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

Chapter 2

Several hours later, the car stopped before the Delaney Manor in Greenmeadow City. With wide- eyed curiosity, Cordelia admired the grandeur of the ornate standalone villa as Lorna guided her through the gate, the unfamiliar surroundings rendering her slightly bewildered.

As soon as they entered, they were assaulted by the pungent smell of alcohol spray.

The housekeeper, Sandra, wielding a spray bottle, began to douse Cordelia indiscriminately. A silver-haired lady directed the onslaught, “The hair and the shoes. Don’t miss a spot.”

Cordelia instinctively shielded her eyes while Lorna quickly stepped forward to exclaim, “Laurinda, what are you doing?”

Laurinda Delaney, eyes droopy with disdain, replied with a biting tone, “Who knows what kind of riff- raff those orphanages harbor? What if she brings in germs and viruses?”

Torn between hurt and anger, Lorna retorted, “Laurinda!”

Laurinda assessed Cordelia thoroughly.

The girl seemed docile enough, her gaze lowered, long lashes casting shadows on her cheeks, quite a looker, but so wooden, as if the barbs went unheard.

Laurinda's gaze was thick with distaste, “Look at her, all dopey. She’s not foolish, is she? Did you even check properly? You’ve searched for 18 years for nothing and suddenly found her by some random email?”

Sanderson's tone was firm. “Mom, I've had the DNA test done. She is indeed my daughter. I won’t tolerate such talk again! And she is not foolish.”

After that, Sanderson pointed to Laurinda and introduced her to Cordelia, “Lia, this is your grandmother.”

Then, he pointed to a spirited and beautiful girl near Cordelia’s age. “And this is Juliana Delaney, your cousin from your uncle’s side.”

Laurinda's demeanor softened as she turned to Juliana, patting her hand affectionately. “Juliana, keep your distance from her. Her mind’s not right. Don’t let it rub off on you.”

Juliana maintained a polite smile on her face as she said, “Grandma, you do jest.”

Yet she stepped back, covering her nose and saying to Lorna, “Aunt Lorna, why don’t you get Cordelia to bathe first?”

Her disdain was clear as day.

Lorna quickly glanced at Cordelia, expecting her to be upset, but instead found her eerily calm, as if she hadn’t heard a word they said.

Feeling a pang, Lorna led Cordelia upstairs. “Lia, your dad has to take care of your school transfer. I’ll show you to your room now. I designed it myself. It was in a hurry, and I didn’t know what you’d like, but take a look. We can always make changes later.”

Lorna’s kindness was like a warm current to Cordelia’s chilly heart, but upon opening the door to the room, Lorna herself was shocked. “What’s going on here?”

The spacious and beautifully decorated room was bustling with servants organizing clothes on the bed.

Juliana walked in. “Aunt Lorna, Grandma said I could have this room. You two might want to find a different one.” With that, she gave Cordelia a provoking glance.

Juliana's room had been fine, but her envy had taken hold when she saw the beautiful room Lorna had prepared for Cordelia.

Both were daughters of the Delaney family. And why should this country bumpkin get the better room?

Lorna frowned. “This isn’t right.”

Before she could finish, Laurinda's imperious voice rang out, “And why not? It’s just a room. What’s wrong with giving it to Juliana?”

Lorna hesitated. She knew Laurinda had never approved of her as family, always making concessions to keep the peace at home. But this involved Lia.

She mustered her courage to object, “Laurinda, I specifically prepared this for Lia. You can’t play favorites like this.”

Laurinda cut her off again. “Play favorites? Juliana is bright and smart, facing critical exams this year. This room has good light and soundproofing. It’s only practical for her to have it. And for this fool, what does it matter where she sleeps? Any room will do for her.”

Lorna wanted to persist, but Laurinda's face darkened, her voice raising, “Know your place! Who is in charge of this house now?” All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Lorna was at a loss for words.

Laurinda's husband, Steward Delaney, was in charge, managing their vast corporation. And though Sanderson was starting to take over, Steward held absolute sway over household matters.

Defeated, Lorna clenched her fists. “Lia, I’ll show you another room.”

Cordelia nodded. And where she stayed made little difference to her.

But then, she looked at Laurinda thoughtfully. “So, if you’re a good student, you get a nice room?”

Like her demeanor, her voice sounded with a profound indifference.

Laurinda blinked, “What?”

Cordelia averted her gaze, returning to her detached air. After a brief pause, she added, “Never mind.”

As Cordelia followed Lorna to the other room, Laurinda still tried to decipher that enigmatic remark.