Ch. 551..560

Chapter 551

Chapter 551

"Z!" Josiah called out. "Now that you guys have the certificate, should we celebrate with a feast?”

Zephyr snapped back to his senses. He nodded. "We should."

"I'll book the hotel!" Josiah took out his phone immediately and looked at Cordelia. "What would you like to eat?"

They were chipping in ideas, so it was a lively discussion.

Zephyr looked calm as he looked at the door quietly.

That person seemed to have left.

"What are you looking at?" Cordelia held his arm.

He chuckled and kissed her hair as he whispered, "Wait for me in the car. I'm going to make a call."

She was stunned. She then realized that someone seemed not to have shown up today.

It was between them. Even if they had a conflict, they should be solving it themselves.

She smiled and gave him a gentle look. She then led the others to the car park.

After they left, Zephyr sat in the hall alone. A moment later, someone slowly walked in.

"Z..."

Zephyr lifted his eyes to look at him.

Fredric looked guilty. He smiled awkwardly and soon held his head down.

"Congratulations on your marriage with Cordelia." He placed his gift. "This is a little something. I hope you like it."

Zephyr remained still for a while.

Fredric stood there, finding himself in a pickle. He was well aware of Z's ability not to show his emotions. He could never see what he was feeling on his face. However, he knew that he was raging.

He took a deep breath and observed him quietly. After a long time, Zephyr finally lifted his head to look at him. The coldness in his black eyes seemed to be gone. "Z," Fredric said in all seriousness. "I'm sorry about that day."

Zephyr stood up and smirked. He then patted his shoulder.

Fredric had always been arrogant. It was hard to get an apology from him.

"Forget it. I never took it to heart," Zephyr said in his deep voice. "I'm happy that you came today. Let's eat together."

The former declined. "No, I need to meet some people. This case is quite urgent."

"Don't tell me you're going to avoid Trinity for the rest of your life?"

"What!" He was stunned. "Why would I want to avoid her?"

Zephyr chuckled when he saw that he was being honest. "I thought you would not forgive Trinity because of Michelle."

"You think I'm that petty!" Fredric smiled. "Trinity is a nice person, as well as an outstanding director. Michelle is lucky to be in her movie!" "Hmm, it's great that you think that."

However, he knew that Fredric was merely saying that. He still pitied her.

As expected, Fredric asked carefully, "Z, c-can you really not accept her?"

Zephyr paused and raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"I..." Fredric licked his lips. "I really hope that Michelle can join us."

He looked at him and scoffed.

Michelle? What made her worthy?

The fact that she refused to let Cordelia into the banquet and boasted that she would be the Hamertons' future madam alone made it impossible for Zephyr to stay in contact with her!

Chapter 552

Chapter 552

"Fredric," Zephyr said in his deep voice. "I won't stop you from liking someone, but time will reveal one's true colors. Make up your mind when you see through her!"

"Z, Michelle..."

"Okay, I don't want to hear that name again!"

Fredric pursed his lips. He kept quiet while looking at Zephyr's cold eyes.

"Oh yeah, Z." He hesitated for a long time before saying, "Do you know that Yale was hurt a few days ago?"

Zephyr had heard about the incident. He had heard that Yale had had a fight with some people in a bar parking lot.

Furthermore, it had happened on the day he'd had a fight with Fredric.

He thought about it and soon reacted. He then looked at Fredric with his deep eyes.

"So you talked to him after I left that night?" Zephyr had a cryptic smile on his face.

Fredric sensed that something was off. He had cold sweat dripping on his body.

"Z, I didn't..."

Zephyr glanced at him expressionlessly.

Fredric felt his throat tighten and continued. "Umm... I handled the situation. Clark called me to tell me that Yale was arrested by the police for instigation. So I...”

"Okay." Zephyr knew that Yale could not drive a wedge between them easily since they had grown up together.

"It's okay." He looked at Fredric. "It's hard to be an attorney sometimes. Although Yale is useless and despicable, he's a Hamerton after all. It'd be an embarrassment to us if something happened to him. It's impossible that grandpa would just ignore it. So perhaps it was grandpa who got Clark to call you."

Fredric paused for a long time before releasing a long sigh of relief. He forced a smile. "I'm happy that you understand..."

"Is it dealt with already?"

"Yes." It was a small matter to him. "Those people were gangsters, but they were reasonable. Yale apologized, so they paid his medical fees. They reached a settlement, so the issue has been solved."

"Good."

"Z." Fredric lowered his voice. "I noticed something was off with him when I sent him back to the Yale Residence. He looked... tired. He ran into his room as soon as he arrived. I have no idea what he was doing in there.

"I had to get his signature for my memo, so I waited outside. He looked normal when he got out half an hour later.

"Z, do you think..."

Fredric recalled the strange smell in the parking lot that day. He could not help but suspect something. "Is he on drugs?" Zephyr's face turned grim, and he clenched his fists.

"Are you sure?"

Fredric took a call log out of his bag.

Evidence was everything to attorneys. Therefore, he had begun to investigate secretly since the parking lot incident.

Zephyr looked at it. Most of the numbers on the call log came from Jangasas.

"This repeated number is William's." Zephyr was sure. "Hah, it makes sense. Since Yelena is with him now, William would definitely hold on to this money tree." "Did William supply him drugs?"

Zephyr's eyes dimmed. He figured William was not capable of that. Someone else had to be behind this.

"Z," Fredric said. "This is the only thing I found... I don't have anything else."

"Hmm, this isn't bad." Zephyr smiled and lifted his eyes to look at him. There was a cryptic look in his eyes. "Fredric, I think you can do something."

"What?"

"You can set Yale up."

Fredric was stunned, but he soon got what he meant. They locked eyes and revealed a smile, showing that they understood each other.

Chapter 553

Chapter 553

In the evening, Zephyr and Cordelia returned to the Royal Manor.

They started kissing in the car as soon as it was parked in the courtyard, so the suppressive space was filled with romance.

Her breathing quickened. However, she shoved his hands away, signaling for him to only do that at home.

Although they had been together for a long time, she was still very conservative in this aspect. It was private, so it was natural that she needed privacy to do that. "Wifey..." Zephyr complained. "I can't hold back anymore!"

"You have to!" Cordelia lay on his chest like a kitten and warned him politely. "Don't force me to take your allowance away!"

Zephyr felt terrible. He held her hand and kissed it.

However, he knew that as soon as she went into a private space and the curtains were closed, she would no longer be the lady who blushed because of a mere kiss...

She could take his soul away when she let go. That feeling was just...

He felt a squeeze in his heart. He snapped up and picked her up, the two of them getting out of the car and rushing to their home!

They hugged at the door. However, before he managed to kiss her, the lights in the living room were suddenly turned on!

Cordelia screamed.

They saw Robert standing in the living room with Ginger in his hands, while Aunt Helen was smiling happily. The living room was decorated beautifully, while the marble floor was filled with scattered rose petals. Romance filled every corner.

"Surprise!" Robert grabbed Ginger's paw to wave at them.

"How's this, sir and madam?" Robert was excited. "It was my idea!"

Cordelia was blushing, but her eyes were smiling.

Zephyr, on the other hand, was stunned for over ten seconds. He almost spat out blood.

Why was it Robert every time?! Every single time!

He was too much this time. He had chosen to give them a surprise that day with Ginger and Aunt Helen!

Had he not specifically told him to get as far away as he could after they collected their marriage certificate?

"Robert!"

The roar almost tore the house apart.

However, Robert did not panic about making a mistake. Instead, he began laughing with Aunt Helen.

Cordelia pulled at Zephyr, who wanted to beat Robert up immediately.

Aunt Helen said with a smile, "You can't yell like this, sir. It's too much for your body! I made soup, so eat it with madam for supper!"

Ginger looked at him quietly. It then licked its lips and meowed.

"Sir!" Robert was almost out of breath from laughing. He walked over to them and bowed. "Don't worry, sir. Even if I was an idiot, I wouldn't interrupt the most important time of your life!" Zephyr stared at him. "What are you doing?"

"I'm..." Robert scratched his head. "Just pulling your leg... Hahaha!"

He had not intended to interrupt his moment with Cordelia every single time.

This would be considered the end of it! He would definitely be alert when he was around them. He would show up when he should and he would disappear when needed!

"Don't blame him, sir." Aunt Helen smiled. "It was your grandpa who sent him here. He insisted that he tell you to bring madam home for lunch tomorrow. She'll take over the Hamertons from now on!" Only Zephyr calmed down.

Robert continued. "I'm taking Ginger to Madam Xyla and Aunt Helen back to the manor!"

They vanished in the night with Ginger.

Cordelia could not hold back, as her belly was hurting from laughter. A pair of big hands grabbed her from behind. Before she managed to react, she was carried to the bedroom upstairs. The man pressed her against the bed, his eyes soft.

She stretched her hands to hold his neck. Her beautiful eyes were sparkling like stars.

"Hubby..."

Her soft voice was seductive.

"Now that I think about it, this is our real wedding night, right?"

"Mm-hmm." He did not have the time to even think about that.

All he wanted to do was eat her up right now.

"Hubby, will you treat me well from now on?"

"Huh?" What kind of question was that? He answered without even giving it a thought, "Of course I will."

She smiled with joy. "Will you love me forever?"

"Of course I will, you fool."

In reality, even if he had not said all that to her, she knew that he would spend the rest of his life fulfilling his promise.

It was just that she loved hearing him say sweet nothings to her.

She buried her face in his chest and leaned on him.

"I'll love you forever too..."

Zephyr was high due to the atmosphere. He could no longer hold back.

However, the lady in his embrace suddenly revealed a mischievous smile. "I'd love you even if you became a bald meatball!"

Pfft...

He was stunned at first, but he then laughed out loud.

"Wifey, if I was a meatball, then what would you be?"

Cordelia gave it some serious thought. "A vegan meatball!"

They discussed how they would meet in their next life. They eventually concluded that he would be a meatball, while she would be a vegan meatball. They would still be on the same plate, and they would be together forever and ever.

They hugged happily as soon as Cordelia was done speaking.

Zephyr pulled the blanket over their heads. The lights were dimmed, so it was quiet, beautiful, and passionate.

Michelle arrived at Yale's private club with the help of an attendant.

She had heard about the many high-end clubs beneath Splendor Mountain. They were the places the people of the highest status in the city frequented.

She had not expected to be treated like a VIP.

The attendant took her to the spa, where she was treated to a private service. She took a good look, as she had seen this beautician on many fashion TV shows, and she usually served the best actresses. And now...

She was over the moon. It was great to be wealthy. Money was a person's pride, as money could really buy anything.

Fredric could never give her the things that she was indulging in now!

She took a sip of the red wine while the attendant got a masseuse for her.

"Ms. Carmichael." The attendant was respectful. "Mr. Hamerton is currently busy. We hope you're enjoying yourself here. He'll see you as soon as he's done with his thing."

"Oh, sure!" Michelle looked flirty. "Tell him not to hurry! Hah... He's been thorough with the arrangement!"

The attendant stepped out after bowing.

She smiled and looked around. The massage room in the little spa was as luxurious as a palace.

Since she could not get close to Zephyr, she would go for second best. Yale would do!

Chapter 554

Chapter 554

"Ms. Carmichael." The masseuse had a professional smile on her face. "Is this strength okay?"

Michelle instantly felt relaxed. She kept nodding. "Yes, it's good."

"Please tell me if there's anything you need at all. We'll do our best to serve you!"

Michelle smiled. She felt good.

She had been shooting for two days without resting before coming to the club. She was exhausted. Trinity had insisted on finishing shooting, but it was a way to rival Millie.

Who was Millie? After the slap last time, she would never forgive Michelle.

Michelle wanted to play someone else. She did not want to act with Millie, but the entire crew made fun of her.

Trinity merely glanced at her and said, "We only have one character for you. Play it if you want. You can cancel the contract if you don't want to do it! I don't care if I lose this insignificant money." Michelle was sure that everyone was working together to bully her.

She called Fredric to cry about her encounter, but he advised her. "Michelle, you just debuted. You must be humble and maintain a good relationship with the crew... Trinity is a talented director. She'll make you famous as long as you're willing to put in some effort."

She tossed her phone angrily after she hung up. After work, she posted on her social media account about this unfair treatment. Fortunately, Nancy saw that in time and warned her.

"Tell me if you want to end your career, Michelle. Don't drag me into it! How dare you post something like that? Are you trying to offend everyone in the industry? Delete it!"

She deleted the post unwillingly. Although she had posted it less than a minute ago, many people had seen it.

Including Yale, who wanted to stir chaos.

"Michelle... She's the singer who was almost banned by Zephyr, right?"

"Yes, sir. She's also the Attorney Constable's crush!"

"Hah, that b*stard who went against me!" He focused all of his vengeance on Fredric when he recalled being beaten up in the parking lot.

His man instantly understood and asked, "Sir, should we get rid of him?"

"No need!" Yale grinned. "We should continue to be nice to him!"

"What..."

"You're so stupid!" He glared at him. "He's Zen's lackey, so he's also an important chess piece to us! If we trapped him, wouldn't we be able to fight Zen?"

In order to trap Fredric, Michelle was vital.

That was why she was taken to the private club.

"Ms. Carmichael." The masseuse stood aside respectfully. "We're done with the massage now. Please head to the restaurant. Mr. Hamerton has arranged supper for you." "There's... supper too?" Michelle was over the moon.

"Yes. He wanted to dine with you, but he's dealing with something. He'll be here later."

"Oh, it's okay!" Michelle smiled in a flirtatious manner. "I'm grateful for his hospitality. I'll head over for supper now..."

However, she heard a shrill woman's voice outside before she was done speaking.

"What do you mean? Don't you know me?! Why can't I go in?!"

"Ms. Jenner, Mr. Hamerton said that today...'

"You have a death wish!"

Michelle was stunned. A second later, she saw an angry woman in red stomping in her heels.

She had seen that red dress before. It was the limited edition of an international A-list brand. However, it seemed to have been altered. The original design had not been as revealing. "Ms. Jenner..." The attendants panicked. They were hesitant as they looked at Michelle and Yelena.

Chapter 555

Chapter 555

Michelle was stunned. Ms. Jenner?

Was one Ms. Jenner in Imperial Media not enough? There was another one now?

Yelena looked at her as well, her gaze turning from confusion into jealousy and rage.

"Hah, Mr. Yale's stopping me from entering because of this sl*t?"

Michelle was angry, but before she could retort, Yelena slapped her!

"You wh*re!"

Yelena was no delicate award-winning actress. The actress' slap was part of filming, but Nelly had trained Yelena to get into battle mode.

"You shameless b*tch! Mr. Yale's not someone you can seduce! I'm going to rip you apart today! Let's see if you'll dare hook up with him again!" "Ah! Let go of me!"

The two of them fought, and the club was thrown into chaos. Shrill screams, insults, and grappling noises mixed, creating a unique scene at the bottom of Splendor Mountain.

No one dared mediate the fight, not that they knew how to. They could only watch the women fight.

Michelle was not even Yelena's rival. She was at a disadvantage and she had bruises within a short while, and Yelena ended the fight with a punch in her chest. The silicone inserts shook, and Michelle frantically held them steady with both hands.

Yelena had taken some of Yale's "good stuff" before coming, so she was energetic. She took a step forward and grabbed Michelle's hair, causing the latter to moan in pain.

Then, the others quickly went up to stop them, afraid that the fight would escalate too much. It was a disaster.

Suddenly, someone let out a loud cough and the whole place fell silent.

Yale entered with a glower while the others held their breaths. Yelena still had a tight grip on Michelle's hair, and the latter's face was twisted in pain.

"What are you doing?!" Yale's tone rose. "Are you crazy?!"

Yelena loosened her hold and called out timidly, "Yale..."

Michelle took this chance to struggle away from her hold and cried as she threw herself into Yale's arms.

"Mr. Yale..."

She sounded so wronged and coquettish that regular men would melt over it, but Yale widened his eyes at Michelle as though he had seen a ghost. What was going on? He had asked her to come enjoy herself in the private club to pull Frederic to his side! Not for her to throw herself at him!

"Yale, you!" Yelena's eyes reddened as she watched the two of them in disbelief.

Because she had taken drugs and could not exactly think straight, she pounced on Yale. This caused the three of them to get entangled in the fight, and the expensive decorations in the club all fell and crushed on the floor.

Ultimately, the battle was stopped by Yale, who summoned the security guards.

"Take this lunatic away!" He pointed at Yelena angrily. "Lock her up! Do not feed her without my permission!"

Michelle gloated inwardly and clung closer to Yale.

That had not been Yale's intention. After taking care of Yelena, he had been about to push Michelle away when he caught a glimpse of a familiar silhouette by the door...

Yale froze.

The man walked over slowly, his footsteps steady. His gaze swept across Michelle and paused on her momentarily.

"Ah, Fre-Frederic!" Yale shoved Michelle off of him. "What a rare guest! What brings you here today?"

Chapter 556

Chapter 556

Frederic looked at him with a blank expression.

He was only here because of what Zephyr had said that he could pretend to betray him. He had picked this time because he knew Yale and was aware that he would not be resting and would still be having fun at this hour.

Since he planned to get something out of Yale, of course he had to choose a time when he could get the closest to him. He just had not expected to see Michelle like this here... Frederic gripped his fists. It felt as if something had crumbled in his heart abruptly.

Michelle stared at him blankly as well. Her clothes were messy and her hair disheveled. There were even some wounds on her face, and she was throwing herself at Yale. Frederic suddenly thought he was hilarious. Years of infatuation and resolution broke down in an instant.

He had seen a quote on the internet-"When's the moment that you suddenly stopped loving someone?"-and he realized this was this moment for Frederic.

He suddenly thought that this was all due to Michelle. Perhaps all this while, what he had liked was the feeling of wholeheartedly liking someone. He had put Michelle on too high a pedestal all this time.

In fact, she was just like some female celebrities in the entertainment industry-except those female celebrities were much franker than her. At least, their ambition and desire were obvious. Unlike Michelle, who had a sweet and demure character on the outside and had to be discreet and stealthy about her desires.

"Frederic." Yale chuckled dryly. "Listen... Don't misunderstand this. I brought Ms. Carmichael here today to take care of her for you because she must have had a hard time shooting..."

"I'll have to thank you then, Mr. Yale."

"It's nothing worth mentioning." Yale chuckled. "Frederic, it's a mess in here. Shall we talk elsewhere?"

"Sure." Frederic's voice was composed. "You call the shots."

Yale was slightly relieved upon seeing that Frederic did not seem angry. He got someone to send Michelle off and took Frederic to the best VIP room in the club.

Despite that, his heart drummed on the way there. Michelle Carmichael was a sticky problem! How could she throw herself at him at this juncture?!

"Mr. Yale, I've thought it through."

"Hmm?" Yale snapped back to his senses.

Frederic looked at him with a smile. "To be honest, being with Mr. Zephyr all these years has been really hard on my pride. If you gave me a higher status, I'd be willing to serve you!"

Late at night, in Royal Manor...

Zephyr turned around and startled awake when he did not find that pliant, sweet-smelling figure in his arms.

There was no sight of her in the bedroom either.

Shocked, Zephyr did not even put on his slippers before he dashed out of the bedroom, only to see that the light in the study was switched on.

He went over quietly and saw Cordelia on the laptop, checking the Hamerton accounts seriously entry by entry. Not only was she checking them, but she was verifying each entry and taking notes. Zephyr chuckled wryly. Did she have to start managing the bills on the night of their wedding?

He went in, softly pushing the door. Cordelia looked up and met his doting gaze, shooting him a sweet smile in return.

"Darling, why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

Zephyr fetched a cardigan to drape it over her and hugged her from the back before he hoisted her up.

Cordelia gasped. The moment Zephyr picked her up, he took her seat.

Left with nowhere to sit, Cordelia could only sit on his lap.

The man's hands then crept up her hips...

"Stop it!" Cordelia wriggled and chuckled. "Your family's accounts are kind of tricky to sort through."

Chapter 557

Chapter 557

Zephyr looked at the screen. Cordelia had already created a clear and tangible form. He buried his nose in her hair and took a deep breath.

"With you around now, any tricky accounts will be easy to handle."

"Easy to say!" Cordelia turned around to rub their noses together. They could not help chuckling when their eyes met.

"Honey, it's not just easy for me to say..." Zephyr spoke hoarsely next to her ear. "It's easy for me to 'do' too!"

Cordelia's attention was on the accounts, and she clearly did not catch what he meant, so she asked seriously, "What did you do? Have you paid attention to anything at home other than the tasks at the company?

"I've recalculated. The whole Hamerton Manor's income and expenses can be balanced generally, but if any unnecessary expenses are removed and the resources are reformed, we could save even more and even make a profit...

"Hey, I'm talking to you. Did you hear me?"

What did the man want? She was talking to him about serious matters, and he was burying his face in her embrace. He was too much!

"Zephyr Hamerton!"

"Darling, I don't want to hear it." Zephyr, who was not pleased, threw a tantrum to make her go back to sleep with him for a bit longer.

Despite that, Cordelia lifted a hand and changed his monthly allowance of $70 to $45 directly!

Zephyr's eyes went round.

"Right, I gave you a black card before. Give it back too."

"Honey... I earned that myself!"

"I've changed the rules for the Hamertons now. Everything starts afresh!"

Cordelia could not help giggling behind her hand as she looked at him gaping like a deflated balloon.

Zephyr sighed and performed a long analysis on her, claiming that she must not exploit labor like this. Not even a capitalist would be harsh enough to pay only $45... How was he supposed to live?! Cordelia suddenly turned around and held his face with both hands.

There was light in her eyes, and she grinned as soon as she looked at him.

"Aww, looks like Mr. Zephyr opposes this very much..." Cordelia's voice was soft and sweet. "Why, is $45 too little?"

"You think it's a lot?"

"The basic salary is not much, but..." Cordelia chuckled. Her cherry lips were pressed against his ear, and what she said sent tremors down his spine.

"But I'll give you the chance to make some commission!"

Zephyr froze before realization struck him. He picked her up directly and rushed back to their bed.

When he looked at their bedside table and saw the bottle of tonic his father-in-law had given him standing there quietly, he thought he should give it a try.

After all, the commission he was about to make had to be excellent in both quantity and quality! The more he worked, the more he'd earn!

...

Cordelia woke up eventually early in the morning.

The side effect of a passionate wedding night was a sore body that felt like a truck had run over it.

She pushed herself up and went downstairs to look for Zephyr.

The man seemed to have spent a while on the couch. His expression was grim and a dark cloud fogged his eyes, vanishing once he saw Cordelia. "Did something happen?" Cordelia was sensitive and noted that he looked off.

She went over to hold his hand, saying softly, "Tell me if something's off. We're actually husband and wife now. No matter what happens, I'll face it with you."

Chapter 558

Chapter 558

Zephyr did not say anything. He had wanted to shoulder this alone, but when he thought about how he had almost lost her because he had said nothing, he decided he was not going to be a fool twice. He smiled and hugged her lightly. "I was informed that William Jenner's currently in Centrolis."

The person in his arms clearly went stiff. Zephyr hugged her tighter.

"Jenner's company has gone bankrupt, and Yelena has become Yale's plaything..." he explained to her. "William Jenner's in desperate need of money. It's well within reason that he's in Centrolis to rely on his daughter."

"He isn't just depending on his daughter." Cordelia's voice was calm. "I don't think he'll let me go."

Zephyr ran his hand through her long hair. He could not help smiling as he looked at her soft but resolute face.

He remembered that he had assumed she must have a soft and weak character when they had first met, but she had turned out to be much tougher than he had imagined.

That was why he did not shy away from telling her the truth. "I think he won't just come for you. He'll go after your mom too. I remember him going to your house once in Jangasas.

"But don't worry, I have people set around mom's place. I won't let William Jenner get close to her!"

Cordelia looked up at him with a sweet smile. No matter what, he would always make sure things were properly taken care of.

"Why are you looking at me like this?" Zephyr smiled.

Cordelia replied sincerely, "Thank you, darling..."

"Is this still required between us?"

Cordelia chortled and said nothing, feeling warmth gush in her.

"If you really want to thank me..." Zephyr said huskily next to her ear, "Give me more allowance from now on!"

Cordelia blushed, her wrist caught when she tried to push him away. The man pinned her down on the couch.

It was a winter morning, but the room was radiant from hot passion.

The two of them only got to the manor when it was almost noon.

Liam came to welcome them personally and could not help grinning once he saw Zephyr and Cordelia, repeatedly mumbling, "My granddaughter's back! My dear granddaughter's back!"

Cordelia went over to hook arms with the old man with a beam, and the two of them went in happily, as if they had completely forgotten that Zephyr was there too.

The servants around them ducked their heads swiftly. It was so hard to hold their laughter in.

Zephyr scanned the place around him and his gaze darkened. He coughed and caught up with brisk steps.

Liam called all the chefs at home in the hall.

The Michelin-star chefs stood on both sides, all looking at Cordelia in anticipation, hoping to be picked.

Cordelia was puzzled. "Grandpa?"

"What cuisine would you like to have today?" Liam asked with a grin.

Cordelia winced, looking at the chefs of different ethnicities and nationalities. There were chefs from Chaiseland, Feranche, Etalia, Ilbon, Taeguk, Asperia... Liam had basically gotten all the cuisines in the whole world into his house.

Cordelia had trouble deciding what to eat.

While she mulled over the options, Zephyr had gone through the menu and placed it on the servant's tray gracefully.

"Grandpa, I'd like to have sushi-"

Before he could finish, Liam looked at him impatiently. "I didn't ask you!"

Liam then looked at Cordelia lovingly. "Cordelia, what do you want?"

Cordelia giggled. "Let's have sushi."

"Hey, you don't have to listen to this kid! Just let me know what you want!" Liam straightened up and explained seriously, "Don't worry. I hired these chefs with my own money. Didn't use the family's money. It won't affect your revolutionary plan at all!"

Zephyr looked at him speechlessly and scoffed.

Chapter 559

Chapter 559

The old man had seemed to be proud and arrogant in the past. Since when had he become so submissive?

"Grandpa." Cordelia pushed the urge to laugh down and held her husband's hand gently under the table. "I actually feel like having sushi too. And unagi-don!"

"Oh..." Liam gave it some thought and shot Clark a look.

Clark nodded. The Ilbon chef perked up and stood straight, taking a deep bow before answering sonorously, "Hai!"

He then went to the kitchen to prepare the food.

Zephyr looked like he was in despair as he slowly exhaled.

The manor felt oppressive. He might as well refuse to eat the next time he came back. His grandfather would not just watch the heir he had personally trained starve, right? His wife would feel bad for him too and might treat him better-maybe increase his allowance and give him back the black card...

He decided then and there to do it!

Zephyr beamed and enjoyed the sashimi in front of him.

"Mr. Zephyr." Clark came in with a document. "These are the sponsorship details for the University of Centrolis next year. See-"

Zephyr was about to take the document when Liam interrupted lightly. "Give it to Cordelia. She calls the shots now!"

"Huh? Grandpa?" Zephyr paused.

"Right, I forgot to tell you." Liam wiped his mouth with a napkin. "I think Cordelia's very professional when it comes to finance management-practical too, much stronger than you! So I decided to not just hand over the family finances to her. The company finances can be slowly passed over to her as well!"

Zephyr widened his eyes. "Then I—"

"Your ability to make money is still decent." Liam had done his calculations. "You'll make money, and Cordelia will handle the money. Won't it be great?"

"... Yes, it'll be pretty good."

Zephyr grimaced. Thinking of the "commission" he had made after last night's hard work, he put on a pitiful smile.

Cordelia looked at him playfully and grinned, making him melt right away.

His hand crept up to her slim waist, and he held it lightly.

"Darling," he said softly. "Can I stop working hard? Take care of me."

Cordelia smiled without a word and took the document from Clark to go through it.

"Grandpa, I've calculated this," she said softly. "I think the ratio for next year's sponsorships can be increased. The sum of classroom buildings and dorms remains the same, but the sum of laboratories should be higher than in the past years."

Liam was delightfully surprised. It was exactly what he had thought.

"Why's that?"

"Engineering and medical labs are places where one can get results. So the teachers and students should have the best in order for them to do research without worrying.

"The research results will definitely be beneficial to Hamerton Group, so consider it a long-term investment."

"Mm." Liam nodded in approval. "Let's do as you say!

"Right, is your younger brother in the University of Centrolis too?"

Cordelia paused and nodded with a soft smile.

"I saw the scholarship name list for this semester earlier. Carter Irwin came in first again," Liam said with a smile. "He's an upcoming talent for sure!"

"Carter works very hard." Cordelia looked pleased. "And he's a smart boy, especially when it comes to medicine. It's like he understands without needing a teacher."

"Yes," Clark said with a smile. "Mr. Irwin's scholarship is regarding a thesis in medicine too... I think it's-it's related to acupuncture!"

"Acupuncture?" Cordelia froze and felt her heart skip a beat.

Liam instantly eyed Clark to stop him from going on. He then met Zephyr's eyes, which looked rather solemn.

Cordelia did not know about it yet... but given how smart she was, she would definitely connect the dots.

Chapter 560

Chapter 560

Zephyr knew that unless Rowan admitted this to Cordelia or Xyla told her personally, it would feel entirely different if the girl were to find out from someone else. Liam coughed with a frown.

Then, the servants served Blossom Mandarin, one portion per person, placing it gently beside them.

"Cordelia." Liam was quick to change the topic. "Try this!"

Cordelia snapped back to her senses and nodded with a smile.

She recalled back when she had not known about Zephyr's identity yet and he had taken her on a honeymoon to the hot spring hotel. It had been spring, and the mountain by the hot spring had been blooming with peach blossoms. It had felt like paradise.

Back then, the signature dish of the hot spring hotel had been Blossom Mandarin. She had picked the fish eye and given it to Zephyr.

She did the same now. The most precious things were meant for the most precious people.

There was unnoticeable envy on Liam's jaded face when he saw it. After some time, he muttered softly, "Your grandmother... did that for me in the past too."

Zephyr and Cordelia put their cutlery down at the same time.

This was the first time Zephyr saw his grandfather wear a sorrowful expression in his life. His grandmother had passed away before his birth, so his impression of her was only limited to the oil painting in Liam's study and the old photos on the table.

Growing up, his understanding of Liam had always been that he was cold, strict, and merciless and he was known for his impartiality and ruthlessness in business.

That was why he had never known that there was a sensitive, fragile side to his grandfather that no one knew of, that there was a secret garden where someone he treasured the most lived in. "Grandpa..."

"Hah, it's fine! It's nothing!" Liam recomposed himself very soon. "Dig in! No need to mind me! Sigh, once you get old, you like to reminisce..."

"Grandpa," Cordelia said with a smile. "If it's okay, I'd like Zephyr to take me to see grandma tomorrow."

Zephyr was surprised, and Liam looked at her with a flash of warmth in his eyes.

The old man was feeling even more grateful that the woman his grandson had married was this warm and kind girl, not a wealthy heiress with all sorts of unreasonable demands. Nelly would definitely have thought that it was unlucky to pay one's respects to the dead when she had just gotten married and would definitely have kicked up a fuss over this.

Liam smiled. "Cordelia, I understand your good intentions, but the two of you just got married.”

"I'm already your granddaughter-in-law. I should pay my respects to grandma."

"Don't you think it's unlucky?"

"Of course not!" Cordelia beamed. "It's grandma, someone who's very close to us. What's unlucky about it?"

"Mm, go on." Liam smiled, his eyes wet. "Your grandmother will bless you and Zephyr."

After the meal, Cordelia and Zephyr walked around the manor hand in hand.

The afternoon sun of the early winter felt comfortable on them, and Zephyr suggested taking her around the horse ranch. Cordelia agreed easily.

When the two of them reached the stable, however, the horse trainer hesitated and kept stalling as they picked their horses.

Zephyr scowled and scolded him. "Do you not understand what I say? Cordelia and I want to ride. Do you not want to work here anymore? Is that why you're stopping us?!" "No, sir!" The trainer was pale from horror. "It's... It's..."

Cordelia quickly asked, "Is this something hard to speak of?"

The trainer looked troubled. He said nothing and took them around the stable to a small hut behind it.

The cabin looked dingy and run down. There was an iron lock outside too.

While Cordelia was surprised, a shrill scream suddenly came from inside.

"Cordelia? Cordelia Jenner! Is it you?!"

Cordelia froze before a disheveled woman rushed toward her. Shocked, she stood rooted there, so Zephyr caught her in his arms and the two of them took several steps back.

"Cordelia! Cordelia!"

The woman's shrill voice was chilling.

Cordelia snapped out of her trance and recognized the ghostly woman, who was actually Yelena!

Zephyr looked at the horse trainer sternly.

The trainer stammered, "I-Its... It's Mr. Yale-who locked her up."

Cordelia sucked in a cold breath. "Why'd he lock her up?"

"I don't know, I really don't know!" The trainer was caught in a predicament. "Mr. and Mrs. Zephyr, don't tell others... Mr. Yale said that he locked this miss here so she'd clear her head on her own and forbid anyone from giving her anything to eat. Then... Then, he left and he hasn't appeared since."

Yelena gripped the metal door and shook it, making it clank. The sound felt terrorizing as it echoed in the quiet ranch.

"Cordelia... I beg you!" Yelena plopped on her knees. "Give me something to eat and... and bring me some candied drops. I want candied drops..."

What she said sounded incoherent, and Cordelia was confused.

"Cordelia, you can't just watch me die!" Yelena was hysterical! "I'm your sister! Let me out... Hurry, let me out!"

"Yelena, snap out of it!" Cordelia frowned. "Look for whoever locked you in there. Leave me alone!"

It was not just that Cordelia was incapable of saving her. Even if she was capable of it, she would not want to do it.

However, Cordelia could not help feeling chills when she saw how frenzied Yelena looked and noticed her dazed gaze and erratic behavior. She had said that she wanted... candied drops?

Only drugs could make someone less of a human yet not a ghost.

Could the candied drops she had mentioned be a kind of drug? Zephyr put an arm around her to lead her away, ignoring Yelena.

"Cordelia, don't go!" Yelena shouted. "Who'll save me when you leave?!"

"Keep an eye on her," Zephyr instructed the ranch staff. "Do whatever Mr. Yale says and let him take care of it. Don't interfere."

"Yes, sir!"

"Cordelia, you're not saving me... You think I need you to save me?!" Yelena was cackling like mad. "Hahaha... Dad'll be here soon even if you don't save me! I'll tell you now, you'll get nothing when dad gets here! Hahaha..."

Cordelia snapped her head back.

Zephyr held her shaking shoulders and comforted her. "Don't take Yelena seriously. She's not herself now."

"But..." Cordelia's brows were tightly knitted. "She said that I'll lose everything... What does that mean?"