Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 71

Juliana glanced backwards and sighed in relief when she saw Cordelia, head down, engrossed in a book, seemingly oblivious to their earlier conversation and uninterested in the upcoming auditions.

Hayley was about to add a snide remark when Juliana stopped her.

Frowning. Hayley rolled her eyes, her sharp features accentuating her displeasure. “Why not?”

Julians looked down, her eyes veiling the complex emotions swirling within. Hands resting on her knees beneath the desk, she clutched the fabric of her uniform pants and said in a subdued tone, “It would hurt her feelings.”

At the next desk, Hanley had been pretending to focus on his book, but his ears had perked up the moment Hayley started mocking Cordelia. Feeling a twinge of disapproval, he now looked up approvingly at Juliana’s defense and said, “You’re doing the right thing, Juliana.”

In Hanley’s mind, Juliana might not have matched Cordelia’s academic prowess, but she was known for her kindness and generosity. Plus, her piano skills made her seem more like a true lady than Cordelia’s aloof demeanor.

Since his engagement was called off and he found out about Cordelia’s many talents, Hanley had felt a sting of discontent. Now, he finally felt a sense of calm.

He gave Juliana an encouraging nod. “Keep it up.”

She mustered a weak smile in return.

Seeing Hanley speak up, Hayley bit back her retort, choosing not to dwell on Cordelia. Instead, she shifted her target. “But why did Latham ask Merry to join? Her plano playing is just for show, right?”

Juliana shrugged it off. “Maybe they just needed to fill the numbers”

“I’m just there to make up the numbers!” Merry had a clear–eyed understanding of her role but remained positive. “Never mind the students from other classes. I’m not even in Juliana’s league, but it’s about taking part, right?”

Quick to regain her spirits, Merry chimed in, “And who knows, maybe I’ll run into my idol at the auditions!”

The thought of the post–school event had Merry back in fighting form, her voice taking on a fierce edge. “Bland is so amazing, anyone who tries to swindle people in his name won’t get off easy!”

Cordelia explained in her unhurried way. “It’s probably not a scam.”

The members of the Pioneers Group were generally trustworthy. There was Mathster, who had helped her with her paper. Stanton, who played the piano and seemed to have a decent reputation, then there was Louie and Mr. All–Round.

than Louie. Did he know about the curse about

phone and texted Mr. All–Round, “Sir, I

replied,

do you break up with

At Midnight Scent.

read her message and stared at his phone for a while before replying,

reply came quickly, “No, it’s

much

and Yates, only

13.07

eyebrow. Everard was about to respond when another message popped

to be

long time, as if he

instantly as usual. She didn’t think much of it and put down her phone to

classroom burst into a flurry of activity, the seniors dashed to

stood up,

go.”

her out. She noticed a new message

I’m here. When

seemed almost coquettish.

shook her arms. “Lia, don’t get your hopes up. This has to be a scam. How could Landie

talk like that?”

find out the truth soon enough. She replied with a simple “Okay” and led Merry out.

of my idol and give him a piece of my mind. Bland is a star in the sky, untouchable by the

for it! But I’ve got auditions during

glanced back at Merry, who clutched her hands to her chest in a dreamy gesture. “You really like him that much?”

filled with resolve. “Lia,

shook her head.

began, “You know my family situation. On my sixteenth birthday, I

to her sister Leila, Merry ran out of the house, tears