Novel Xo
Chapter 286
Chapter 286
Cordelia slammed breakfast down on the table with a loud thud that echoed throughout the room. Her expression was serene, her gaze indifferent, embodying a cool and aloof demeanor. This action drew the attention of everyone in the room, a rare opportunity for Cordelia to speak up. She slowly asked, "The company can't survive without my dad, can it?"
Laurinda, taken aback by Cordelia's boldness, found herself at a loss for words. It seemed like the once carefree granddaughter had suddenly become formidable, leaving Laurinda speechless. But Rachel cautiously said, "Yes, we can't manage without your father. We came here hoping to convince him to return..."
"My dad doesn't want to go back, and you say the company can't do without him. Well, I might have a solution," Cordelia spoke, and for once, she held everyone's attention, allowing her to express herself fully at home.
Rachel's eyes sparkled with hope, looking towards Steward, who nodded slightly, prompting Rachel to ask, "What's your solution?"Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Cordelia glanced outside at the chilly breeze causing the yellow leaves to fall and slowly said, "It's getting cold; might as well shut the company down."
The room fell into silence.
Rachel gasped, "Are you threatening us?"
Cordelia's cool gaze fixed on her, "It's not a threat. It's just solving the problem, isn't it?"
Steward's hand trembled at her calm tone. To him, Cordelia, the usually quiet and sensible granddaughter, now seemed uncharacteristically ruthless. The Delaney family, despite their wealth and influence, stood no chance against the might of Fortuna Group. A mere flick from them could doom their company.
Cordelia's words implied that if they continued to pressure Sanderson, they might face bankruptcy. Such a harsh stance from Cordelia!
He looked towards Sanderson, who remained expressionless, seemingly in agreement with Cordelia. Steward sighed deeply, knowing he had hurt his eldest son the day before, and convincing him to return was now impossible.
Steward was alarmed by Cordelia's words and quickly stood up, "Son, I just wanted to express our family's stance today. If you wish to return, you're always welcome. If not... well, I'm still here to support the family. The company doesn't have to close. Let's not turn this into an ugly dispute. Are you considering staying in the same industry with your new venture? We can help!"
This was his way of yielding.
Sanderson looked down, "I'll think about it."
"Well, then, we'll head back," Steward concluded, standing up to leave with Kermit and Rachel. They subdued their pride, except for Laurinda, who muttered complaints as she left, "She's nothing without Mr. Watkins' favor. Once he tires of her, let's see how she boasts then! She'll beg us, and we won't care. Just a nobody..."
Her harsh words usually went ignored, but today, a single glance from Cordelia silenced her, quickening her step out of the room.
Soon, the room was peaceful again.
Lorna praised, "Lia, we owe you one today. Otherwise, those folks wouldn't have backed down so easily. But to think you'd threaten someone, huh?"
Cordelia looked bewildered, "I was just suggesting a solution. If they can't run the business, might as well sell it. The money should be enough for them, right?"
Sanderson and Lorna exchanged glances, realizing she was serious. So, the cold remark about the company shutting down was misinterpreted by Steward and the others?
They thought, how could Lia possibly use Everard's influence to intimidate anyone?
Both shook their heads, watching Cordelia take her breakfast to leave, wondering if the loud noise from earlier had damaged the contents.
Upon arriving at Midnight Scent, Bill was briefing Everard, "Knowing your status, she might act differently, more reserved. What if she becomes awkward?"
Everard glanced at him.
Bill quickly added, "Let's ensure she feels welcomed when she arrives. Smile more, make her comfortable."
Just then, Cordelia walked in with breakfast.
Bill forced a smile, his attempt looking more like a grimace, "Good morning, sis!"
Cordelia, puzzled, handed over the breakfast, "Is your face okay? You look strained."
Bill silently accepted the breakfast, realizing his worries were unfounded. Everard's choice was indeed unbothered by their status or power.
After breakfast, Cordelia and Everard
shared a moment, their usual
routine unbroken by the earlier tension, As she packed her bag to leave for school, Everard leaned in, teasingly asking, "Hey kiddo, what do you get if you remove a word from 'grandfather'?"
Cordelia paused, then innocently replied, "Grand."
Bill choked on his drink.
Everard's attempt at a playful moment was met with Cordelia's literal interpretation, leaving him momentarily speechless. Bill couldn't help but burst out laughing, realizing how straightforward Cordelia was, completely missing Everard's cheeky hint. Everard, accustomed to her honesty, didn't give up, trying another tease about a "merry-go-round," hoping for a different reaction.
But, true to form, Cordelia remained blissfully unaware of the innuendo, much to Bill's amusement and Everard's mock disappointment. With a blank stare, she asked, "A Ferris wheel?"
Everard: ???
Bill: ???
After answering Everard's two odd
questions, Gordelia shot him a
e
puzzled look, then dug into her backpack and pulled out a stack of A4 paper filled with scribbles, handing them over to Bill. "Here's the math homework you struggled with."
Bill was stunned. "Huh?"
He dumbly took the papers, just to see Cordelia turn on her heel and leave Midnight Scent Café, heading off to school.
Once she was out of sight, Bill looked down at the papers in his hands, utterly shocked. "Did she really solve all these? No way."
Everard finally spoke up. "Make sure she gets paid every penny she's owed."
Bill's lips twitched as he realized what was happening. "You just wanna make sure she has some extra cash to spend, huh? Looking for any excuse. Fine, let's say she actually solved these..."
As he spoke, he started to sift through the papers...