Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 50

The two were upstairs chatting when a car broke the silence, followed by Laurinda’s excited voice from outside. “Madeline, Rosina, you finally made it!”

Then came a boisterous chout, “Mom, why the tears? Don’t tell me Lorna has been giving you grief again!”

Just by the rudeness of the voice, one could tell the owner was not someone to mess with

Lorna instinctively furrowed her brows and whispered to Cordelia “That’s your aunt, Madeline She’s. Lorna, who never liked talking behind people’s backs, hesitated but cautioned, “She married young and, well, she’s a bit rough around the edges. Her daughter Rosina isn’t the easiest, either. Just keep your distance, Lia”

Cordelia was stunned momentarily but understood the unsaid implications in Lorna’s words

The middle–aged woman who helped Laurinda inside was tanned and huge, especially noticeable in her tight–fitting dress, with her belly fat layering one over the other, quivering with every step she took

And trailing behind her was Rosina, a girl with a delicate name but a sturdy build with vulgar manners. As she entered, she plopped down on the couch and looked up at Juliana adoringly. “Juliana, you look so beautiful today. You’re sure to be chosen.”

Juliana had just finished a piano piece and responded with feigned modesty “Nothing’s certain. There’s also Cordelia and the Collins family’s darling to consider! And Rosina, you play the piano, too!”

Rosina snorted, “Me? I’m here for fun. As for Cordelia, well, I heard she grew up in an orphanage surrounded by disabled kids. She probably doesn’t present well, just here to make up the numbers.

After her spiel, Madeline interrupted, “Rachel, where’s Lorna? They’ve found Cordelia, and why hasn’t she come to greet me? Isn’t she hiding because she’s too unsightly? Come on, we’re all family. There’s no need to hide!”

As Lorna descended the stairs, hearing this, her expression soured, and she intentionally stomped a little harder.

and a fresh face framed by

and Rosina were

chuckled. “Lia, say

spoke slowly, “Hello.”

slap to her pride but quickly sought to recover. “If the mother’s pretty, the daughter can’t be far off. But looks aren’t everything. It’s academics and talents that count. Our Juliana aces in school,

in the living room instantly grew

expressions darkened. Why did this woman have to bring up the most awkward

tugged at Madeline’s arm. “Enough

mother was intimidated by Lorna, Madeline scoffed, “Mom, what’s there to hide? If a child has weaknesses, we should point them out!

with a gentle

as a student. Have you had your mock exams for senior year? Don’t compare yourself to Juliana right away. That would be too much

Loma happily interjected “Our Lia is a fighter She

into a lecture when she was

Cordelia, the gorgeous girl who shouldn’t have her mind on studies, right?

cramming don’t make waves. Look at Juliana. How beautifully she plays the piano!” Madeline quickly shifted focus. “Yeah, Juliana’s piano skills are amazing Four auditioners today, and the other three are just making up the numbers! Speaking

“They should be here any minute.”

soon returned with a fashionably dressed, well–maintained woman, presumably Mrs.

with a pearl clip, her skin sickly pale. Upon entering, she hid behind Mrs. Collins, peeking at the others, her demeanor both endearing

so when I heard Stanton was coming to

“Not at all, I’ve heard great things

have scared poor Joy. Why don’t we have Juliana take her upstairs to relax?”