Ch. 531..540

Chapter 531

Chapter 531

Zephyr held Cordelia's hands to coax her and calmly took her to the street.

The ambulance had stopped just two junctions away from them.

Zephyr and Cordelia hastened their pace and saw that plenty of people had already formed a crowd around the cafe. The paramedics acted quickly with serious faces.

It was to their surprise that Janine was the one hurrying after the stretcher!

"Mom!?" Zephyr could not help shouting.

Janine's head snapped up to see the both of them and was shocked.

Cordelia was anxious. "Aunt Baker, is it my mom-"

Before she finished her sentence, she saw Xyla walking out of the cafe in one piece.

Cordelia hurried to her to hold her by the arm and scanned her from head to toe, relieved to see that her mother's gaze was not blank. This meant that her illness had not relapsed.

Despite that, she looked pale and weak, like a sheet that would break with one poke.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Cordelia's voice was trembling. "D-Don't... scare me!"

"I'm fine." Xyla forced a smile and looked at Janine farther away with a discreet shake of her head.

Janine understood instantly. She knew that Xyla did not want Cordelia to find out about her birth for the time being.

Hence, she moved forward to pat Cordelia on the shoulder with a smile. "Cordelia, we're both fine... That's... Mr. Irwin."

"Huh?" Cordelia's eyes widened even more.

"Well... it's a coincidence." Janine racked her brains with a scratch to make something up. "Your mom and I were having afternoon tea here and ran into Mr. Irwin. It's a coincidence that... he had a heart attack!"

Xyla glanced at her best friend helplessly with a frown.

"Mr. Irwin has a heart problem? Why didn't I know?"

"Oh well, it's a common disease among old people. It's normal!" Janine was in a hurry to send them off. "Alright, stop staying around! Cordelia, your mom, and I will send Mr. Irwin to the hospital now. Get us something to eat!"

Xyla sat by Rowan's bed sullenly in the hospital. The past replayed in her mind, scene after scene. If it had to be described in a color, their past must definitely be romantic violet.

She liked peach blossoms, so Rowan had planted them all over the garden and taken care of them personally regardless that Southeast Aciatic did not have the suitable climate for the plant. She did not like hiking, so Rowan opened up a path specifically for her to have a comfortable walk, allowing her to enjoy the scenery as she went up the hill.

She loved diving, but Rowan was worried for her safety, so someone so scared of water like him had pushed himself to get a diving certification within a year and went diving with her...

Later, though, the man who loved her and indulged her disappeared. The romantic violet turned into stormy black and tore her into pieces.

The last time they had met seemed to be so long ago. At that time, they had promised each other in tears that they would never meet again and would leave each other in their past. It was unexpected that their sudden meeting would turn out to be this...

Xyla took in a staggering breath as tears fell on the back of her hands.

Rowan, who was on the bed and hooked to IV, had a sound sleep. It was just that he was swollen all over with red patches on his skin-a typical allergy reaction.

The doctor had said that he was fine. He had passed out because of his coffee allergy and lack of oxygen from staying too long in the closed-up space.

Xyla looked at his swollen face and left the hospital ward with a sigh.

"Xyla..." Janine had been waiting outside. Her expression dimmed a little, and she lowered her head apologetically when she saw Xyla.

"I'm so sorry..." she said slowly. "I mean, I shouldn't have made the decision to let Rowan meet you.

"I had really forgotten that he is severely allergic to coffee!"

Janine was anxious and helpless. For someone who was usually calm and collected, she was currently stomping her foot in distress as she spoke.

Xyla chuckled. What else could Janine remember aside from making money? It was already a marvel that she could remember this old friend.

"Never mind. I don't blame you," replied Xyla. "It's kind of strange. I've been feeling palpitations and dazing off previously. Maybe it's because of this. I really didn't expect that we could meet again..." Janine took a deep breath and said, "Xyla, don't be upset with what I'm going to say. I still want to say that even though Rowan's a j*rk, his feelings for you are genuine. You living alone is worrying, and I can't keep you company every day! It's necessary that you have a partner!"

"Why do you sound so much like Cordelia!?"

"Really?" Janine arched her brow. "Heh, my daughter-in-law and I think alike!"

"Right." Xyla turned serious. "Cordelia was there when we called for the ambulance. She wouldn't have found out anything, would she?"

"You mean her relationship with Rowan?"

Xyla fell quiet for some time. "I don't want the kids to find out for now. Cordelia's my daughter. I know her. If she finds out that her father hasn't done his duty for over 20 years, she might not be as nice to Rowan, and she'll be caught in torment herself."

Janine could understand Xyla's feelings and said seriously, holding the latter's hand, "I won't tell Cordelia one word."

"Mm, thank you." Xyla put her other hand on Janine's hands as well.

They heard noises from the other end of the hallway as they spoke.

"Mom, Aunt Baker!" Cordelia had food in her hands. "I got you all something to eat!"

Zephyr was behind her, both of them placing the takeout on the table outside of the hospital ward.

"Mom, Aunt Baker, how's Uncle Irwin doing?"

"Don't worry about him!" Janine said with a smile. "You know how people say that kind souls never live long while the bad guys outlive them? He's that bad guy!"

Cordelia smiled awkwardly.

"Mom, you must have gotten a scare today?"

"Silly girl, you're thinking too weakly of your mother!"

"Right." Cordelia looked up at them. "I heard you two chatting when we came over. What were you talking about? You seemed happy!"

Janine and Xyla exchanged a look and kept quiet in unison. Janine then eyed Zephyr to silence him.

Chapter 532

Chapter 532

"Oh, nothing." Xyla's voice was calm. "Just sighing about how time flies. One should really take care of their health when they get older."

"Mom..." Cordelia bit her lips. The question was on the verge of her lips, and she asked in resolution after a long time, "Have you and Uncle Irwin met?" Xyla froze before nodding lightly. "Yes."

"What a coincidence!" Cordelia beamed at her in disbelief. "Do you know that he's the one I've been intending to introduce to you? Uncle Irwin also has a Siamese cat, and I wanted you to meet him with Ginge the last time!"

Janine coughed while Xyla remained silent. Zephyr kept Cordelia's hand tightly in his.

Cordelia was baffled for a moment, sharply noticing that these people looked off, but she was unable to tell what was wrong in particular.

Janine was meticulous. She knew that Cordelia was smart and would connect the dots when she went back and thought about it. Xyla would not be able to keep it a secret despite her intention. She might as well kill the topic right now.

She smiled and went up to touch Cordelia's smiling face. "Cordelia, didn't your mom fall at home when she was alone two days ago? I was thinking that you and Carter aren't usually by her side, and she's a little lonely, so—"

"So you think Uncle Irwin's a good match too, right?" Cordelia was delighted.

"Huh?" Janine blinked.

What she wanted to say was that "So you should hire a helper to take care of your mom at home!"

Unfortunately, Cordelia's innocent and hopeful grin made it hard for her to speak her mind.

Rowan woke up groggily in the hospital ward. His originally good-looking face was so swollen that his eyes were mere slits. Due to the swelling, he could only make mewls and gurgling sounds when he opened his mouth, unable to speak a sentence.

Cordelia entered silently. When she saw his state, she felt bad for him but could not help the urge to laugh.

"Uncle Irwin." She sat by the bed, her gentle smile like the warm sun that shone right into Rowan's heart.

The others came in as well.

When Rowan saw them, he did his best to open his eyes bigger. No matter what he did, his eyes remained narrow. The only difference was that they were thin lines when he did not attempt to widen them, while they were thick lines when he did.

"Uncle Irwin, are you feeling okay?" Cordelia looked at him in concern. "Why did you still go to the cafe when you're allergic to coffee? It's no wonder you didn't come when I asked you the last time. I didn't know you couldn't have coffee!"

"Woo... wo..." Rowan could only make indecipherable sounds like this.

The moment Rowan saw Zephyr, he suddenly thought of what Liam had said and recalled that Zephyr was going to abandon Cordelia to marry someone else. He could not help getting furious and struggled to sit up and point at Zephyr.

"Woo- Urgh!"

"Uncle Irwin, what are you saying?"

Rowan was in distress. "Woo-woo-woo!"

Zephyr looked at him nonchalantly.

The old geezer looked even more like Ginger with these sounds.

Zephyr snorted and threw him a mocking gaze.

"I know. Uncle Irwin must want to say that he wants to rest now, and we shouldn't be disturbing him!"

"Woo!" Rowan's face was red.

At the same time, Zephyr put his hand on Cordelia's waist.

Rowan kept crying out and flailing his hands. Cordelia looked around and could not understand what was going on.

While this all went on, Xyla suddenly growled, "Stop whining!"

Rowan froze and quieted down instantly.

Xyla rolled her eyes at him in dominance while the man on the bed hung his head and lay back down carefully, even covering his head with the blanket.

The hospital ward became pin-drop silent at that moment.

Janine took in a deep breath and was the first to react. She tugged Xyla's sleeve to give her a look, then turned to Cordelia, who was bewildered. "Uh... you and Zephyr head home first. Your mom and I will stay here and take care of him!"

Cordelia furrowed her brows with questions in her mind. Her mother's attitude toward Rowan did not feel like they were meeting for the first time!

"Mom?" She wanted to ask something, but there was a knock on the door.

"Sir, Ms. Cordelia." It was Clark. After he greeted them and saw Janine, he bowed respectfully. "You're here too, Madam Baker."

"What is it, Uncle Clark?"

Clark smiled. "Elder Mr. Hamerton asks for Mr. Zephyr to have dinner at the manor tonight."

"Oh." Cordelia nodded and looked at Zephyr. "Hurry up then!"

"It's not just him." Clark looked at her lovingly. "Elder Mr. Hamerton also specifically asks that he must bring you back, Ms. Cordelia. The car is downstairs. Please come with me."

Janine breathed in relief, exchanging glances with Zephyr for him to hurry and leave with Cordelia.

Cordelia could only put her doubts aside and go to the manor with Zephyr.

The dinner dishes were not plenty in variety, but each of them was made with effort and intention, looking incredibly intricate and luxurious.

Liam put down his cutlery and wiped his mouth after taking two bites of each dish. He had never had a big appetite.

Zephyr noticed that his grandfather had recovered from his previous eating habits and heard from Clark that he had stopped taking the tonic recently. Rowan was also there daily to give him acupuncture, and the old man was doing fine.

It relieved Zephyr.

He sneaked a peek at Cordelia and could not help smirking when he recalled Rowan's swollen state.

"I heard that Mr. Irwin's gotten sick?" Liam's deep voice sounded as he looked up at Zephyr. "What happened?"

"It's an allergy," Zephyr answered indifferently as he cut his steak. "It's nothing serious, but he won't be able to come for acupuncture sessions these two days."

"Mm, it's more important to take care of his health." Liam looked at Clark. "Send my regards to Mr. Irwin."

"Yes, sir."

Liam deadpanned, "Also, I realized that he looked like a puffer fish when he was here the other day. Does he look more like one now that he has an allergy reaction?"

Clark did not know what to say and nearly barked a laugh.

The old man always had the ability to mock someone with a deadpan look.

Liam spoke again. "Clark, bring it in!"

Clark nodded and swiftly went out.

Cordelia's hands holding the cutlery paused. She felt a gaze on her. When she looked up, it was as expected-Liam was watching her with a complicated look and a cryptic smile. She jolted, vaguely feeling that what Clark had gone off to take would have something to do with her.

Chapter 533

Chapter 533

Clark returned a while later with a laptop in his hands.

When Cordelia was done eating, he waved for the servants to take her cutlery away and placed the laptop in front of her.

Zephyr thought that it was odd too and went closer for a look. There were rows of entries and tightly packed numbers on the screen.

"These are the accounts, not the company's, but the whole Hamerton Manor's." Liam's tone was nonchalant. "Cordelia, have a closer look. See if there's anything wrong."

"Grandpa-"

Zephyr wanted to say something, but Cordelia privately put a hand over the back of his hand. She gave him a look and shook her head lightly. She knew that Liam was testing her.

Since she had found out about the illegal trade on the western suburbs' land being related to Matthew, Liam had looked at her differently. He frequently asked Zephyr to take her home for meals and sometimes asked her questions in feigned nonchalance.

Smart as Cordelia was, her answers had been tactful. She had been tested on her opinion regarding international politics the last time. It would not be economy and accounts this time, right? Cordelia took a deep breath and focused on the laptop.

The accounts were complicated, with digits sticking to each other. Not only was it a chore to the eyes, but it was a chore to the brain too.

She had to possess decent memory to analyze the data accurately to find what was wrong, as Liam had mentioned.

Cordelia calmed down and sorted through the accounts bit by bit. Half an hour passed by swiftly, and she had a basic outline of Hamerton Manor's accounts.

She moved the mouse and decisively circled some unreasonable entries.

Liam squinted after a look. "These are for the children's daily life at home."

"I know, so only a small part is removed. Basic necessities are still covered."

Liam arched his brow. "You call that a small part? What you removed isn't a small sum!"

"I wouldn't be petty if it were a small sum." Cordelia smiled. “I think the Hamertons don't have to live so luxuriously. If they're underage, it's enough to receive a fixed allowance monthly.

"If they're adults, they should have the awareness to share the family's burden and ought to go and earn their own money!"

As Liam listened to her, he lit up suddenly. What Cordelia had highlighted were what he had wanted to remove as well.

Moreover, the girl was right. The Hamertons were not delicate or fragile. Why would they need so much money?! With easy money, it stripped their ambition and ability to survive in society. Despite that, Liam still wanted to test her and said with a smile, "But I think... the Hamertons shouldn't live too shabbily."

Cordelia looked him in the eyes seriously. "Grandpa, the Hamerton children's living standards are already the best in Centrolis.

"Besides, opportunities are birthed from worries, while death is caused by complacency. People lose their will to fight when they live too comfortably. You should know about this more than me." Zephyr palmed his forehead with one hand, feeling the 70 dollars allowance in his pocket.

His action did not escape Cordelia's eyes, and she smacked his hand under the table, glaring at him without heat.

Zephyr smiled and held her fist instead.

"Mm, not bad." Liam nodded. "What else?"

Chapter 534

Chapter 534

"And..." Cordelia gave it a thought. "The security fee and personal bodyguards fee overlap. They should be removed as well." "What?" Liam paused.

Cordelia explained calmly, "Grandpa Liam, Hamerton Manor already has the most advanced security system and hired the best security staff stationed across the site. There's no need for personal bodyguards right? Since they're personal bodyguards, they should go under personal accounts. It doesn't make sense for the main household to pay for them!"

Zephyr was inwardly gleeful and gave his wife a thumbs up.

The issue Cordelia spoke of hit Matthew and Yale right on the head.

Among the Hamerton children, aside from Zephyr, who the patriarch regarded the highest, he had male cousins who worked in the main company. His female cousins were doing well as well in their own subsidiaries.

Yale was the only one who never made a cent in the family but spent lavishly each month that Clark had to rack his brain to balance his account.

As for personal bodyguards, Matthew and Yale were the only ones who had them.

Zephyr had brought this up before and had been in a heated discussion with his grandfather. However, Liam had always thought about balancing out the forces and support, so he turned a blind eye to what Matthew did.

Now, however, the Hamertons needed a significant revolution. Otherwise, they might turn into the Tanners-pretty on the outside but rotting on the inside.

"What about these?" Liam purposely asked with a smile, "These don't have to be cut?"

Cordelia took a look. It was the incentives for permanent workers and servants. There were overlapping parts, but she shook her head.

There was a glint in Liam's eyes. "Why?"

"The Hamertons' salary and welfare packages are great. It's the condition to retain workers," Cordelia said softly. "For a family to keep thriving, the key is people ultimately.

"The Hamertons are a big family with abundant businesses, lots of permanent workers, and servants. I know that there'll inevitably be small thefts here and there, taking advantage of the family's resources and whatnot, but these can't be regarded too seriously. The others' contributions shouldn't be wiped off just because of a few bad apples."

'Amazing!' Liam stroked his chin and nodded with a smile.

Cordelia shared the same thoughts with him in this!

Liam blinked. "But, this makes me very angry. What should I do?"

Cordelia smiled. The old man had been doing this for decades and was still like a child, getting angry easily.

"Grandpa Liam, if you can't stand it, establish a supervision system so the servants and workers can watch each other. With restraint and supervision, it'll be harder for petty thefts to happen!" Liam pursed his lips and stayed silent.

Cordelia gave it a thought. "Hmm... If that doesn't work, then catch the thief red-handed! Lay them off when needed. The Hamertons won't mistreat those who do well, but those with ill characters are not to be indulged!"

"Mm, you have a way of running things." Liam looked at her approvingly.

It was as if he was possessed by Janine now as what he thought was not how wonderful the girl was-but when his silly grandson would marry such an amazing girl.

Cordelia lowered her head shyly. "No, I still have plenty to learn."

"Cordelia." This was Liam's first time addressing her so intimately. "You'll be in charge of the Hamertons' household accounts from now on!"

"What!?" Cordelia was astonished.

Zephyr was equally dumbstruck, but he wore a stupid grin after that.

"Why?" Liam half-joked, "Are you unwilling to be Hamertons' bookkeeper?

"Then... it'd be fine to manage the accounts when you become the lady of Hamerton Manor?"

Chapter 535

Chapter 535

Cordelia was stunned. Her cheeks were dusted pink, and the corners of her lips turned up. Ripples spread in her heart, but she kept a nonchalant look, maintaining extremely good poise. Liam admired her calm composure.

"I'll take your silence as a yes," he said with a chuckle. "You'll be the lady of the house anyway after you marry Zephyr. The family business will be passed to both of you. Hah... I've been busy all my life. I can finally have some peace!"

"Grandpa..." Zephyr looked at him in surprise, so happy that he could barely speak.

"Why the face?" Liam scanned him.

Zephyr smiled. "Haven't you been rejecting this? I was just thinking of telling you about my proposal to Cordelia these two days—"

"You brat!" Before he finished, Liam glared at him. "Who did you say rejected what!?"

Zephyr froze.

"Clark, have I disagreed with anything?"

"Of course not, sir!" Clark took Liam's side swiftly. "Mr. Zephyr, have you remembered it wrong? Elder Mr. Hamerton has always liked Ms. Cordelia and has long approved of her as his granddaughter-in-law!" "What about my judgment?"

"When has your judgment gone wrong, sir? Don't worry, Ms. Cordelia- Oh, Madam Cordelia will definitely run the Hamertons well. You can enjoy your peace!"

Zephyr was baffled, feeling a gust of wind ruffling his hair.

The house had always faced the best direction. Did they forget to close the window or door?

After Liam nagged Zephyr, he immediately put on a kind smile, and even his voice grew much gentler. "Cordelia, I'm full. You both take your time! Heh... I've specifically asked for the new Etalian chef today. What do you think of the dishes?"

Cordelia smiled sweetly. "They're delicious."

"Then we shall keep this chef around for now!"

"Grandpa, there are enough chefs at home." Zephyr winced. "You just said to cut out unnecessary expenses..."

"This is necessary!" Liam raised his voice instantly.

Yes, whatever his granddaughter-in-law liked was necessary!

Zephyr kept quiet and ate the steak on his plate.

He recalled that he had once mentioned it would be nice to have a chef from Chaiseland at home, but his grandfather had said they did not have to hire so many chefs and told him to return to his maternal grandfather's place if he wanted dishes from Chaiseland.

And that was it.

Zephyr chuckled and looked at Cordelia. The girl looked even prettier under the warm light. She was also looking at him, nothing except him in her big, beautiful eyes.

Zephyr was incredibly thankful for the plane crash that had allowed him to pick up the fairy who came to the human world.

A few days later, Liam called Zephyr to his study alone.

There was an old-looking box on the desk that Liam asked Zephyr to open. When the latter opened it, he saw a jade pendant inside. Both its quality and carving were exceptional. The only thing strange was that he had never seen it before.

"Grandpa, what's this?"

Liam glanced at him and said softly, "A Hamerton heirloom but only for the wife who runs the household."

Realization struck Zephyr.

"Since your grandma passed, this has been kept with me," explained Liam. "Your mom and Kate aren't housekeeping material, so it wasn't given to them.

"But..." He smiled in contentment. "This can be passed to Cordelia. There is no problem!"

Zephyr smiled as well, proud of his girl.

He was going to pick it up, but Liam stopped him, surprising him.

"Cordelia hasn't married you officially yet. It's not by the rules to have this. Wait until the day she marries into the family."

Chapter 536

Chapter 536

"Oh." Zephyr nodded.

Liam sighed and was deep in thought. "She's wonderful, but her birth..."

'Birth?'

Zephyr smirked. Although he looked down on Rowan-and the old geezer had probably lost his mind recently, treating him like an enemy whenever he saw him-the man was still Cordelia's biological father. He could tolerate him. One's love had to extend to their family too, right?

Zephyr composed himself and was planning to tell Liam about Cordelia's birth, but before the words left his mouth, Liam suddenly looked at him in resolution.

"Zephyr, I've decided to find Cordelia a family to get her godparents!"

"What?" Zephyr was astonished.

"The marriage of convenience is passed down for generations among the four major families." Liam wore a complicated gaze. "This is the rule left by the ancestors. It can't be broken here at my time. "But I really like Cordelia, so the best choice is to give her godparents."

"Grandpa-"

"I'll find her a family with a significant background. This way, she will have support, and it can also shut others up. No one will dare say a word about her background! What do you think?"

Liam arched his brow like he was asking Zephyr if he was smart.

Zephyr was rendered speechless. "There's no need, grandpa. Cordelia-"

"What do you mean no need!?" Liam glared at him. "You don't feel bad for your wife, but I feel bad for my granddaughter!"

"Grand... daughter?"

"Yes!" Liam huffed. "The child gets along well with me, much better than you prodigal bunch!"

Zephyr was dumbfounded.

That was not nice-the only prodigal child here was Yale!

Liam shook his head and kept the jade pendant before he shot Zephyr an authoritative look.

"I've found the family anyway." He continued. "I think Mr. Irwin from Southeast Aciatic, who treats me, is great! He is not married and has no children, so he can take Cordelia as his goddaughter! The Irwins are a significant family, and he can support Cordelia!"

The corners of Zephyr's lips twitched as laughter bubbled. "It's even more unnecessary! Actually-"

"Shut up!" Liam rolled his eyes at him. He knew that the kid loved Cordelia so much that he could care less about everything else—not him, though. He could not turn a blind eye to what the outside world thought either.

After all, the Hamertons were a big family with big businesses. Zephyr's marriage was the focal point of Centrolis, and nothing could go wrong.

If Cordelia had the Irwins as support, the outsiders would have nothing to say, even if the Hamertons did not have a marriage with the other three major families. "Zephyr, you're really..." Liam was angry at how useless Zephyr was. "What happened to your usual intelligence? Can't you see the pros and cons of this?" Zephyr opened his mouth, but Liam did not give him any chance to explain himself.

"It's decided. I'll talk to Rowan!" The old man's tone was firm. "I think he won't not do me this favor!

"Zephyr, you're getting a wife. You've got to plan things out! It's a fact that Cordelia's birth is inferior, but it's not like it can't be changed!

"Goodness, you do a little work in the company, and you have no idea about these family matters and social connections! Can't have any hope for you!"

Liam kept nagging that Zephyr did not even get to interrupt.

Clark knocked on the door to inform Liam that the nutritionist was ready and that he should go for his checkup. It was only then Liam glanced at Zephyr before grabbing his dragon-head cane to leave.

As he walked, he muttered, "Ah, you kids know nothing about dealing with people... I'll have to depend on Cordelia when she's married into our family!"

Chapter 537

Chapter 537

When Zephyr returned to Royal Manor, Cordelia was learning from Helen in the kitchen.

Helen reduced the heat while the soup in the clay pot bubbled. The whole house was aromatic and filled with simple warmth. "The last step is to add this... and done!" Helen taught Cordelia step by step, and the latter learned seriously.

"That's all?"

"Yeap!"

"Mm." Cordelia took a deep breath. "It does smell better with these added."

"You and Mr. Z can both have some of this soup. Winter's starting now, and it's cold and dry. It's time for some nourishment." "Okay," Cordelia assented with a smile, putting the lid back on the pot and turning the fire off.

Helen was astonished. "Y-You're not drinking?"

"I'll wait for him to return and have it together!"

"Didn't Mr. Z go to the manor today? He probably won't be back so soon! Just have your portion and leave him his!"

"No way! It isn't the same eating by myself." Cordelia smiled. "I want to wait for him!"

The girl's sweet voice jolted Zephyr, who was outside the kitchen, and he could not help the quirk of his lips.

She was the same back when they were in Jangasas, insisting on waiting for him to be back and have anything good together. At that time, she had been the most worried about him not eating enough, not dressing well enough, or being laughed at by others.

Therefore, she had been working as much as she could to make money and had done everything in her power to give him the best life. She had spent three months' worth of bonus on him for an expensive suit and emptied her savings to buy him a car...

Even during their hardest time, she had given him 400 dollars for a belt he wanted without hesitation when he asked for it.

He remembered their visit to Regalia Hotel when she received her first paycheck. She had not had much money, but she had ordered him lobster risotto and said with a chuckle, "It's okay if you don't work. You wife will take care of you!"

Zephyr felt his eyes sting as complicated feelings surged.

After they came to Centrolis, everyone knew that he obeyed Cordelia in everything and talked behind their backs that he was crazy for indulging a woman like this. What these people did not know was that Cordelia was the one who indulged him endlessly first.

He stepped into the kitchen with a smile and announced, "I'm home!"

Cordelia jolted and turned around abruptly, meeting his deep eyes.

"You're back early!" She gave him a big hug in surprise. "Didn't you go to the manor? Grandpa didn't ask you to eat together?"

Zephyr smiled and shook his head. He had lost his favor now. If Cordelia was not around, his grandfather would not keep him for dinner anymore.

"That's timely. I learned how to make soup from Aunt Helen, and I also made rice with chicken. Let's eat together!"

"Sure!" Zephyr agreed readily.

Despite that, his arms were around her waist, refusing to let go. His eyes were also focused on her face, capturing each subtle expression of hers without wanting to miss one out. Helen knew she was becoming a third wheel there and chuckled with a lowered head. She looked for an excuse. "Sir, you came from the manor. Is my brother doing fine there?" "Mm, not bad."

"I'd like to visit him tonight, so..."

Zephyr permitted it instantly. "It's fine. It's the weekend tomorrow. Stay a few days at the manor!"

Helen thanked him, and he asked Robert to send her to the manor.

Now, Zephyr and Cordelia were the only two people in Royal Manor.

Zephyr looked around happily. No one was around-even Ginger could not disturb them. He suddenly recalled the lesson from the last time and quickly turned his phone off before heaving a sigh of relief. They could finally have their own quiet time together...

While Zephyr frowned and giggled to himself on the spot, Cordelia had served dinner to the table.

"Let's eat!"

Zephyr took a seat. The chicken with rice that Cordelia had made was tasty, and the soup was warm-right into his heart. He felt blissful but was scared of the heavens fighting for such bliss with him when it was too much.

"Why are you spacing out?" Cordelia glanced at him weirdly. "Getting full from just looking?"

"Cordelia..." Zephyr smiled and held her hand softly.

"What is it?"

"Nothing. Just realized that you're more capable than I've imagined. Even grandpa's full of praises for you."

Cordelia chuckled and knocked the back of his hand with her spoon.

The man's voice was hoarse. "Darling, I think... I'm no longer your superman."

"Sounds like you're pretty disappointed about it?"

"No, not even a little!" Zephyr cackled. "I'm very proud."

"You were the only one with superpowers in the past. I have them now too," Cordelia said gently. "Do you have anything you want me to do for you?"

"Is this a repayment?"

"Hmm, you can say so!"

Cordelia's eyes were beaming in crescents. Love that was balanced and lovers who pulled their own weight were the best kinds of love.

"Let me think about it..."

Zephyr got up and went behind her to hug her.

"Got it." His voice was tinged with a smile as he said huskily, "I want to spend romantic time alone with you for longer."

Cordelia turned to him with her sparkling eyes. "You mean you don't want a baby for the time being?"

"Having you is enough." Of course, having a baby would add to the joy as well.

"Time alone, huh? Hmm... This request..."

"What is it?"

"Nothing." She giggled and pressed her lips closer to his ear to utter softly, "Your wish is my command!"

At the filming set on the weekend...

Michelle had been retaking her scene for over 20 times now.

Even the assistant director could not take it and suggested to Trinity, "Ms. Lulham, let the actors go real in this! The camera's too close, and the angle's a challenging one... Glossing it over like this will not just tarnish our name, but it'll also be hard to talk to the investors when we lack progress!"

Trinity stayed quiet.

The assistant director sighed heavily. He had never seen Trinity indulging any actor so much in a set before. Moreover, this one was not some bigshot-she was just a freshly debuted singer.

"Cut!" It was another failed take.

The female lead was growing impatient and grumbled softly.

Trinity's head was a jumbled mess, and she waved for a short break. She sat on the chair with closed eyes to rest. Her head hurt, but her heart hurt even more.

When Frederic came to her the last time, hoping that she could give Michelle a chance, her rational mind said no. Despite that, her mouth did not follow her brain, and she called the man the next day to let Michelle take the place of the second lead.

Chapter 538

Chapter 538

"Ms. Lulham!" Someone made a sensual drawl of a cry and sashayed her way to Trinity. She looked at her with a coquettish complaint and plopped herself down on the empty seat next to her. "What is it?" Trinity pinched between her brows, looking tired.

Said someone was Millie Hill. She had spent years working happily with Trinity and was also a significant award-winning actress in the industry.

She was one of the outstanding performers when the female artists had worked together to embarrass Michelle back at the Tanners' event.

Although she was fussy and occasionally fantasized about having a sugar daddy, her acting talent and skill were unbeatable. The credit was partially hers in the few films with which Trinity had won awards. Basically, both of them had contributed significantly to each other's careers coming to this day.

"I mean, can you change the second lead?" Millie was straightforward. "With how we're filming, when are we finishing the scene between her and me? I'm still waiting to shoot with Neil!"

"You and Neil are great actors. Your part will go through in one take. Don't worry about it." Trinity was weak when she spoke.

Millie had spent years around her, so she knew what she was thinking. It was just a man! Did she have to?

What were men? To Millie, they were the stepping stones to her Best Actress awards. What she always said was that men were always there but not awards!

Therefore, why should people date? One ought to enjoy themselves in time when they met someone easy on the eyes. After all, her career was a better pursuit!

"Trinity!" Millie turned Trinity to her with her shoulders and looked at her sternly. She lowered her voice. "Just let me do it for real in this scene! I'll definitely make sure that little b*tch feels it and take revenge for you- Mmph!"

Before Millie finished her sentence, Trinity covered her mouth.

Trinity glared at Millie while the latter struggled away and flailed her hands, going to check herself in the mirror in horror.

"Trinity Lulham, that was too powerful! I just did my chin!"

Trinity froze before a hint of a smile crept up.

Millie rolled her eyes several times and touched up her makeup, ensuring her falsies were in place.

Trinity sighed. "Actually, why don't we do it genuinely in the next take? Let this pass, and Neil can come in sooner."

Millie nearly grabbed her for a smooch when she heard that.

"I'll say it first!" Trinity glared. "You can touch her, but not too strong!"

"I know, I know!" Millie could not stand how cautious she was being.

The director, Trinity Lulham, was strict and cool. When had she ever been this careful and submissive?

Millie thought that she must let Michelle suffer a little during the real take later. As she thought of it, she looked up and nearly passed out when she saw the slender figure at the dressing room door...

"Oh, heh!" The award-winning actress began her face-changing performance. "Michelle! Aww, you should come to my private dressing room during breaks. It's warm enough and comfortable, much better than the outside!"

"I wouldn't dare!" Michelle smiled. "It's exclusive for you! Extras like us aren't worthy of it."

"Who says you're an extra? You're the official second lead!" Millie rolled her eyes a thousand times in her mind.

"But a second lead like me doesn't seem better than the extras." Michelle intentionally glanced at Trinity. "People say that Ms. Lulham is good at guiding the actors, but that scene just now..."

Millie was so close to screaming, "If it weren't for you, would we have to retake that scene over 20 times!?"

It was not just Trinity who had never experienced this. Even she, Millie Hill, had never had this embarrassing moment in her professional career!

"You-"

"Millie!" Trinity shot her a look. "Go get ready. We're starting soon."

Millie took another look at Michelle before flicking her hair and sashaying out, bumping into the singer's shoulder.

Chapter 539

Chapter 539

Trinity went up to look at Michelle seriously. "Michelle, this scene is a close-up shot, so we'll need your cooperation.

"Which means this take... will be a real hit."

"What!?" Michelle's face fell. She snickered after a while, "Hah, this is all the famous director Ms. Trinity Lulham knows? Why does it have to be a real hit?"

Trinity did her best to keep her cool. "I told you. It's a close-up shot. To have the best effect, it can only be a real hit. But don't worry, Millie's an experienced actress. She often had to do the same during filming last time. She knows how to control herself."

"As if!" Michelle glared at her. "Trinity, you're doing this on purpose, aren't you? Do I have to actually let the car run over me in an accident scene when I have to take a real hit in a slapping scene?"

Trinity was at a loss for words at that moment.

Back then...

Trinity promised Frederic she would treat Michelle well when the latter joined the crew. Frederic even bought her a meal because he was happy about it.

As for Trinity, she knew that she would be saddened to have that meal but went anyway. She was reluctant to miss any chance to spend time with him.

Frederic kept toasting her during the meal, and each sentence he spoke of was about Michelle. Trinity's eyes went red at the end, but she forced a smile and patted his shoulder. "No worries, I've got your back bro. Leave it to me!"

Trinity jolted and did her best to talk to Michelle calmly.

"Acting's never been easy. Millie's an award-winning actress, and she sometimes has to spend an entire day in cold water if the scene asks for it! Neil is the same. He doesn't use stand-ins in lots of action scenes and doesn't even make a sound when he's all bruised from the harness.

"Michelle, this is only a slap. Are you going to act so delicately? Besides, the main shot is on Millie. With her acting skill, this scene will pass in two takes, maximum!"

"You" Michelle was indignant.

She squinted, a vicious gleam flashing in her eyes as she wore a small smirk.

Michelle had been under the impression that her future was doomed when Zephyr boycotted her on the spot in the banquet last time, not expecting that Frederic would plead Trinity for her. What she had not expected further was that Trinity agreed to something absurd.

When her manager brought her the contract for the second lead of this film, it was only then she knew that sincerity was this useful.

Feelings were insignificant to Michelle, but it was fortunate that fools like Frederic and Trinity still existed in this world and would do anything for it!

Michelle sneered. She remembered that Frederic had mentioned he would come to visit today. Very well, she would love to see how Trinity broke down in front of her.

"Fine, we'll do it!" She spoke with a drawl. "But ask Millie to wear a glove and stuff some sponge in there so I won't be in pain."

Trinity looked at her in disbelief and nearly choked.

"Are you kidding me!? Millie's character is a feisty one in the script. How could she possibly hit someone wearing a glove!? Moreover, the background setting is the olden days. Millie doesn't even wear modern clothing!"

"So?" Michelle scoffed. "Can't you just change the script?"

"No one has ever behaved like you!"

"Well, you have one now!" Michelle said with entitlement, "I refuse to shoot if you don't make her wear a glove!"

"Michelle Carmichael!"

Unable to take it anymore, Trinity exploded. She grabbed the script on the table and slammed it down on the ground.

"Break off the contract if you don't want to shoot! My crew doesn't take unprofessional actors like you!"

When Trinity slammed the script, she accidentally hit a glass on the table, and it crashed with a clank, fragments flying everywhere.

The script nearly hit Michelle, and the glass shards landed around her feet, so she stumbled back with a cry.

At the same time, she caught a glimpse of someone by the door.

"Frederic?" Michelle called out with a sob instantly. "Are you here to see me?"

Chapter 540

Chapter 540

Trinity froze and turned to the door stiffly.

As expected, Frederic was standing there. There were many crew members there as well.

Trinity caught the disappointment in Frederic's eyes. She wanted to explain herself but felt choked. Her lips moved, but there was no sound produced.

Michelle threw herself into Frederic's arms in front of everyone.

Frederic froze, his hand hesitant before he patted Michelle's shoulder lightly.

"Frederic, listen..." Trinity bit her lips. "Just now..."

"I heard about it just now, and I saw it too." Frederic's voice was calm without any ruffle of emotions, but his eyes were clearly brimming with disappointment toward her.

Trinity's heart clenched, and pain spread all over her.

Frederic stepped toward her with a complicated gaze. "Trinity, Michelle's a singer and has just shifted her path to acting. She mustn't know a lot of rules. Please teach her patiently, will you? If there's something she did wrong, I'll apologize on behalf of her "

"Mr. Constable, very funny!" Millie's voice was shrill. "On behalf of her? If you're doing everything on behalf of her, why don't you act on behalf of her!?"

Frederic's gaze dimmed, but he ignored others and kept his eyes on Trinity.

Trinity's hands balled into fists before she loosened them. After some time, she took a deep breath and said shakily, "We've been reshooting this scene for over 20 times. I can't waste more time!" "Trinity, you—"

"Frederic, forget it!" Michelle inched toward him like she was wronged. "I know that Ms. Lulham looks down on me... Others have experience and talent, but I'm silly. I think I'm just not cut for this! Frederic, don't put Ms. Lulham in a difficult spot. She's a good director, and she's been guiding me patiently!"

"Patiently?" A cold glint flashed in Frederic's eyes as he glanced at the mess on the ground.

"It's... It's all my fault! Ms. Lulham wouldn't lose her temper if I hadn't been so slow to learn! I wouldn't keep getting picked on too, otherwise..."

Michelle tried to hide behind Frederic as she spoke, but her expression when she looked at Trinity was of arrogance and provocation.

When Mille went up to hold her arm and gave her a look, Trinity was shaking in anger.

"Keep your cool!" Millie reminded her softly, "The more she's acting like this, the more you can't lose your sh*t! Hold it together. She'll have a taste of her own medicine in a while!" "What do you mean?"

As soon as the question was asked, a sweet voice rang. "How's the shooting going? Why is everyone gathered here? Are we done for the day?"

Everyone froze before they launched into action. The assistant director and logistics staff fetched the chair and adjusted the heater with bright smiles.

Cordelia smiled back at them politely as well.

When the scene had to be retaken for the umpteenth time earlier, she received a complaining text from Millie. Millie knew what she was doing. Not only had she reported the situation at the set truthfully, but she had also secretly recorded Michelle and Trinity's private conversation and sent it to her.

It was clear why Trinity had thrown the script.

Cordelia approached Trinity, taking in how the latter was pale with trembling hands. She held them softly, and her heart ached when she came in contact with how cold the director's hands were.

"Mr. Constable, what brings you here?" Cordelia's smile did not reach her eyes. "Did Ms. Lulham give you a character too?"

Frederic was embarrassed, but Michelle interrupted sarcastically, "Aren't you here too, Ms. Jenner?"

"It's normal that I'm here." Cordelia's voice was not loud, but her presence was felt. "As an investor representative, can't I come to take a look at the shooting progress?" Michelle stayed silent.

Cordelia continued. "I heard that there's a scene that got stuck. Doesn't look like Ms. Lulham's style here."

"I know, right?" Millie added fuel to the fire. "All my scenes get passed with just one take but look at this now! Sigh, can't let this get out, or I'll be embarrassed!"

"You're the award-winning actress here. You wouldn't be embarrassed."