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.”

did Cordelia turn and leave

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

counter area.

the counter was empty.

blinked in confusion.

the

“Seems you’ve got too much free

Everard, clad in black, standing behind him. After

Calvert was speechless.-

math competition had improved dramatically. She was no longer using advanced knowledge

increasingly pleased with her homework, placing his

math problems, she stretched and picked up

a new message.

texted, [Lia, I’m in

lit up at the

ril visit for five days each month. You can come

sending the address, Cordelia pondered before replying. [rm on

I’ll introduce you to a friend]

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

Manor, Juliana was practicing plano.

feigning sleep but opening her eyes to praise when

her eyes inwardly “What did the country

outwardly, she was effusive, “Laurinda,

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

doorway, a glint

of the world–renowned pianist Stanton!

have grown up with her, learning to paint and play piano. Maybe she could’ve been Stanton’s pupil, too. But there were

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

straightened up in pride. “Lorna, if only Lia could play the piano. Then I could take her

fell into an awkward smile as she replied, “No need.”

“True. The orphanage environment isn’t great. Lia probably hasn’t even touched a piano. Such a

stung Lorna like a