Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 48

In the dining room, he crystal chandelier cast its incandescent glow upon the faces of the Delaney family, each a mask of unpredictable emotion

Ever–present yet unobtrusive, the servants diminished their presence further, blending into the shadows cast by the opulent decor.

Steward, who had remained silent throughout the evening, sat upright, his voice booming through the tension. “Nonsense!”

Still standing. Sanderson seemed a pillar of strength, his broad shoulders a protective canopy over his wife and daughter. He addressed his father directly “Dad, take a good look around, is there even a place for us in this home anymore? To an outsider, it might seem I’m not even Mom’s flesh and blood!”

“Bullshit!” Laurinda’s voice rose to a screech. “I carried you for nine months and went through hell to bring you into this world. Is this how you repay me?”

Her eyes then darted accusingly at Lorna. “It’s you, whispering poison into Sanderson’s ear, turning him against me! I never approved of you marrying into the Delaney family. That fortune teller was right. You’re bad luck, a jinx. He said you’d bring ruin upon us, and look at us now!”

Lorna was caught off guard, stunned by the harsh accusation.

Equally incredulous, Sanderson wrapped a protective arm around Lorna’s shoulders, his anger palpable. “Is this why you’ve been so cold to Lorna all these years?”

In anger, Laurinda admitted, “Yes, that’s exactly why! She can’t even give us a grandson. Our family line will end with you!”

“I have Lia!” Sanderson countered.

“She’s just a girl! Besides, her grandfather was a lunatic, and she’s likely got that craziness in her blood!” Laurinda spat out evilly, alluding to the stigma surrounding mental illness and its feared hereditary nature.

Laurinda’s words were a gut punch that left Lorna trembling. Her pain laid bare without any defense.

But the reassuring squeeze on her shoulder from Sanderson’s hand calmed her. He had never intended to argue. Instead, he shielded Lorna from further harm. “Enough. We’ll move out. Consider me an unfilial son, a stay with Kermit if you must!”

Laurinda’s voice reached a fever pitch. “You’re my son, and you’ll care for me in my old age!

and

“Silence!” Steward slammed his cutlery down, silencing the room. He looked squarely at Sanderson. The Delaney family had risen from obscurity mainly due to Sanderson’s connections and opportunities. Although Steward held the title of chairman, Sanderson was the true force behind their success.

of a male heir, Steward had

kind of nonsense are you spouting? If you can’t bear to live with Sanderson, pack your bags and return to the

bulged. “You’re kicking

you don’t want me to throw you out

Juliana made it clear. “Cordelia is the Delaney family’s lady.

words echoed with finality, and the room fell

to apologize, Laurinda

is a senior,

11-12

beliefs, it’s no wonder she believed those fortune–tellers. Lia,

scolding you”

pleaded with Sanderson and Lorna. “Sanderson, Lorna, please forgive Mom

Sanderson remained tight–lipped

Laurinda a stern look. Startled, Laurinda blurted out. “Isn’t my apology enough now? Sanderson,

broke into tears

his decision. “Let’s leave it

the matter under the carpet that night.

Sanderson sighed. “Truth is, I’ve already

in surprise. “What?”

to her, Sanderson explained, “But we’ll

“We’ll move out

change wasn’t likely overnight. After today’s outburst, she would behave for a while, but should she slip

and daughter should never

drama had little effect on Cordelia. She continued her research late into the night, engrossed until

glanced at it,

moments later, another

up too late.

finally replied,

materials down, completed her nightly routine, and lay in bed. Her mind buzzed with new knowledge, keeping

of something else. What, though?

pre–sleep ritual, easing the pain in her chest.