Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 21

Sanderson’s gift was swiftly assessed by the secretary without even peering inside. He knew it was pricey. This won’t do he said

Hackett had given explicit directives that no gifts were allowed!

Seeing his offering rebuffed Sanderson darkened his face further. Could it be because Lia had offended Griffin tamiy

As he pondered his next move a flashy–convertible roared up the drive, the wrought–iron gates swinging open. The secretary stepped aside, calling out respectfully. “Mr. Griffin”

Yates waved casually in acknowledgment and cruised through the entrance.

Sanderson deepened his frown

Yates appeared unperturbed, a clear sign that Hackett’s illness was just an excuse.

Sanderson couldn’t just loiter here, which would only serve to annoy them further As he was about to turn and leave to devise another plan, the car reversed back towards him, and Yates called out uncertainly. “Cordelia’s father?

He had seen Sanderson on various other occasions.

Sanderson nodded with composure. “That’s right.”

At that, Yates hurried out of his car, his manner suddenly transformed to one of courteous urgency. “Mr. Delaney, are you here for a visit? Please, come inside!”

Sanderson was momentarily dumbfounded. What was happening?

The secretary was equally bewildered. “Mr. Griffin, Hackett said…”

Yates cut him off with impatience, “Whatever it is, we’ll discuss it inside. Keeping guests waiting at the door isn’t the way of the Griffin family, is it?”

The secretary was left to wonder. Since when did Yates care about hospitality? But the secretary dared not voice his thoughts.

Inside the living room, Yates spoke, “Mr. Delaney, please take a seat. I’ll go call my grandpa.”

Glancing at the gift in Sanderson’s hand, he added, “Is this for us? Let me take it inside for you.”

Sanderson nodded, feeling awkward, and settled onto a nearby couch.

gift, found Hackett on the balcony soaking up the sun. “Playing truant again?” Hackett sighed

visitor,

dismissively, “I’m not seeing anyone for a

grandfather’s beard, “Gramps, this is a guest you have to

smacked Yates” hand

“Who’s the guest that’s got

shoved the gift into his hands,

don’t understand. There’s a big shot in town. If I accept gifts now, I’m asking

embarrass his grandfather. But if they refused the gift,

in his hand and simply opened the bag. “Ill see if the gift is expensive If not, you can accept

about to say something when a familiar tea

examined the box of St. Helena Coffee “Gramps, why does this gift look so

was raced with realization:

was familiar.

serendipitous purchase of a few precious ounces of St. Helena Coffee, too treasured to drink, then requisitioned by Mr. Watkins with

Wait…

Watkins said it was an engagement

the Griffin family had no daughters to wed! No, his thoughts were astray. Perhaps Mr. Watkins‘ fiancée was

Delaney family

forgot her name. The other… well, her name’s Cordelia Delaney, the long–lost daughter of

days ago…And Mr. Watkins had only just arrived

clues together, Hackett zeroed in on the connection,

from the Delaney

father!” Yates confirmed.

spin. That was Mr. Watkins‘ future father–in–law!

clutched the

was fraught with

be seen. Just then, he heard footsteps and Hackett’s voice calling. “Quickly, get our guest a cup of our finest black tea!”

to greet him, but Hackett approached with an almost ingratiating air, ‘Mr. Sanderson,

“I’m the

bowing further, and guided him back to the couch, “Not at all, your visit

words, “Mr. Hackett, I