Chapter 18
As Sanderson spoke, a voice echoed from the entrance. Mr Sanderson, 17 Steward requests your MARLE downstairs
Lorna didn’t catch Sanderson’s last words and didn’t dare to ask again. They both hurried out the e
Downstairs, Steward sat on the sofa, his face stern, and the tension in the room was palpable the house trat tiptoed around, cautious not to disturb the heavy atmosphe
Adjusting the button on his shirt collar, Sanderson asked with calm authority, Dad, what’s going on
Furrowing his brow, Steward asked icily. “Think hard. Have we done something to offend the Griffin family
Sanderson blinked in surprise, “What makes you say that?
“The secretary from the Hackett family called Steward began, “He said there’s no need for us to attend this gathering at the weekend”
Just then, Juliana, who had returned from school, overheard their conversation and her eyes lit up, I think it’s because of Cordelial
At this, Lorna immediately becanxious, “What about Lia?”
Juliana pouted, “In school, Merry pissed off Yates, and he cornered her after class. Cordelia, always playing the hero, had to step in. But Yates is Hackett’s dear grandson. We’ve been counting on the Goffin family’s support Isn’t she just causing trouble for us?”
After Hackett’s only son passed away in a tragic accident, leaving only his grandson Yates, Hackett becnotoriously protective. This was the primary reason Yates could bully his way through Greenmeadow International School without repercussion.
Laurinda slammed her hand on the table, “This is outrageous! I’ve always said that a wild child should have been brought into this house. It’s only been a few days, and she’s already causing such a mess!
Lorna steadied herself, clutching at her chest.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtYates was known as a real bruiser, once breaking a girl’s ribs. Lia, so slight and frail, could lose her life to one of his punches.
In the midst of her worry, Sanderson’s gaze fixed on Juliana, “Where are they? How long ago did this happen?”
“It’s in the alley next to the school, about an hour ago,” Juliana replied.
Sanderson was furious, “Why didn’t you call hwhen Cordelia was in trouble?”
Juliana darted her eyes around. She had secretly hoped Yates would give Cordelia a good beating, perhaps even cripple her. The last thing she’d do was call for help.
Before Juliana could concoct an excuse, Laurinda snapped, “Call for what? Cordelia needs to learn her lesson the hard way!”
“Mom!” Sanderson cut her off, with no more tto waste. Cordelia’s safety was the priority.
“Get the car ready!” Lorna trembled her voice, fearing for her Lia’s safety.
As Sanderson and Lorna rushed out, the rest waited to see the drama unfold, a slender figure walked through the door.
Cordelia had walked hwith her backpack. As she entered, she saw Sanderson and Lorna about to leave in a hurry. She stepped aside, polite and considerate as always.
But Lorna stood still, looking at her daughter for what felt like an eternity. Cordelia, innocent and confused, blinked and asked, “Mom, are you going out?”
Silence fell over the hall. Everyone stared.
After five seconds, Lorns finally examined her daughter. The oversized school uniform hid her thin frame, and Cordelia’s jeans were smudged with dirt Lorna rose her panic, 1s, are you okay?
Cordelia sighed. “Not really”
Lorna immediately reddened her eyes as she grabbed Cordeliers hands. “Where does it hurtz
Cordelia looked baffled by Lorna’s agitation and slowly replied. “Mr Latham gavefive sets of papers to do today I might not finish them now
She had planned to cstraight hafter school to study, but the incident with Merry had cost her de bone and a half. It looked like the would be up late tonight
A worried Lorna, checking for injuries, was confused, “That’s it?
Cordelia nodded, her grip tightening on her backpack as she moved to head upstairs, Mom, I need to get to my
studies.
But before she could take two steps, Laurinda halted her, “Don’t use studying as an excuse Cordelia, since you’re not seriously hurt, you will go to the Griffin family to apologize right
Cordelia was filled with confusion, thinking. Apologize for what?
Sanderson spoke firmly. “Mom, we don’t even know the full story yet. Besides, kids will be kids it’s not that
serious.
After speaking, he turned to Lorna, “Take Lia upstairs.”
Lorna nodded. As Cordelia ascended the stairs, she heard Laurinda’s scolding, Sanderson, you can’t code her like this! If you don’t make her apologize, how are we going to manage our business with the Griffe family?
Sanderson was resolute, “I brought Cordelia back into our lives, not to be mistreated. I will handle this “You?” Laurinda’s voice rose with incredulity, followed by a sneer, “Fine, when you fail to win over the Griffin family and the shareholders reject you as chairman, I’d like to see what you’ll do then!”
All the way to the bedroom, Cordelia was still clueless about what had happened.
The Griffin family… she didn’t know anyone form the Griffin family!
She looked to Lorna, asking in confusion, “What’s going on?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLorna gently reassured her, “Don’t be afraid, withand your dad here, we won’t let you suffer”
Cordelia, who had never sensed fear, was left perplexed.
The door swung open, and Sanderson stepped inside, causing a slight discomfort to stir within Cordelia. She had chjust after Sanderson had left for a business trip. As a result, she hadn’t really spent much twith her father.
Sanderson greeted her with a gentle smile, “Lia, tto do your homework, huh?”
He reached out with his broad, calloused palm to pat her head softly, his voice reassuring as he said, “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”
Cordelia managed only a quiet, “Okay”
She bowed her head, staring blankly at the problems before her for a moment. Though she didn’t quite understand what had transpired, Sanderson seemed to instill in her a sense of security
As she allowed a small smile to grace her features, she felt her sense of belonging to this family intensify slightly.
Shaking her head to clear it of all the unnecessary thoughts, she dedicated herself to tackling the questions with renewed earnestness.
Sanderson and Lorna left the room without further interrupting her train of thought.
It wasn’t until they were back in their bedroom that Lorna was overwhelmed by worry. “What are we going to
do?”
If Lia had been disciplined, given Yates usual way of handling things, this would all be over. But since Lia was unscathed, it meant Yates wouldn’t let things lie.
Sanderson sighed, “I’ll pay a visit to the Griffin family tomorrow.”
As a man, for the sake of his wife and child, Sanderson knew when it was tto bow his head.
Lorna hated her powerlessness, the desire to grow stronger kindling within her. She nodded reluctantly. “Take coffee beans with you. Hackett loves it. Perhaps the gesture will smooth things over, right?”
Though Sanderson held little hope, he agreed, “Okay.”