Chapter 108
Calvert, who was sipping his milk at the next table, almost sprayed it out when he heard that remark.
It sounded like she had given Everard a fortune or something.
Since theyâd met she had given him what, three hundred ? But Everard had already handed her a cool
Everard seemed just as taken aback by her question, his eyebrows lifting in surprise âWhy do you ask?â
Cordelia decided to be straightforward, âYesterday, my classmate said she wanted me to introduce you to her.â
She paused for a moment swallowing the fact that her friend was richer than her. She didnât want him to be tempted.
But Everard just chuckled, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. His voice was low and enchanting as he responded, âSweetie, you think Iâm with you for your money?â
For some reason, Cordeliaâs heart raced, and she quickly averted her gaze.
After finishing breakfast and holding hands with Everard for a while, Cordelia stood up to head to class. She grabbed her backpack with one hand, put on her baseball cap, and was about to leave when she remembered something. She dug into her backpack for her wallet.
Cordelia didnât have many expenses so there wasnât much cash in her wallet. Counting it, she found about a thousand dollars. She hesitated, feeling a pang of regret, but then resolutely took out all the money and placed it on the table. Then she said, âTreat yourself to something nice.â
Everard looked at the cash on the table, his expression a mix of emotions. He smiled as he picked up the money and slipped it into his wallet. Seeing Cordelia still watching him, he hesitated before asking uncertainly. Thanks, boss?â
Cordelia looked away, feeling something off about that remark. As she turned to leave, she heard the chair behind her screech. Everard stood and walked over to her.
Cordelia, puzzled, asked, âWhat are you doing?â
Everardâs hands were in his pockets as he slightly leaned in. His Adamâs apple bobbed, and then he chuckled, âExercising my rights as your boyfriend
Cordelia was momentarily stunned, only to watch as he slowly bent toward her, his face coming closer, her heartbeat racing uncontrollably.
She swallowed nervously, eyeing him with caution.
But his lips brushed past her cheek, whispering in her ear, âJust walking you to school, Sweetie.â
Cordelia let out a sigh of relief, her eyes clearing with understanding, âOh, thatâs it.â
Everard chuckled, âWhat did you think it was?â
As she walked ahead, she slowly replied, âI thought you were going to kiss me.â
Everard paused in his steps, âWhat?
âLucky you didnât,â Cordelia said without looking back, or I would have had to punch you.â
Everard laughed again, realizing he was two steps behind Cordelia. He lengthened his stride, catching up to Cordelia without even trying.
The walk from Midnight Scent to school wasnât long, usually a fiveâminute stroll, or faster if they hurried.
Cordelia usually recited some classical literature while walking, but today her attention was drawn to their shadows on the ground. The rising sun cast their entwined silhouettes, elongating them on the .
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The willow trees by the road were turning yellow, their branches awaying in the wind with a rustling sound, adding a touch of warmth to the path
It felt like only a blink, and they were at the school gates Cordelia checked the time, surprised to find that their short journey had taken seven ininutes.
It was the peak hour for school arrivals, and luxury cars were lined up at the gates, with well dressed students stepping one after another.
Standing inere, the two of them were rather conspicuous
Just arrived at school, Hanley spotted them immediately. They seemed to glow in the sunlight, like a golden couple, but his face darkened at the sight.
At the same time, a car from the Griffin family pulled up, and Yates, engrossed in his phone with a lollipop in his mouth, about to head into school when he felt something. He stopped and looked towards the gate.
Cordelia, often oblivious to social cues but sensitive to being watched, felt eyes on her and turned to look.
Before she could see who it was, Everard suddenly told her, â
move.â
Cordelia froze, and then he leaned in, âThereâs something on your cheek, and let me get it:
She tilted her head obediently. Everard admired her up close. Her skin was flawless, her large eyes slightly downcast, her delicate nose, and her lips tempting as cherries.
His finger gently traced her lips, then lingered there a moment longer than necessary.
After a brief wait, Cordelia spoke up, uncertain, âIs it hard to get off? Should I go wash my face?â
Everard withdrew hand, her with a smile, âItâs clean now.â
âRight, Iâm off then.â
âSure thing.â
Once she entered the school, Everard turned his gaze to the two far away.
One looked sullen, the other defiant, both glaring at his hand.
Everard was quite pleased, sharp glint in his eyes. He touched his fingers, still warm from her skin, to his lips, making the two boysâ expressions change. Hanley looked defeated, and Yates, furious
Everardâs sense of satisfaction swelled. He nonchalantly slid his hands into his pockets, ready to leave. As hel turned, Hanley walked up and said, âHey.â
Everard paused, facing the man who had broken off his engagement with Cordelia. In a way, he owed him thanks. If Hanley hadnât called off the engagement, Cordelia might have just settled. It was the breakup that had opened the door for him.
Hanley locked eyes with him, a challenge simmering between them, âYou two are all wrong for each other.â
Everard arched an eyebrow, his silence speaking volumes, an aura of intensity wrapping around him like a
cloak.
For a moment, Hanley felt the weight of that presence, but he quickly shook it off. This guy was just the owner of a small store, so what was there to fear?
Summoning courage, Hanley lifted his chin defiantly, âYouâre nothing but a kept man, a plaything You donât even come close to what we .â
Seeing Everard remain unfazed, Hanley blurted out, âTake, for instance, the upcoming birthday bash for Hackett. Itâs an exclusive event, only the crème de la crème get an invite. And someone like you? Wouldnât even make the guest list.â
Chapter 109
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