Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 40

Calvert was about to spill the beans when a low cough echoed through the room, sending a shiver down his spine. He turned to find Everard, who seemed to dwell in the shadows forever.

The courage Calvert had mustered deflated like a pin–pricked balloon.

Yet Cordelia locked her gaze on him, commanding. “Speak.”

The strength of her presence made Calvert swallow hard,

Suddenly, he felt that opening his mouth might be worse than staying silent, trembling between two formidable forces. After a prolonged silence, he picked the safest thing to say, “Boss has no ill intentions toward you.”

After speaking, Calvert ducked his head, fearing Everard’s reprimand, and trotted toward the back of the Midnight Scent. “I’ll go, uh, boil some water for coffee!”

Cordelia stood motionless, her expression unreadable.

Calvert’s words had plunged her into a sea of confusion.

What she had first called a “curse” had nothing to do with Everard. But how did he know that date was necessary if it didn’t?

Yet she quickly remembered that Everard had never forced her. The hand–holding had been with her consent.

He made his request for that kiss when she was about to be late for school and tried to leave, ignoring the pain in her chest. And that kiss, as she thought about it, was restrained, within the bounds of what she could.

accept.

Cordelia glanced deeply at Everard, who sat behind the counter, his sharp features half–hidden in the dim light, his eyes unfathomable, his whole being exuding an aura of mystery.

This man must have secrets

After a moment of silence, Cordelia finally spoke. “I’m off to school.”

It was a truce to their recent cold war.

Everard seemed surprised she spoke first. His eyes lifted slightly, and he smiled. “Okay.”

then did Cordelia turn and

minutes after her departure, Calvert sneaked back into the room from the

counter area.

behind the

in

the

got too much

standing behind him. After saying that, he rolled

Calvert was speechless.-

marathon of math problem–solving, Cordelia’s performance in the math competition had improved dramatically. She was no

was increasingly pleased with her homework, placing

math

a new message.

texted, [Lia, I’m in Greenmeadow]

at the message Where are

so ril visit for five days each month. You can come

address, Cordelia pondered before replying. [rm on my

back. [Sure, I’ll introduce you to a

uniform for a casual blue tracksuit, white sneakers, and a baseball cap over her flowing hair, Cordelia grabbed a small backpack

the Delaney Manor, Juliana

lounged on the sofa, feigning sleep but opening her eyes to praise when Juliana stopped “Wonderfull Juliana, you play

her eyes inwardly “What did the

“Laurinda, you have

few days to get back in top form. I rushed back from abroad when I heard Stanton was in Greenmeadow. I’ve pulled so many strings to get you a chance. Amongst your peers here, no one can match your piano skills. You’ve got to make the most of this opportunity and impress him enough to take you under his

a glint

be a student of the world–renowned pianist Stanton!

paint and play piano. Maybe she could’ve been Stanton’s pupil,

thought. It was just a fleeting wish. At this point, she just hoped for

the piano. Then I could take her

face fell into an awkward smile as she replied,

isn’t great. Lia probably hasn’t even touched a piano.

stung Lorna