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.

up the

a visitor, Yates

waved dismissively, “I’m not seeing anyone for a

down, tugging at his grandfather’s beard, “Gramps, this is a guest you

Yates”

box in curiosity, “Who’s the guest that’s got you so worked

gift into his hands, “This

“You don’t understand. There’s a big shot in town. If I accept

though reckless, did not want to embarrass his grandfather. But if they refused the gift, Mr. Delaney

his hand and simply opened the bag. “Ill see if the gift is expensive If not, you can accept it, otherwise Mr. Delaney will not

about to say something when a familiar tea box was

box of St. Helena Coffee “Gramps,

raced

familiar.

a few precious ounces of St. Helena Coffee, too treasured to drink, then requisitioned

Wait…

it was

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

swallowed nervously, clutching the coffee, “Does the Delaney

two in senior year. One’s betrothed to the Foster family, forgot her name. The other…

days ago…And Mr. Watkins had only

together, Hackett zeroed in on the connection, that was, Cordelia!

“The guy from the Delaney family who’s outside

father!” Yates confirmed.

the room spin. That

more pretenses, he clutched the coffee and

fraught with anxiety.

to be seen. Just then, he heard footsteps and Hackett’s voice calling. “Quickly, get

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

bowed hastily. “I’m the

further, and guided him back to the couch,

“Mr. Hackett, I hardly deserve such praise.”

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