!"

Michelle only felt a loud buzz in her ears and nearly fell to the floor, feeling weak.

How did it come to this...

She had not managed to achieve anything overseas and finally made her debut in Centrolis. Now that her career was starting to look up, was she back to square one just because of one word from Zephyr? No-never! It was not easy for her to get to where she was today. She refused to go back to the hardship of staying in a basement abroad!

Michelle composed herself the best she could and calmed herself down, subconsciously looking for someone in the crowd...

Chapter 522

Chapter 522

Michelle knew that Frederic must be here in an event like this.

Even though he came from a scholar family, the elders of that family were all across Centrolis' education and legal bureaucracies. There were judges, prosecutors, professors, and chancellors. All four major families were on good terms with this family.

Michelle bit her lips and vaguely heard a frantic voice amidst the mockery.

"Z, don't be like this!"

The crowd quieted down and checked out the handsome man in a suit following his voice. He was good-looking and outstanding in physique and presence among everyone else.

It was just that... he was challenging Zephyr?

The crowd exchanged looks and continued watching like they were watching a show.

Zephyr frowned and looked up at him.

"Hey, Frederic, what are you doing!?" Josiah warned softly, "Are you too free? Trying to save the damsel in distress now!?"

Frederic licked his dry lips and looked at Zephyr pleadingly.

"Z..."

Zephyr's voice was deep and cold. "Frederic, what do you want to say?"

"Z, I just want to plead Michelle's case for her." Frederic's voice was not loud, but his gaze was determined. "It was a mindless mistake on her part. Be the bigger person, and don't punish her like this." Zephyr's face fell while Josiah widened his eyes before he eyed Frederic desperately to shut him up.

"Frederic! Come here!" Josiah sweated. "Stop it, okay? You... You're quite smart usually. Why are you dumber than me today?"

Each word from Frederic felt difficult. "Z, Michelle just came back from abroad. She doesn't know better and accidentally offended Cordelia... I'll apologize on her behalf."

He stood straight and bowed.

Cordelia quickly asked him up and quietly checked Zephyr's expression.

"Zephyr..." She was not being nice, but she could not bear to keep Frederic in a plight.

When the whole world despised Michelle, there was someone who stood up for her... Cordelia immediately understood whose unforgettable love she actually was.

Frederic was near pleading, "Z, consider this a favor for me, okay?"

"Frederic!" Josiah looked at him in disbelief. "What's wrong with you!?"

Even if he wanted to do something for his first love, he ought to discern what kind of person his first love was!

Despite that, it was like a life-saving straw to Michelle.

She quickly snapped out of herself and wanted to go to Frederic, only to slip as she scurried.

Frederic grabbed her swiftly, and as they met eyes, Michelle vaguely leaned on him.

"Hah, good acting skills!" Some female celebrities commented softly, "Our award-winning actress probably isn't as skilled, right?"

Said actress scoffed and said nothing.

No one noticed that there was someone outside of the crowd who was watching the whole incident quietly. The scene stung her eyes, and the words pricked her heart.

Frederic held Michelle carefully. To be exact, he was keeping her behind him. His straight posture was like a tree. As long as he could shelter the person he liked, it was his biggest honor. What he did not know was that there was someone outside of the crowd who was willing to do the same for him...

Trinity bit her lips. Her eyes dimmed like pools of dead water.

After a moment of silence, Zephyr answered slowly, "Alright."

Frederic was surprised and grateful.

"I'm letting her go today, not for anything but you," Zephyr said coldly. "If she causes any other problems, I won't be as nice!"

"She won't!" Frederic hurried to promise. "Thank you, Z!"

"Frederic, you've been an outstanding lawyer." Zephyr's tone was grim. "A lawyer has to be levelheaded and rational at all times. Being emotionally reckless is taboo. I think you're more aware of this than I am."

"Mm."

Zephyr looked at him and then glanced at Michelle. "So I hope that you're as calm when you handle your personal relationships as when you handle cases!"

He took Cordelia's hand and left after saying that.

Michelle only breathed in relief when they completely disappeared in the night, and her hand that held onto Frederic's arm let go instantly.

"Michelle, you..."

"I'm fine." Michelle's attitude was lukewarm. "I'm a little tired. I'd like to go back to rest first. Thank you for tonight!"

Frederic smiled and looked at her quietly.

He would do everything he could to fulfill Michelle's requests. Back when she studied music overseas, she did not even have the money to buy a cello. He had helped her with that. He had also always thought that her cello music was a melody for him.

Frederic smiled weakly and lowered his head. Many times, he found it tiring as well. This hopeless, unrequited love was his personal pursuit. It was like a tragic solo show.

However, once he was in, he was all in.

Michelle looked at him in slight annoyance and hurried off with Nancy without even a goodbye.

Later, a nerve-wracking drama was up in Royal Manor.

Cordelia intentionally kept a straight face sitting on the couch while Zephyr sat next to her, not daring to go too close, as he looked at her nervously and kept reflecting on where he had gone wrong. She was obviously delighted about the proposal! There were even happy tears!

Now, however...

It so happened that Zephyr caught a glimpse of the diamond ring on Cordelia's ring finger and felt realization zap him. "Honey, are you unhappy about the ring size?"

Cordelia's eyes widened, and she nearly laughed aloud in anger. It was no wonder that Janine always nagged him! Zephyr chuckled foolishly. "Cordelia, I'll make a bigger one if you're not satisfied with this one!"

Cordelia replied mockingly, "You best carry the mine over too!"

Bring the mine over? It was not like it could not be done... If Cordelia liked it, even the moon could be moved.

Zephyr went closer to her and held her hand when he saw a hint of a smile on her face. "Cordelia, your fingers are slender and long. It looks better wearing the one I bought you.

"Of course, if you really like a big one, I'll get a big one. You'll look good no matter how big the ring is!"

Chapter 523

Chapter 523

Cordelia pulled her hand back abruptly and glared at him with her pretty eyes. She was adorable.

Zephyr froze.

It was then Cordelia finally broke out laughing.

She stroked the diamond and rested her head on his shoulder, saying softly, "I don't like this ring. I like the emerald one better."

"Hmm?" Zephyr smiled. "Sure! They're all yours! You decide!"

He had already given her all he had when they first met.

"But that's antique, Cordelia," he said.

"Antique's the valuable one!" Cordelia grinned sweetly. "Wasn't that worn when one of your ancestors was a consort?"

Zephyr pinched her nose. "You're no consort."

Cordelia smiled without saying anything.

Zephyr wrapped his arms around her waist, circling her with his strong arms. His husky and deep voice was seductive next to her ear.

"You're not a consort...

"You're my queen!"

Cordelia blushed immediately.

Zephyr had finally dispelled the last of the ominous fog and felt immensely content when Cordelia's hands went around his neck.

"So, Michelle isn't your first love?" Cordelia's voice was like a kitten's when she asked him the question softly.

Zephyr was momentarily stunned. 'This is why she wore a poker face for the whole night?

'What? How did she come to the conclusion that Michelle was my first love!?'

He snapped back to reality. "Cordelia, who did you hear this from?"

Cordelia pressed her lips together in a silent smile. She now knew that Linda must have misheard!

"Cordelia, I initially thought that I didn't have to tell you this," Zephyr said softly. "But with this big misunderstanding tonight, I have to explain it to you."

It was still early. Cordelia got into a comfortable position in his embrace and listened to the story quietly.

"Michelle's someone Frederic has had a crush on since high school," Zephyr said honestly. "I had forgotten about this, actually. If Josiah hadn't mentioned it, I really couldn't have recalled it." "She was... popular in your school?" asked Cordelia.

Zephyr stammered with an awkward smile. "Josiah said that she's the most popular girl in school."

"What about you? Do you think so too?"

"Of course not!" Zephyr answered firmly, but he was breaking out in a cold sweat.

Cordelia giggled with a hand over her mouth. "Mm, go on."

Zephyr forgot what he was going to say and calmed himself down to continue slowly. "I didn't expect Frederic to still like her now and also didn't expect that... Trinity likes Frederic."

"What!?" Cordelia was shocked.

It was no wonder that Trinity wore that face when Cordelia brought Michelle up back then. They had such a love triangle.

"But Frederic doesn't seem to know about Trinity's feelings!" Cordelia thought about it and said, "All his attention was on Michelle tonight!"

"This is where he's silly," Zephyr said softly. "He knows that it's impossible. He sees the woman's character. But he just won't give up."

Cordelia sighed.

How many people in love could keep a cool head? Moreover, the calmer and more rational a person usually was, the crazier they were in relationships. "What are you thinking about?" Zephyr kissed her hair.

The faint sweet fragrance made him delirious.

Cordelia chuckled, her eyes shining with mischief. "I'm wondering who your first love is."

"It's you," Zephyr answered without any hesitation.

He did not care if it was a trap question because it was unnecessary to think about it.

Even if she found him fake or assumed that he was coaxing her, it would not change his answer.

She was the unforgettable love, the one he wanted-she was the one all along.

Zephyr kissed the back of her hand.

The moment his lips touched her skin, Cordelia suddenly felt butterflies like when they first met.

Chapter 524

Chapter 524

Thinking about it, Cordelia might have liked him already when she first met him on that stormy day. She would forever remember the cold and handsome man that night, the man who went out on his own when she took a shower, and the man who did not force her before she was ready.

There was also the man who was strong and muscular with washboard abs and the man who gave her an unforgettable first time...

Cordelia flushed and beamed up at Zephyr. She ran her hand over his sculpted face and over his beautiful bone structure and lips.

She was suddenly thankful to William. If he had not set her up and made her get married in place of Yelena, the latter would be the one with Zephyr now.

Zephyr felt the ardor in her eyes as well as the unspeakable change somewhere on him... He hugged her tighter.

"What are you doing?" Cordelia put up her guard, but it was too late. She was completely locked in his arms.

"Stop it!" She pushed him with a laugh but was unable to move him. She then smacked him. "What are your arms made of? Steel!?"

"Of course not." Zephyr cackled and grabbed her hand to move south. "There's one place that is..."

Cordelia touched it unintentionally and gasped with pink cheeks.

"Are you still shy after so long?" The man's breathing was labored.

She looked down, shy and docile, and he could not bear to move his eyes off her.

"Do you agree?" he asked.

"What?"

"To be my queen."

Before Cordelia could speak, her lips were sealed by his kiss.

The early winter night was chilly, but the room was burning with passion throughout the night.

Rowan became a regular visitor in Hamerton Manor recently.

After he gave Liam acupuncture, he kept his needles and wiped his hands.

"Don't worry, Elder Mr. Hamerton. You're recovering well," he said with a smile. "But with age, our metabolism slows, and supplements have to be taken slowly. You can't use the tonic like in the past anymore." "Mm." Liam straightened up and glanced at him.

That glance was not old or senile. It was with an innate sense of presence. Simply put, it was like his glance could intimidate anyone anywhere.

Even when Liam was old, he was lively. Despite the embolism from being poisoned, he recovered fast, given his good health.

Rowan had treated countless patients in the years of being a doctor, but people like Liam were still rare and few.

He thought of Zephyr.

Back when they drifted to a deserted island after the storm, regular people might have broken down in despair that surviving on the island would be an issue. However, Zephyr had been composed and collected. He had helped them pass through the hard times with his unusually calm head.

The young man was well built as well, not even sneezing when he took cold showers every day. He could even go up the mountain speedily and carry two big buckets of water back. Laborious chores were nothing to him!

Judging from these, the Hamertons seemed to have good genes.

Rowan wore a satisfied smile. The Hamertons' superior genes, in addition to the Irwins' noble blood... He could already imagine what his little grandson would look like!

"Mr. Irwin? Mr. Irwin!" Liam found his smile unsettling. "Rowan Irwin!"

"Huh?"

Liam's sonorous shout pulled Rowan out of his fantasy.

"Y-Yes?"

Liam frowned. "Why are you grinning like that?"

Rowan paused, not knowing how to explain it. “I.....”

"And it's not a good look on you," Liam said seriously. "You look like a hamster with both your teeth showing! Doesn't look good!"

Rowan was appalled.

What did that mean? He got a sharp tongue now that he was healed?

Hah, it seemed that this was inherited as well! That brat Zephyr was always mocking him too! He had no idea about respecting his father-in-law!

Chapter 525

Chapter 525

"Alright, have a rest!"

Rowan huffed and got up to dismiss himself. Before he left the room, though, Liam stopped him.

"Mr. Irwin, hold on!"

Rowan turned around slowly. "Anything else?"

Liam did not say anything and merely waved him over. Rowan frowned in disdain but could not bear to be petty with someone of his father's age.

With a long face, he plopped himself down on the couch next to Liam's bed.

Liam watched him with a discreet smile.

"What is it?" Rowan checked his watch. It was about lunchtime, and he needed to rush to Imperial Media to take a look at his precious daughter!

Liam kept his smile and turned serious as he lowered his voice to ask, "Mr. Irwin, have you managed to find out anything?"

Rowan's expression went stiff, and his gaze dimmed.

Liam more or less understood it looking at his face.

"It's alright, go on." He chuckled. "I'm what, 70 to 80 now. What haven't I seen? Something small like this won't alarm me."

Rowan pursed his lips. Even if it would not startle the old man, he had to watch his words.

This was his habit after being a doctor for so many years. He would be honest but not overly direct.

Just as he mulled over it, Liam asked directly, "Is there something harmful in that tonic?"

Rowan straightened up and nodded slightly, looking him in the eyes. He then told him the truth, "I did a lab test on the medicine. The ingredients are of superior quality, but the ratio is problematic. That ratio will boost your appetite, especially for fried and salty food.

"Food high in fats and sodium consumed at your age will do no good at all for your health."

Liam's expression gradually soured.

"Rowan continued. "Also, there's an addictive ingredient mixed in your tonic. It's a plant in Southeast Aciatic, according to my judgment."

"Poppy?"

"No," Rowan replied softly. "There are many similar things in Southeast Aciatic. Some ill-meaning businesses will crush these plants into food so the patrons will constantly want their food." Liam squinted and nodded. He was expecting this, but it still surprised him when he heard it directly from Rowan.

"Elder Mr. Hamerton, keep this to yourself. It's best not to divulge it," Rowan said in a low voice. "Your grandson, Zephyr, is looking into this in secret, so the fewer who know, the better." "Mm, I understand." Liam kept a straight face.

There were many Hamertons who were not in direct lineage. Liam himself had five children-three overseas, and only Matthew and Henry were by his side. They would find it easier to poison him. He was used to ploys and tricks all these years and falling out of blood families. It was just expected that he was still caught in this despite being wary.

With him falling ill this time, the other Hamertons were beginning to stir. Everyone had their own plan.

Henry was incapable, while Matthew's intelligence was limited. Zephyr was the only one who could shoulder the weight.

Zephyr had never let him down before, this time included. Not only had he overpowered those stirring forces, but he also ran the Hamerton Group orderly.

Despite that, this was on the outside.

On the inside, the Hamerton empire needed a lady of the house to run the family affairs, manage the finances, balance out connections and interests of parties, and be the man's strongest support.

The man would fight his battles outside, and the woman would keep the back in check-this was how the Hamertons could flourish generation after generation.

Liam sighed.

All these years, he had only been focused on training an heir but overlooked choosing a suitable lady of the house for the heir.

Cordelia was actually decent. After a few interactions, Liam thought that she was not soft like the other girls. There was a sense of nobility in her, and she was gracious in behavior and not intimidated when she stood next to Zephyr.

It was just that... he used to reject her so vehemently in the past. He wondered if Cordelia was willing to come back now.

Rowan got up and nodded politely. "Elder Mr. Hamerton, I'll excuse myself if there's nothing else. I'll visit you for the acupuncture session at the same time tomorrow."

"Oh, sure." Liam was apologetic. "Excuse me, Mr. Irwin. I get easily distracted with age!"

Rowan took his coat from the servant and smiled easily. "You must be thinking about something good?"

"It's my grandson, Zephyr's marriage!"

"What?"

Rowan's eyes bulged like saucers. He forgot about leaving and sat back down on the couch.

"Zephyr's getting married? With who?"

According to what he knew, Liam was not quite happy with Cordelia because she did not have a powerful family background.

Zephyr was actually getting married now... If it were, according to Liam, he would definitely get him someone of equal status! And Zephyr accepted it without putting up a fight?

That b*stard! How dare he play with his daughter!? Was he not afraid that he would acupuncture his grandfather to death!?

Liam was taken aback by Rowan's resentful look.

"Mr. Irwin?"

Rowan looked over with a sharp gaze and clenched his jaw. He looked a little... menacing.

Liam was only more confused. Why did his acupuncture session end up with a problem on the doctor?

Chapter 526

Chapter 526

Liam looked at Rowan in confusion while the latter stared at him with rage.

After falling into silence for a while, Rowan broke the ice. "Mr. Hamerton, from what I know, your grandson has a fiancee!"

"Fiancee?" Liam was stunned.

Was Cordelia not his girlfriend? When did she upgrade to being his fiancee?

Also, did he not only propose two days ago?

He had lost track of what had been happening out there since he was sick.

Liam shook his head. From what he remembered, Zephyr insisted on marrying Cordelia, while Liam was not fond of her.

"No, no..." Liam waved his hands. "What fiancee? Zephyr's marriage was just set two days ago! The lady isn't too shabby!

"Sigh, it's all my fault." He sighed. "Clark said that I'm so old I can't remember people anymore. Hah... Well, I must be too old. I almost missed a great granddaughter-in-law who was right in front of me... "I wonder if she's willing to marry him.

"I don't care if she's willing or not. We'll give an expensive dowry! I'll visit her parents myself if that's necessary..."

An illness would always change someone. Just like Liam, who had always been arrogant, he had thought through many things when he was sick.

In reality, Zephyr should marry whoever he liked. Why must it be arranged?

The Hamertons were already the head of the four major families. Even if Zephyr did not marry who Liam wanted him to marry, they would prosper anyway. Why would he want to control the grandson that he loved the most?

In reality... Cordelia was amazing. She was his ideal granddaughter-in-law after they had come in touch a few times.

Liam smiled. A rare trace of gentleness flashed through his sharp and deep eyes.

He looked at Rowan, thinking that he would share the joy with him.

However, he was shocked when he saw him.

Rowan's face was deadly grim. He stared at him with his bloodshot eyes.

He pursed his lips hard. He was gnashing his teeth and did not bother to hide it.

The scariest thing was that... he was holding a needle again!

He did not look like a hamster anymore but like an inflated pufferfish.

Liam felt a squeeze in his heart. He had experienced countless times of assassinations since he was old.

However, Rowan was the only one who wanted to poke him with a needle!

"W-What are you doing?" He instantly had his guard up.

Rowan breathed deeply a few times while trying his best to ask calmly, "Is Zephyr really getting married?"

"Mr. Irwin, why are you so worked up that my grandson is getting married?"

Rowan suddenly stood up and screamed, "Am I worked up?! I'm not!"

Clark, who was outside, heard the commotion. He rushed in with the bodyguards!

"Leave us alone!" Liam frowned and glanced at Clark.

Clark was confused.

Was Rowan not treating the old man? Why was he shaking now?

"Ahh!" A light flashed through Rowan's eyes. "Mr. Hamerton, are your blood vessels... clogged as well?" Rowan stared at him grimly.

"Hang in there, Mr. Hamerton! If that happens to you, who in the entire Centrolis can treat you?"

Rowan tried his best to calm down. He put the needle away with his shaking hand. He scoffed and left.

Liam and Clark looked at each other. They were lost.

After talking to Liam with irrelevant context, Rowan was sure that the person Zephyr was marrying was one of the heiresses from the four major families.

Chapter 527

Chapter 527

Rowan sat in the car, angry. Charlie looked at him through the rearview mirror a couple of times. He did not know this man at all.

"Sir, why are you so mad? What happened?"

"That b*sard..." Rowan pulled his tie. "He dares to marry someone else!"

"What!?" Charlie was shocked too. "Sir, did you hear it wrong?"

"That old thing Liam told me himself!"

"What..." Charlie frowned. "Then what about our Cordelia?"

Rowan scoffed, "He said he loves my daughter. In the end, he caved under his grandfather's pressure! Such a man isn't worthy of Cordelia to be with forever! It's good that they will break up!" Although he said that, he felt beaten.

Even if they were to break up, Cordelia should initiate it. It should not be Zephyr breaking up with her.

He thought about it and mumbled to himself, "He minds that my daughter doesn't have a powerful family, right? It's okay. I'll acknowledge her as my daughter now! I want the Hamertons to know that she belongs to the Irwins!"

Charlie's expression changed after hearing that.

Throughout this period, he had come up with plans with Rowan to acknowledge Cordelia as his daughter. They were detailed to be planning every step, revising repeatedly.

However, changes were faster than their plans. He could not believe that he could not carry out any of the plans!

"Calm down, sir." Charlie advised, "Didn't you say that we should do it slowly? I'm afraid Cordelia can't handle it if you go to her out of nowhere..."

"I'll see Xyla now!"

Charlie was even more shocked to hear that. He almost stepped on the brake.

Rowan's face was grim, and his eyes were determined. "No matter what, we're her parents... Now that our daughter is in trouble, how can we not seek justice for her?" Charlie was rendered speechless.

He thought it was already absurd for Rowan to acknowledge Cordelia.

Never had he thought he would say something even more absurd!

Rowan scoffed. "When those Hamerton b*stards find out who Cordelia is, I'll take her to Southeast Aciatic! I want that j*rk Zephyr to regret!"

Charlie's lips twitched. He felt rather troubled.

"Oh, right, I forgot about this!" Rowan missed out on the most important thing. "I must poke him with my needles before we leave for Southeast Aciatic!"

It was tea time for the two good friends, Janine and Xyla.

On this day, they found an underrated cafe. It was next to the mountains and ocean. It was scenic. The decorations in the cafe were colorful. It was quite exotic. Xyla was looking around, smiling as soon as she entered. "I thought I was transported back to Southeast Aciatic!"

Janine smiled proudly. She felt a sense of achievement in that, more than finding a place that she was happy with.

"I knew you would like this place! That's why I asked them to reserve the entire place. It's only the two of us here today!"

"Really?" Xyla pinched her cheeks. "Why would an old lady like you do something like this? You know that I don't like crowded places!"

"Hey! You're calling me old?" Janine removed her hands. "Stop pinching me. I just did a facial!"

"Really?" Xyla took a good look at her face. "Your skin looks good. How do you take care of it?”

Janine lifted her chin, looking proud as she enunciated. "With money!"

"You're crazy!" Xyla rolled her eyes at her while smiling.

Janine had been like that since they were in school. She would usually avoid answering the questions directly.

"I mean it, with money!" Janine said in all seriousness. "Xyla, I hate that you see through things! You don't like it whenever I talk about money, right? But everything we have now is given by evil money! Including the coffee you're drinking, the chair you're sitting in, the service you're enjoying... Who will talk to you if you don't have money?"

Xyla frowned. She thought it was weird that Janine was worked up.

"So, I'd like to advise you on something." Janine said softly, "Just accept money. Rowan is wealthy now-"

"Stop!" Xyla pouted, asking her to stop talking about that man.

However, she quickly reacted. "What do you mean, Janine? Don't you hate him? Are you here to seek justice for him today?"

Chapter 528

Chapter 528

Janine licked her lips. She picked up the cup and drank a big sip of coffee. She covered her face with the cup to disguise her rather terrible acting skills. A cat happened to run over. It kept rubbing against Xyla's legs while purring.

She was stunned. She carried it while smiling, petting it softly while putting it on the chair.

Janine put down her cup and recalled Rowan coming to her in a panic two days ago.

Rowan said he must meet Xyla, so he asked her for a favor.

Janine was stunned. She was deeply suspicious that something was wrong with him. He was begging her!?

That man had been proud all his life. He had never begged anyone before!

She thought he still liked Xyla and scoffed after looking at him coldly for a while. "So, you still have a good conscience!"

"So, you're helping me?"

"Sure." Janine thought about it. "I'll be going out with Xyla in the afternoon the day after tomorrow. I'll send you the cafe's location. Come."

"Sure." Rowan nodded.

Janine looked at him as he left. Just when she changed her mind about him, she did not expect that man to turn around to say something that pissed her off.

"I'm protecting my daughter to acknowledge them as my family. I'll teach your b*stard son a lesson after that!"

"You..."

Janine almost spat blood.

She was unwilling to help since she was pissed. She thought she would just ignore Rowan's request.

However, it seemed to be fated that on the same day, something happened to Xyla.

As she was changing the bulb at home, she accidentally fell. She fell from the stool and hurt her ankle. Fortunately, it was not severe.

However, that made Janine suddenly realize that Xyla really needed someone to take care of her.

They were old now. No matter how healthy they were, they could not compare with young people.

On that day Xyla fell, she was lucky that she managed to struggle to call and get treatment in time. Also, Cordelia rushed over as soon as she got her call, and she took care of her all the way. That was how she healed so quickly.

What if it happened again? What if she could not get up and Cordelia was not in town for work?

No matter what, Rowan was considered to be the best candidate... After all, they were childhood sweethearts and had two children together. Most importantly, Rowan still could not let go of Xyla. Although Janine still did not like him, she would treat it as hiring a butler for Xyla!

She sighed and arranged the meeting in the end.

"What's wrong, Janine?" Xyla looked at her, feeling annoyed. "Why are you spacing out?"

Janine calmed herself and looked at the back instinctively.

She knew that Rowan was hiding in that small room.

They had a code. If Janine did not let him out, he would not come out.

Janine smiled. "Xyla, do you remember the cat that we used to have?"

"Of course I do!" Xyla carried the cat. "See, it's similar to this one! Also, I think it was this big when we brought it home..."

"But the school wouldn't let us keep it!"

"Yeah." Xyla looked natural. "Rowan kept it for us."

Janine was stunned.

Xyla played with the cat's paw and suddenly stopped. She lifted her eyes to look at her, revealing a light smile.

"What? Are you surprised that I talked about him?"

"I..." Janine did not know what to say.

"I hated him. When that happened to my family, I hated him." Xyla's voice was deep. She was so calm, as if she were telling someone else's story. "But I don't hate him anymore. I knew why he was taking revenge... If it were me, I wouldn't be any more righteous."

"Xyla..."

"It's okay. It's all over now." Xyla smiled.

"Is it?" Janine had tears in her eyes. "But your head wasn't clear those years. You had depression, and you almost committed suicide. Why was that?"

Janine said that for Rowan to hear. Although the door was shut, he could hear them in the room.

She wanted him to feel guilty so that she would treat Xyla better.

After a while, Xyla sighed. "I just... wasn't feeling myself."

Janine held her hands tight.

William had been bullying her, but nobody in the Irwins would support her.

When she was bullied, those men who promised to protect her vanished.

She was like a parachute that was 10,000 meters in the air, letting her fall and crush.

However, from a young age, she had been taught that it was better to die with honor than survive in disgrace. That was why she had been living in a daze for many years. She had even treated Cordelia as William's daughter for some time.

"Don't worry. You don't have to be sad for me!" Xyla held her hands tightly too. "Isn't it great now? I met you again. We're together again. And we're going to be in-laws now. It's amazing..."

"That's right. So, Rowan is now my in-law. The person that I loathed for so long will be lingering around me now!"

Xyla patted her while smiling.

Janine thought it was almost time. Since Xyla had let go, even if she met Rowan now, she would not have a big reaction.

The room was just behind her.

Therefore, she pretended to get up casually and walked around as she looked at the scenery. She stomped her foot twice when she arrived outside the room.

That was the code she had discussed with Rowan before. He could get out if she stomped twice. Three times meant he could not come out.

She was quite nervous, but nothing was happening in the room.

She was stunned. Could it be that he remembered it wrong? How could he do that for something so important!?

Thus, she stomped her foot twice again while inwardly cursing, "Open the door, idiot!"

Nothing was happening after a while.

Janine was getting mad now. Was that guy pulling her leg?

At that moment, a waiter came to refill their coffee. Seeing her staring at the door, he asked in doubt, "What are you doing, Madam Baker?"

"Oh... Haha, nothing!" Janine faked a laugh. "Just looking around!"

"This is our storage room," he explained. "It's air-tight inside. There's nothing."

"Storage?"

"Yes! There are no windows in it. There's no air inside... It's the best place to store coffee beans. So, this room is like a big sealed bottle!"

Janine widened her eyes when she heard that.

It could not be? If a person went into a sealed bottle...

She felt a squeeze in her heart. She could no longer keep it a secret. She screamed at the waiter, "Open the door. There's someone in there! Open it right now!"

Chapter 529

Chapter 529

At the same time, another cafe on the same street was crowded.

It was reserved too. It was rare that everyone gathered-almost everyone was there.

Josiah sat next to the window with Kelly. They leaned on each other's heads together. She was focused on reading the original version of Goethe's poetry.

He watched her giggling with his eyes widened. He was counting her lashes.

Nicholas snuck out to smoke again, and Linda caught him. She dragged him back by pulling his ear.

Zennie played cards with Seth while the latter chuckled. He took out three years' worth of college entrance exam simulation questions...

She was dumbstruck and looked like she was dying. Seth taught her with all seriousness. "It's been so long since you dropped out. You've missed the examination this year, so you must get a good result next year. As such, you must work hard now! Here, let's do it. I'll teach you whatever you don't know!"

Zephyr and Cordelia looked at each other. They gestured "good luck" to Zennie at the same time.

Then, he wrapped his arms around her as they sat on the couch next to the window. Sweetness almost leaked out of his eyes.

Fredric and Trinity were there too, but they sat far away from each other.

Robert guarded the door helplessly. He watched all the love brewing inside and felt melancholic that he was single. He was full from watching.

The warm sunlight in the winter shone through the windows into the warm cafe, complementing the peace of the moment.

They were there to discuss Zephyr and Cordelia getting married.

"Are you guys going to get the certificate and then the wedding ceremony, Cordelia?"

"I think that's a great idea! To have the wedding ceremony after getting the certificate. It has to be the one that stirs up Centrolis!"

"Hey, bro, will you guys have babies before the wedding?"

"Do your simulation questions!"

"Haha..."

Everyone was discussing when Josiah suddenly said, "Z, I think you should get advice from Aunt Helen!"

Everyone looked at him.

"Why?"

"She's quite something!" Josiah revealed a dumb smile. "Get a fortune-telling from her and get her to give you a date! T-Then I'll decorate your room and hang some balloons- Ouch!" Fredric hit his head before he was done speaking.

"Are you dumb!? Do you want them to look at the balloons all night?"

Everyone laughed hard, and only Kelly protected him. "Mr. Constable, don't you dare hit my Josiah's head again!"

She was smiling, and her voice was as sweet as cotton candy while caressing Josiah.

Fredric smirked and glanced at Josiah with a cryptic look.

Never had he thought that someone loved the idiotic Josiah!

He suddenly paused as he thought to himself. He looked at Trinity quietly.

She suddenly looked at him. As if her heart skipped a beat, she felt helpless as she was stunned at where she was.

Fredric nodded at her, signaling her to go to the courtyard.

She went forward happily.

The leaves on the sycamore trees had fallen at the beginning of winter, and the ground was covered in golden yellow. They walked for a little bit in silence. The crunchy leaves' noise was the only thing they could hear.

The people were discussing the wedding in the cafe. Nobody noticed that they had left.

Cordelia was the only one who looked outside the window. She quietly poked Zephyr.

"It was Mr. Constable who asked her out!" She was excited. "Do you think they'll get together?"

Zephyr's eyes turned grim. He was quiet.

The Fredric he knew was definitely not someone who would settle for less.

"Why are you dreaming?" Cordelia shoved him. "Why don't we get them together? Hmm... When we get married, it'll be double happiness if they get together too!"

"We'll see." Zephyr smiled. He grabbed her shoulders and pressed his forehead on her head. "Let's discuss what's important first!"

Cordelia smiled sweetly. She leaned in his embrace coquettishly.

In the courtyard...

Fredric finally stopped walking. Trinity stopped as well and stared at him nervously.

She finally mustered her courage to say something a long time later. "W-Why did you ask me here?"

Fredric glanced at her.

Chapter 530

Chapter 530

Trinity smiled and pretended to look cool like she always did, though she did what she usually would not do by wearing a checkered dress.

"Hey, we can talk about anything, right?" She patted his shoulder. "It's rare to see you so troubled!"

Fredric pursed his lips and lowered his voice a moment later. "Trinity, I'm really only a good friend to you, right?"

She was stunned before nodding immediately.

"We're... bros?"

Her smile was not exactly natural, but she agreed anyway. "Yes, of course! We're bros!"

"Then, as a bro, I have a favor to ask..."

She looked at him and focused, worried she would miss out on a word.

"Do tell!"

"Are you preparing to shoot your new movie?"

"Hmm, yes."

"Can you..." He licked his lips and said in a troubled manner, "Can you give Michelle a chance to be a minor character in your movie?"

The smile on Trinity's face froze instantly.

She clenched her fists that were next to her body, her nails deep in her skin. She then let go slowly.

She wanted to say no, but she did not know how to reject him.

She had never rejected him.

She felt as if her organs were cracking, but she forced herself to squeeze out her usual smile.

Fredric's voice was soft. "Trinity, it's okay if you can't do it. I'll think of another solution."

"..."

"Don't worry!" Fredric smiled and patted her shoulder. "I know it's just my presumptuous request. I actually didn't have much hope. I understand. You'll need to check with the investors about big productions like this, especially which actors to cast. You can't call the shots."

She wanted to say something, but her throat seemed to be stuck.

"I don't want to trouble you," he said. "I'll think of another solution! However, no matter what, I'm grateful that you're willing to listen to my complaints!"

He waved after he was done and chuckled. He pointed at the cafe and went in on his own.

Trinity froze where she was and felt like crying.

Michelle was so lucky to have his love and protection. He had begged someone for her.

However, did Michelle care about him at all?

She merely treated him as a tool for her future back in the country.

Everyone could see that, but the person involved could not.

However, to Fredric, perhaps he was willing to be blinded...

Trinity forced a smile, but a tear fell from the corner of her eye. As the cold wind blew, her face where the tear dropped was as painful as being cut by a knife.

Cordelia in the cafe whispered to Zephyr, "Zen, something's wrong with Trinity."

"Hmm..." Zephyr coughed twice. It would be strange if everything went well.

He knew Fredric too well. He had recently heard that Fredric had been using all of his connections to pave the way for Michelle.

He must have asked Trinity out for that woman again!

Zephyr's face sank. He was dying to crack Fredric's head open to see what was inside!

Cordelia suddenly screamed, "Look, Zen!"

He looked where she was looking. For some reason, there were many ambulances on the street now. They rushed in the same direction. Cordelia felt a squeeze in her heart. She had a bad feeling.

"Oh, no!" She frowned and said a moment later, "Mom and Aunt Baker seem to be having their afternoon tea nearby!"

"What?" Zephyr was stunned.

Cordelia grabbed him and said in a panic. "Did something happen to my mom? Did she recall her past again?"