shuhaige
Chapter 253
Chapter 253
Cordelia couldn't shake the feeling that Everard didn't need any protection from her father.
Everyone was buzzing about how Everard had a fallout with Bill and Calvert, leading to his departure from Fortuna Group. But having shared meals with both Bill and Calvert, Cordelia noticed something different about Calvert's attitude towards Everard.
Everard would boss Calvert around, not mincing his words. And Calvert? Not a peep of complaint-he almost seemed scared of Everard. That fear translated into an unusual politeness towards Cordelia as well. So, maybe Everard and Bill's relationship wasn't as rocky as everyone thought.
Just as she was about to chime in, Laurinda cut through the tension. "Think this through! Taking on Bill with the whole Prosperity Conglomerate is like bringing a knife to a gunfight! Do you want to drive the whole family to bankruptcy?"
Before Sanderson could respond, Lorna jumped in. "Mom, if managing the company feels like a gamble to you, then why not sell your shares to us? That way, if things go south with Bill, you won't be dragged down with us."
Laurinda blinked in disbelief. "What did you say?"
Lorna, with the confidence of someone who's just come into money, didn't hesitate. "If you're worried about being implicated, discuss it with Kermit. Figure out how much those shares are worth and sell them to us. Then, whatever mess we get into with Bill won't touch you."
Sanderson's eyes lit up at Lorna's suggestion. With the company dividends and Lorna's recent art sale, they might just be able to buy out Kermit and Laurinda's shares. Without Kermit's cronies in the company, Sanderson imagined the business could truly thrive. It would mean Lorna's earnings would go towards this, but in the end, they were in it together. This could also mean severing ties with the Delaney family for good.
Sanderson nodded. "I think it's a viable plan."
But Laurinda, fuming, pointed at Lorna. "So, this is your grand scheme? To tear the Delaney family apart? You've already split the family, now you want the company too? Sanderson, look at the wife you've chosen!"
Sanderson was taken aback. Why did his mom always think Lorna was out to get him? He was baffled by Laurinda's logic and suggested, "Mom, why not discuss this with Dad? Or I can call him to pick you up?"
Laurinda scoffed. "Do you think I don't know what's going on? Bill's coming to Greenmeadow, and you think I'd know that without your father's say- so? This is all his idea!"
Sanderson's heart sank. Lorna's face turned stone-cold too.
After Laurinda stormed out, Sanderson was still in shock. He had always thought his father, Steward, was the reasonable one in the Delaney family. Distracted, Mathilda's words snapped him back to reality. "Don't get sidetracked. Your dad's probably just trying to keep you away from Everard for now. Why not give him a call? Don't let misunderstandings drive a wedge between you two."
Sanderson took her advice and called his father, who clarified, "Did your mother relay my message? Keep your distance from Everard for now. And don't worry about Cordelia; she's still young. Bill won't stay forever. Once he's gone, you can do as you please."
That sounded more like the father Sanderson knew. But as for relinquishing his chairman position to Kermit? Steward was shocked at the suggestion. "Why would I do that? Kermit's a mess. He can't handle that role."
So, Laurinda had been playing her own game. Sanderson didn't expose her, knowing it would change nothing. Steward couldn't control Laurinda anymore.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
After hanging up, Sanderson relayed his father's intentions, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Mathilda remarked, "I knew it. You're the only businessman in the family. Your dad would never sideline you."
They had dinner, then retired to their rooms, each lost in their thoughts about the day's drama.
The next morning, Cordelia headed off to Greenmeadow International School, against Lorna's advice to rest. Having missed a month of school, Cordelia felt she had no time to lose.
She stopped by Midnight Scent, a familiar haunt, feeling a nostalgic pull towards the café. But as she entered, instead of Everard, a stranger was perched where he usually sat.
The man had a rough look about him, his neck adorned with a chunky gold chain that screamed excess, his wrist weighed down by a watch that looked like it cost more than a small car, and on his fingers, a gemstone ring the size of a golf ball. He was deep in a phone
conversation, his accent thick with hints of the Northeast, "Yeah, that bed's a nightmare, where you at? Get the boss a custom mattress, pronto!"
"And this? Drinking regular bottled water? Ship us some of that fancy spring water, and while you're at this Midnight Scent candle is
laughably small! Get a team,
buy out
the shop next door, we're expanding."
"And the sign, Calvert did a sloppy job. I want that replaced with a gold-plated one..."
He was cut off by the arrival of someone. "Hold on, got company," he said, catching sight of Cordelia. He gave her a once-over, his gaze finally landing on the breakfast she held.
He stood up immediately, "Sis?"
Cordelia was perplexed.
Without missing a beat, he spoke into the phone, "Got something else here, I'll call you back. And remember, don't skimp on anything, if it's pricey, we're buying it!"
After hanging up, he rushed over, "Sis, I'm Bill!"
He then fished out a box from his pocket and handed it to her, "Sis, this is a little something for our first meeting!" Cordelia looked down as Bill opened the box, revealing a chaotic jumble of gemstones in various sizes and colors. Cordelia was speechless.