Ch. 861..870

Chapter 861

Chapter 861

Zephyr was rendered speechless.

If Cordelia made up her mind that she would not have kids anymore, would that not mean... He could not fool around with her in the bed anymore...

Having kids was second-it would be terrible if they could no longer fool around!

What was wrong with him lately? He said something wrong or was close to saying something wrong!

He quickly grabbed her shoulders and whispered into her ear, "That's not what I meant, wifey! I-I mean, I said before that I'd spoil you like you're like my daughter!" Cordelia chuckled. "Oh, please!"

"I'm serious." He was smiling with his eyes. "In my life, I only want a "daughter" like you..."

"You b*stard!"

Nobody knew when Rowan entered the side palace. Zephyr locked eyes with his father-in-law, who was in disbelief as soon as he lifted his head.

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Zephyr was at a loss for words.

"How dare you say that?"

Rowan was disinfecting his needles, so he picked one up conveniently in an attempt to stab Zephyr.

Cordelia instantly blocked him and changed the topic. "Dad, didn't you ask us to bring medicine for you? Check if we brought you the correct ones!" Rowan only stopped and focused on checking the medicines.

He sniffed in an exaggerated manner while checking. He nodded, revealing a happy smile.

"Yes, this is the right one! ...Hmm, this is correct too!"

Cordelia could not understand what he was doing.

Zephyr paused and looked around.

It was the inner palace. The pale woman who was lying quietly on the bed was Helene.

Rowan had used acupuncture on a couple of vital points before they came. That was why she was in such a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, the people who were surrounding her...

Zephyr raised his brows. There was a subtle smirk at the corner of his lips.

The few maids were serving Helene, but someone 'kind' might have sent them to serve her.

Therefore, someone was monitoring everything that Rowan was doing.

That might be the reason he had gotten the two of them to send him the medicine. He wanted them to know his current situation and put up a show for those people.

Zephyr could not figure out why Rowan had to put up a show.

However, Zephyr solved the secret soon.

Cordelia asked, "Dad, we brought the right medicines, right?"

"Yes, they're the right ones," he chuckled, "Princess Lene's illness has improved significantly. I've been using acupuncture on her. Together with the medicine, she'll recover even faster! "But..." He suddenly paused.

Cordelia was stunned. "But what?"

"I'm not sure if I should add something else in." He looked at both of them and intentionally raised his voice. "I'm not sure if I should add cinnabar in, and I don't know how much I should add!" Cordelia frowned helplessly. "I'm not deaf, dad!"

At that moment, Zephyr instinctively looked at the maids.

As expected, they dodged his eyes as if they were guilty.

Rowan went on to speak as if he was reciting a poem. "You don't understand, Cordelia! Cinnabar affects one emotionally. It gives one clearer eyes and calms one down. It's very effective in treating epilepsy and delirium!

"But it'll only work when the dosage is right! In other words, it doesn't mean the more cinnabar, the better. A little cinnabar is effective on Princess Lene's illness, but it'll kill her if there's too much!"

Cordelia was confused as she listened, while Zephyr instantly understood when he heard the word 'kill'!

Among the maids, the mole would listen, and then...

He scoffed and secretly squeezed Cordelia's hand. He signaled her, asking her to watch those maids' reactions.

Rowan looked at her too and faked a cough.

Cordelia already thought something was up with her father. From the signals, she soon understood there was a mole among them, while Victoria should be behind all this!

"Stop it, dad!" She began to put up a show with him. "You're a doctor. If you can't even get the dosage right, how could you treat Princess Lene?"

"That's right, dad, stop it." Zephyr went with it. "The medicines and the dosage to use are considered Irwin Pharmaceuticals' secret. You can't just spill it. Walls have ears!"

Rowan smiled and looked at the two of them in satisfaction.

He did not expect these two to be quite fast in their reactions!

"Hmm, okay." He nodded. "I'll stop. I won't use cinnabar just yet. I'll think about it when she's more stable!"

After speaking, he poked the needles onto a couple of main meridians on Helene.

An hour later, the three of them left the palace together.

Cordelia asked while thinking as they were walking. "Dad, did you say that to find out who the mole is?"

Rowan looked at her and sighed lightly. "I noticed that someone has been following me for the past few days. Someone must be giving instructions from the palace's west wing!" "Could it really be Victoria?"

"We can't conclude that without evidence."

"But what's her objective to be doing that?"

"It's simple." Rowan chuckled. "In Southeast Aciatic, the throne has been passed to women. Her most powerful competitors would be Alexander or her aunt, Helene.

"If I really treated Helene, her chances of getting the throne would drop significantly!"

Cordelia felt a squeeze in her heart. "So... She might have the intention to kill her aunt?"

"That's just my speculation," Rowan said in a deep voice. "I've said that just now. If someone puts cinnabar in Princess Lene's medicine, it'll prove I'm right!"

Cordelia was worried. "Dad, would you know if they added cinnabar?"

"What are you talking about?" He widened his eyes. "I'm very professional, okay? I'd know if and how much was added just by sniffing!"

"Right!" Zephyr smiled. "Don't worry, Cordelia. Dad is a famous doctor. His nose is more powerful than dogs'!"

"You..." Cordelia froze.

This man was smart, so why did he say something so dumb now?

The smile at the corner of Zephyr's lips froze. He looked at Cordelia and then Rowan. He read something from their expressions that were worsening... He had misspoken again!

Chapter 862

Chapter 862

Rowan puffed his cheeks while squinting as he stared at Zephyr. He stretched one hand into his pocket and was excited as he squeezed his needle box. A gibberish, sweet voice suddenly came from afar away at that moment. "Grandpoo!"

Rowan was stunned.

He saw Zuko run to him in a wobbly manner. From afar, he looked like a fair and chubby mochi. His eyes were so big that he could melt someone's heart.

He was smiling extra brightly under the sun. God seemed to have put everything good in his dimples.

Cordelia was not sure whether to laugh or cry. She quickly corrected him. "Darling, it's grandpa! Grandpa!"

Rowan's heart softened. He did not care whether he was called "grandpa" or "grandpoo". It was music to his ears as long as his darling grandson called him.

At that moment, he did not know that he was smiling brightly. He called out loudly while opening his arms. "Hey! Grandpoo is here. Grandpoo is here to see my little darling!"

Cordelia and Zephyr looked at each other. They held their laughter back.

The little thing buried himself in his grandfather's embrace. Rowan carried him high and carefully carried him in his arms. He was eager to kiss him but worried that his mustache might poke him. He made some silly faces, making Zuko laugh.

Zephyr released a long sigh of relief. God must have sent his son to save him!

Rowan forgot about Zephyr comparing him to dogs after seeing his grandson. All he cared about was playing with him.

The usually intimidating Mr. Irwin always gave a scary distance to people. People felt as if they had to hold their breath when they spoke to him.

However, Zuko was the only one who could pull his beard, pluck his eyebrows, and mess with his hair.

The baby was neutral with his strength, making Rowan wince from the pain. Cordelia could not watch, so she stepped forward and hit Zuko's chubby hand.

"Let go!"

"What are you doing?" Rowan instantly widened his eyes and protected Zuko in his arms.

"Dad, you can't allow him to make this a bad habit!"

"How's pulling my beard and eyebrows a bad habit? He's your son by blood, don't be too strict with him!" Rowan spoke as if what he said made sense. He even inched closer for Little Zuko to grab his hair. "It's okay, little darling. Just pull it! Grandpoo has a lot of hair! Hahaha!"

Cordelia was helpless. "Don't let him make you bald!"

"I'm willing to do that! I'm willing to let my darling grandson do whatever he wants. Isn't that right?"

Little Zuko waved his chubby arms and smiled. "Yayyy!"

Cordelia sighed and smiled.

Perhaps this was the so-called skip-generation love. Rowan was making up for all his regrets with his daughter through his grandson.

Zephyr shrugged. Since his father-in-law only wanted to play with his grandchild, he would just hug his wife.

He inched closer to Cordelia and wrapped his arms around her tiny waist. He even caressed her...

"What are you doing?" She said softly, "Behave yourself!"

"Don't worry. They're walking in front. They can't see us!"

"You..."

"Wifey, how about..." The man grinned and whispered into her ear, "We carry out our plan tonight?"

She was blank. "What plan?"

"To have a daughter!"

She widened her eyes. When did she promise to give him a daughter?

Someone seemed to have told her the day she gave birth to Zuko while wiping his tears, "Let's not have kids anymore. I don't want you to suffer again..."

Was that man the same with this one?

"Zephyr, I—"

"We don't have to!" He spoke before she could while holding the tip of her finger like a cheeky monkey. "But you can't say no to me!"

Cordelia looked at him quietly.

He hugged her tighter. "No matter what, our son will have to sleep on his own tonight!" However, as Zephyr was plotting, he heard his father-in-law speaking to his son in front.

"Little darling, grandpa will teach you acupuncture when you grow up, okay?

"Look, they're all needles in the box. I'll give them all to you so that you can bring my skill to a great height!

"Hmm? You don't know? It's okay if you don't. Practice on your dad. Poke him more, and you'll master it quickly!"

Chapter 863

Chapter 863

Zephyr was rendered speechless.

Watching her husband's change of expression that came so suddenly, Cordelia laughed until she lost her breath.

Someone walked in when Victoria was going to take a nap.

"Your Highness, Her Majesty asked for you."

Victoria's heart jolted. It was Carmella's maid. The queen had always been good to her maids that she would not get them to do anything during their rest time in the afternoon. Perhaps Carmella had heard about Neil's incident to be wanting to see her at this time.

Victoria calmed herself down and picked up her spirit. She got her maids to help her with her clothes and makeup before rushing to the main palace.

The queen had asked to see her in a secret room in the main palace.

The wooden door closed and released a thud after she walked in. It was dimmed there. The queen stood facing the wall. Her back was skinny, but she was majestic. Victoria walked forward and bowed.

"Aunt-"

Before Victoria was done speaking, she was slapped again like what had happened before!

"What are you trying to do, Victoria!?"

Carmella could no longer hold back this time. She used all of her strength in this slap that Victoria's hand hurt.

A red palm print was left behind on Victoria's cheek. Tears dropped continuously, and she felt wronged and mad.

"Aunt, I'm really innocent this time!" She fought back. "I didn't know that Neil would be hurt. All I wanted was to punish that b*tch..."

"You're digging your own grave!"

Carmella was furious as she stared at her. "Neil is badly injured. The entire general's office knew that he was hurt in the palace! Are you trying to offend the entire Harris family?

"Victoria, do you know that the cabinet holds the political power while General Noah holds the military power? We're merely given a title! Even Alexander understands this better than you do!" "Aunt, I..." Victoria bit her lip, telling the excuse she had come up with. "They had a party in the garden that day. It's obscene for a man and a lady to be intimate in public! Also, I found out Aurelia's background..."

"What?" Queen Carmella was stunned. "You spied on her?"

"Mm-hmm!" Victoria nodded hard. "She didn't have an identity in Chaiseland. Her parents were illegal immigrants. Her father is a drug addict, and her mother is a... Well, you know. So, I don't want Neil to be close to her!

"If people with ill intentions saw that he's close with a lady like this and giving her a coming of age ceremony in the garden, if they said there's a daughter of a prostitute in our garden, w-wouldn't the royalty be humiliated?"

Carmella's face was turning grim.

If Aurelia really had such a background, Carmella had to admit that Victoria did the right thing. Neil was in contact with such a woman and had brought her into the palace... That would be great trouble! Victoria carefully watched her expression. "Aunt, a-are you alright?"

Carmella took a deep breath.

She turned her head to look at Victoria and lifted her hand to caress her cheek. "Does it hurt?"

The latter was rather proud. She knew that what she had said had worked.

"Of course, it doesn't hurt since you care about me! Also, it makes sense that you hit me to teach me a lesson! You're the senior, and you're only doing that for my own good!" Only then did Carmella smile.

"You always know what to say to make me happy!"

"Aunt!" Victoria grabbed her arm coquettishly and leaned her head on her shoulder.

Carmella did not have children of her own. She had sent Helene's daughter away and regretted her decision all these years.

She still remembered how the baby girl felt in her arms... Soft, weak, like a fragile egg yolk, that would break when you touched it.

However, it was the first time she felt how powerful a life was from the newborn baby's vigorous spirit.

Perhaps God had punished her for abandoning someone else's child that she was childless. She was desperate for a child, a daughter especially.

Therefore, she had all of her hopes on Victoria all these years. She was also spoiling her like her own child.

Carmella looked at Victoria in deep thought for a long time and said, "Victoria, don't disappoint me, okay?"

The latter did not understand what she meant. She merely nodded like a robot.

"You must work hard on your aunt and uncle's hopes for you," Carmella said in all seriousness. "About that Aurelia... If you really can't tolerate her, send her to the palace one day. I'll punish her myself!"

Chapter 864

Chapter 864

Neil had been in the hospital.

He was in the VIP ward at the burns unit on the top floor.

He had to be treated properly as he had lost a layer of skin on both arms. The doctors had wrapped his arms like dumplings. If one did not look carefully, his arms looked like a robot's.

He could not use his hands, so he could not play games on his phone. The only thing he could do was stare at the ceiling on the bed. He would count how many lines were made of the carving on it. Fortunately, Aurelia asked for leave from the tailor's shop and stayed by his side every day.

She thought he was only hurt because he was protecting her. Apart from guilt, the love from before had accumulated into a quick stream that drowned her heart.

She would feed him herself, as well as wipe his body.

Neil was hesitating at first.

However, after getting used to it a third or fourth time, he was enjoying it now.

Aurelia was gentle when she wiped him. Her hands were soft, and the temperature of the towel was perfect. He would be warmed up as she wiped him, and many obscene things were playing in his head... "Uncle," Aurelia said in all seriousness while wiping. "The doctors said that you must keep your body cool since it's hot in Southeast Aciatic. Otherwise, you'll get a heat rash if you keep lying here."

"Okay." Neil was enjoying himself. He did not even know what he was saying. "Then wipe more."

She paused for a second and blushed. She continued to wipe him quietly.

However, she was going lower and lower with her kitten scratches... He was antsy, as if he was on fire.

He would embarrass himself if this went on!

He was the best actor. How could he embarrass himself? He could not, especially in front of her!

Therefore, he sat straight up abruptly.

That startled Aurelia. "Uncle, w-what are you doing?"

"Nothing." Neil looked at her and quietly used both feet to cover his body with the blanket.

She put down the towel and went to peel him an apple.

"Hey, stop for a little bit," he said softly. "Sit here. Let's chat."

Aurelia listened to him and sat next to the bed like a good girl.

Neil just looked at her quietly.

She had been in Southeast Aciatic for some time now. The weather was warmer here, and it was sunnier compared to Chaiseland.

However, she seemed to be immune to UV. No matter how much sun she got, her tiny face remained fair. It was the kind of fairness that many liked.

Southeast Aciatic had many desserts. She was a glutton, so she had gained weight throughout the year.

However, her waist remained small.

Neil smiled. The young lady who was currently sitting before him was even sexier than the young lady in nomadic attire that he had seen the first time. He was charmed. "What's wrong, uncle?" Aurelia blinked her doe eyes.

When Neil snapped back his senses, he could not help but think he must have looked like a fool just now.

Therefore, the best actor, a master at controlling his expressions, sat up straight instantly. He looked at her coldly and said, "Why don't you... go back to work. It's terrible to take such a long leave." Aurelia was stunned. Was he chasing her away?

"No need!" She quickly said, "May is understanding. She knows that I'm here taking care of you, so she told me there's no need to be back so soon."

"T-Then go home to read. You have an exam coming up."

"I've already done my revision. The exam shouldn't be a problem."

"Then..."

"Uncle! Just let me stay to take care of you!"

Neil's heart melted. He would only give in to her.

"But..." He said in a testing manner, "Why are you staying with me day and night? What are we that you're taking care of me like this?"

Aurelia bit her lip and lowered her head.

He was glad and insisted on hearing "I like you" from her!

"Hey, why are you not talking?

"Aurelia, you can't talk now?

"Tell me!"

Neil was frustrated.

However, Aurelia lifted her eyes slowly after falling silent for a moment. Her beautiful eyes remained clear. The smile at the corner of her lips remained pure yet charming. "Uncle, y-you must be thirsty, right?"

"What?"

"I made jujube soup at home. It's been in the thermos. I'll pour it for you!"

"Hey, I was..."

Aurelia turned around in a panic to get the jujube soup before waiting for him to finish speaking.

Her heart was pounding. She was very close to saying, "I like you", but she could not say it, nor did she dare to say it.

Aurelia then served a big bowl of jujube soup. She pretended not to see Neil staring at her as she fed him while smiling.

His arms were wrapped, so he could not fight back.

Just like that, she fed him the entire bowl of jujube soup.

Later on, she said she even had chicken soup in the other thermos.

No matter what, she would feed him something as soon as he spoke.

Soon, she fed him seven to eight types of food.

Neil was stuffed and irritated.

"Aurelia!"

"Uncle, I even made―"

"I'm not eating anymore!" He kicked the blanket and hopped off the bed out of frustration.

He could not use his arms, but his legs were agile. He rushed to the bathroom as soon as he got off the bed. "What's wrong, uncle?"

"What else? Nature calls, get it!? You're only feeding me. Can't you let me pee every now and then?"

Aurelia was stunned and wanted to laugh.

However, Neil came out soon after he went in.

"Um..." He glanced at her angrily. "Come in!"

"What's wrong?"

"Help me... take off my pants." He uttered each word with great difficulty.

Chapter 865

Chapter 865

Aurelia was surprised at first.

She figured it out after being stunned for a second. This man had his arms wrapped like two buns, so he could not take off his pants...

She felt rather awkward, and her cheeks blushed. She said softly, looking down, "I-I'll go get the nurse!"

"I'm going to pee my pants if I'm going to wait for the nurse to come!"

"-"

"Get in here now!" Neil frowned. "Just loosen my pants for me."

Aurelia looked down. Though it was awkward, she felt sweet.

As such, she did as he said. She walked to him and helped him to the toilet. He spread his legs and signaled her with a nod.

"Remove it now!"

Aurelia suddenly thought it was funny. She could not help but laugh out loud.

"Why are you laughing?"

"You're a man, yet you forced a lady to remove your pants for you!"

"You..." Neil's cheeks flushed. "You damned girl! Would I have to do this if you didn't feed me so much soup the entire afternoon? Quickly, I'm losing it!"

"Oh..."

Aurelia held back her laughter and removed his pants immediately with her fair, soft hands.

Neil wore a loose hospital gown. There was only a strap on his waist, but it seemed to be messing with them. She could not loosen it no matter what.

She focused on fighting with the strap while bending down. Neil stood straight, flushing. He felt a strong feeling somewhere in his body. He was losing it... Aurelia could not loosen it and was sweating from the panic. She pulled hard from the desperation!

"Oh no!" she screamed.

Subsequently, she looked at Neil in terror as if she had made a mistake. "Uncle, i-it's a knot now!"

Neil was at a loss for words.

The veins on his forehead were bulging!

"Calm down, calm down!" She tried to remedy it before he flipped. "I-I'll do it. I'll do it immediately!"

Yes, she could! She was merely loosening a strap, not embroidery. Was it hard?

She had mastered embroidery. The tiniest needle and thinnest thread were no problem in her hands!

How did she tie a knot now?

Aurelia bit her lip hard. Her heart was pounding. The more she wanted to loosen it, the more nervous she became...

Although she was usually carefree and knew how to handle all sorts of men since growing up in slums, she had never had a real relationship.

Neil was the first man she had fallen for.

Perhaps she would not fall in love with any other men in this life.

She was fawning and humble with him and hid her feelings carefully as long as she could see his bright smile.

"I like you" was the only thing she wanted to keep a secret forever.

However, now that the man that she liked had asked for her help, she messed it up.

"Uncle, d-do you need to go now?" Aurelia kept speaking to cover how panicky she was. "Don't worry. I'll get it done soon. I'm agile. Just give me a second. It's fast, I promise..." Neil showed a face, not sure whether it was a cry or a smile.

The worst thing was that he needed to pee and that he was getting hard. He was going to explode...

"I know, uncle!" Aurelia suddenly straightened her body and ran to the table. She soon returned with a pair of scissors.

Neil widened his eyes.

Was she going to cut the strap? However, her hands were obviously shaking. What if she cut something that she should not? Aurelia did not think much. She bent down and did it immediately!

However, a voice came from the room.

"Cuz, where did you go?"

Neil jolted!

It was the Irwins who had invested in this hospital. Carter was the director, and he had arranged the ward for him.

"Neil? Neil!"

Chapter 866

Chapter 866

The footsteps were approaching. Neil suddenly realized that the door was opened. Just when he was going to get Aurelia to close it, he looked up and saw Carter, who was dumbstruck at the door. What he saw was-Neil was standing at the toilet with his legs spread wide while Aurelia was standing before him while bending. She had a pair of scissors in her hand.

And the scissors were going...

Carter inhaled sharply!

"No, stop!"

Aurelia's hand trembled, and the scissors fell onto the floor.

She looked at Carter and then Neil she was flushing. She covered her face and ran out as if she was running for her life.

Carter did not have time to go after her as he quickly checked Neil's situation.

"Cuz, is that lady crazy?" He was in disbelief. "It'd be terrible if she cut your thing off!"

Would the general not have an heir if that happened?

Neil looked like he wanted to die as his eyes lost their color. He looked at Carter helplessly, unable to utter a word.

"Cuz, are you okay?

"Cuz, I came here just to check on you. The head of the burn unit is my dad's old friend. He definitely won't allow scars on your arms!

"Cuz?

"Cuz!"

Carter waved before Neil's eyes upon seeing that he was staring blankly.

Unexpectedly, Neil screamed, "Get out!"

Carter was shocked.

"Do you feel unwell, cuz?"

Neil tried to swallow his anger and calmly said, "I just want to pee. Please get out."

Confused, Carter looked at him and then at his arms. He got a professional nurse to help him.

Neil was secretly groaning. He wanted to scream, beat someone up, and to hit his head on the wall!

The morning light shone into the room through the cream curtain.

Zephyr slowly opened his eyes and looked at his wife in his arms. He could not help but smile and give her a light peck on her forehead. Cordelia turned around and continued sleeping.

He hugged her feeling sorry. He had been so greedy last night that he exhausted her. He must let her rest well today.

He was satisfied as he hugged her and ignored his son's cries from the next room.

There were a couple of nannies taking care of him. He was fine.

Cordelia subtly heard her son's cry and wanted to open her eyes. Just when she was going to wake up, Zephyr covered her with the blanket! "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing." He was grinning in the blanket. "I thought you might be cold, so I want to cover you."

"Zuko is up, isn't he?"

"No!" He lied. "Our son didn't cry. You must be dreaming just now! Listen, is there any sound?"

Cordelia was still half-sleeping as she listened carefully. Indeed, there was no sound. She then closed her eyes and slept in his embrace.

Zephyr smiled, got off the bed quietly, and checked the nursery next door.

The nannies were hardworking. They were feeding Zuko now.

Zephyr was relieved. He returned to their room quietly, tucked himself in the blanket, and hugged his wife tightly.

Just when he was going to sleep, his phone vibrated. He answered softly, but it was noisy on the other side.

"Come drink with me, cousin-in-law!"

Zephyr was rendered speechless. "It's so early, no? Also, have your arms recovered? Don't you know you need to watch out what you eat when you're injured?"

A scoff came from the other side of the phone. "Why does your tone sound more and more like your father-in-law now?"

Chapter 867

Chapter 867

Zephyr pouted. He was not like a pufferfish!

"Tell me, what's up?"

"I just want to talk to someone."

He frowned. "You can't find anyone else?"

Neil was annoyed. "I just want to talk to you. Why do you have so many questions? I know you're happy with your wife and son, but can you pity a single man?"

Zephyr got it now. Neil was talking about Aurelia again.

He chuckled softly and turned his face to look at Cordelia, who was still sleeping. He whispered, "Your address."

"Come to the cafe next to the hospital. Let's have breakfast together."

He hung up right away.

Soon, Zephyr rushed to the cafe. He could not help but be stunned when he saw the table filled with food.

"Although you're not shooting any movies now, please watch your weight!" Zephyr stood in front of him, looking serious. "You're Imperial Media's talent, after all. I'm your boss!" Neil glanced at him indifferently and continued to eat the beef burger in his hands.

The gauze on his arms had been removed. He could hold things now but still had to apply ointment on his wounds.

"Tell me, what happened?"

Zephyr sat across from him and played with the coffee spoon.

Neil was in deep thought after swallowing his food. "Tell me, how do you force a girl to admit that she likes you?"

Zephyr looked at him for a while and chuckled.

"If she likes you, she likes you. If she doesn't, she doesn't. Why must you force her?"

"I don't know, that damned girl..." Neil suddenly recalled something as he was speaking. "Oh, how did you find out that my cousin liked you when you guys were together?" "Ahem!" Zephyr straightened his body and tidied his collar. He looked serious.

"There's no need to find out about that. One look was all it took... to know that it was love at first sight!"

Mr. Z got a disdainful stare from Neil.

"Hah, believe it, okay. Cordelia loves me!" He raised his eyebrows and opened his coat to show his belt. He was showing off proudly. "See that?"

"See what?" Neil pouted. "It's just a belt with no brand!"

"You dummy!" Zephyr rolled his eyes at him. "Cordelia got this for me!

"When we were still in Jangasas, I told her that I liked a belt that cost $400. She transferred all of the money she had for me to buy this!

"Also, she's unlike other women who urge their husbands to make money. She told me that it was the same, whoever was the breadwinner in the family. She asked me to stay home like a good boy. She would feed me.

"She would take me to the most expensive hotel in Jangasas to eat lobster risotto, buy me over $1,000 suits, and also a car!"

"Stop, stop, stop!" Niel frowned with confusion in his eyes. "Why does it sound more and more like a useless man using a woman? And you're saying it like you're proud of it!" Zephyr smirked cryptically.

Those were his most precious memories, which he thought were worth showing off. He would show off to his son when he grew up.

By then, he would say., "See, your mom and I are a true love story. You're just an accident! Your mom never bought you a $400 belt, did she?"

"You don't understand, Neil." Zephyr took a sip of coffee. "Although money isn't everything, you have to admit that it serves a test in most situations.

"A woman doesn't necessarily love you if she's willing to spend money on you. But if she isn't willing to spend even a cent on you, it means that she doesn't love you!"

Chapter 868

Chapter 868

Although Neil was in the entertainment industry, he had the backing of his family. Everything had been smooth sailing for him. He had never experienced suffering, so it was only natural that he did not understand the meaning of money.

To him, money was just numbers.

However, it was the first time he heard Zephyr discuss money. What he said made sense.

"So, if Aurelia is willing to spend on me, it'll prove she definitely likes me?"

"Um..." Zephyr scratched his chin. "Yes, theoretically."

Neil was as excited as if he had hit the jackpot. He instantly took out his phone to call Aurelia.

"Hey, I saw a belt that I like. It costs $400!"

Zephyr almost spat the coffee. He widened his eyes to stare at the weirdo in front of him.

That was not right. The best actor had been in so many movies that he should be smarter. How could he use his script exactly!?

Perhaps Aurelia said nothing that Neil frowned and continued to test her. "Hey, did you hear me?

"No way. It's only $400, and you're scared?

"Aurelia, are you buying me the belt or not!?

"Hey!"

Zephyr was rendered speechless. He covered his face with his hands as he could not bear to see that.

However, not knowing why, nothing was going on.

Neil looked at the screen-she was still on the phone!

"Aurelia!" He faked a cough. "Don't pretend like you didn't hear me!"

"Ha, Mr. Harris has his eyes on a $400 belt? Can it be that you don't have any suitable belts at home?"

Neil was shocked as the voice from the phone surprised him.

Zephyr noticed something was wrong when he saw his sudden change of expression. He quickly asked him to put it on loudspeaker. Neil remained calm and placed his phone on the table. He put his phone on loudspeaker and greeted, "Good morning, Your Majesty."

"You're too nice." Carmella chuckled. "How's General Harris?"

"My father is doing fine."

"I've been asking him to meet me."

Neil had sweat dripping on the tip of his nose. He frowned as he was anxious.

"I'll definitely pass your message to my father, Your Majesty."

Carmella smiled and said before Neil could, "I have some old robes with worn-out embroideries, but I can't bear to throw them away. I heard there's a skilled seamstress among the people, so I got her here to fix my robes.

"Are you okay with that, Mr. Harris?"

Neil stared at the screen while rubbing his hands. His shoulders were shaking.

Zephyr quickly wrote something on the napkin. "Say Aurelia can't compare to the seamstresses in the palace."

The former snapped back to his senses and took a deep breath in. He went along with Carmella. "Of course, I'm okay with that. It's just that... Aurelia doesn't have proper training. I'm afraid she can't compare to the seamstresses in the palace."

Zephyr continued to write. "Try to get her out."

"Umm..." Neil continued. "It's flattering that you want to hire her, Your Majesty. Maybe... I'll get over there to bring her back before she embarrasses herself."

Carmella laughed. "Oh my, Mr. Harris! I like Ms. Aurelia very much. She's very professional, responsible, and skilled. Ha, no need to take her back so soon. I want her to stay here for a few days. I'll pay her ten times more.

"I'm sure she needs the money!"

Chapter 869

Chapter 869

Neil's face suddenly changed.

At that moment, a light commotion came from the other side of the phone.

The call was hung up.

He felt like he was on an emotional roller coaster. He was anxious.

"Aurelia is in danger... She's in danger!" He was pacing in frustration. "I must save her!"

"Calm down!" Zephyr got up to stop him. "The phone call doesn't necessarily mean anything!"

"You don't know that it was the queen who brought up Victoria!" Neil was pissed. "She must have said something to the queen, or she wouldn't get Aurelia to the palace for nothing, right? She doesn't know Aurelia at all!"

"Even if that's the case, you can't go!" Zephyr analyzed in a deep voice. "Although I haven't been in Southeast Aciatic for a long time, I know you can't just go to the palace as you wish! On what premise are you going now? What are you going to do after you get in? Are you going to say that Queen Carmella kidnapped Aurelia?"

"I..." Neil gulped and licked his dry lips.

Zephyr glanced at him before continuing, "Also, she said that she was only asking Aurelia to fix her robes. What if Aurelia returns after she's done with the task as she promised? If you just go, I'm afraid you'll drag the entire military department with you!"

Neil took deep breaths to calm down. He knew that everything Zephyr said was right.

However, if Cordelia was the one who was trapped in the palace, would he be this calm? He might be even more anxious than he was.

"What do you think I should do?" Neil scratched his head hard. "I dare to bet with you that the queen has ill intentions!"

Zephyr's face sank, but his eyes lit up after falling in deep thought.

"We have one more card."

Neil frowned. "What did you say?"

Zephyr looked at him quietly, hesitating. "We have... Alexander."

Neil was stunned for a second before he hit his own head!

"Yes! Why didn't I think of him?" He almost hugged Zephyr. "Cousin-in-law, what did you do to be so smart!?"

Zephyr was rendered speechless.

"Tell him to watch Aurelia in the palace!"

"Tell him that yourself!" Zephyr's face turned grim as he stared at Neil angrily.

Neil pouted while mumbling as he looked through his contacts, "Why are you so scary? I don't know why Alexander even likes you..."

"Do you dare to say that again!?"

His tone changed.

So, he knew that Alexander liked him, but he had not told him!

"Nothing, nothing!" Neil pushed him out of the door with a plastic smile. "Okay, okay. Go home to play with your wife and kid! I'll contact him myself!"

Zephyr rolled his eyes and left the cafe angrily.

Aurelia sat in the main palace. She had a few robes in front of her.

These beautiful robes were exquisite, with amazing embroideries. They remained top-notch until now, let alone the time they were worn when the queen was young. They must have been glorious. The king and queen were loving, and they were the topic people in Southeast Aciatic talked about.

Aurelia lowered her head while pursing her lips. It seemed the king really loved the queen. Otherwise, he would not have gotten people to make such beautiful robes for her!

Carmella asked while smiling, "Ms. Aurelia, are you nervous?"

"Hmm?" Aurelia lifted her eyes to look at her shyly.

"Your shoulders seem to be shaking."

Chapter 870

Chapter 870

Aurelia took a deep breath to look as calm as she could and forced a smile.

Carmella was distracted for a split second. For some reason, she suddenly recalled her first meeting with Helene.

They were similar in age and often attended various events with their elders. She was the standard young lady, while Helene seemed a little rebellious for the royal family, always doing something shocking.

Each time she did those baffling deeds, the teachers in the palace would execute their authority to teach disobedient ones with a cane.

Helene was often punished, and before she was hit, she would be so nervous that her shoulders would shake involuntarily every time.

Carmella felt her brain go numb. She looked at Aurelia again and saw her long chestnut hair. She could not help the chills that ran down her spine as she shuddered.

How could it be?

She forced herself to calm down. This must just be a coincidence.

Carmella straightened up and coughed before smiling at Aurelia. "Ms. Aurelia, you don't have to be nervous. You're summoned today because I heard that you're a skilled seamstress. I've seen the dress you've custom-made for the Irwin heiress, and it was gorgeous on her. The patterns and design on it stand superior to the embroidery artists in the palace."

"Y-Your Majesty, you've flattered me," Aurelia stammered to say.

She ducked her head down with flitting eyes as sweat drenched her palms.

After she was "invited" to meet the queen today, not only was there a cumbersome protocol, but her phone had also been taken away according to the royal family's rules. She could not even contact the outside world.

"I have a few pieces of clothing here. The embroidery on them isn't looking great anymore, so I hope you can restore them for me."

Carmella smiled and added, "I'll pay you ten times the price."

Aurelia composed herself and looked up at her.

The queen was elegant and maintained herself so well that she did not look one bit like a woman in her 40s. She also kept up a smile when she spoke to her, her demeanor graceful and open. That demeanor could not be easily faked.

In spite of it, Aurelia did not really like this person whom she was only meeting for the first time for some reason. She was only scared-scared of Carmella's status and scared of getting in trouble, that was all. Carmella raised her voice. "Ms. Aurelia, did you hear me?"

"Oh... I did." Aurelia's heart was lodged in her throat. "Your Majesty, would you like me to re-embroider them?"

"That's not necessary. Just restore them."

Aurelia picked up the garment to study it closely, but she took quite a while and still could not figure out how it was embroidered. There was a kingfisher on the robe with emerald green feathers. It looked lifelike, but the embroidery technique and craftsmanship of the gold thread used as adornment were things she had never seen.

The hall was unsettlingly silent as if it had fallen into a vacuum.

Aurelia could only hear her thumping heart. She looked up after a long time and abruptly met Carmella's cryptic gaze.

"Ms. Aurelia, problems?"

"I..."

Aurelia felt her throat tighten as she put down the garment and got up to bow.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I don't know how to do it."

"What?"

Carmella arched her brow but was not surprised.

The craftsmanship was a world-class gem only a Southeast Aciatic local-an old veteran artisan-would know. Forget Aurelia, even younger embroidery artists in the palace would not be able to recognize it. "I said... I don't know how to." Aurelia's voice grew less audible as she clutched the hem of her dress.

"Is that so?" An icy smirk glinted in Carmella's eyes. "And I thought you're an amazing artisan who could embroider anything, Ms. Aurelia. I didn't expect these pieces of garments to stump you."