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

her departure, Calvert sneaked back into

counter area.

space behind the counter

blinked in confusion.

was the boss?

came from behind. “Seems you’ve got

in black, standing behind him. After saying that,

Calvert was speechless.-

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

increasingly pleased with her homework, placing his

the weekend, after breezing through a set of math problems,

a new

[Lia, I’m in Greenmeadow]

lit up at the

attention, so ril visit for five days each

the address, Cordelia pondered before replying. [rm on my way]

[Sure, I’ll introduce

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

Delaney Manor, Juliana

to praise when Juliana stopped “Wonderfull Juliana, you

inwardly “What

outwardly, she was effusive, “Laurinda, you

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

the kitchen doorway, a glint of envy in

of the world–renowned pianist

her, learning to paint and play piano.

fleeting wish. At this point, she just hoped for

could take her

fell into an awkward smile as she replied, “No

environment isn’t great. Lia probably hasn’t even

‘pity‘ stung Lorna like a thorn.