Love or Die: CEO’ s Daily Dose of Swoon (Cordelia)

Chapter 9

Cordelia slipped off her sneakers and was about to head back to her room when Lorna, dressed in a flowing lavender dress that hinted at her bohemian spirit, emerged from the kitchen.

Catching sight of her, Lorna offered a tender smile and beckoned her over.

By the time Cordelia reached the dining area, Lorna handed her a delicate little bowl, her voice a soft whisper, "Lia, feeling peckish? I've just whipped up some hearty and nutritious soup for you. Have a little taste."

Touched by Lorna's kindness, Cordelia softened her eyes and took a sip. The soup was a tad bland for her taste, but the creamy taste made it a comforting treat.

Just as she was about to finish it, a scolding voice echoed from the staircase, "All you do is to eat! Did you not see Juliana in tears?"

Startled, Lorna tensed up, then quickly tried to appease, "Mom, she's just a kid. It's normal to be a little upset. I'll go up and talk to Juliana..."

Lorna skirted past Cordelia, intending to ascend the stairs, but Laurinda halted her progress, her droopy eyes scanning Cordelia with disdain. Spotting the bowl in her hands, her eyes bulged with fury, "Who said she could have soup? That was made for Juliana!" Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Lorna hurriedly explained, "Mom, I know. Juliana's portion is still in the warmer. I made two servings today. I'll give Juliana hers in a moment..."

It was a daily treat for Juliana, a habit ingrained in her routine.

Lorna believed that as daughters of the Delaney family, it was only fair for Cordelia to have her share each day too. But she hadn't anticipated such a vehement reaction from Laurinda, "Juliana

needs her soup because she's exhausted from studying so hard. She needs to replenish. Cordelia might as well be stuffed with straw for all the good it'll do. Don't you dare make her another serving!"

Lorna stood there, dumbstruck.

For the Delaney family, soup was a trivial expense. Sometimes when they had extra, they'd even share it with the housekeepers.

She couldn't fathom why Laurinda would be so cruel to Cordelia.

Cordelia glanced at the soup in her hand. She was never one to crave such luxuries, having learned to be content with simple meals at the orphanage.

She placed the bowl on the dining table and prepared to head upstairs.

Then, Laurinda blocked her path, "And are you the reason Juliana's been crying?"

Lorna waved her hands dismissively, "Of course not, Lia..."

Before she could finish, a grunt interrupted her. Both she and Laurinda turned their attention to Cordelia.

Cordelia, her eyes perpetually veiled in mist, looked at Laurinda and admitted, "It seems to be."

Laurinda soured her expression, "I knew it was you! You loon, what did you do to Juliana? Why is she crying?"

Cordelia paused for a moment before replying, "Maybe it's because my grades are better than hers?"

"What?"

Laurinda was taken aback, doubting her ears. Is Cordelia's grades better than Juliana's? Impossible!

Cordelia casually tugged her backpack from behind and handed Laurinda the report card nestled inside.

Laurinda instinctively scanned the grades.

Math: A+

Science: A+

Literature: B+

Laurinda, who often boasted about Juliana's grades, was well aware of what these scores represented. She couldn't believe Cordelia she had dismissed as dull and foolish was anything but.

Cordelia hooked the leg of a dining chair with her toe. In a cool and swift motion, she pulled it in front of her and gently pushed Lorna to sit down before turning her expressionless gaze to Laurinda, "Your turn to apologize."

Apologize...Laurinda suddenly remembered Cordelia’s words from the day before, "No need. If my grades are better than Juliana's, an apology to my mom will suffice."

Laurinda reddened her face, her body trembling slightly.

Apologize to Lorna she looked down upon in front of the housekeepers? No less? Impossible!

Laurinda knitted her eyebrows together and suddenly clutched her chest, "Oh, my heart..."

Quick to react, Sandra stepped forward, "Madam, is it your angina acting up again? Let me help you upstairs to rest."

"Yes..." Laurinda, supported by Sandra, beat a hasty retreat from the dining room.

Cordelia was at a loss for words.

Later that evening, at dinner, Laurinda and Juliana finally came downstairs. Steward, the family patriarch, had wrapped up a major acquisition and was returning home for a rare family meal, so the table was set with extra care.

Cordelia sat beside Lorna, laying eyes on the grandfather she knew only by name.

Steward was a traditionalist, his authority still resonant in his booming voice, even at seventy. He surveyed Cordelia briefly before nodding ambiguously, "Good to have you back."

He then scanned the rest of the family. Upon noticing Juliana's red-rimmed eyes, he remained silent but turned to Laurinda with a pointed question, "Everything alright at home these past few days?"

"Everything's fine," Laurinda replied.

"Are you sure?"

Laurinda faltered, confused.

Steward continued, his gaze fixed on her, "Did you forget to apologize to Lorna?"

The question made Laurinda stiffen as if she was about to flip the table.

How could Steward know about this?

Her fists clenched as she felt a wave of humiliation she had never experienced before. Not daring to defy Steward, she turned begrudgingly to Lorna, "About what happened the other day... I shouldn't have hit you. It’s my fault."

Lorna, sensing the bitterness in Laurinda’s eyes, felt a jolt of alarm. She knew she had angered Laurinda this time.

But Lorna couldn't back down. She had always been tolerant in the past, not wanting to put her husband, Sanderson, in a difficult position. But now, with Cordelia by her side, she had to stand her ground.

The next morning, as Cordelia was just waking up, a cheerful knock came at her door. Lorna's voice sang through, "Lia, your grandma Mathilda is here!"

Descending the stairs, Cordelia caught sight of an elderly lady with silver-streaked hair sitting demurely on the living room sofa. She was dressed in a vintage cardigan that exuded a classic charm, a gentle smile gracing her features, which radiated kindness.

Laurinda was perched opposite, her eyelids drooping in a disdainful expression, as if she held a low opinion of those around her.

Upon noticing Cordelia, Mathilda rose to her feet with an excitement belied by her age. Her hands, aged yet warm, clasped Cordelia's with a firm grip. Her eyes rimmed red as she spoke, "My dear child, we've finally found you!"

Lorna introduced the elderly woman, "Mathilda doesn't live here in Greenmeadow. We were planning to take you to visit her over the weekend, but she couldn't wait and came over as soon as she heard!"

After that, Cordelia turned to Mathilda and dutifully greeted, "Grandma."

"Ah, my dear!"

As they conversed, Laurinda suddenly spoke up, "Lorna, the maid doesn't know your mother's tastes. Why don't you go make her a cup of coffee yourself?"

Surprised and flattered by the request, Lorna nodded eagerly, "Of course."

As she made her way to the coffee cabinet, Laurinda shot a glance at Sandra, who nodded back subtly.

Only when Cordelia slowly sensed that something was amiss did Lorna's cry of alarm ring out!