Ch. 681..690

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?"

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 683

"Mom asked you to leave. Did you not hear her?" Ava was enraged. She went forward directly and pushed him. "Get out, you retarded fool!"

Noah was stunned. It felt as if a loud noise exploded in his ears. He felt a throbbing pain in his heart.

He had no idea what he had done wrong.

It was them who were rude to him first. So what if he took revenge?

However, now... his wife blamed him, and his daughter yelled at him. He was like an unnecessary person in the family.

His eyes turned red, and his clenched fists were shaking. He only turned around slowly after a long time and staggered back to his room. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ ƒind ηøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Mom, what do we do now?" Ava asked in a panic.

Hannah forced herself to calm down.

Almost everyone knew about the order. Everyone in the industry knew that she was taking over the project.

Now that Zephyr had taken it away from her, where would she place her dignity?

However, if she could collaborate with him... she would still have a share of the order.

She thought and instructed, "Ava, prepare some gifts. They must be expensive. I'm afraid we'll have to visit Zephyr tomorrow!"

In the morning...

Zephyr sat in the study while reading the contract. He smirked.

Who would believe that he got the International Fashion Week's order so easily!

It was something that Hannah had snatched from his mother!

Never had he thought his uncle would do that. Was this the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind?

He smiled and kept the contract in the drawer.

Cordelia came in and placed the pour-over coffee she had made for him on the desk. He held her hand and pulled her over softly, getting her to sit on his lap. She held his hand and played with his nose. "You look happy. Did something happy happen?"

Zephyr showed her the contract.

She was stunned after learning what happened and only said after a long time, "Though he's mentally challenged and easily manipulated, he has a pure heart." "That's right."

Cordelia looked into his eyes. "Zen, we must protect him so that nobody can hurt him!"

"Don't worry, I know." Zephyr smirked.

Noah was his family, and he had become like this because he saved Janine. No matter what, he should do his best to help him.

Zephyr played with the pen in his hand and smiled without paying attention.

"I did a lot of planning to fight Hannah. I didn't expect to get it done so easily."

Cordelia pondered and came to a realization. "So, the surprise that you told me... is this?"

He smiled.

"Didn't you say that you're bored? I thought I'd get you something to do. The Baker Group has many clothing businesses. With this order, you'll definitely be busy!" Cordelia was over the moon. She grabbed his face, kissed him, and smiled sweetly. "Thank you, hubby!"

It happened too suddenly. He was taken by surprise.

He was excited but could not show too much of it. He would have to have his dignity as the head of the family!

Zephyr faked a cough and checked the time. "Um... Cordelia, you should rest in the room."

She was stunned. "What's wrong?"

"I'm guessing someone is coming." He smiled cryptically. "It's almost time!"

 

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 684

Cordelia thought to herself and instantly figured out who was coming.

"Is she not giving up?"

Zephyr chucked. "What do you think?"

She raised her eyebrows and showed a helpless look.

It made sense. Hannah was divorced with a kid, yet she had managed to marry into the Bakers. She would not be where she was today if she gave up easily.

Cordelia nodded and said, while touching Zephyr's face, "Then I'll take a nap. I'll let Superman Mr. Z handle everything here!"

He smiled and said, "Ma'am, yes, ma'am."

Everything went as he expected.

Just when Cordelia returned to her room, the doorbell rang. Soon, the butler came to report.

"Sir, Mrs. Hannah and Miss Ava are here. Do you want to see them?"

Zephyr looked up and smiled. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Fɪndηovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

They had been waiting in the living room downstairs.

When he went downstairs, he saw the panic, restlessness, and worry on their faces. They had even brought gifts. It was a whole set of diamond necklaces and a couple of international limited edition bags. Seeing that Ava looked like she was in pain, he could tell she had never used those things before.

It seemed like Hannah had gone all out.

Zephyr walked downstairs and looked cold as he greeted them courteously. "Aunt, Ava."

"Hey... Zen!" Hannah went up to him quickly. "It's been a long time since I saw you guys. Oh, where's Cordelia? She should do her check-up this month, right? Your cousin is free. Get her to go with her!" "No need, I'll go with her." His smile was fake as he looked at the two of them. "What makes the two of you come all the way here?"

Hannah gave the gifts, saying they were a little something for Cordelia.

However, Zephyr merely glared at her flatly.

The butler next to him dared not move or accept the gifts.

Her hands hang mid-air. She smiled awkwardly for a moment before retracting her hands.

"If you're here just to give me these, leave them. I'm grateful, but I'm busy. I won't stay with you guys."

He turned around to look at the butler. "Host them and send them back later."

"Yes, sir!"

Hannah panicked. "Zen, t-there's something I must speak with you about!"

He stopped walking and glared at her at the side of his eye. "Oh?"

"Zen, I won't beat around the bush." Hannah was determined. "I came for the order... The International Fashion Week's order is mine. You took it just like that. Aren't you worried that people would gossip?" "I don't understand what you're saying, aunt." Zephyr scoffed, and his eyes were sharp. "Haven't you been snatching my orders these years?"

"You-"

"If I were afraid of gossip, the Baker Group would have shut down from the beginning!"

"It's different this time!" Hannah could not hold it back. "You stole from your family!"

Zephyr smirked, "Aunt, I didn't 'steal' it."

"Yes, you didn't! It was your uncle who gave it to you!" She was enraged. "Zen, t-there are some misunderstandings between him and me. It's not fair that he did that to take revenge on me!" Zephyr sat still on the couch. His face was cold.

There was intimidation and distance around him.

"You've been with the Baker Group for so many years, yet you don't know the rules?"

Hannah was stunned.

She watched him calmly play with his collar button while his eyes were as cold as ice as he spoke.

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 685

"We don't talk about family in business.

"If you want to talk about family with me now, it's a big taboo, aunt!"

Hannah bit her lip.

Although Zephyr was a junior, she was scared of his overbearing charisma.

"Zen..." She began to reason with emotions. "You know your uncle is a kid!

"Can you believe what kids say? He gave you the order today. Maybe, he'll take it back when his mood gets better tomorrow! Hah, can you not give it to him if he asks for it back? Zen, you'll be the one who wil be embarrassed by then!"

"Oh?" Zephyr had a plastic smile on his face. "So, you care about my dignity now?"

"Of course!"

"To you, my uncle is retarded?"

"Well..."

Hannah dared to say nonsense. After all, she insisted on marrying him back then, saying that he was her only love in this life.

"Ha, aunt." Zephyr got up and put his hands in his pocket casually. His carefree expression turned cold and sarcastic. "Although he's slow, he's definitely not dumb, even more so not a fickle-minded person. I'm afraid your plan won't work!"

Hannah inhaled sharply and looked at him blankly for a moment.

"Zen, so you're not going to give the order back to me? Is that right?"

Zephyr looked at her coldly in silence.

She decided to fight all the way. "I'd advise you to give yourself room to maneuver! If you push me, I—” Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ ƒindηʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"What will you do?" His eyes were as sharp as a knife. "Had Ava given herself room to maneuver when she stirred trouble with my wife?"

"That was a misunderstanding, cousin!" Ava persisted. "I've never been pregnant before. Of course, I didn't know what stretch marks were. I was just curious... I never knew a woman's belly would have something so ugly growing on it!"

"Stop it! Shut your mouth!" Hannah panicked and glared at her.

Ava pouted angrily and hid behind her mother.

Zephyr walked closer to them. The suppression was terrifying.

He enunciated each word. "Ava, do you know what you said?" "Zen, your cousin is still young. Don't mind what she said..."

"Don't worry, aunt. I won't." Zephyr smiled.

However, the smile on his face gave her a chill.

He looked at the two of them and said, "I hope that you won't have the opportunity to have stretch marks on your body for the rest of your life!"

"W-What did you say!?" Hannah widened her eyes. "Zephyr, are you cursing my daughter to be infertile?

"You guys grew up together. How could you curse her like that!?

"Zen, you "

"Get them out." Zephyr looked at the butler. His voice was cold. "Don't disturb my wife's rest!"

The butler got a few bodyguards over. All of them had guns on them.

Hannah and Ava caved in instantly. They kept screaming, "D-Don't! Zen, t-the order..."

"I was clear about the order."

"Zen!" Hannah tried to fight one last time. "Must I get your uncle to speak with you!?" Zephyr smiled coldly. He knew that she would bring up Noah eventually.

He waved and got the bodyguards and butler to step down. He turned around to look at her.

"Don't trouble my uncle for something so small. If you have a good solution, I'm all ears."

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 686

Hannah calmed down and faked a cough. She walked forward and said slowly.

"Zen, we're family, after all. It'd be terrible if we had a falling-out.

"No matter what, the order... will not fall into outsiders' hands! I see that you're quite busy, so why don't we collaborate? We'll share the profit 50/50. I guarantee that you'll have no loss!" Zephyr squinted and chuckled at her with a cryptic look.

"Your solution isn't bad, aunt."

Hannah's eyes lit up. She looked happy.

"But I don't agree with 50/50!" he said coldly.

She thought about it and faked a chuckle.

Since they were going to share it, it proved that she could turn things around.

"Then tell me, Zen..."

"You can participate in this project but not collaborate. We have a person in charge. All you guys have to do is work for her." S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"What did you say?!" Her eyes almost popped out.

Zephyr smiled. "I said, you have to work if you want in to this project. Otherwise, end of discussion!"

Hannah and Ava staggered out of the door.

Their faces were pale. Even in the hot weather, they were drenched in a cold sweat.

Zephyr did not give them any chances at all. He did not want to give in at all regarding the order.

They would have to humble themselves if they wanted to be involved in the project.

Hannah clenched her fists. Her lip was pale from biting it. She took a few deep breaths.

"What do we do, mom?" Ava asked in a panic. "Should we go home to get the fool to handle this?"

"It won't work." Hannah knew Zephyr too well.

Just like his mother, the woman from hell, he showed no mercy whenever necessary. Noah aside, Zephyr would not give in even if the old man stood right before him.

"So... We can only accept our fate?" Ava was in disbelief.

"What else? What else can we do!?" Hannah glared at her in irritation. "You incompetent thing!"

"Mom, don't just vent it on me! What did I do?"

"Who asked you to tell in public that Cordelia had stretch marks on her belly in the shopping mall? You even said that in front of her fawner, Fan. Great, now Zephyr took it personally. If this didn't happen, he might have shown us mercy!"

Ava started to complain. "Mom! You were the one who told me to make a scene..."

"Couldn't you just take pictures secretly? Couldn't you just post the pictures online?" Hannah was furious as she poked her head. "What's going on with your head? You might as well just donate it for medical research!"

"Mom!"

Ava had tears in her eyes. She was angry and worried.

They had lost the order, and Zephyr had said there was a person in charge of the project.

It was obviously given to Cordelia!

Hannah let out a long sigh. After thinking thoroughly, apart from agreeing to his condition, there was no other better way.

"Mom, do you really want me to work for Cordelia?"

Hannah spoke earnestly. "Ava, this is just a stalling tactic... We'll fight them slowly after getting into the project!"

Ava was unwilling, but there was nothing else that she could do.

Hannah must take back what belonged to her, while Ava could only do it as agreed.

However...

Could Cordelia, the person in charge, really master the project perfectly?

Ava revealed a cold smirk.

The person in charge had big responsibilities. The shareholders would not give her special treatment just because she was pregnant.

It was quite the opposite. As soon as she made a mistake, they would get to the bottom of it.

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 687

How capable could a pregnant woman be? It would be a piece of cake to catch her mistake!

Ava calmed down and chuckled. "That's right, mom. We have time! Do you think everything will always go her way?"

"What are you trying to do?" Hannah raised her eyebrows. "Ava, don't stir anything with her at this time. Do you hear me? The more you show your obedience, the lower Zephyr and Cordelia's guard against you will be. Then-"

"Okay, I know!" Ava interrupted her.

Her mother had always been too cautious.

However, she did not think the same.

If she did not show Cordelia her power from the beginning, her life would be tough!

A few days later, Cordelia arrived on time at the Baker Group's top-floor meeting room.

It was the regular meeting for the clothing project. At the same time, it was a meet-and-greet with the entire team.

She was pumped up when she thought about how busy she would be in the next few months. She could not help but smile instinctively as she caressed her belly. Her baby felt her joy too. He was kicking to cheer for her.

"Don't worry. I won't exhaust myself," she whispered. "Be good in there. I'll give you a successful project as your gift a few months later, okay?"

"Ma'am, don't just stand there." Fan came from behind and chuckled at her. "The meeting is starting. Come in!"

Cordelia nodded. She walked into the meeting room in a carefree manner.

This was the biggest meeting room in the entire Baker Group. The decoration was grand.

All of the partners' representatives had arrived. There were a couple of famous fashion designers too.

Fan handed the documents to her and introduced softly, "Those are the representatives of the brands, while this side is our people... Sit in the middle, ma'am. There's a placement card on the table. Your title is the General Manager..."

Cordelia lifted his eyes to look.

'In the middle?'

She frowned. Could it be that there was a misunderstanding? The placement card with "General Manager" written on it was placed in the far corner.

Fan realized something was wrong too. Just when she was going to move the card, Cordelia stopped her.

"Who set up the meeting room?"

"The Administration Department..." Fan suddenly recalled. "Oh yeah, Miss Ava was here too! She came here to set up as the Head of Administration!"

Cordelia was annoyed. "Head of Administration?"

"Mm-hmm, it happened a few days ago." Fan explained, "We've no idea what Mrs. Hannah did that Mr. Baker Sr. asked Madam Baker to give Miss Ava a position, even if it's just a sinecure... There, that's how she got the position!"

'So, that was what happened!'

"So, it was Ava who was responsible for the set-up?"

"Yes, it was her."

"Great." Cordelia smirked. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the ƒindηʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Fan was confused. "Ma'am, what are you trying to do?"

"What else can I do?" Cordelia said flatly before walking to the left corner. "Of course, I'm going to sit where my placement card is!"

"But ma'am, this isn't your seat..."

"This is exactly my seat!" She smiled and sat down.

At that moment, most of the participants had arrived. The meeting was starting.

However, the people were shocked to find that the General Manager who was supposed to host the meeting was sitting in the far corner.

"Did someone arrange that seat to embarrass her?"

The people began to whisper to each other.

Cordelia was the only one who looked calm as she watched everything happening before her.

She remained silent, so the meeting could not start. Some people were impatient.

Ava smiled and cleared her throat. She walked to Cordelia in a pretentious manner.

"Cousin-in-law, you should start the meeting. It's not good to let them wait, right?

"Cousin-in-law? Cousin-in-law?"

She called out to her a few times, but it was as if Cordelia did not hear her.

"Cousin-in-law!"

Cordelia only lifted her eyes up slowly when Ava raised her voice, getting everyone's attention. She had a cryptic smile on her face. "Are you calling me, Miss Ava?"

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 688

Ava was stunned.

When she locked eyes with Cordelia, she felt her heart skipping a beat.

Cordelia's eyes were not the soft, gentle eyes that she remembered. Instead, there was a sharpness in them. Meanwhile, there was a complicated expression on her smile. Her expression... was ridiculously similar to Zephyr's!

Ava calmed herself down and showed a plastic smile. "Who else am I calling? How many cousins-in-law do I have?"

"I heard that you're the Head of Administration now?" Cordelia smiled calmly.

Ava paused and nodded.

"A company's administration is a vital functional department. As the head, you should lead the rules and regulations in the company.

"This is an office. You're not at home." Cordelia looked at her. "Don't you think you're rude to call me that?"

"You..."

Ava clenched her fists.

Although she was unwilling, she could not say anything.

After all, everything that Cordelia had said made sense. She did not expect she would be harping on that.

She would usually call Janine aunt in the office, yet Janine said nothing!

At that moment, everyone was looking at her, whispering.

Fan stood behind and mocked flatly, "If you don't know what to call her, then call her "ma'am" like we do!" Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ƒind ηøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Ava glared at her and remained silent.

"But that isn't too proper either." Fan scoffed. "Following the hierarchy, Miss Ava should call her General Manager!"

Cordelia smirked. She only heard the unwilling "General Manager" a moment later.

Ava said softly, "General Manager, we should start the meeting now."

"Really?" Cordelia checked the time as if nothing had happened. "How do we start the meeting when the room isn't set up yet?"

Ava widened her eyes. "The meeting room has been set!"

Cordelia was expressionless. She had her eyes on the placement card before her.

That was what Ava had been waiting for.

If the name was not right, then the speaking order would be out of place.

Cordelia had not even sat in the correct seat, so would anyone listen to her? However, it was late now. The representatives were impatient. If she was sensible, she must take the bullet! Ava smiled and faked a cough. She raised her voice. "General Manager, everyone is ready. We're waiting for you! Are we not starting the meeting?"

Cordelia glared at her coldly and chuckled. "I don't think it's ready.

"Since you're here, I'd like to ask about the placement card. What's up with that?"

"Oh..." Ava said in a pretentious manner, "That's how it is! Is there something wrong?"

"Are you sure this is the General Manager's seat?"

"Oh!" Ava smiled. "The placement card... was arranged by my staff. I think he's new and doesn't know the hierarchy. Don't tell me you're that petty?" "You" Fan was about to step in, but Cordelia stopped her.

Cordelia enunciated each word. "Miss Ava, who did this? Please get him here. I'll teach him about hierarchy myself!"

"What?" Ava was stunned.

Everyone started whispering again.

According to the usual progress, the meeting should have started half an hour ago.

A couple of representatives raised their hands to show that they were upset. It was going out of control.

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 689

"I'm talking to you!" Cordelia sounded more serious now. "Who set up the meeting room?"

Ava looked like she was gloating. "I don't know!"

"Since you don't, please put my placement card where it should be!"

Cordelia was firm, and she spoke fluent Chaisene.

The locals who attended fell silent. They realized what was happening now. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ꜰind_ηovel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Ava could not take the humiliation, but she was persistent. "Miss, it is long past the meeting time. Don't tell me you're persisting on such a small thing? The people here take punctuality very seriously! It's rude for you to keep dragging it. They'll think that you don't want to work with them!"

"That's right, they take punctuality seriously and have their rules." Cordelia scoffed, "But this is the Baker Group. This is the project I'm leading! In the meeting I host, my rules will be the rules!"

Her fluent Chaisene was clear. Her voice was soft, but she blew everyone away.

The people said nothing. The representatives that were impatient before returned to their seats quietly.

Ava's face was flushing and turning pale. She felt a chill running down her spine.

Fan patted Ava's shoulder and looked at her with disdain. "Miss Ava, why aren't you doing as the General Manager said?"

Ava was shocked. Her limbs were frozen, and she could not move.

"You can't even control your staff to have made such a mistake in an important meeting, Miss Ava. It seems like you're terribly unfit for this position!"

"G-General Manager-"

"You're kicked out of the project from now on." Cordelia smirked.

Ava was furious from the humiliation. Before she could do anything, Cordelia waved to get the bodyguards who had been guarding outside to come in. They dragged the former out. "C-Cousin-in-law!" Ava was unyielding. "G-Give me another chance!

"Grandpa approved of my position. You can't just chase me out like that!

"Cordelia, you-"

Her voice was getting weaker and weaker. She was gone.

Cordelia stood up from the corner and slowly walked to the middle.

She wore a smile on her face. Although she was pregnant, she was majestic.

"I'm sorry, everyone." She spoke in fluent Chaisene. "I've embarrassed myself to have failed to handle something so small. The meeting will officially start now. I'd like to invite all of the representatives to speak accordingly."

Zephyr was worried for the entire morning when Cordelia had the meeting.

He had been waiting downstairs with his men.

He had never expected his wife to be so majestic to have chased Ava out directly.

"Cousin, cousin!" The bodyguards were still holding her. She waved her hands frantically as if she saw her life savior.

Zephyr did not bother to look at her. He signaled the bodyguards to bring her far away.

"Are you relieved now, Mr. Hamerton?" The butler smiled. "I knew she's not an ordinary woman from the first time I saw her!"

"Of course." Zephyr straightened his body with a proud face on. "How does she compare with those local ladies?"

The butler commented quickly, "So much more powerful!"

Although he knew that was just fawning, he could not help but feel proud.

The butler sighed and smiled.

He had spoken to Robert a few times. The latter told him every time that Zephyr had completely changed since meeting Cordelia.

Now, he finally knew how difficult it was for Robert to stay by his side!

 

Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 690

Ava stopped for some time, but she then shifted her attention to Trinity.

Cordelia no longer received her constant messages now. Trinity, instead, was on the receiving end of her harassment every day.

It was a sunny weekend today. Cordelia was comfortably basking in the sun on the recliner in the yard when she heard the doorbell ringing hastily.

The butler went to open the door, and Trinity barged in with disheveled hair and dark eye circles.

"Gah, Cordelia, I beg you. Exorcize that devil, will you? Take her away!"

Cordelia giggled and yanked Trinity over to sit with her.

Trinity then showed the various texts and emails Ava had sent Trinity these days. Other than the usual motivational quotes and messages, there were countless photos-sexy photos, barefaced photos, no- makeup makeup photos, glamorous makeup photos, casual daily photos-from all angles.

The scariest one had to be the one she had sent last night. It was a close-up photo of her.

Cordelia was having a yogurt drink and nearly spat it on Trinity's face.

"Do you know how much pain I'm in every day?" Trinity looked at her in disbelief. "She's asking to be the female lead every day! There's really someone so shameless in this world!" Cordelia bit back a laugh. "Block her!"

"You think I haven't?" Trinity sighed. "Each time I do that, she comes to my studio straightaway. What course am I attending? I don't even have to go to classes or edit my film anymore!" Cordelia hugged her with great sympathy.

Speaking of which, this was all because of her. If she had not dismissed Ava's position in the company, the latter would not be so free to harass Trinity.

"I can't take it anymore!"

Trinity punched the recliner.

The talented director had filmed all sorts of scenes. She was talented and known for her calm composure.

Now, though, she had lost all that just because of Ava.

If she were to react harshly and some nosy paparazzi took photos of that, it would be a loss if news got back to Centrolis.

"It seems like there's no other solution except to put up with her." Trinity sighed. "If only Millie was here. She certainly has ways to handle her!"

"Oh, yeah, where's Millie?"

"Shooting a new film, very busy!"

"I'll think of something for you!" Cordelia blinked and smirked. "Get Neil over here! He's so handsome Ava will definitely be overjoyed to meet him. She won't pester you then!"

"You..."

Trinity glared at her and raised a hand to act like she was going to hit her.

"What?" Cordelia giggled heartily. "Unwilling to do it? Don't want Neil to help you out with his good looks?"

Trinity blushed. "Cordelia! Just wait until I whoop your *ss!"

Both of them messed around, giggling. As the flowers in the yard swayed with the breeze, they seemed to bloom even more radiantly.

"Alright, I'll forgive you this time for the sake of my godson!" Trinity flicked her hair coyly.

Cordelia hugged Trinity's neck. "Seriously, it's been so long, and you haven't made any decision?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Your Mr. Right, duh!" Cordelia was even more anxious than her.

However, Trinity quickly swatted her hands away. "Mrs. Hamerton, your husband's home! Stop clinging to me!"

"You-"

Before Cordelia finished, she saw Zephyr walk out in haste. He looked grim and nodded to greet Trinity when he saw her. "What happened?" Cordelia got up to walk over.

Zephyr hesitated for a bit. He glanced at Trinity and pondered before saying heavily, "Something happened to Fredric."

"What?" Cordelia was astonished.

Trinity was stunned. It felt like her heart stopped beating as her mind went blank.

Trinity could barely remember what happened after that. She could only remember Cordelia staying by her side and warming up her cold, shaky hands with her palms.

Her mind was in turmoil, and her ears buzzed as she sat in the police station. It was like she had lost her ability to move or think and could only let Cordelia and Zephyr take care of everything for her. The police had caught several suspects-local thugs who specifically robbed foreigners around the airport.

Among the loot was Fredric's suitcase and messenger bag. The thugs had confessed that they robbed a foreigner in an alley the day before yesterday, but the man had fought back and even wanted to report i to the police. Angry, they stabbed him twice with a dagger.

They stole all his belongings while he lay in a pool of blood. Whether he lived or died after that, they had no idea.

Trinity sat there stiffly, clutching the lucky charm Fredric had gifted her.

"Trinity, don't worry." Cordelia comforted her. "Fredric's lucky. He'll be alright. Besides... he's a lawyer. He knows a lot and has plenty of friends here. He'll be able to make it out safely..." Trinity sniffed and tried to force a smile.

Zephyr held Cordelia's shoulder as he looked at Trinity.

"The police's searching for him in full force right now," he said. "I've sent men to look for him as well. It should be fine."

"Mm." Trinity nodded.

It was "should be fine", not "definitely be fine".

Actually, she knew even without them telling her that Fredric was severely injured. Those thugs would never go light-handed.

He did not even have a cent on him now, and his phone and passport had been taken away too. To be stranded in the streets of a foreign country alone and be seriously wounded... Trinity did not dare to think further as she screwed her eyes shut.

Zephyr's phone rang, and he quickly picked up. "How is it?"

"Sir, we've asked all the hospitals in Melorian. No one's taken in a foreigner who's been stabbed!" Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Zephyr's heart lurched, and his fingers tightened shakily.

"Keep looking!" he growled into his phone, "There's no way a living person is gone just like that! Find him even if you have to flip Melorian upside down!"

"Yes, yes..."

Zephyr sucked in a deep breath and felt guilt flood him.

If he had not casually mentioned that Trinity was taking a course in Chaiseland on the call, Fredric would not have rushed his way here with the excuse of going on a business trip.

If Fredric had not come to Chaiseland, he would not have been caught in this mishap.

They had grown up together since they were kids and were really close, yet he had brought harm to him!

"Darling..." Cordelia sat beside Zephyr and stroked his back.

Zephyr was caught in regret. "I won't forgive myself if something happens to Fredric!"

Cordelia bit her lips, not knowing how to comfort him.

A police officer came over. "A male corpse was discovered by the river. The appearance and physical characteristics are similar to your friend's... It's transferred over here. Who among you can come with me to identify him?"

Zephyr was stunned, unable to utter a word.