Ch. 671..680

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 671

"And don't think I don't know how many grievances you've secretly made my daughter suffer all these years!"

Franklin wanted to spill everything, but Janine held him back-not for Hannah but not to embarrass her younger brother in public.

All in all, Janine still cared about her brother.

"Dad, no need to go on." She chuckled. "Today's party is to welcome me home. You really shouldn't get angry. Let's enjoy ourselves and relax!"

"Yeah, Grandpa," Cordelia said with a smile. "I was wrong just now too. I shouldn't throw a tantrum and say that I want to go back to my parents. I've married Zephyr, I'll be where my husband is!" "Mm, our Cordelia's the best!" Franklin grinned widely. "But... I heard that old Hamerton geezer say that Zephyr's married into the Irwins? He should be going back to your parents with you then!" "Grandpa, uh..." Cordelia could barely hold back her laugh.

Zephyr, who had been observing from the side, widened his eyes when he heard that.

"How's that possible, grandpa!" Cordelia approached her husband and held his hand, saying softly, "It was just a joke. I couldn't bear to let my husband do that!"

It was as if her eyes were stars glittering when she looked at him.

"I'm his wife," she said softly. "Forever and ever."

Zephyr felt like his heart melted. As he held Cordelia's hand, she was the only one in his eyes.

Franklin giggled like a child and shot everyone else a look that stopped them from third-wheeling here.

Janine waited until Cordelia and Zephyr were done staring into each other's eyes before she pulled him aside and nagged. "Be more focused when you take care of Cordelia at home, got it? And where were you when Hannah was blabbering bullsh*t!? Where's your voice when it's needed!?"

Zephyr was rendered speechless. Did he even need to say a word when his mother and wife worked together so well and aggressively?

No one would listen to him even if he did say something!

"Mom, what's the matter?" Cordelia came over, worried.

Zephyr hurried to hide behind her.

Janine put on a different expression and beamed at Cordelia. "Nothing, nothing. Just teaching Zephyr some values! Hahaha..."

The party went on with everyone enjoying it except for Noah and his family, who slipped through the backdoor.

Hannah scowled with shaking knees, barely able to walk properly. There were several times when Noah wanted to help her, but she pushed him away coldly.

Ava went up and shoved him away, nearly making him stagger and fall.

"Hah, you didn't do anything earlier, and now you remember to help my mom?"

"You..." Noah froze. "Ava, how can you talk to daddy like this!?" Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Findηøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Daddy!?" Ava flashed out. "Whose daddy is like you? You can't protect your wife, and child and your brain's not even working properly. I don't want a daddy like you!"

"Ava Baker!" shouted Noah.

There was heartache in his voice as his gaze was tinged with disbelief.

This was the daughter he doted on since she was a child? He treated them genuinely and what did they take him as?

Noah's thoughts were everywhere. He was a little silly. These questions were tangled up into a knot in his head, and he could not unravel them no matter what.

Hannah saw him panting and sweating and knew that Ava had really angered him.

"Ava, what are you saying!?" She shot her daughter a look.

They could not offend Noah. The fool-a rich fool-was the only one she could manipulate in the Bakers.

"You can't talk to dad like this. Apologize!"

Ava refused with puffed cheeks and ran off.

 

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 672

Hannah stomped her foot in rage and went after her daughter after a quick word with Noah.

Noah was the only one left standing rooted in the night. The silvery moonlight elongated his shadow. His shoulders trembled slightly, and his eyes and mouth twitched involuntarily. His heart ached a little, but he was more furious.

He pulled out his phone after a while and dialed a number after asking a few people.

"Hello, is this Ms. Trinity Lulham?"

The other end of the line paused before asking softly, "You are?"

"I'm Noah Baker, Janine Baker's younger brother!"

Trinity blinked, and her mind went blank.

What was going on? She and the man were two parallel lines!

"Uh, uh... Do you need money for your film?"

Trinity winced, not knowing how to answer it.

"Ms. Lulham I h-have money!" Noah yelled, "I'll have you know I have lots of money! My dad and my sister send money to my account regularly!

"Take it for your movie, I'm giving all of it to you!"

"No, no, Mr. Baker... Let's talk about this!" Trinity was shocked. "We do need investments for the production but..."

"I'll invest, I'll do it!" Noah raised his voice. "Like the Hollywood scale, I'll triple it... No, no, five times more!"

"Mr. Baker, can you calm down?"

Trinity could barely handle this sudden jackpot.

It was unusual. She had heard that there was a Baker heir who was not quite mentally capable. This must be him!

"I just have one condition!" Noah gritted his teeth. "You can't let Ava Baker have any role!"

Trinity was stunned.

Noah hung up after what he yelled. He felt good now.

Just like a child throwing a tantrum, he would take revenge since Ava upset him. In his mind, Ava would be sad as long as she was not given the chance to star in the film and they were even this way-they would still be a loving father and daughter after this!

Noah smirked and grinned in triumph, his steps feeling lighter.

Meanwhile, Trinity was baffled and quickly called Cordelia.

"What's going on? What the heck?" Trinity was still bewildered. "Your uncle's so... so..."

Cordelia giggled. It seemed that the talented director was at a loss for words too. "Cordelia, what do I do?"

"Just do as he said." Cordelia thought about it. "Uncle Noah thinks like a child. We can't try to figure out his thoughts like he's an adult. Since he wants to invest, let him do it. Every cent coming from him will go through my mother-in-law anyway.

"And his other request, just do as he wishes! You need money to shoot, and you can't possibly get Ava to star. Just do as Uncle Noah says and don't offend him!"

"Mm, okay." Trinity smiled. "I understand." S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Findηovel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

She lowered her voice and asked, "Oh, yeah, Cordelia, this is Zephyr's maternal uncle, right?"

"Yes!"

"Uh... people say that nephews follow their maternal uncles!" Trinity could not help chuckling. "Watch out there. If Zephyr shows any sign of mental challenges, treat him in time!"

Before Cordelia could speak, her phone was pulled away by the man beside her.

Trinity did not expect to hear the deep and cold voice from the phone.

"Ms. Lulham, what are you talking about?"

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 673

"Huh... Uh, I was saying that it's sunny tonight!" Trinity answered hastily in passing and hung up. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ηᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Zephyr passed the phone back to Cordelia with a stern face and stroked his chin.

He stayed quiet for a long time, and Cordelia thought that he had gotten angry. She tilted her head to snuggle his chest and was going to coax him when she heard the man's deep voice. "Trinity's getting bolder!"

"Hmm?"

"Looks like someone needs to be there to keep her in check!" Zephyr met Cordelia's eyes.

Cordelia could not decipher his cryptic gaze but thought that the man looked like an old fox with his smirk. She had no idea about what Zephyr was currently planning.

Fredric had a business trip in Chaiseland, so he could get him over for a few days. It was also about time for Neil to improve himself, so Zephyr could get him a place in the film school.

Or... he could get both of them over together the more the merrier!

Zephyr arched his brow and quirked his lips meaningfully.

After waiting at the studio for five days straight, Ava finally met Trinity.

Trinity was shocked by Ava's extremely friendly hug and exaggerated makeup. The latter's perfume was so strong that it was stabbing her lungs. She choked and coughed, pushing Ava away with a forced smile.

"Ms. Lulham!" Ava swayed coquettishly and stuffed the document in her hand to her. "Ms. Lulham, this is my resume. There's also information on the productions I've starred in!"

"Okay..." Trinity could only force a smile.

Information like this had already occupied more than half of her email inbox.

Ava smiled. "Ms. Lulham, have we met somewhere before? Why do I feel so familiar like I've known you for a long time since I met you?"

"Oh, really?" Trinity replied flatly, "If you think I look familiar, you might've seen me on TV. I've attended several international film festivals." The smile on Ava froze and she went quiet.

Trinity asked her directly, "Ms. Baker, what's the matter? I'm quite busy."

"I..." Ava licked her lips and smiled seductively. "Ms. Lulham, I just heard that you're taking a course here, so I specifically came for a visit!" "So, there's nothing important?" Trinity smiled as well. "I'll go back to editing then."

"Hey!"

Seeing that Trinity was leaving, Ava panicked and quickly stopped her.

"Ms. Lulham, there's something!"

Trinity crossed her arms in front of her chest and looked at Ava silently.

"I just want to ask when you'll start shooting your new film."

"It's not confirmed."

"I know that it's an art film and that you won't be casting Millie as the main female lead to give newbies a chance..."

Trinity furrowed her brows.

"So, I think..." Ava flicked her long hair. "Instead of giving the opportunity to outsiders, why don't you give it to your own people, right, Ms. Lulham?"

Trinity scanned her from head to toe.

Ava seemed to be overconfident like she would definitely be the main female lead.

To be honest, Ava was pretty, but her biggest flaw as an actor was that there was no distinguishing quality to her. Even if the cameras were right on her face, the audience would not remember what she looked like even after the movie.

What was the point!?

Trinity cleared her throat and smiled politely at her. "Ms. Baker, you seem to have some misunderstanding? I haven't even completed the script for this production yet. How could the male and female leads be decided so easily?

"If you really want a certain role, that's fine. We can follow the regular procedure. I'll let you attend the casting, but it's up to your ability whether you get the role or not!"

"Trinity!" Ava went up to hook arms with her. "I'll get the role if you say yes, and I won't if you say no! It's so simple."

Trinity lost her patience and pushed Ava's hand away.

"Ms. Baker, there's no shortcut here with me. Please take your leave."

"Hey, you..."

Trinity turned around to go to her studio, and Ava rolled her eyes at her back.

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 674

"Who do you think you are!?" Ava muttered under her breath, "You're just the Bakers' dog..."

"What did you say!?" Trinity suddenly popped out and glared at her.

Ava was stunned, turned pale, and flustered. She wanted to explain herself but nothing came out after her lips moved. How could she let Trinity hear her unfiltered thoughts!? Trinity snickered. "Ms. Baker, do you usually speak without any self-respect?"

Ava was flustered. Trinity had an androgynous look and felt icy and authoritative when she did not smile.

"Since we're already at this, we might as well be direct and stop hiding things."

Trinity touched the bonsai beside her with a faint smirk.

"Do you think I'm stopping you from starring?"

"What?" Ava jolted.

"This is actually the investor's request!" Trinity emphasized the word "investor".

"I do the casting, but I can't disregard the investor's opinion. Someone is investing a huge amount of money in my film, and the only condition is that you can't star in any role!" Trinity scoffed when she brushed past Ava and patted her shoulder. "Ava Baker, you should consider who's actually the Bakers' dog again!"

"You" Ava nearly choked on herself.

As Trinity went back to her studio, she heard Ava shouting in the hallway, "Tell me who's the investor! Despicable! Shameless!"

Trinity scoffed and slammed the door close, while Ava shook and clenched her fists, fingernails stabbing into her flesh.

An investor? How many investors could there be in the family? Janine had always been the one overseeing the media company!

Janine had not been around recently, and Cordelia had become the CEO's assistant who managed all the company affairs... Hah, she must be that investor!

Ava bit her lips and dragged herself out of the building.

Dark clouds hung heavy in the sky. The air was damp and warm. Melorian had a mild climate and rarely had this kind of weather.

Fat droplets of rain fell a while later. There seemed to be hail as well.

Ava had no umbrella as she walked aimlessly in the storm. She was drenched. Her resentment was like a sharp knife that wanted nothing more but to charge out of the storm and pierce through Cordelia's chest.

"Fine!" She gritted her teeth. "The b*tch wants to play? I'll make sure she wins the stupid prize!"

The constant rain went on for nearly a week before the sun finally came back out.

The weather was wonderful today. There was the fresh fragrance of soil on a sunny day just after the rain, and the sky was a brilliant blue with cotton candy clouds adorning it. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Findηøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Flowers could be seen everywhere on the streets, blooming and swaying in the breeze.

It was the weekend, and Cordelia looked thoughtful as she lazed in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.

For some reason, Ava had been texting her more often these days. Her daily sharing had become motivational quotes and posts. Between the lines, it brimmed with inferiority that was meek and subservient. In addition, she often came to visit and had even gotten on the ground to tie Cordelia's shoelaces when she could not crouch from her pregnant belly...

There was even once when Ava looked at her pitifully. "Cordelia, I heard that you're very nice to Zephyr's half-sister... I know that I can't compare to her, but I'm doing my best to keep you happy.....

"I'm not asking you to treat me as nice as you treat her, but can you share just a little of your kindness to her with me?"

Cordelia frowned and actually felt bad for a moment there. She did not know if it had to do with her pregnancy, but she seemed to be growing softer. She even wondered if she had stepped over the line recalling how she had treated Ava.

Therefore, she agreed despite not wanting to go shopping, after Ava pestered her for an hour.

"It's just shopping. Not like I'd be missing a piece of flesh." Cordelia looked at Zephyr. "Don't worry, I'll ask Fan to pick me up. I'll be back soon!"

"I'll send a few more subordinates to follow you," Zephyr replied seriously.

"Never mind. Fan alone is good enough." Cordelia smiled. "Zephyr, I don't want things to be too strained with Ava. There's your uncle in all this. We have to consider his feelings." "Mm, okay." Zephyr stroked her hair and smiled at her.

As soon as he turned around, though, he asked his subordinate, "Follow my wife from afar. Don't let her find out. But if something happens, go over immediately! Understand?"

 

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 675

Ava was attentive and considerate when they shopped. She was incredibly thoughtful the entire time.

When they passed by a lingerie shop, she insisted on entering and checking it out with Cordelia.

"Cordelia, this brand is well known in Chaiseland! The designs are great, and the material's comfortable! Let's go in and try them?"

"Ava, I'm a bit tired." Cordelia refused nicely. "Fan will pick me up in a while. I'll stop shopping now and wait for her here."

"Huh?" Ava looked disappointed. "Cordelia, I asked you to shop and you asked Fan over. Do you not trust me?"

"Don't overthink this. I just "

"Sorry, Cordelia. I didn't do well enough."

Cordelia felt bad seeing Ava's lowered head. Thinking that there were around ten minutes before Fan would arrive, she might as well go in and look around.

Ava was delighted and helped Cordelia into the shop.

She picked several maternity bras for Cordelia. The material was soft and comfortable, and the design kept pregnant women in mind. They were beautiful and practical.

"Cordelia, go try them on. It's on me!"

"How could I?" Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the (ƒ)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"There's no fault in giving you a present!" Ava's smile was pure and jovial.

Cordelia suddenly thought of Zennie, who was far away in Centrolis. She snapped out of it and took a deep breath before she waved with a smile.

As months went by, her cup size went up as well. She did need several maternity bras like these. It was just that she could not let Ava pay for them. She did not want to owe her a favor like this. Cordelia took the bras and entered the VIP changing room under the sales assistant's guide.

Just as she took off her clothes and before she could try the bras on, Ava suddenly barged in!

"Cordelia, I found a few ones like this. You-"

"Ah!" Cordelia was shocked and quickly covered herself with her hands.

Despite that, Ava stood rooted, and the door to the changing room was still wide open. Her eyes were fixed on Cordelia's stomach.

"Cordelia, you..."

Cordelia's heart thumped.

She subconsciously wanted to cover her belly, but there was no way it would happen. She saw the ugly lines and marks on it through the mirror, and something seemed to erupt in her ears at that moment. "Cordelia!" Ava's smirk was discreet and sinister. "What's this? Your stomach... Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, please leave!" Cordelia's expression changed, and her tone went stern.

This was the moment Ava was waiting for.

Hannah had been to the hospital Cordelia regularly went for checkups and managed to probe about Cordelia having stretch marks.

She had told Ava that women had stretch marks during pregnancy and that many men despised their wives when they saw it, so she wanted her to make everyone know about it.

"Ava, I'll bet with you. Cordelia wouldn't dare to tell Zephyr about this! Hah, men are all visual animals. No matter how deep and romantic their love is, they're disgusted once they see the marks on the women. Would he still love her?"

Ava smirked in victory. She grabbed Cordelia's clothes first and purposely asked aloud, "Cordelia, what's that on you? Why are there lines on your stomach!?"

"Give me back my clothes!" Cordelia shouted, "Get out!"

Their voices attracted the sales assistants, prompting them to hurry over as they thought that something had happened, only to see the stretch marks on Cordelia's stomach.

"Cordelia, it's okay!" Ava stepped forward to hold Cordelia's wrist and pulled her out. "I picked a few more for you. Try them on as well!"

"Let go of me!"

Cordelia shoved her away but was afraid of hurting her baby if she exerted too much force.

The moment she met Ava's eyes, she saw the malice and deceit in the latter's eyes. She felt helpless as if she was standing in front of everyone completely undressed. "Ava Baker, you-"

"Cordelia, you aren't planning to run out like this, are you?" Ava sneered with a raised brow. "What will Zephyr think if he sees these disgusting stretch marks?" "Let go!" Cordelia shrieked.

Suddenly, a figure flashed past and knocked the two of them apart!

Cordelia was unstable and nearly lost her balance but did not fall. Instead, she knocked into a warm and petite figure.

"Mrs. Hamerton, don't be scared. I'm here!"

Fan took off her jacket and draped it on Cordelia as her furious glare felt like knives on Ava.

"Ms. Baker, what are you trying to do?"

Ava, unfortunately, collided against the wall when she was abruptly knocked to the side and felt her head buzz.

"You!" She was infuriated when she saw that it was Fan. "I'm taking my cousin-in-law to shop. What does it have to do with you?"

"You know well if you are just shopping or you have an ulterior motive!"

Fan did not want to speak much to her. If looks could kill, Ava would have already died more than a thousand times.

Although Fan's death glare was not that powerful, the bodyguards behind her were enough to take care of Ava on the spot.

Fan nudged Cordelia into the changing room and closed the door. As she gave her order next, dozens of men in black darted out from each direction in the mall and surrounded the small shop. Ava panicked as she looked around and asked Fan in a shaky voice, "W-What are you doing?"

"Afraid now, Ms. Baker?" Fan scoffed. "Didn't you think of Mr. Z's men kicking your *ss when you bullied Mrs. Hamerton just now?"

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 676

Ava was pale as she stood there trembling.

"Fan Lee, you... Stop assuming unwarranted authority! What did I do to Cordelia just now? I was kind enough to take her shopping, and this is how you slander me!?" "You're kind?" Fan glared at her. "Ava Baker, have some shame! Don't make me insult you!"

"You..."

"Take this woman back!" Fan told the bodyguards in fluent Chaisene.

The bodyguards were tall and muscular with big eyes that looked frightening.

Zephyr's men had already cleared the mall, and the sales assistants of the lingerie shop stood close to the wall not daring to move.

The bodyguards were going to grab Ava when Cordelia came out of the changing room dressed.

"Mrs. Hamerton!" Fan went up to help her.

Cordelia's hands were icy while beads of sweat formed on the tip of her nose. Her feet felt leaden as each step was incredibly heavy.

"Mrs. Hamerton, are you okay?" Fan asked in concern. "I'll send you back now!"

"I'll leave on my own. Don't follow me."

Cordelia felt weak. It was like she was sucked dry. She held her belly and walked out with great difficulty.

When she walked past Ava, she glared at her. She wanted to say something but could not get any word out. Ava had long discovered her weakness and knew how to bruise her ego. Cordelia admitted that she was sometimes a perfectionist. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ƒind ηøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Being pregnant for the first time, she endured all sorts of discomfort and did her best to adapt to the mindset changes. She tried her hardest to adapt to growing fat, the freckles on her face, and the difficulty to move around.

She comforted herself that all these would get better after she delivered the baby.

However, her fragile state of mind broke down when she saw the worm-like stretch marks on her round belly.

A pregnant woman's mood was hard to explain.

She had previously read posts about pregnant people who would often cry hard over something small for no reason at all. She could not understand it at that time but with months adding up in her pregnancy and how her body changed, she seemed to understand it now.

A bodyguard asked, "Ms. Lee, do we still take her back?"

Cordelia had left, and Fan did not know what to do about Ava.

"I'll go after Mrs. Hamerton," she said. "Send her back to the Bakers first and see what Mr. Zephyr wants to do about her!"

Zephyr got up to the bedroom.

He pushed the door open softly and looked inside to see that Cordelia was seated by the window. He did not know what she was looking at but the woman's quiet and pretty side profile brimmed with sorrow.

She was usually chatty like a magpie, yet she was now silent out of the blue. She had even asked to sleep in a different room from him.

It was until Zephyr got the mall's surveillance recording and heard Fan report the entire incident that he understood Cordelia's unusual behavior.

Zephyr wore a grim look and was silent as he gripped his fists tightly. There was a wash of menace over his otherwise blank face.

Later, Zephyr coaxed Cordelia to sleep and pulled the blanket away gently. He felt his heart ache upon seeing the stretch marks peppered across her belly under the dim light.

The marks were ugly, like the ground cracking. Yet, she would not have these at all if it were not for him.

He bowed to kiss her stomach. The baby in her womb seemed to feel something as a small part-either a small hand or a small foot-popped up.

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 677

Zephyr smiled and stroked it gently.

"Son, can you help me?"

The baby moved again.

"Tell mommy for me..." Zephyr's voice was deep. "No matter what she looks like, she's always the prettiest to me. I love her forever." Cordelia turned, and Zephyr froze with bated breath. He pulled the blanket over her carefully and returned to his side of the bed.

The next day, Zephyr called his mother-in-law for help.

"Mom, Cordelia hasn't been in a good mood recently."

Xyla understood instantly that this was the pregnancy mood swings.

"She doesn't let me near her these days and changes with her back against me," Zephyr said softly. "She doesn't even let me bathe her now... "Mom, can you come over and keep her company?"

"Say no more!" Xyla booked a flight to Chaiseland that day itself.

When Cordelia woke up from her afternoon nap, she caught a faint, familiar scent of calendula amidst her grogginess.

"Mom?" She sat up and exclaimed in delighted surprise when she saw that it was really Xyla, "Mom, how did you get here!?"

"Silly child, of course, I'm here to see you!" Xyla hugged her and ran a soothing hand down her back.

She saw that her daughter's stomach had gotten bigger, and her eyes reddened with mixed feelings as she recalled back when she was pregnant.

"Mom..." Cordelia was taken aback when she felt the hot tears at the corners of her mother's eyes. "Why are you crying!?"

"I'm just a little emotional. Can't help it." Xyla smiled and looked at her daughter. "You were a baby in my womb back then too. And you're going to be a mother now in the blink of an eye." Cordelia chuckled, finding the continuation of life unbelievable as well.

The mother and daughter had a lot of things to talk about in private, so the domestic staff excused themselves and gave them sufficient space.

Xyla looked at Cordelia and slowly pulled her shirt up.

"Mom?"

Cordelia was startled when she saw the stretch marks on her mother's stomach. She had always thought that she had taken good care of her mother back then but come to think of it, she had never noticed that her mother had stretch marks too. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Fɪndηovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"These are from having you and Carter." Xyla was calm.

Feeling like something hit her heart, Cordelia subconsciously rubbed her belly.

"Everyone's body is different. Some people might not have stretch marks from being pregnant but some people have them for life once they get pregnant."

Xyla dropped her shirt and held Cordelia's hands. "Cordelia, this is normal. You really don't have to distance yourself from Zephyr over this."

Cordelia bit her lips and looked down in silence.

"He's so anxious from you ignoring him for days!" Xyla said with a chuckle, "And you asked to sleep in different rooms. Do you know how badly he was scared?" Cordelia paused, and a giggle escaped her.

Would it be hilarious if others found out that Mr. Z Hamerton was badly frightened because his wife wanted to sleep separately from him?

Cordelia said softly after a moment of silence, "Mom, I wasn't purposely distancing myself from him. It's just that having these stretch marks... I feel inferior in front of him.

"I feel that I'm no longer perfect and I'm not worthy of him..."

Xyla looked at her daughter lovingly and took her into her arms.

"Silly girl," she said softly. "There's never such a thing as perfect."

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 678

Cordelia stayed quiet.

Her mother's shoulders were frail, but she was immensely assured as she rested on them. Her mother's fragrant scent had also soothed her tense nerves and gradually calmed her down.

Xyla said softly, "Cordelia, both of us are actually very lucky. I met your father and you met Zephyr."

Cordelia smiled.

Yeah, they were both men who were sincerely good to them.

"So, what inferiority do you have before him?" Xyla looked into her eyes. "Someone who truly loves you won't despise you over a tiny flaw. Their heart will ache for you instead."

"But..." Cordelia pressed her lips together. "I came across many posts that said that their husbands were cold to them and wouldn't even look at them, some not returning home for the night, ever since they had babies and stretch marks.

"Mom, maybe these small and petty details in life will really grind away the love."

Xyla was amused and huffy as she poked Cordelia's head.

"And where did you see these things from? There are men like that, but I can guarantee that Zephyr won't be one of them!

"Cordelia, love won't ever fade. It'll only become stronger with time. Just like your diamond ring, it's the toughest thing in the world, and it shines and sparkles forever."

"Mom..."

"There's no need to hide before the one you love." Xyla patted her head. "Be yourself and welcome the new life that belongs to the both of you. This is more important than everything else!”

Xyla had just spent two days in Melorian, yet Rowan kept calling nonstop. Cordelia was exasperated because of him.

"Dad, mom's here to keep me company. Are you scared that she'll be abducted?"

"Good girl, your mom wouldn't be taken away so easily!" Rowan coughed and lowered his voice. "Unless that Witch Janine is instigating again—"

Before he could finish, a sonorous voice echoed. "Rowan Irwin, what did you say!?"

Rowan nearly dropped his phone.

"Cordelia, what's going on? Y-You have me on speaker?" Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (ƒ)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Cordelia giggled. She had one arm holding her mother and the other holding her mother-in-law as they shopped at a luxury boutique. For convenience's sake, she had placed her phone on the counter and put the call on speaker, not expecting Rowan to lack a filter.

"Nice one, Rowan!" Janine was not going down without a fight. "I'm kind enough to take your wife out shopping, and you say I'm instigating? You're just like when you were younger-despicable!" "Are you done, Janine? I'm despicable? So, you're noble?"

"Much more than you! How dare you call me a witch? You pufferfish!"

"You..."

"Hamster! Hamster with only three teeth!"

Cordelia hung up quickly.

She heard that Irwin Pharmaceuticals had been producing a new medicine recently and Rowan was cooped up in the lab all day with Carter. That was why he did not come to Chaiseland. Cordelia stuck out her tongue. It was fortunate that he did not come, or it would be another world war.

"Oh, Cordelia!" Janine pulled her hand. "Zephyr will pick you up after lunch."

"Where to?"

"I think... he's taking you to some match?" Janine said with a smile, "Have fun! Leave your mom with me. I'll take her to shop in the south later!"

"Mm, thanks, mom!"

"There are lots of bars in the south, plenty of handsome men too!" Janine cackled. "I have to widen your mom's horizons and let that Southeast Aciatic pufferfish die of anger! Hahaha..." Cordelia widened her eyes in slight helplessness.

In the afternoon, Zephyr took her to Old Clifford.

The place was brimmed with people with barely an empty seat. It was all red, and the cheers were deafening.

Zephyr kept Cordelia protected as he led her to the VIP seats.

This was Cordelia's first time watching a soccer match live. As one basked in the mood, it felt overwhelming.

The VIP seats had a good view and were relatively quiet. She looked around, and the people next to her smiled back politely, greeting her by removing their hats.

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 679

"This is a friendly charity match," Zephyr explained softly. "The result isn't important. What's important is that the profit made from the match will be donated to charity."

"Oh..." Cordelia nodded. "Will there be a lot of star players?"

"Yeah, top ones."

Cordelia grinned.

Just as Zephyr finished, the players entered the field and cheers erupted.

Cordelia did see many faces that she could only see from the television otherwise. She usually was not one to pay attention to soccer matches, at most taking a look as well when Zephyr watched one, so her knowledge was limited.

Like most female football fans, she could not remember the star players' skills-only their faces.

"Ah, that's..." Cordelia was delightfully surprised. "He's here too!"

Zephyr frowned as he watched her focus on the field. Two eyes did not seem enough.

It was understandable. With so many star players gathered in one place, it was indeed a rare sight.

Zephyr pursed his lips.

The Hamerton Group was the main organizer of the friendly match, and he had repeatedly asked for several regular players. Who selected these handsome ones!? The incompetency must be penalized! Zephyr stretched a long arm to pull Cordelia into his arm, but the woman, like the other female fans around them, sprang up to cheer for the players!

Cordelia's Chaisene was decent, and she quickly got friendly with the others.

"Which one do you like?"

"I like No. 10!"

"Yeah, he's so hot!"

"He's so manly when he has the ball!"

Zephyr nearly crushed the megaphone in his hand listening to the women's chatter.

Cordelia turned around to smile at him. She did not join in their discussion, but it felt great to watch the match live.

"Darling, don't just look at them!" Zephyr went up to hug her. "Actually... your husband knows how to play too."

"What?" Cordelia paused. "Why haven't I heard you mention it!?"

"I really know how to. And I'm decent at it."

Cordelia grinned brighter upon seeing how serious he was.

Zephyr's voice was deep and husky as he spoke next to her ear. "Darling, I'll play for you if you don't believe me!"

"Hmm?"

Zephyr had already left the VIP seat before Cordelia could react to it.

The first half was coming to an end, and neither team had scored. With the referee's whistle, both teams took a break.

Cordelia looked around but did not see Zephyr. She waited for some time and wanted to call him when another wave of cheers interrupted her thoughts.

She widened her eyes, and her hand flew to cover her mouth in reflex.

Zephyr was actually among the players playing for the second half!

"Whoa, look! Who's that?" someone whispered beside her.

"I think... that's Mr. Hamerton who was just here earlier?"

"Hah, he knows how to play?"

"Let's look forward to it!"

Cordelia was delighted and surprised. She was also a little nervous as she gripped the end of her clothes lightly.

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 680

The second half of the match began.

Zephyr's appearance on the field stirred a small climax. When he was passed the ball, he went in for it and scored a goal after getting through the rival defender.

The spectators erupted into a cheer, and Cordelia could not help standing up and cheering as well.

Zephyr took off his jersey and swung it in his hand, showing his muscular upper body that oozed masculinity.

"Ahh!"

The few socialites next to Cordelia had completely lost their ladylike image.

When she turned to look at them, the women's eyes were glowing predatorily like they were going to rush into the field and devour Zephyr. She looked farther and saw the female fans in short skirts on the stage dancing in a frenzy.

"Hey!" Her shoulder was suddenly tapped. "Did you see? Did you see it? Mr. Hamerton's amazing!"

"Yeah! He's even doing better than the star players!"

"Ah, he's gone into their goal area with the ball again!"

Cordelia bit her lips. She was smiling while listening to the screams, but she was already drowned in jealousy inwardly.

Why were these women so annoying!? Zephyr too! Why was he taking off his jersey when he should just be playing!?

Cordelia sat back down with her cheeks puffed up as if she was going to stare a hole through her husband.

The match was intense, and both teams gave it their all. When it came to the end, Zephyr went through the center speedily and did a long shot, scoring another goal!

The referee blew the whistle, which signaled the end of the match.

Tens of thousands of people cheered at the same time in the large football arena.

Cordelia looked up the man had taken off his jersey again to celebrate the win.

"Zephyr Hamerton!" She shouted in Acian, "Put your clothes back on!"

Despite that, her voice was drowned in the sea of joy. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Not only was Zephyr not wearing a top in the field, but he even spread his arms to let the camera capture him.

Cordelia was going to erupt into a rage when she froze upon seeing the big screen in the center of the field.

Zephyr was on the screen with a bare upper body that had a tattoo on his chest-"Cordelia".

The man patted his chest and cheered with his arms spread wide. He was telling the world that the person in his heart was named Cordelia.

The field went quiet for a few seconds, and everyone was whispering about the name.

Cordelia's mind went blank. When she came to her senses, fireworks lit up above the field.

It was already night then. The fireworks were brighter than the stars as they turned into hearts in the night sky.

Cordelia's heart skipped a beat as she stared at everything in a stupor. She suddenly felt like tearing up.

Zephyr came to her with the trophy.

His deep eyes brimmed with indulgence and tenderness. He had already put his jersey back on, and his hair was stuck to his forehead from the sweat, softening his lines and angles. Cordelia's tears spilled. She was crying and laughing, embarrassed and wanting to hide from the reporters and cameras.

Zephyr hugged her lightly. Her face was snuggled right on the tattoo.

She touched it with a happy smile.

"When did you get it? You hid it from me!"

It was no wonder he would cover himself up so securely when he slept these few days. He had been hiding a secret.

Zephyr kissed her forehead and chuckled.

"Honey, the tattoo must hurt?"

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 681

"It didn't hurt at all.

"But..."

Zephyr's family was strict. Be it the Hamertons or Bakers, they prohibited their children from getting tattoos on their bodies.

"But it's on my chest. It's fine." He continued gently. "I'll only keep my heart for the only one.

"So, Cordelia...

"No matter the time or what happens, your name will be carved on my heart.

"I only have you in my heart."

He held her face and gave her a deep kiss.

There were fireworks in the sky behind them. Each of them was a sparkly heart.

The sparks lit up Cordelia's beautiful face. She closed her eyes softly while hugging and kissing him. A tear dropped from the corner of her eye.

Ava's hand that was holding her phone could not stop shaking. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ƒind ηøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

She was watching the live stream of the friendly match. She was shaking from the rage, and her face had turned pale.

Subsequently, she lifted her arm to toss her phone. Hannah grabbed her wrist.

"Hey! What are you doing!? Your phone is expensive. What if you broke it?"

"Mom!-" Ava shrieked from the bottom of her heart. "It's just a stupid phone. So what if it's broken!? What? We can't even afford to buy a phone?"

"The phone isn't the issue, right?" Hannah looked at her with a cryptic look. "Even if you broke your phone, the person still exists!"

Ava was panting, and her features were almost distorted.

Hannah glanced at the video. "Girl, since Zephyr doesn't reciprocate, just give up on him. Don't worry. I'll find you a better man. Someone who is 10,000 times more powerful than he is!" Ava lay flat on the couch and cried with all of her heart.

"Okay, okay. Just let them be!" Hannah patted her back. "Don't worry. They won't be able to stay happy for long. I have a way to fight them!"

"What?" Ava complained, "You couldn't even handle the party, so what else are you trying to do now?"

"It was an accident!" Hannah persisted. "I-It won't happen again!

"Look, Ava. They'll suffer when you get the International Fashion Week's order!"

"What?" Ava raised her head and wiped her face in panic. "Are you really confident with that?"”

"Of course!" Hannah was proud. "What else do you think I've been working on? That's all for this!"

"But you stole it from my aunt. Will she forgive you?"

"Ha!" Hannah pointed at the balcony and whispered, "Don't we have him?"

Ava looked over. Noah was playing with his parrot on the balcony. He looked like a happy fool.

Her smile was cold, and her eyes were filled with disdain.

It was great to have this fool. Not only was he an easy mark, but he was also a shield!

"If your aunt dares to condemn me, I'll use this fool, right? Hasn't he been our scapegoat? As long as we have him, your aunt aside, even your grandpa would agree to us!"

"You're amazing, mom!" Ava smiled. "It's the International Fashion Week's order! With that, your status in Melorian's fashion industry will be set!

"Ha! Let's just watch my aunt's face when she finds out about this! Haha!"

Meanwhile, Hannah's phone suddenly rang.

It was her secretary, and she sounded panicky.

"Madam, about the order... Why are you not taking it?"

"What?" She was stunned. "What are you talking about? Why can't I understand you?"

"Mr. Z took the order. Don't you know that?"