Ch. 71..80

Chapter 71

Chapter 71

The hall recovered its order. Everyone interacted as if what happened just now did not exist. In their talks privately, though, mockery about Giselle was made. Marcus pulled Cordelia to dance. The latter was not good at it, but no one could see that with the man's lead. They gained a round of applause after the song ended.

Giselle was shaking in anger while Yelena glared at her.

"Useless!"

"Yelena, you "

"Don't you label yourself as a socialite? Don't men buzz around you?" Yelena was fuming. "You can't even take care of Marcus! Look at your cowardly response once he said that he had killed someone! What are you if not useless?"

Giselle pressed her lips together. She was also disgruntled. She had agreed with Yelena that they would embarrass Cordelia at the dinner, only for it to turn out to be herself.

When she first met Marcus, she was also attracted by the latter's tall and handsome appearance. When he told her that he had killed someone with a smile, though, the dark sharpness in his gaze, the bone- chilling frost in his smile, and the sense of pressure he exuded all sent chills down her spine.

She must have been bored of life to seduce a murderer!

Giselle said after a moment of silence, "Yelena, we can win this back!"

Yelena was still fuming as she glared at Cordelia, who was farther away.

"Whatever method it is, the goal will be achieved as long as you overpower Cordelia, right?" Giselle spoke in a hushed tone. "Her man has a shameful past, but your man is different!"

Yelena paused. "What do you mean?"

"Don't you have a photo with Mr. Z Hamerton?"

Yelena's expression took a change while Giselle began to scroll through her phone, coming up with a photo a while later.

"Yelena, see!" She looked thrilled. "Didn't you send this to me during the Hamerton's dinner back then? This is Centrolis' Hamertons! How many people at the dinner tonight have been there? You're the only one!

"Just you wait. I'll win this back for you so that little b*tch Cordelia is embarrassed!"

Before Yelena could stop her, Giselle was gone.

As the dinner went on, Cordelia was done networking with her clients. She met Marcus' gaze, and they smiled in unison.

"Want to go?"

"Mm."

Cordelia had never liked events with a lot of people.

Marcus pointed at the door at the side of the hall.

He had already done a search! Cordelia was ecstatic. She held his hand and was darting there quietly when she heard a peal of laughter behind her.

"Sigh, what's the point of looking good like Cordelia's husband? Someone with a criminal record is tainted wherever he goes!"

Cordelia halted her steps. Marcus had an arm around her shoulder and shook his head at her with a smile to ask her to ignore it. However, the voice kept getting into her ears.

"That suit looks decent, but it's not like he has turned into a prince wearing the royal gown! Hah, Cordelia's nothing like her sister... See, her sister, Yelena, has taken a photo with Mr. Z Hamerton before!" Marcus could not help stopping with a slight frown as well when he heard this.

Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Giselle showed off in the crowd holding her phone. The photo on the screen did show Yelena with a man.

"Don't know him, right? This is Mr. Z Hamerton! Yelena was at his welcoming dinner!"

"The third heir of Centrolis' Hamertons?"

"Of course! He's the real rich man!"

Everyone looked at Yelena enviously. They knew that Mr. Z Hamerton kept a low profile. He had never made an official appearance in the media to this day, and people who got to meet him were few and far between.

Not only had Yelena been invited to the Hamerton's event, but she had even taken a photo with Mr. Z. It was an immense honor.

Compliments and flattery sounded one after another.

Yelena had a guilty conscience. She had not wanted Giselle to broadcast it like that, but since no one exposed her, she accepted the admiration in peace. So what if Cordelia was the one who had gone in that night? If she dared speak a word about it, she would have ways to take care of her!

Yelena looked around and saw Cordelia and Marcus in the crowd. She went over with her arms crossed, sending Giselle a look.

Giselle understood it immediately and brandished the photo in front of Cordelia, mocking, "I heard you went that night too, Cordelia? Why don't I see a photo of you and Mr. Z?"

Cordelia looked at Yelena in confusion.

"Sigh, an illegitimate child will always be an illegitimate child. Kept in the dark forever." Yelena hurried to say, "Mr. Z's of noble status. How could he take a photo with an illegitimate daughter?" Cordelia frowned. "That night, weren't you-"

"Why? Do you think you're the only one who could enter?" Yelena scoffed, "The person who welcomed you was a Hamerton dog at most, while I was personally taken in by Mr. Z!"

Marcus paused and tried to keep his lips at a neutral angle.

Yelena was getting too bold with her claims. She thought that she could bluff those who were here because they had never met Zephyr Hamerton?

He scowled and was going to say something when Cordelia held his hand gently. She was uninterested in things like this. She just wanted to go home sooner with Marcus and go back to their own space. "Cordelia, you'll never top me!" Yelena smirked. "I got Mr. Z's attention, but you?"

Yelena's sharp gaze stopped on Marcus. "You're only worthy of marrying a scum!”

"Yeah, Mr. Z likes you so much!" Cordelia glanced at her flatly. "If he likes you so much, why hasn't he married you? The dinner that night was to choose his wife, wasn't it?"

"What's between me and Mr. Z is none of your business!"

"I'm not that free to poke my nose in it either, but I won't let you off easily since you commented on my husband!" Cordelia paused and said, "Also, as sisters, let me give you a kind reminder. A man too powerful isn't a choice partner!

"The Hamertons have such a high status that not everyone's able to cling to them. If you want to climb high, be prepared to fall hard! You're my sister, after all. I don't want to see you end up too sad!" "You" Yelena got angry. "Don't worry. I'll definitely be better off than you! Keep your useless husband around and stay useless for life!"

"What are you talking about? How merry!" A loud voice suddenly cut in.

Following the voice was a man's steady steps and polite but distant smile.

Oliver walked over slowly. He had vaguely heard "Mr. Z Hamerton" when he was smoking outside and wanted to join the discussion since his interest was piqued. He nodded at Cordelia as a greeting but paused his gaze when it landed on Marcus, who was next to her.

Chapter 73

Chapter 73

The commanding presence that the man naturally exuded stunned even Oliver, who had seen countless people. "Mr. Jones, look!" Someone passed the phone to him. "This is Ms. Yelena Jenner's photo with Mr. Z Hamerton!" "You guys were talking about this just now?"

"Yeah!"

Oliver looked at Yelena, who kept her composure and looked arrogant.

Oliver smiled politely at first, but his smile soon froze.

"Ms. Jenner." He looked at her. "Are you sure this is Mr. Z?"

Yelena was alarmed, and the way she looked at him was nervous.

"H-How... is it not?" She forced herself to calm down. After all, no one had seen what Zephyr looked like. At least not in this small dinner, no.

"It was Mr. Z Hamerton's welcome-back dinner that day. Our family was invited to Centrolis." Yelena looked nonchalant as she checked her manicured nails. "The dinner's huge, with the wealthiest people around the world all gathered there. It was a real eye-opener!

"I wonder if you've been, Mr. Jones."

Yelena snorted. Oliver was pretty influential in Jangasas, but he could barely compare to the Jenners. How could he have seen what the Hamertons were like?

As expected, Oliver bowed with an awkward smile. "You're right, Ms. Jenner. I haven't met Mr. Z personally.

"But..."

Oliver chuckled. "I've been to Centrolis many years ago and stayed in the Splendor Dynasty under the Hamertons. The person who took the photo with you is the valet who parked my car for me!" Yelena looked at him dumbly while Oliver's smile grew more unreadable.

The others were astonished as they looked at Yelena differently now.

Yelena recomposed herself and argued, "Is this a joke, Mr. Jones? Many years ago? Would you remember a valet from so many years ago? Don't mistake the person!"

She wanted to grab her phone back, but Oliver stopped her. He studied the photo closer, and his smile widened.

"This person has a mole under his left eye. I wouldn't mistake him. Heh, it's because his service was great back then that I tipped him quite generously and complimented him to his superior. He's a floor manager now. To thank me, he came to Jangasas the day before yesterday to give me a gift. I took him around Jangasas as well to be hospitable.

"What a coincidence, I have a photo with him here too!"

Oliver took out his phone, and everyone crowded over to see. The men in both photos were the same guy!

It turned the situation awkward and ironic.

Yelena turned pale and grabbed her phone, glaring at those around her with gritted teeth.

Someone chuckled. "Heh, Yelena, were you tricked?"

"Yeah, there are a lot of people like this online. They pretend to be rich heirs and trick young girls just because they're handsome!"

"That wouldn't be the case. I have faith in this man's character," Oliver explained with a smile. "Besides, Ms. Jenner's a legit heiress too. She wouldn't be as careless. There might be a misunderstanding!"

Chapter 74

Chapter 74

"You... All of you, shut up!" Yelena was furious from her embarrassment and turned to run away. However, she sprained her foot on her high heel and hissed in pain.

Cordelia stood next to her, coldly watching her pathetic state. She had brought this upon herself.

Cordelia pursed her lips. She did not sympathize with Yelena. It was just that she was also a Jenner, so she was one with Yelena to the outsiders. How could she not be embarrassed when she had a family like this?

Before Yelena left, she glared daggers at Cordelia and nearly crushed her teeth from how hard she was gritting them.

Oliver smiled and looked at the crowd. "It's a misunderstanding. Go on with the event!"

The dinner resumed. Cordelia was not in the mood anymore and was going to turn around when Oliver called out for her from the back.

"Ms. Jenner, please hold on."

Cordelia could only turn around and greet the man.

Oliver noticed the jade ring on her hand and looked at Marcus, who was beside her. "Aren't you introducing us?"

Unable to help it, Cordelia could only pull Marcus over to introduce them. "He's my husband, Marcus Grist. Honey, this is Mr. Oliver Jones, the CEO of the Star Group, whom I've mentioned to you before." Oliver extended a hand, but Marcus stepped back and nodded. He had noticed that Oliver had a strange expression since he appeared. His eyes looked like they were trying to see through something. Marcus hands slowly balled up behind him as he got more on guard.

Oliver's hand froze mid-air. Marcus' refusal to shake hands was out of his expectation. He chuckled dryly and ran his hand over his hair to conceal the awkwardness.

Cordelia said with a chortle, "Honey, Karine wanted to pick on me the last time. It's thanks to Mr. Jones who recognizes this jade ring to be real and helped me exaggerate it that Karine didn't get her way!" "No problem at all." Oliver smiled and sneaked glances at Marcus. "I'm an enthusiast of gemology. I spoke the truth. It's not exaggerated at all. What Ms. Jenner has is really a rare gem!

"I was told that it's a wedding ring?

"Heh, Mr. Grist." Oliver looked at him meaningfully. "I wonder where you've gotten this beautiful jade. It's been over a decade since I married my wife. I'd like to get one for her for our anniversary this year!" Cordelia had wanted to blurt that it was her husband's family heirloom but sensitively noticed that Marcus did not look quite right.

The guard and alertness he showed and the dark gleam in his eyes were like a wild animal's unblinking caution before it was in danger.

There was also an inexplicable strangeness in Oliver's gaze too...

Cordelia paused and smiled. "I bought this with my husband."

Marcus was startled, not expecting her to catch on so fast.

"My husband said that he wanted to get me a piece of jewelry before we got married, so we shopped everywhere. We've been to all the big and small antique shops and jewelry boutiques, and we finally decided on this. The shop's close to Green Pine Street. The owner's an old lady. The things in her shop have quite the history."

Cordelia was convincing. Green Pine Street was a famous antique business street in Jangasas too, with plenty of shops there. Some people managed to buy precious gems there.

Oliver squinted and grew more confused.

Cordelia held Marcus' arm and smiled brightly. "Honey, we were right to go to Green Pine Street. Who would have expected us to get a gem like this? Heh, it's a steal!"

Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Marcus smiled back at her and held her hand.

"Yeah, we've gotten a real good deal."

With how the husband and wife were chorusing each other, it would be tactless for Oliver to pursue the matter further. Thus, he came up with an excuse and left.

After some effort, Cordelia left the event with Marcus through the side door.

As both of them walked on the street behind the hotel, the night was bright with the moon and scattered stars. The air was fresh with the fragrance of plants exclusive to this season, and it felt reinvigorating as the breeze blew.

There were even fireflies in the bushes, blinking and complementing the dark blue sky.

Cordelia smiled and rested her head against Marcus' shoulder. They strolled slowly, enjoying the rare leisure and quiet.

"Why did you say that just now?" Marcus suddenly asked her.

Cordelia paused and answered softly, "You mustn't want Oliver to know too much about us, right?"

"How did you know?"

"You're my husband. Of course I know you!" Cordelia stroked the ring on her finger with a sweet smile. He was her husband. Of course, she would do everything she could to understand and love him. Emotions filled Marcus, and warmth colored his deep eyes.

"And I also think that what's between husband and wife shouldn't be disclosed to outsiders too much," Cordelia said seriously. "After all, I'm only an acquaintance with Mr. Jones. There's an old saying about no saying too much when you meet someone, right?"

Marcus chuckled and rubbed Cordelia's hair, inwardly impressed by her. He had always thought that she was naïve and honest, a little silly even, but she was sharp when it mattered. "Why are you looking at me?" Cordelia blinked.

Marcus spoke softly by her ear. "Just thinking that I've married an invaluable gem."

Cordelia blushed and gave the man's muscular chest a light push.

"Darling, you're smart, pretty, and capable. Have you regretted marrying me?"

"What are you saying?" Cordelia glared at him without fear. "Even Giselle can see that I'm guarding you with my life, and you have to ask?!"

"I just don't feel very confident." Marcus smiled. “Your sister's goal is to marry Mr. Z Hamerton, but you..."

"Here you go again!" She pouted. "Can you stop mentioning Mr. Z Hamerton? My ears are bleeding from hearing this name all night! And I think that there's a big problem with this Mr. Z!" Marcus raised a brow and looked at her with interest. "What problem?"

"Mr. Z Hamerton, doesn't it sound pretentious?" Cordelia pursed her lips. "I think he must either have a problem in his head or look ugly!"

Marcus was rendered speechless.

"Ah, darling!" Cordelia looked like she was struck with a realization. "Who knows if he really looks too mature for his age and doesn't look good? I guess that children from an established family like the Hamertons have a lot of pressure since they're young. This Mr. Z might have turned bald a long time ago from the immense pressure! He might even have a hormonal imbalance and be fat like a meatball! A bald head and a fat body, so he'd look like 50 when he's still in his 20s. Right?

"Gosh, if that's the case... Mr. Z is kind of pitiful. Don't you think so?"

There was a flurry of expressions on Marcus' face before he patted Cordelia's shoulder after some time.

"Honey, let's go home."

Cordelia's interest was piqued instead. "Hey, you said that you've been to Centrolis before. Have you met Mr. Z in person?

"Is he like my guess?

"Do you want to bet with me, darling? This Mr. Z is definitely a bald meatball!"

Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Marcus was rendered speechless. "Wifey, I thought we'd not be talking about Mr. Z anymore?”

Oliver waited outside Matthew's private club.

The club was beneath Splendor Mountain. It was very hidden. Apart from the dense broadleaf plants around, there were rows of bodyguards in sunglasses and suits. They were watching expressionlessly. Someone finally came out after a long wait and invited Oliver in courteously.

Matthew had just finished with his spa. He lay on the soft deck chair with someone kneeling next to him, giving him a massage.

Oliver recognized the smell of the top-grade cigar as soon as he entered.

"Sir, this is... Laroux from Nesarus, right?"

"You've got a great nose!" Matthew glanced at him at the side of his eye. He lifted his chin to get his men to get Oliver a stool.

Oliver showed a fawning smile and sat straight on the stool.

"Why are you here?" Matthew's eyes were half closed. He was puffing on the cigar and looked like he was indulging. He was arrogant toward Oliver. Apart from the honor of being born into the Hamertons, he was behaving like that because he had trained Oliver himself. Without him, the latter would not have achieved what he had today.

However, he would usually stay in Jangasas like a good boy. He basically would not go to Centrolis, let alone what happened today, that he rushed here from Jangasas overnight.

Unless something serious had happened, Oliver would not bother him.

"Sir, I..." Oliver licked his dry lips, hesitating. "I dare ask if Mr. Z... has been staying in the Hamertons since the welcome dinner?"

Matthew opened his eyes suddenly. He frowned and looked at him, confused. "Why are you asking?"

"Just... asking."

"Of course, he's not at the Hamertons," Matthew said casually. "Why would he stay in one place for long? With his father's blessings, nobody can do anything about him wandering the world!" Oliver frowned hard. "Is he in Jangasas, then?"

"You're ridiculous!" Annoyed, Matthew glanced at him. "What is he doing in Jangasas? To do charity for your company? I heard that he's gone to Chaiseland lately. He's at his grandfather's house in Melorian."

"Melorian?"

"That's right." Matthew took two puffs of the cigar. "I didn't get to mess with him the last round. Perhaps that brat is scared, so he's hiding at his grandfather's place. There happens to be a portion of assets that needs to be handled, so Zephyr is working for him. He's lucky. Both of his grandfathers love him. That brat gets everything that's good in the world!"

The more Oliver listened, the more doubtful he was. He said softly after a moment of silence, "I think I saw him in Jangasas..."

Matthew was shocked to hear that. "What did you say?"

"I'm not sure if it was him, sir." Oliver handed the information that his men found with both hands.

Everything about Marcus was in the document, including a copy of his ID. Matthew looked at it thoroughly. Doubts were surging inside of him, and his face gradually turned grim. However, his frown subsided when he saw that Marcus was married and had a criminal record. Apart from his wife, Cordelia, he had no other family members.

"This man looks a lot like Zephyr," mumbled Matthew. "But he has no family, and he was in jail for fighting... That just doesn't match him!

"Also, Zephyr is proud. I sent at least ten women to him, all of them stunning, yet he was not moved. Do you think this Cordelia... won his heart? Hah, that's ridiculous!

"Oliver, can you use your head? Stop panicking so easily. There are so many people who look alike in this world! Someone called me yesterday, saying that they saw me in Moaniain!"

The Hamertons' family head had taken Matthew's subsidiary company, so the latter became a laughingstock in the family. He felt frustrated.

Oliver was undoubtedly adding fuel to the fire to be bothering him with hearsay like this. He was even more annoyed now.

Chapter 77

Chapter 77

"But sir, I found out that "

Matthew's phone rang when Oliver was going to tell him about the emerald ring. His subordinate brought his phone, so Matthew warned Oliver with his eyes, getting him to shut his mouth immediately. Matthew got up slowly to pick up the phone. He only returned after a while.

He glared coldly at Oliver when he returned. "Leave."

"Sir?"

"Zephyr is in Melorian, Chaiseland!" Matthew had used up all of his patience. "He's going to Ricos tomorrow, then Puarvis the day after! Where the hell did you get this useless information!?" He tossed the document about Marcus into the air, and the papers fell like snow.

Oliver was stunned. Subsequently, Matthew's subordinate showed him a video. The person had his back facing the camera, but one could see that he was dressed in expensive clothes.

The background of the scene was Melorian's landmark building the Rylands Square.

"T-That's impossible!"

"Why is it impossible?" Matthew rolled his eyes at him. "I'd recognize the back of Zephyr's head even if it was crushed! Also, he'd feed the pigeons at the Rylands Square whenever he's free. That's what he has done ever since he was young!"

Oliver swallowed what he was going to say. He looked terrible.

Could it be that he really made a mistake? It made sense. There were many people who looked alike in this world. Also, judging by Zephyr's taste, how would he marry Cordelia?

However, that ring was just too strange...

"Get your *ss back to Jangasas if that's all you have for me!" Matthew said in frustration. "Don't pretend like I've been backing you! Remember, we don't know each other! The old man is watching me now. I'm annoyed. I don't even know how to resolve this sh*tty situation!"

"Roger that." Oliver held his head low like a good boy.

"Also..." Matthew's eyes looked grim. He said slowly, after a moment of thought, "Monitor this Marcus. Report to me if there's anything at all."

Oliver nodded and left. Soon, he disappeared into the darkness of the night.

Cordelia's life improved significantly without Michael and Jesse in the office.

Meanwhile, Karine's status plummeted without Michael's good words with the board of directors. The colleagues who disliked her added fuel to the fire, venting the anger that they had been holding back.

In a recent meeting, the board of directors announced that they had revoked Karine's supervisor's position and got Cordelia to replace her.

She moved into Karine's old office. She was emotional. She was spacing out while sitting in there without noticing Annie, who had been knocking. She only snapped back to her senses when the latter walked in directly and stood in front of her.

"What are you doing? It's like you've lost your soul!" Annie placed a document in front of her and chuckled. "Please sign, boss!"

Cordelia smiled and skimmed through it quickly. She then signed her name.

Even since she became a supervisor, many documents came to her every day. She felt the heavy burden on her shoulders and dared not slack at all.

"I see that you don't look very good." Annie looked at her with concern. "Are you exhausted?"

"The workload is rather heavy." Cordelia chuckled. "I didn't know this before. Now that I'm in Karine's position, I realize it's not easy being a leader!"

"Of course, it comes with responsibilities! The higher your position, the bigger the responsibility!

Annie whispered, "Oh yeah, Cordelia, don't take the rumor that has been going around in the office to heart, okay?"

"What rumor?"

Chapter 78

Chapter 78

"You don't know?" Stunned, Annie told Cordelia with a serious face, "It's about you and Mr. Jones. They say it's as if he's possessed that he kept giving you business. He was the one who pushed you to the supervisor's position."

Cordelia was stunned.

Now that she thought about it carefully, there seemed to be a rumor like that. Furthermore, Oliver was strange indeed. He gave the company five sales at once, and he asked for Cordelia exclusively. With such outstanding performance, how could she not be promoted?

However...

"The projects I'm working on with Mr. Jones are win-win," she mumbled. "It's just that I don't understand why he insisted on working with me."

"He definitely values your capability!" Annie patted her shoulder. "Don't overthink it. I'm guessing it was Karine who spread the rumor. She lost her power, and given that she's not capable, she's jealous of you! "Don't worry, Cordelia. We'll support you. All you've got to do is to fight her with all you have to the very end!"

Cordelia smiled with gratitude. They shook hands.

However, she was well aware that there were many capable employees in the company. It was unnecessary that Oliver had to work with her. He had been approaching her lately, but his behavior did not seem shady.

Everything started from the time he saw her emerald ring.

Cordelia thought about it carefully. Every time Oliver texted her, he would always mention Marcus.

For instance, he would ask which gym Marcus was teaching boxing at. He said he wanted to work out lately and learn to box.

He would also casually ask how she and Marcus met. How they fell in love and how they got married...

He even said that he was passing by the office the other day and offered her a ride.

Cordelia was suspicious, but she had no idea what was suspicious about this man exactly.

"I think Mr. Jones likes you."

The punching noise came and went from the balcony as Marcus was training while Cordelia cleaned the house.

She stopped what she was doing and stared at the balcony blankly. The golden sun was setting, pouring its light through the disappearing pink clouds. Meanwhile, Marcus was punching under the sunlight.

The lines on his naked muscles were clear, and beads of sweat dripped down his chest. There was something majestic and fierceness to his handsome features. Cordelia suddenly thought of Apose, the God of War in Zidesh myth. She supposed the God of War looked like that when he walked out of the sun... "What did you say, wifey?"

Cordelia was stunned. She held her head down shyly, and her cheeks blushed.

"Oh, nothing." She gently walked to him. She took over his boxing gloves in a familiar manner, removing the sweat-drenched bands.

Marcus played with her hair gently, his eyes filled with fondness. If he were not soaked in sweat, he would be eager to wrap his arms around her and press her against the couch...

"Oh, yeah." Cordelia suddenly thought of what she wanted to say to him. "I think it's better that I tell you about what I've been thinking about."

"Oh, what's up?"

"It's about Mr. Jones." She frowned. "Hubby, he's a little strange. He's been asking about you lately!"

Marcus' eyes turned grim. He clenched the bands that were removed into a ball.

Chapter 79

Chapter 79

Cordelia took out her phone and showed Marcus all of the texts that Oliver had sent her lately.

"He looks like he cares about me, but he's actually asking about you." She was smart. "Also, he gave me five sales when I was promoted to supervisor. It became something that people talked about in the office! Also, there's only one objective of why he's working with me-to obtain your information."

Marcus squinted. He knew what was happening.

He became suspicious when he saw Oliver at the ball the other night. That was especially so after showing an unusual interest in the ring Cordelia was wearing. That made him put his guard up. It seemed like Oliver might be Matthew's man.

Marcus scoffed. His second uncle was too impatient. Even if he got someone to watch him, he should not get someone who would expose himself so easily! However, if Matthew found out that he was in Jangasas instead of Melorian, he might be in trouble.

He looked at Cordelia. This young lady was kind and pure. She was definitely not a match for Matthew.

He had to protect her.

"No matter what, I just think he is very strange, but I can't figure out what's his reason for doing that. Why does he want to know about you?" Cordelia frowned. "Hubby, did you offend someone who knows Oliver? That's why..."

"Nah." Marcus chuckled. "I've cut ties with my old life. I no longer talk to those people, so don't worry."

"Hmm." Cordelia nodded. "You don't have to worry either. I didn't tell Mr. Jones anything about you!"

"What?" He was surprised.

Cordelia chuckled. "I'd always dodge his questions every time he asked. He wanted to know which gym you go to, so I recommended another gym. He wanted to send me home, so I told him I was taking the train... No matter what, I'm not a fool to tell a stranger about us!"

There was warmth surging in Marcus' eyes as he looked at her. He was willing to have his freedom stripped away from him for the rest of his life for this smart, cute, and family-oriented lady. However, there was something more important waiting for him at the moment.

After Cordelia cleaned the balcony and the room, Marcus happened to get out of the shower. They leaned on each other on the couch intimately. She had her nose near his neck as the scent of body wash on her man overcame her. Watching his slightly moving Adam's apple, she was charmed.

She was quickly embarrassed by the tantalizing thoughts that she had. She suppressed those thoughts as she blushed.

Marcus did not notice the subtle change of expression on her. He played with her hair and said softly. "I'll be busy the next few days. I won't be home, so take good care of yourself."

"What?" Cordelia was shocked. She looked at him with her eyes widened.

"What is it that you're gonna do?"

"I have a competition," said Marcus flatly. "I'll be focused on my training these days, so I can't come home every day."

"Oh." Cordelia was slightly disappointed but nodded and continued leaning on him.

Marcus could no longer hold back after falling into silence for a moment. He chuckled. "That's it? Aren't you going to ask why I can't come home every day?

"I heard other people's wives aren't like that with their husbands." His sharp brows were raised.

"Those women are very tense. They'll call their husbands even if they get home slightly later. But you... are not like them!"

"But you told me you're going to a competition." The lady's voice was coquettish. "Apart from giving you my full support, what else can I say?"

Marcus was intrigued. He smiled and pulled her shoulder over to him.

Cordelia hugged him tighter, sticking her tiny face on his chest. With a coquettish voice, she asked. "Will you really...not come home every day?"

"Yes."

"How many days, then?"

"The competition will happen in a week, so I'll be in intense training for five to six days."

"Then... can't you come home every day even if it's late?"

Chapter 80

Chapter 80

With his head held low, Marcus gave a peck on Cordelia's smooth forehead.

"Wifey, do you know what an athlete must do before a competition?"

Her bright eyes filled with doubt. She shook her head innocently.

Marcus smirked and whispered into her ear, "To stay abstinent."

Cordelia was stunned.

"If one allows their feelings to take over them, their limbs will be weak in the fighting ring. They'll definitely lose the match.

"So you're the one to blame." Marcus looked at her and played with her flushed earlobe. "I can't hold back when I see you. We're together every day... How am I supposed to stay abstinent?" "Hey..."

Cordelia glared at him in a coquettish manner. There was light in her beautiful eyes.

It was men who had poor self-control from the beginning of time, yet they were blaming that on women. That was not fair!

She bit her lip softly, looking unwilling. Meanwhile, what she did looked more like seduction to him.

A burning desire was flowing through his body, making him lose control.

Marcus grinned and pressed her onto the couch.

"What are you doing?" Cordelia moved her body and protested gently. "Didn't you say you have to stay abstinent?"

"Training only starts tomorrow." He removed the bathrobe quickly and pounced on her. He had a playful look on. "No abstinence... for tonight!"

"Z, did you hear what I said?" Fredric had sweat dripping down his forehead from the panic.

"Say something!"

Stunned, Marcus had just realized that his mind had wandered. He coughed softly and got up from the big long chair. He walked slowly to the floor-to-ceiling window. The work report from the five consortiums in Chaiseland had ended, but he had not heard a word.

It was his first time being distracted by an important event like this. The reason for it was that he had his head filled with the image of the young lady...

Marcus pinched between his eyebrows and asked with his low voice. "What time is it?"

Fredric was stunned. "5:00 p.m."

"I mean... in Jangasas."

Feeling speechless, Fredric tossed all of the documents on the table and released a long sigh.

"Boss, the time difference between Ricos and Jangasas is eight hours. Can't you calculate that yourself?" "Ah, he's just being straightforward!" Josiah giggled. "It's midnight over there. She's deep in dreamland!" There was a slight change of expression in Marcus' eyes.

Was she really deep in sleep? Could she really fall asleep without him by her side?

Every day was tough for him when he tried to sleep the past few days in Ricos...

Josiah continued with a smile. "Z, you're really something. You're here in Ricos for the financial report, yet you lied to her that you have intense training for a competition... Only you can pull off a lie like that! Sc what lie will you come up with when you come here again?"

"Not only Ricos but there's also Centrolis. You'll have to be all over the world." Fredric glanced at him, speechless. "Z, if you take over the Hamertons in the future, you won't be able to hide your identity anymore. Are you going to lie to her for the rest of your life?"