Chapter 110

Although Sanderson had severed ties with his mother, Laurinda, he bore no ill will towards hisfather, Steward, who had always taken special care of him since he was a child. So Sanderson heldSteward’s words in high regard.

Nodding in agreement, he supported Steward as they made their way toward the Griffin estate.

Cordelia followed behind with Lorna, her figure ethereal in a shoulder–baring purple chiffon gown,her feet adorned with high red leather pumps.

Trailing after her were Juliana and Rachel. Rachel’s voice dripped with sarcasm, “Why dress up sofancy? It’s Hackett’s birthday bash, not an unmarried Party.”

Juliana was about to echo the sentiment when Cordelia, who was ahead, came to a sudden haltand turned around languidly. Cordelia’s cold eyes brought back the memory of being cornered andbullied in the school restroom.

The mocking words Juliana had intended to say got stuck in her throat, and she dared not utterthem.

Seeing Juliana’s silence, Rachel shifted the topic and whispered conspiratorially, “When you seeCalvert later, make sure to say hello and maybe snag his contact info. It’s alright for a young lady tomake the first move.”

Juliana blinked in surprise, “Mom, I’m engaged.”

Rachel whispered back, “Of course, I know. But lately, the Fosters have been acting wishy–washy.They were all gung–ho about setting the engagement date, and then when I met with them theother day, they didn’t mention a word about it.”

Juliana’s mood darkened. After their family’s financial setback became public knowledge, Rachelhad hoped an engagement to the Fosters would give them some wedding gifts to tide them over,but the Fosters had found an excuse to decline.

Juliana also noticed that at school, Hanley often seemed distracted, constantly looking at Cordelia.And his attitude toward her had grown colder.

Resigned, Juliana responded, “Alright.”

“That’s my girl,” Rachel said, patting her hand, “Trust me, Calvert’s only in his twenties, a reallooker, and leagues better than Hanley.”

Juliana’s resolve strengthened upon hearing this.

Their conversation was hushed, but Cordelia, with her keen hearing, caught it. She paid it no mind,and it was none of her business. This was Cordelia’s first time at such a gathering. Even beforeentering, the lively sounds of the party inside the Griffin mansion reached her ears.

She followed Lorna into the estate.

The Griffin family, being the cream of Greenmeadow society, had a grand and opulent mansion.The hall was bustling with the town’s influential figures and industry elites, all mingling and toasting.

Upon the Delaney family’s arrival, the butler hastened to greet them.

“My apologies,” he said, “Mr. Hackett is currently upstairs with some distinguished guests and sendshis apologies for not being able to welcome you personally.”

Cordelia was Mr. Watkins‘ girlfriend’s family and no way the Griffin family would dare neglect them.

Steward was slightly flustered but quickly replied, “No worries, Mr. Hackett is too kind.”

The butler saw to their needs with great zeal. Steward was escorted to an upstairs VIP lounge,while the others mingled downstairs Sanderson greeted his business associates, while Cordelia and Lorna, feeling rather bored,excused themselves to a nearby couch.

Cordelia had no interest in such events. She’d rather spend the time–solving math problems thanlisten to idle chit–chat.

She and Lorna had barely settled on the couch when Cordelia took out her phone and startedworking on a set of advanced math problems she’d downloaded earlier.

Lorna, glancing at Cordelia’s preoccupation, sighed inwardly, “How to get Cordelia to take a breakfrom studying?”

As Lorna pondered this, a well–dressed woman with an arrogant–looking young lady in towapproached, “Lorna, long time no see.”

Cordelia, deeply engrossed in her studies, was hard to distract. But hearing someone addressLorna, she subconsciously paid attention. She noticed Lorna’s smile fade slightly, her tone cool,“Fanny, it has been a long time.” Clearly, Lorna didn’t care for this person.

Fanny, draped in a custom gown and dripping with expensive jewelry, made quite the ostentatiousdisplay. She sat down with her daughter and began, “I thought we’d see more of each other afteryou married Sanderson. But he seems to go everywhere alone, never with you by his side.”

Lorna nodded, “Yes, I prefer to stay in.”

Fanny’s gaze turned scornful as she continued, “Well, that figures. You were never really one of us,Marrying Sanderson was a stroke of luck for you.”

Then, her eyes landed on Cordelia with malice, “Oh, this must be your long–lost daughter, the oneyou found in the orphanage after eighteen years, right?”

Lorna frowned at the unkindness.

Fanny had been her college roommate, both art majors, with Lorna consistently outperformingFanny.

Fanny had always been envious, always comparing herself to Lorna, from grades to husbands.Since losing Cordelia, Lorna had become reclusive, and their paths hadn’t crossed in ages.

Now Fanny was starting up again, this time comparing daughters.

Just as she finished belittling Cordelia, Fanny gestured to her own daughter sitting beside her, aloofand self–assured, “This is my daughter, Sallie Brown. You’ve not met her, have you, Lorna?”

Sallie cast a fleeting glance at Lorna and Cordelia, her gaze lingering momentarily on Cordelia’sface before she huffed with an air of superiority and looked away.

Far from reprimanding her for her lack of manners, Fanny beamed with pride, “She’s a bit of ahighbrow, and she’s an exceptional student. Last year, she got into Ontoky University. There’s noschool that can hold a candle to it except Top Crest Academy and Superiority College.”

Lorna’s lips twitched into a half–smile, “Impressive.”

Fanny turned to Cordelia, “Lorna, no offense, but your daughter can’t be glued to her smartphoneall day. Even though we’re not exactly short on cash, education is still paramount. Sallie, come on,share some wisdom with Lorna, will you?”

Sallie cast a cool glance at Cordelia and spoke with an I to knowledge within that truly adorns a person.”

“It’s not about looks, and it’s the wealth of Fanny chuckled, “Exactly, that’s the spirit. You know, Hackett has heard good things about her andespecially gave her time off to come back. He’s planning to introduce her to Mr. Calvert.‘

Sallie didn’t respond.

Fanny turned her attention back to Cordelia, “Lorna if I remember correctly, your daughter is a yearyounger than Sallie, a senior in high school, right? Got any plans for college?”

Standing tall, Lorna placed her hands in front of her and calmly replied, “Well, Lia is admitted toSuperiority College in advance.”