Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

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!”

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.

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

“What?”

ears. Is

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

scanned the

Math: A+

Science. A+

Literature: B+

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

in front

before. “No need. If my grades are better than Juliana’s, an apology to

her face, her body

she looked down upon in front

knitted her eyebrows together and suddenly clutched her chest,

forward, “Madam, is it your angina acting up again? Let me help you upstairs

rest.

supported by Sandra, beat a hasty retreat

a

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.

laying eyes on the grandfather she

still resonant in his booming voice, even at seventy. He

family. Upon noticing Juliana’s red–rimmed eyes, he remained silent but

Laurinda replied.

“Are you sure?”

Laurinda faltered, confused.

continued, his gaze fixed on her, “Did you forget

question made Laurinda stiffen as if she

Steward know about this?

felt a wave of humiliation she had never experienced

what happened the other day… I

in Laurinda’s eyes, felt a jolt of