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.”

Cordelia turn

Calvert sneaked back into the room from the yard, peering toward

counter area.

behind the counter was empty.

blinked in

was the boss?

voice came from behind. “Seems you’ve got too much free time. Time

see Everard, clad in black, standing behind him. After saying that, he rolled up

Calvert was speechless.-

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

was increasingly pleased with her homework,

set of math problems, she stretched and picked up her

new

[Lia, I’m in Greenmeadow]

the message Where are

my attention, so ril visit for five days each month. You can

before replying. [rm on my way]

back. [Sure, I’ll introduce you to a

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

at the Delaney Manor, Juliana

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

her act, Rachel rolled her eyes inwardly “What

effusive, “Laurinda, you have great

without practice. Work hard in the next 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

doorway, a glint of envy in her eyes.

of the world–renowned pianist

and

the thought. It was just a fleeting wish. At this point,

Lia could play the piano. Then I could take her to meet Stanton, too. It would be a blessing for our family

fell into an awkward smile

“True. The orphanage environment isn’t great. Lia probably

stung Lorna