Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 116

Sanderson had been wheeling and dealing in the business world for years, his instincts honed to a razor’n edge. It didn’t take more than a glance for him to surmise there was something extraordinary about Everard. Everard carried himself with a grace and sophistication that simply couldn’t be bred in an average household. Moreover, there was a chilling aloofness to his demeanor that didn’t quite scream ‘boy–next–door.

Racking his brain, Sanderson couldn’t place who or what Everard might be, but he was determined to find out, ever at the risk of offending Everard. He couldn’t stand the thought of Cordelia being duped or taken advantage of.

Everard stood his ground, his deep eyes locked on Sanderson, clearly perceiving the wariness in Sanderson’s gaze.

“Tough nut to crack, Lia’s father,” Everard thought, letting his head droop slightly as he shed his usual cool exterior. With deference that seemed almost out of character, he said, “Mr. Delaney, I’m Cordella’s boyfriend, Everard Watkins.”

Sanderson wasn’t asking about that, though. Pursing his lips, he pressed on, “What’s your connection with Calvert, or should I say, with Bill?”

Everard wasn’t in the business of deceit. His lips parted slightly as he considered his response carefully, “We’ve worked together in the past.”

Sanderson raised an eyebrow, “Business partners?”

A nod from Everard, “Yes.”

Calvert, standing to the side, couldn’t help but twitch his lips in amusement. Yeah, business partners with Everard who even calls him ‘boss. Even Bill didn’t get that kind of treatment.

But Sanderson caught on to a particular word, ‘Past?”

Everard nodded again. The less said about his past identity, the better.

“And now?” Sanderson probed further.

“Now, I’m no longer with GoldGrasp Enterprises,” Everard revealed.

GoldGrasp Enterprises, Bill’s financial empire, with tendrils stretching across the nation.

“Why leave?” Sanderson blurted out instinctively.

Everard’s gaze grew distant, perhaps recalling past events, and he said with a touch of nostalgia, “GoldGrasp Enterprises didn’t need me anymore.”

Those words, together with Everard’s melancholic and somewhat defeated air, led Sanderson to misinterpret.

He knew all too well the struggles of starting a business, having built one from the ground up with partners, only to step away due to differing visions and the desire not to sever ties with friends.

sting of abandonment, Sanderson empathized with Everard, who seemed reluctant to discuss the past, and perhaps

humble establishment called Midnight Scent, seemingly lacking ambition. Had his

the

a hefty sum, enough to

attire.

it was hard to picture someone of his stature living without

in Greenmeadow,

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Chapter 116

debt?

patch, but that’s the time to rise up, not to fall into apathy. You’re a young man,

It seemed he had been

his favor,

lips moved, his earlier reverie turning to sorrow as he asked softly, “Really?”

Sanderson nodded firmly.

of admiration, “Could I seek advice from you,

the pride of an elder, Sanderson readily agreed, “Anytime.”

needs office supplies, and you can’t

“Your company

for Everard’s pride. He patted Everard’s shoulder again, “Opening Midnight Scent will only make you complacent. If you’re ready to get back into

taking a bit more time off,

at all.” Sanderson beamed, thoroughly enjoying their conversation.

meanwhile, was dumbfounded. Everard, who had relinquished control of GoldGrasp Enterprises to avoid the hassle of management and refused even the

storm

follow Everard, found himself cornered by guests, “Mr. Wallace, it’s a pleasure, I’m…”

his friend, Hackett had stuck by Calvert’s side, leaving Everard to take care of himself, an indication that Calvert was the

out of the picture, others saw their chance.

Everard and sharing some business insights, Sanderson’s admiration grew the point

called, and he excused himself to mingle with

Cordelia and Loma still seated on the couch, with Everard nowhere in sight. “Where’s Everard?” he

from her

been grinding through math problems for months and was almost through the entire set.

the party, Sanderson was ready for the evening to wind down. Instead of mingling further, he chose to sit next to Cordelia, finding themselves in a quiet corner. He leaned in and whispered earnestly, ‘Lia, I’ve been thinking, Everard seems like a good fit.

knew Cordelia was a sharp one, a real bookworm, not the type who’d be drawn to the hustle