Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 37

Hearing Steward’s words. Sanderson fell silent

He didn’t like the idea of his daughter entering an arranged marriage, but Steward had a point that his Lia deserved better

Her partner shouldn’t just be the owner of some small store

He didn’t nod but merely spoke up. Tll look into it”

It looked like it was time to dig up some dirt on that pretty boy

In the elegantly decorated room, with pink curtains fluttering in the breeze, Juliana sprawled on her bed, her phone in hand, sobbing “Why? And it’s not enough she’s good at math Why does she have to be good at physics, too? What am I supposed to do? She’e hogging all the spotlight Mom I’m suffering too much! Wah

The phone carried a brisk female voice Juliana, you’re missing the point”

Juliana paused, rose to grab a tissue from the desk to wipe her tears and blow her nose, then switched her phone to speaker. The voice on the other end analyzed rationally, “Do you know what sets Greenmendow International School apart from regular schools?”

Juliana tossed the used tissue into the wastebasket, her voice nasal as she answered. “No”

“When you were born, you were ahead of the game. Most at Greenmeadow aim for universities abroad. You’re there not just to study but to broaden your horizons, network, and develop skills. That country girl, raised on rote learning, thinks she can change her destiny with knowledge. Competing with her academically is beneath

you

“Quality and refinement aren’t determined by academics alone. You see what I’m getting at?”

Juliana had an epiphany. “Mom, I get it! No matter how brilliant she is, she’s just a nerd, and I’m a true lady Why bother competing in studies? I excel in piano, dance, and art!”

The voice offered advice. “What’s crucial is your poise. If you keep losing your temper, it’s unbecoming.”

Juliana’s spirit reignited. “I got it, Mom. Since Loma took over the household, I can’t live as comfortably as

before”

had a rule. High schoolers got an allowance of ten grand a month. But Juliana used to woo more out of Laurinda. Now, with Lorna favoring fairness, equating her to that country bumpkin, Juliana wouldn’t

softened on the other end. “I’ll give your

up Mom was stepping

up, beaming

stewing in her room, hating to see that country

phone rang. Recognizing the caller ID, she eagerly answered, “Rachel, when are you and Kermit

balancing the books? I’m just shopping

Lorna has usurped

surprised. “What

laughed after a dramatic recount from Laurinda and a call to action. “Laurinda, it’s easy–peasy to reclaim your position

13:15

intrigued. “You

a plano concerto. Laurinda clapped vigorously. “Juliana, you

smiling.

at Cordelia, she headed toward the dining

vanished

it odd, but it was none of her business. Her gaze fell on the piano, which looked much like the one at the

she was studying it, Laurinda scoffed. “What are you looking at? Bookworm, do you even

leisurely. “A little.”

grade did you reach?”

“Never took the exams.”

she would tinker with them when bored

“Our Juliana had her Grade 10 certificate by fifth grade.”

that, she shot Cordelia

Cordelia didn’t care.

to discuss the piano, and by the time Cordelia finished eating, she was ten minutes behind

Sanderson and Steward

nanny served

it out, frowning deeply. Before he could speak, Laurinda snapped. “Lorna, what’s this? Don’t you know Steward hates ketchup? How can you manage a house like this?” Lorna was flustered, apologizing,