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.

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, “Maybe it’s because my grades are

“What?”

aback, doubting her ears. Is Cordelia’s grades better than Juliana’s? Impossible!

and handed Laurinda the report card nestled inside.

instinctively scanned the grades.

Math: A+

Science. A+

Literature: B+

scores represented. She couldn’t believe Cordelia she had dismissed as dull and foolish was

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

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.”

her body trembling slightly

upon in front of the housekeepers?

eyebrows together and suddenly clutched her chest,

Sandra stepped forward, “Madam, is it your angina acting up

rest.

Laurinda, supported by Sandra, beat a hasty retreat from the

was at a loss for words.

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

care.

sat beside Lorna, laying eyes on the grandfather she knew

in his booming voice, even at seventy. He surveyed. Cordelia briefly before

silent but turned. to Laurinda with a pointed question, “Everything alright

Laurinda

“Are you sure?”

Laurinda faltered, confused.

his gaze fixed on her, “Did you forget to apologize to Lorna?”

made Laurinda stiffen as if she was

know about

she felt a wave of humiliation she had never experienced before. Not daring

It’s Steward, she turned begrudgingly to Lorna, “About what happened

eyes, felt a jolt