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.

a male heir, Steward had no hesitation in choosing his eldest son.

snapped at Laurinda, “What kind of nonsense are you spouting? If you can’t bear to live with Sanderson, pack your bags and return to the Smith

“You’re

want me to throw you

dismissive snort at Rachel and Juliana made it clear. “Cordelia is the Delaney

with finality, and the room fell

apologize, Laurinda stiffened.

attempted to smooth things over. “Laurinda is a senior, after all. Let me apologize on her

11-12

she believed those fortune–tellers. Lia, Grandma

scolding you”

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, do you want

broke into tears

made his decision. “Let’s leave it at

under the carpet that night.

sighed. “Truth is,

in

since Lia was back, knowing Mom wouldn’t take to her, Sanderson explained, “But we’ll need more time to finish the renovations,

understood. “We’ll move

for a while, but

“My wife and daughter should never have to

on Cordelia. She continued her research late into the night, engrossed until midnight. A message from Little Fang popped up on her screen.

glanced at

moments later, another message

stay up too

replied,

another five minutes of reading, she put her materials down, completed her nightly routine, and lay

of something

involuntary pre–sleep