Ch. 811..820

Chapter 811

Chapter 811

"Ah!" the person cried out of surprise.

Cordelia ran to the cradle and protected her son with herself while she fought the person with her life. She hit him with her eyes closed, and the man retreated. Little Zuko, who was in the cradle, was startled awake and wailed.

"Stop hitting me! Stop hitting!

"Your son's crying, and you're still hitting me!

"Cordelia, it's me!"

"Who!?" Cordelia froze abruptly. Her hands clutching her purse hovered in the air.

The man, who was one head taller than her, curled up with his hands shielding his head, looking pitiful from being beaten up.

The air went silent suddenly...

From the gap between his two arms, the man revealed his face to look at her in terror.

"You... Neil?" Cordelia was shocked.

Neil wore a bitter expression as he pulled a long face.

Cordelia snapped out of the surprise and could care less about him as she twirled around to carry her son and coax him.

A few security guards arrived with electrical batons in their hands, only for Cordelia to explain softly that it was a misunderstanding and dismiss them.

"You've gone over the line..." Neil went to check himself in the bathroom mirror. He had fortunately defended himself, and his face was not hit. Had his face been damaged, how was he supposed to make a living in the entertainment world?

"I didn't know it was you!" Cordelia chuckled apologetically behind him, carrying her son.

The baby room's lighting had always been soft and dim. She did not get a clear look. Moreover, she was scared since none of the service staff was home when she came back.

"Right, why are you here? Where's Zephyr?"

Neil looked at her with a huff. "Your husband asked me to come! He knew that you would spend time with Aunt Xyla at the sanatorium today, and he couldn't free himself as he's helping Carter with the Irwin Group's documents, so he asked me to babysit!"

"Then... where are the nanny and others?"

"Exactly!" Neil widened his eyes. "You have a bunch of nannies and servants at home. Why call for me? I came and saw so many people in the room serving this little master, and I felt like Zephyr's tricking me!"

Cordelia could not help it and giggled.

It was only for show that Zephyr did not care much for their son. He was constantly concerned for the little baby inwardly. He was worried about only the servants being home, so he had sent Neil to babysit.

If Zuko fussed, perhaps there would be some comfort in seeing his Uncle Neil-even when they were not that close.

"But where did all of them go?" Cordelia was bewildered. "The doors were left open when I came in. I thought there were burglars!"

"Isn't today the Floria Festival?" Neil said, "There's a parade on the street, so I let them go have fun."

Cordelia broke out in cold sweat. "You took care of my son alone?"

"What?" Neil side-eyed her. "Your husband took advantage of me being single and got me to babysit, and you're complaining that I'm not a good babysitter?"

"No, no..." Cordelia chuckled dryly, feeling lucky that she had rushed home in time.

"Hey." Neil suddenly approached her and nudged her with his elbow. "I babysat for you. There's work done even if it's not merit, right?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I have a favor to ask..."

Cordelia frowned. The man was smirking like nothing good would come out of this. Was his usual cold and sophisticated look just a facade!? "There's a part of Sabe's rainforest within the Irwin Manor's area, which was turned into a private forest by Uncle Rowan a long time ago." "Yeah, it's just next to my house."

"Then..." Neil said with a chuckle, "It's the Irwins, but can it be opened to a Harris for the night?"

Cordelia blinked. "What do you want?"

"It's the Floria Festival today," Neil answered softly. "I just want to celebrate in there."

...

When Aurelia was pulled out by Neil, she still had several pieces of clothing to embroider.

However, Neil paid the owner triple her wage. When the owner saw that it was the same man from last time whom she could not offend, she accepted the money and let Neil take Aurelia away without a word. "Uncle, what are you doing?" Aurelia was thrust into the car, and the man who did it was so silent on the way that it was unnerving.

"Uncle, what did I do wrong again?" She started to guess. "Did I say something wrong and make you angry previously? Or... I took the wrong measurements for you?

"Uncle, say something!

"Neil Harris!"

Aurelia finally yelled his full name, unable to hold herself back.

Neil stomped on the brake and turned to look at her in a stupor. Honestly, though, "Neil Harris" did not sound half as nice as "uncle" coming from her...

Aurelia turned pale and winced. "Uh, I didn't do it on purpose. I just want to talk to you. I—"

Before she finished her sentence, she felt blinking lights around her.

She had not noticed that they had driven into a private forest with tall palm trees, lush banyan trees, streams, a pond, and a symphony from the frogs and insects. There were also many fireflies.

Aurelia got out of the car in a daze. While she was still stunned, Neil had already held her hand and walked them to the deeper part of the forest.

It was as if she had come to a dreamy fairy tale world. The deeper they went, the more fireflies surrounded her like pixies. The forest had no light, but these fireflies lit up the way well enough. "Do you like it?" Neil looked at her with a smile.

Aurelia liked it so much. She looked up-glittery stars adorned the navy night sky, and the fireflies around her felt like stars that fell off from the starry night.

The air smelled of flowers, and mountains stretched in the distance.

Aurelia felt like she was dreaming. Looking up, she saw her own reflection in Neil's eyes.

"Uncle, w-where is this?"

Neil did not answer but flashed a smile. Suddenly, his hand flew up and grabbed Aurelia's hand, carefully placing a firefly in her palm.

Chapter 812

Chapter 812

As Aurelia looked at the glowing insect in her palm, she was so happy that she was at a loss for words. Her big fluttering eyes at Neil contained joy that she had never encountered in the first 18 years of her life.

"It's really like..." Her voice carried a tinge of a sob from how emotional she was. "It's really like I've got a star!"

Neil could not help the lift in the corners of his lips. He was happier than her seeing her so happy. He did not know why he had taken her here today. He just knew his heart would explode if he kept suppressing some things.

"Aurelia, I-"

Before he could get on, Aurelia interrupted him excitedly. "Uncle, where's this? It's like a paradise!

"I've been to so many places in Melorian, but none as beautiful as this place!"

Neil chuckled. "This is the Irwins' garden, also Sabe's rainforest. Look at the fireflies closely. They have two sets of wings!"

Aurelia took a look and was delightfully surprised, giggling in glee.

Neil's gaze turned tender unknowingly.

He remembered what Zephyr had told him about feeling like his life was worth living as long as he saw Cordelia smile. He had mocked and teased the man for some time back then. Now... Neil smiled but flattened it to act serious when Aurelia looked at him.

"Uh, Aurelia," he stuttered for some time and said softly, "I have something to tell you."

There was no response coming from the girl next to him.

Neil turned to cast his eyes on the faraway nightfall and mountains.

"It's been some time since you've been here in Southeast Aciatic. You must be more adapted now.

"I think you shouldn't waste your time in that tailor's... You should be in a university at this age and learn something. There's no limit to your future.

"Most importantly..." Neil rubbed his nose, and his voice softened. "The boss has three sons and wants to make you her daughter-in-law? Does she know what she's saying!?"

It was so quiet around Neil that he could almost hear his heartbeat. He had his back against Aurelia, so he did not know if the girl was listening to him.

After a while, he took a deep breath and thought he would finish what he wanted to say.

"Aurelia... My father is a general in Southeast Aciatic, but our family isn't pedantic. My father's not the type to cling to riches. He made it clear a long time ago that his criteria for a daughter-in-law are for her to be kind, self-motivated, and have a good character. Everything else isn't an issue."

Neil chuckled. "Actually, there are plenty of cousins who get married in Southeast Aciatic. My father hoped that I could be together with Cordelia in the beginning... He actually thought that it was a pity Cordelia married Zephyr.

"But you've spent some time around Cordelia, so you must share some of her vibes, right?

"Aurelia, these fireflies are only found in Sabe's rainforest. They're unique in this world..." Neil's voice was soft. "Me taking you to watch them, you... You know what it means, right?"

Neil felt like he was dug empty after all that he had said.

He had longer scripts than this in production and was eloquent and smooth, but he was all tensed up and had stiff muscles with a thumping heart when he spoke today.

He had never been so nervous growing up.

Neil waited for the sweet voice like how he anxiously waited to be scored by the teacher back in his school days.

The time slipped past quietly.

10 seconds, 20 seconds...

A minute... then five minutes.

Why was there no sound at all from behind him?

Neil found it strange. The girl had not passed out from being too thrilled after listening to what he had to say, had she?

He spun around, but nothing was behind him except the forest, the dark night, and the glittering fireflies!

"Aurelia? Aurelia!" Neil panicked a little and jogged around to look for her. "Where are you!?

"Au-"

Chapter 813

Chapter 813

"Uncle!" The sweet voice rang in the forest abruptly.

Aside from the sweet voice and tinkling giggle that greeted Neil, there was also... a frog that she held in her hands!

He was shocked when Aurelia thrust her hands forward to show him the frog!

Neil had always hated the cold and slimy cold-blooded animals. The frog stared at him with its beady eyes before letting out a loud croak after a while.

All Neil felt was a loud rush of blood to his head before his scalp went numb, and he let out a loud, involuntary "Ah!".

Aurelia jumped in surprise and could not help tightening her hold on the frog as she stared wide-eyed at Neil.

Neil's face reddened like a boiled shrimp a while later as his lips pressed into a thin line. There was a moment of silence before his voice rumbled like a volcano eruption. "Aurelia!" The girl froze.

Neil was shaking in rage. Had she just gone after a frog while he professed his love!?

Both of them stared right into each other's eyes-Neil's were bubbling with anger, while Aurelia's were terror-stricken.

Another moment later, Neil's rage simmered and melted into fondness, and Aurelia's frightened faze zipped back to life.

The frog that was caught in a life-threatening crisis just now finally escaped its doom, and with perfect timing, it croaked.

Neil paused before he huffed a laugh.

Aurelia hurried to admit her fault. "Uncle, sorry, I didn't know that you're afraid of frogs..."

"Who's afraid!?" Neil was not about to admit to it. How was he supposed to maintain his masculinity and ego if word about this got out?

"But your reaction just now-"

"I was angry at you!"

"Huh?"

How would Aurelia know that his feelings that he had mustered like he was going to perform a Shakespeare play had simply vanished into thin air over a frog croak?

She had not even heard a word of his confession.

That was how people were. Once they missed the burst of valor, they no longer had the courage to do it again.

"Never mind, forget it..." Neil waved a hand. "I didn't say anything."

To Neil's dismay and disgust, Aurelia smiled softly and stroked the frog's head.

"Girls like cute kitties and dogs, but you're treating the frog like a gem!"

"Frogs catch pests. They're our friends!"

Furthermore, even mice were her friend when she lived in the basement. How would she be scared of a mere frog?

"Uncle, you... don't like these, do you?"

Neil frowned, unable to tell her that he found these creatures dirty.

The fireflies surrounded her, their light looming over her pretty face.

He seemed to catch a wash of mixed feelings in her eyes.

Aurelia freed the frog, and it hopped back into the deeper part of the forest. She straightened up and suddenly laughed, saying softly, "Actually... this is our difference.

"I've caught rats, stepped on roaches, begged for food..." The curve on her lips was wry. "My hands are dirty. You're seeing this version of me right now because I'm doing my best to bring light into my life, like my name...

"Uncle, your hands are clean."

Neil's heart lurched as he looked down to meet her eyes. Her eyes were clear and pure, but there was a blanket of haze in them that he could not see through.

Chapter 814

Chapter 814

They kept looking at each other quietly, seeming unfazed, but their hearts inwardly caught in a turmoil.

After a while, Aurelia sniffled and grinned brightly.

"But thank you for taking me here, uncle!"

She copied what Neil did just now and caught a firefly in her hands to watch it in her palms with a blissful smile adorning her face. Then she released it. Fireflies danced in the night sky, complementing the stars above, and looked amazing.

Aurelia ran and skipped as she chased after them, waving a hand and watching the fireflies scatter. Her carefree laughter echoed in the beautiful night. She turned around to look at Neil, her gaze longing.

He had said that the fireflies with double sets of wings in this rainforest were the only ones in this world. He was also irreplaceable in her heart.

Cordelia rested her chin in her hands as she sighed, looking at the invitation on the table. The familiar gilded pattern on the cover gave her a headache. Zephyr sat down next to her to give her a massage. "Darling, what's up?"

Cordelia showed him the invitation.

In order to celebrate the Floria Festival, the royal family had invited known names in society to the palace to enjoy the flowers and connect.

As one of the biggest taxpayers in Southeast Aciatic, the Irwins were naturally invited.

"The Floria Festival's always only for the women. The royals who are attending are usually the queen and princesses," Cordelia said softly. "But the old king has no children, so this event's fully handled by Victoria."

Zephyr understood it. She did not want anything to do with Victoria.

"It's inevitable that she'll ask about Neil once she sees you." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "But I know that Southeast Aciatic folks have high regard for the Floria Festival. If you reject the invitation at a time like this, she might pick on you in the future."

Cordelia thought the same.

"So, you agree that I go too?"

Zephyr smiled and spun his finger to coil her long hair around it.

"My wife has already decided, hasn't she?"

Cordelia smiled as well. Their tacit understanding of each other was growing.

"I am, but I'll try not to talk to her," she replied. "Fortunately, I won't be the only one there that day. Victoria will have to follow the royal family rules anyway. She can't possibly ask me about another man in public."

"Mm." Zephyr held her hand. "Set your phone up in advance and let me know if there's any problem."

"Hmm? Will you invade the palace for me?"

"Why not? The princess can't be offended, but the same applies to my dear Mrs. Hamerton."

Cordelia snuggled him in his arms, dimples showing from her sweet smile.

Cordelia dressed up for the palace on the day of the event.

Perhaps the weather was great, so the palace looked more lively and less authoritative today compared to when she saw it in the dusk last time.

The party was held in the south garden, where the scenery was the best. The thriving flora was a wonder to take in.

Even though Cordelia still did not quite like occasions like this, she was familiar with socializing now.

She was still breastfeeding, so she dared not take alcohol and only sipped on juices. However, her visits to the washroom were more frequent since she had yet to completely recover from labor. It was already her third time exiting the washroom.

However, she was invited to Victoria's table a few steps away from the washroom. As Cordelia took a seat, her smile was forced.

"All of you must know Ms. Irwin here?" Victoria smiled, raising her glass. "The Irwin heiress. Cordelia Jenner, or Ms. Jenner, if you will, since she previously lived in Jangasas due to her identity issues. "However..." Victoria smiled, and a dark glint flashed in her eyes. "We haven't known each other for long, but it feels like we've been friends forever, so I usually call her Cordelia!"

The other women at the table were wealthy heiresses in Southeast Aciatic as well. All of them wore smiles, but they rolled their eyes multiple times at Cordelia in their mind. Cordelia felt her heart lurch as she met Victoria's challenging gaze.

The princess had praised her in public, but it was actually an ill-intended praise. It was obvious that Victoria, who had grown up in the palace, was well aware of this. She had purposely claimed that she was close to Cordelia in front of everyone so she could use the jealousy of the wealthy heiresses against Cordelia.

Cordelia bit her lips. She had to move on with the feast even when she knew it was a trap.

"Oh, so you're Ms. Irwin. I often hear Her Highness mention you!"

Cordelia was startled and looked toward the shrill voice.

It was Allegra Oliver. The Oliver Group had the upper hand over the tourism industry, and the Olivers were a well-known family in Southeast Aciatic.

The Olivers also seemed to be distant relatives of Victoria as Allegra had visited the palace plenty of times and often referred to Victoria warmly as her cousin.

Cordelia took a deep breath and greeted her with a smile.

Allegra said with a smile, "Ms. Irwin, since Her Highness sees you as a friend and calls you Cordelia, can I call you the same?"

"It doesn't matter," Cordelia replied. "It's just a name. You can call me what you like, Ms. Oliver."

"Sure!" Allegra raised a brow and exchanged a look with Victoria.

"Oh, right, Cordelia. I noticed you frequenting the washroom just now. Are you feeling unwell?"

Cordelia went silent. To be honest, she found it embarrassing. It was probably just her body, as she did not recover as fast after giving birth and always had the urge to use the toilet. She did not even have a lo to drink, but she kept going to the washroom.

How could she speak up about such a challenge in public?

Someone tried to discuss it, however. "I hear that women who've given birth can't hold it in..."

"Really!?" Allegra picked up the conversation instantly and looked at Cordelia with feigned naivety. "Is it true, Cordelia? No wonder you went so many times! Isn't it sad? Women are no longer women once they give birth!"

Cordelia understood it now. Allegra had come with malice and was Victoria's accomplice.

Cordelia recomposed herself and said with a natural smile, "Thanks for the concern. I'm feeling fine. It's just that I'm curious. The Floria Festival happens once a year, and the royal family bestows us the favor only this once too, but you're not chatting with Her Highness and keep your eyes on whether I use the washroom?"

"You..."

"No way, Ms. Oliver." Cordelia chuckled. "Enjoying the flowers and chatting with Her Highness isn't as important as seeing if I use the washroom to you? Ms. Oliver, you... swing that way?" Allegra trembled with a change of expression.

The other heiresses at the table could not help covering half of their faces with their fans and giggling.

Chapter 815

Chapter 815

Victoria scowled as well.

Allegra was the pawn she had prepared to attack Cordelia, but she did not expect the pawn to be this useless, being countered in just a few sentences and getting embarrassed in front of the other heiresses! Cordelia was also to be blamed for being a sharp-tongued monster!

Victoria bit her lips. Keeping a straight face, she feigned sternness as she looked at Allegra. "Cousin, have you had too much to drink? What nonsense are you talking about in front of everyone!?" "Your Highness, I—"

"Apologize to Ms. Irwin!"

Allegra was indignant but understood it when she saw Victoria's look. She smiled and politely approached Cordelia with a glass to say, "Sorry, Cordelia. I just say what's on my mind without thinking. I don't mean anything bad!"

Cordelia remained calm and composed.

"You know what, Cordelia? This toast is for you. Consider it my formal apology to you, okay?"

When Cordelia looked at Allegra, she had already raised her glass. The other heiresses were staring at her as if she would be the insensible one if she did not accept the apology now.

She smiled. Well-behaved children rarely got consolation candies. One reaped what they sowed in this world. It was better to play the game till the end.

"A formal apology?" She emphasized each word. "A formal apology has its rules in Southeast Aciatic... Are you planning to gloss it over with just a glass of wine, Ms. Oliver?"

Allegra froze, not expecting Cordelia to know the local customs and rules so well when she had not been there for long.

Cordelia was right. According to their rules, there was a difference between an apology and a formal apology. A formal apology required one to visit the other party with gifts and, if necessary, get on their knees to ask for forgiveness.

Cordelia looked at her with a small smile.

Allegra truly regretted her words now. Her brain-to-mouth filter did not work again. Why did she even mention "formal" when she just had to apologize?

Now that she shot herself in her own foot, others were laughing at her too!

Allegra glared at Cordelia resentfully and cast a pleading gaze at Victoria. However, the latter was helpless and did not care.

"Alright, Cordelia's just joking with you." Victoria mediated. "She's a graceful heiress and the matriarch of a significant family in Centrolis. She isn't that petty. Drink the wine and consider this done. Will that be okay with you, Cordelia?"

Cordelia had not wanted to be involved with Allegra and had to do Victoria a favor since the princess had spoken.

Despite that, this was not what Allegra thought. She had wanted to play Cordelia for a fool when she "apologized" just now. It was just that she did not get to finish her sentence.

To her, Cordelia was the Irwin heiress but had not grown up in Southeast Aciatic and was not the same with them-heiresses who had grown up in luxury. Cordelia was an outsider!

For an outsider to act so brazenly, how would Allegra keep up in the high society of Southeast Aciatic if she went down without a fight? She scoffed and upended her glass while Cordelia was unaware. The glass of red wine splashed on Cordelia's dress.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Allegra pretended. "I lost my grip and spilled the wine... Cordelia, you wouldn't be mad at me, would you?"

Cordelia felt rage shoot up her head.

"You!" She glared at Allegra. It was obviously intentional!

"Cordelia, Her Highness just said that you're a graceful heiress and the matriarch of a major family. You wouldn't be so petty!"

Cordelia took a deep breath. It was unusually quiet around her as everyone shot her complicated gazes.

Victoria was taken aback by what Allegra had done. She did not want her younger cousin to be at a disadvantage, but Alexander was right-the Irwins were no pushovers. Cordelia was the apple of Rowan's eyes. How could she just take this injustice?

Moreover, they had to pay respect to the queen inside the palace after the flower viewing was over...

Chapter 816

Chapter 816

Even if Cordelia had a spare outfit, she would not be able to get rid of the alcohol scent, and that would definitely be a faux pas in front of the queen. Victoria worried for Allegra but smirked, triumphant about Cordelia's embarrassing state.

Allegra said with a smile, "Cordelia, you should take care of it in the washroom! You're basically stationed there today, anyway. Another trip should be fine!"

Cordelia froze with a flushed face.

The guard came over to announce that they should get prepared to see the queen.

Someone mocked from the side, "Ms. Irwin, this is a royal event. I think you should attend events like this less in the future lest you make a faux pas and embarrass the Irwins!"

"Right? Someone who grew up outside just isn't the same as us who grew up in Southeast Aciatic."

"I heard that she lived in a basement in Jangasas before she came back to Southeast Aciatic..."

The heiresses whispered among each other, and Allegra looked even more victorious.

Victoria smiled mockingly, waiting for Cordelia's response like she was watching a drama.

Cordelia composed herself. There was a natural commanding air on her. She swept her gaze over everyone and stopped on Allegra.

"It's fine, Ms. Oliver. It's just a dress." She smiled. "But as you said, I have to take care of it in the washroom."

"Hah, then go on! What are you waiting for?"

"You." Cordelia's smile was cryptic.

Allegra paused, clueless as to what the woman was trying to do.

"You spilled the wine on me and dirtied my dress, Ms. Oliver. Shouldn't you accompany me to get changed?"

"Well..."

Allegra did not expect Cordelia to say that. But come to think of it, it was just a change of clothes, so she called for the servant to go with her.

"Ms. Oliver, it's best you go with me." Cordelia's tone deepened. "It shows your sincerity in the formal apology you mentioned!

"Am I right, Your Highness?"

Cordelia tossed the question to Victoria.

Even though Victoria hated Cordelia, she had to keep up the act. She could not openly take her cousin's side in front of everyone.

Furthermore, Cordelia's request was not too much. In Southeast Aciatic, where courtesy was emphasized, cleaning the dress up with the person and recompensing them with a new one when one dirtied someone's dress was basic.

"Yes." Victoria smiled. "Allegra, go with Cordelia!"

"What? -"

Allegra wanted to say something but met Victoria's warning gaze. She was vexed and glared at Cordelia before she left the table and stomped toward the washroom.

Cordelia bowed to Victoria before she followed Allegra calmly.

Both of them went to the washroom.

Allegra was fuming. She turned on the tap and put the plug in the sink. As the water pooled, the sink filled up quickly.

"Go on!" She sneered. "Tell me how you want your dress cleaned. I'm all ears!"

"You dirtied my dress. You should be the one deciding how you clean it."

"Cordelia!" Allegra shouted, unable to stay calm, while Cordelia smiled.

Zephyr had taught her that the more his rivals were impatient in the boxing ring, the easier they would expose their weaknesses. They could knock their rival down in one move as long as they stayed calm! The theory worked on people like Allegra too.

Cordelia walked slowly to the sink and ran her fingers in the water, talking softly as if speaking to herself, "Ms. Oliver, say... is there absolute fairness in this world?"

Chapter 817

Chapter 817

Allegra was perplexed by the sudden question. She looked at Cordelia like she was looking at a monster. "W-What do you mean?"

Cordelia chuckled. "I think there's no fairness in this world. Otherwise, why was one chosen as a princess and could possibly inherit the whole country in the future, and another... could only wash my dress for me in the washroom when they're cousins in the same family?"

"What are you talking about!?"

Allegra turned pale as she gnashed her teeth.

Even though Cordelia was instigating, she had hit the nail right on the head.

Allegra could not stand Victoria. Both of them had grown up playing and studying together-Victoria's grades were worse than hers too... Why could Victoria earn the king's favor and become the only princess in the royal family?

They used to be like sisters, but there were now palace rules and etiquette when they met. She could not call Victoria by her name like she used to and had to respectfully address her "Your Highness". Ever since Victoria was appointed the princess, she had gotten arrogant and would rarely contact relatives like her, acting condescending when she did. Each time, it was Allegra who visited the palace to pander to Victoria.

The proud and prideful Allegra clenched her jaw in resentment when she sometimes thought of it. However, she could not show a hint of it right now, especially in front of Cordelia.

She still had to keep up with the pleasantries. "Hah, what are you saying, Ms. Irwin? What's unfair about this? My cousin's intelligent, and the king is her uncle. They're closer than we are! It's deserving that she was chosen as the princess!"

"Oh!" Cordelia drawled. "So, you believe that there's fairness in this world?"

Allegra bit her lips. "Certainly, justice prevails!"

Cordelia continued to ask, "So, an eye for an eye is fair, too, right?"

Allegra froze and met Cordelia's sharp gaze. She could not help being intimidated. "Cordelia, what... What do you mean?"

Cordelia scoffed. "You tried me with your words and stained my dress, then instigated the whole table to attack me. Ms. Oliver, what do you think I should do for it to be considered fair?" Allegra's heart dropped.

Before she could react, Cordelia locked the washroom door from the inside swiftly. Allegra gasped and wanted to run out, but Cordelia kicked her in the knee.

Allegra fell to the floor in pain, kneeling!

With both hands, Cordelia grabbed her by the back of her collar to pin her against the sink. Allegra screamed and struggled, but Cordelia smirked and pressed her head into the sink.

Allegra flailed with all her limbs. Cordelia lifted her head out of the water, waited for her to catch her breath, then pressed her head in again...

After Cordelia repeated the process several times, Allegra begged for mercy, wailing. Gone was her audacity to mock Cordelia and spill wine on her.

Her dress was soaked, her makeup was smudged, and her hair was disheveled.

Cordelia pulled her up with a yank on her hair and pressed her face against the mirror with a thump to let her see what she looked like.

Allegra had choked in the sink of water, so she was coughing violently. She wanted to fight back and cursed at Cordelia, but she was not her rival and could only let Cordelia do what she wanted.

"Ms. Oliver, justice prevails!" Cordelia smiled. "I felt wronged when you humiliated me in public, but I feel so good now! You stained my dress, and I smudged your makeup. An eye for an eye. It's very fair!" "Cough, cough... Cordelia, you- Cough..."

Allegra spat for some time before she cried, "You b*tch!"

Cordelia blinked and smirked in mockery.

"Don't just insult me. Think you can fight back?"

Allegra flailed around again and finally gave up.

"You probably didn't know that Mr. Z Hamerton isn't just the Hamerton heir but also a boxer, right?

"My husband taught me a lot! More than enough to handle people like you!"

The doorknob was twisted from the outside, and a voice sounded. "Is there anyone in there?"

Chapter 818

Chapter 818

It was a man's voice!

Cordelia frowned, finding the voice familiar.

Meanwhile, Allegra shouted at the door like she had found her savior, "Cousin! Alexander! Is it you!?

"Help! Save me, Alexander!"

Cordelia paused. Could it be Alexander at the door?

The doorknob was twisted even faster, accompanied by hastier knocks.

"What's going on inside? I'll get the guards to open the door if you don't come out!"

Cordelia snorted and let go of Allegra abruptly. 'No fun!'

Allegra fled frantically and staggered to open the door. As expected, Alexander stood outside, looking confused.

"Alexander!" Allegra wailed and threw herself into his arms.

However, she was the least of Alexander's concerns as he only saw Cordelia, who stood there nonchalantly with crossed arms, as well as the red wine stain on her. He froze and pushed Allegra off him to run to Cordelia.

"Are you okay!?"

Cordelia was surprised. The man's concern and nervous expression did not look feigned.

Alexander could care less as he grabbed Cordelia's shoulders and spun her around to check her, heaving a long sigh of relief upon confirming that she was unscathed.

"No superficial wounds, it seems... Any internal injuries?"

Cordelia giggled.

Alexander ordered strictly, "Don't laugh first. Answer me!"

Cordelia could only shake her head and look at the stunned Allegra.

"Your Highness." She took two steps back to keep a distance from Alexander. "You should be concerned about your cousin... She's gotten the short end of the stick just now, and I admit that I was a little emotional, so..."

"Alexander!" Allegra got angry from being embarrassed. "How could you take this b*tch's side and not mine? Do you know that she pinned my head—"

"Shut it!" Alexander growled with a stern look.

Allegra was not the only one who dared not move in fear. Cordelia panicked a little too. After all, the man was a prince and had an extraordinary presence.

"Allegra, don't think that I don't know how you usually bully others!" Alexander reprimanded, "Are you behind the wine stain on Ms. Irwin?"

Allegra stayed silent with a guilty conscience.

"Ms. Irwin's the guest of the royal family! How dare you treat her like this!?"

"Alexander, I-"

"Apologize to Ms. Irwin!"

Allegra looked at him in disbelief as she shook in anger.

Cordelia knew that she would not be able to get the apology, but she had vented her anger just now, so she considered it a draw.

She bowed at Alexander and said, "Your Highness, never mind. I've dirtied my clothes. It'd be inappropriate to meet the queen. I'll be heading back first. Please relay my apologies to the queen." She left for the door, but Alexander stopped her. "Cordelia, wait!"

Cordelia turned back in confusion.

Alexander smiled. His gaze was clean like the spring. "You've made an effort to be here. How could you just leave like this?

"I'll take you to meet the queen. I won't let you break the etiquette!"

Chapter 819

Chapter 819

Cordelia took a few steps back, startled.

"This can't do! My clothes are stained, and I reek of alcohol. It'd be a disrespect to the queen! I..."

"Calm down. I have a solution!"

Alexander smiled at her with a hand on her shoulder.

Cordelia subconsciously wanted to move back to keep some distance between them, but it seemed that Alexander had read her mind and moved his hand off before she stepped back. He then politely let her walk in front.

Cordelia nodded but could not help being puzzled. She instinctively did not think that Alexander had an ulterior motive because his gaze was so clean.

It was not like Cordelia had never seen men who wanted... things. The supervisor who would always pick on her back in Jangasas and the director who had wanted to take advantage of her in Centrolis... Those people wrote their dirty desires on their faces.

Alexander was not like that. Cordelia could see equality, peace, love, and kindness in his eyes. She thought that if he became the ruler of the country in the future, he would make the nation a paradise... "Cordelia, what's wrong?"

Cordelia broke out of her trance. She had somehow gone to the internal palace with Alexander.

"This is the dressing room for the royal family." Alexander pulled an outfit from somewhere and passed it to her. "Get changed."

Cordelia was surprised.

The outfit he produced was the traditional Southeast Aciatic short-sleeved blouse and narrow skirt. It was very well made with a gold threaded hem and tiny pearls hanging off it. The two butterflies embroidered on the pale pink satin looked real.

"This is..."

Alexander flashed a mysterious grin. "We'll talk after you get changed."

Cordelia entered the dressing room and came out a while later, unable to help the delight and surprise when she looked at herself in the mirror.

The outfit was made for her! The collar and sleeves fit perfectly, and even the waist and skirt length cinched at the right part.

Cordelia looked at Alexander, who spoke up before she asked. "Your cousin asked me to bring it to you."

"What? Neil?"

That was magical. How could Neil be able to tell that someone would spill red wine on her today and send the clothes over!?

"Neil wanted to send it to your place, but he heard that you're attending the palace's Floria Festival invitation, so he asked me to bring it to you. He said that this is to thank you for letting him enter the rainforest to watch fireflies!"

Cordelia chuckled. Her cousin was pretty adamant about returning the favor.

"I planned to give it to you after the event." Alexander smiled. "Didn't expect it to come into use so soon."

"I actually brought a spare outfit."

"But I can bet that it wouldn't look as nice as this one!"

Cordelia was startled and looked up to meet Alexander's friendly gaze.

"This outfit matches you," he said. "Be it the color or the details, they're compatible with you."

The admiration in his eyes did not put off Cordelia at all. There was a strange feeling... like how she would discuss with her best friend in the fitting room when they shopped in the past.

Cordelia smiled and thanked him.

"Don't thank me. I'm just a courier." Alexander said, "You know who made the clothes, right?"

Cordelia already had a guess. There was no one else except Aurelia who was this skilled!

"You..." She was surprised. "You've met Aurelia?"

Chapter 820

Chapter 820

"Well..." Alexander shrugged. "I have not, but from what Neil says, she's a talented and gorgeous fairy!"

Cordelia chuckled, amused.

Neil did not like Victoria but liked hanging out with the mild-mannered Alexander. They were similar in age and had spent time together since pre-school, only parting when they went to high school. Despite that, the geographical distance had not set their hearts apart. No matter what they ran into, they shared it with each other.

Just like this time, Neil had told him about Aurelia's story, and the girl's temporary residence permit was all thanks to Alexander's help.

"I think your cousin's fallen hard this time!" Alexander chuckled. "Aurelia's working for that tailor, and he makes several daily trips there. The owner thinks the demolishment is actually happening!"

"Is Aurelia doing well?" Cordelia had not seen the girl for some time and missed her.

"Don't worry. I'm sure she's doing good with Neil looking out for her."

Cordelia felt the embroidery and beads on the dress and exclaimed, "I like this dress. She's so thoughtful!"

Alexander checked the time and noted that he should take her along to meet the queen.

Both of them headed for the internal palace.

The meeting had just started, and royal family members and nobles could be seen making their way to the hall-except Allegra.

Cordelia could not help recalling the scene in the washroom where Allegra was soaked because of her. To be honest, Allegra was a little pitiful, but those who were pitiful must have a cause for sinking to their lows.

The resilience in Cordelia's character prevented her from being mindlessly sympathetic.

Thinking of this, she looked at Alexander curiously and could not help asking, despite trying to hold herself back, "It's all women who attend today's event, right? Why are you here?" Alexander paused his steps. Well... how was he supposed to answer her?

He wore an embarrassed smile and gave it a thought before replying, "I looked very much like a girl when I was young. Sometimes, when I went out with Victoria, people mistook us as sisters... It's said that this got to my uncle and aunt, and both thought it was a funny joke. They were very happy, so my aunt gave me special permission to have free access to the internal palace for the Floria Festival event." "Uh... that's great." Cordelia cracked a smile. "You're the leaf among the flowers today!"

"There's nothing bad about it!" Alexander spoke earnestly. "I quite like hanging out with girls!"

Cordelia said nothing.

"A classic philosopher wrote that women are made with water and men are made with soil." Alexander flashed her a smile. "I agree with it very much!

"Like you, or girls like Aurelia, you're clean and pretty. Hanging out with girls like you makes me feel safe."

Cordelia grinned and blurted, "You see girls as friends? You wouldn't like boys then, would you?"

Alexander froze. There was a change in his expression.

Realizing that she had misspoken, Cordelia quickly apologized. "Your Highness, I'm sorry. I don't mean it like that..."

"It's fine." Alexander was not angry. Instead, he looked at her with a smile. "Let's hurry and go in. Don't make the queen wait."

Cordelia stayed behind him and knocked her head in regret.

The Southeast Aciatic royal family had always been on good terms with the Irwins. The queen liked Cordelia when they met and let her take a special seat.

The cutlery of others was regular silverware, but Cordelia used gold ones like the royal family members.

Victoria promptly recognized the queen's special treatment toward Cordelia, and jealousy burned her.

The queen said with a smile, "Cordelia, you look great in your outfit. The embroidery looks even better than the palace's embroidery artists'. It also doesn't look as boring as the traditional patterns... Is it Mrs. Irwin's work? I remember she's excellent at handiwork!"

"Aunt, it isn't by Mrs. Irwin!" Victoria fought to answer first before Cordelia replied.

Cordelia's hands holding the cutlery halted, and she looked up to meet the princess' challenging gaze.

"I know who made it!" Victoria purposely looked at her and said, "Her name's Aurelia Chilton, right?"