Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 28

Cordelia seemed feather light as she laid her hand on Pauling, but only Pauline knew the true strength behind it. It was any fron grip that left her struggling in vain to break fren

With a glare Paulina snapped, “This is a matter of my own family stay out of

No sooner had the words left her mouth than the pressure on her shoulder Intensified, a sharp pain shooting through her bones, forcing her to release her hold on Merry

Merry, seizing the moment, ducked behind Cordelia, the one everyone knew could throw a mean punch

Paulina moved to grab her again, but Latham stepped forward to mediate “Paulina, let’s talk this out. We’re here to fix things, not to get physical. Honestly, thin isn’t an dire an expulsion!”

The theft was a serious accusation for an adult. A reprimand would be letting them off easy Vet Latham felt a pang of sympathy for Merry. If she were taken away now, her life would be ruined.

He positioned himself between Cordelia and Paulina, fearing that Paulina might lash out at the frail looking Cordelia, who, despite her delicate appearance, was known for her sense and sensibility

Paulina tried to push past Latham. “Mr. Latham, go away. Don’t speak for Merry. How many times has she been caught up in trouble? I’ve washed my hands of her, considered her no daughter of mine, but this time she dares to smear Leila’s name. I won’t let it slidel From the get–go, she’s been nothing but trouble, leading Leila astray!”

Latham countered frantically, “Please be rational here…”

Their squabble was cut short when Cordelia spoke up, her voice cold and clear, “So, you’ve decided Merry is guilty?”

Paulina hesitated, then nodded firmly.

Cordelia responded with a single chilling suggestion, “Then we have no choice but to call the cops.”

Silence fell upon the office::

Paulina looked incredulously at Cordelia, then at Merry. “Call the cops? Do you realize what will happen to Merry? She’s an adult. Theft could land her in jail!”

a look that was both bitter and scornful. If her parents were all siding

heart she thought

the time it was slipped into her desk until it fell out. If we call the police, a

who had been sobbing silently, froze.

up, meeting Cordelia’s penetrating gaze, and shivered uncontrollably.

didn’t look at Leila but addressed Merry, “Are you willing to call

stood tall,

was framing Leila, I would’ve called them myself! Go on, call them. Let them investigate and prove your guilt. If you want to go

for

reminded her to eat breakfast, and

out her phone and dialed 911

panicked, “No,

on the call button, and turned to look at her. All eyes in the office were

drop it. I don’t want Merry to go to jail. She may

softened her face with pity and pointed at Leila, telling Merry, “See? Even after all you’ve done, she’s thinking of you. Why can’t you be more like

Merry remained silent.

this, okay? The money’s still there. Mr. Latham, let’s end it here!”

integrity you get from someone who excels at school. Some people are

Merry’s, was etched with panic and forced laughter.

that, she pressed the call

forward. “Stop it!” But Paulina held her back. “Let her be, Leila. If she wants to

her choice.”

Cordelia began to speak. “Hello, I’m at…”

out, “It was me! I took the

as everyone turned