Cordelia smiled and answered directly, “Zephyr Hamerton.”Neil had long expected this answer, but Cordelia’s frankness surprised him. He did not expect Zephyr to have such a high status to her that she did not even feign courtesy and blurted it so straightforwardly.Shane looked around and stepped up to break the awkwardness with a chuckle.“Uh… Neil, take a look at the script first. You’ll be the first to audition when Ms. Lulham is here!“Ms. Cordelia, take a break too! Neil asked me to bring some snacks. Have a try…”The few of them found somewhere close to the window where the sunlight spilled in, and they basked in it. The scenery outside was the picturesque fall.Shane made coffee and brought them over, the room immediately wafting with the aroma. Neil pulled a pretty lunchbox out of his bag. It was a dark-colored wooden box with intricate and repeated patterns carved on it…Cordelia was stunned and nearly doubted if her eyes played a trick on her. The box that her mother
To outsiders, he was forever domineering, strict, and impassive. In front of Cordelia, though, he was just an easily jealous boy.Neil’s gaze was complicated and cryptic.“We just played a round of cards the last time and haven’t got to know each other officially.” Zephyr looked at him coldly.Neil caught what he meant and took the initiative to extend a hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Zephyr. I’m Neil Harris. My detailed information is available in the company.”Zephyr shook hands with him perfunctorily and smiled. “Zephyr Hamerton, I’m also the second largest shareholder in Imperial Media.”“I know,” Neil said softly. “But Madam Baker’s the one who signed me…”Zephyr snickered, “Mona Adams said the same, but how did she end up?”Neil smiled without saying anything.“Of course, an award-winning actor like you is heaven and earth’s difference from the small-time influencer. You can’t be compared.”Neil nodded. He could discern that what Zephyr said was probing him. From the first
At the Tanners’ residence at night…Joe and Mandy were discussing how they would try for the joint hospital project in the study room while Nelly sat aside and listened attentively.Mandy had wanted to let her go back to her room earlier to sleep and did not want her to know too much.A few years ago, she had her guard up against Nelly and tried as much as possible not to let her get in touch with the Tanner Group’s core business.Joe did not think much about it. Nelly was not their biological daughter, but they had raised her to this day. It was impossible to say that they had no feelings for her. Moreover, Nelly was able to assist him in business.“I don’t know how the rumor came about,” Joe said in a low tone. “But it’s said that Rowan likes the Tanners the most among the four major families and wants to work with us.”Mandy frowned.She thought that it was ridiculous at first, but the rumor was growing more aggressive and sounded as if it was real.Despite that, Rowan did n
Josiah smiled and produced two invitations, passing them to Joe and Mandy ceremoniously.“My mother’s organizing a recital and would like to invite you both!”Mandy went through the pretty invitation with a smile.Mrs. Bayer was known for her talents among wealthy wives. She was good at music, chess, literature, and painting—all at a masterly level.“If I remember correctly, she held an art exhibition last year!” Mandy said with a smile, “And she’s hosting a recital this year. She’s amazing!”“You’re flattering her!” Josiah scratched his head and chuckled. “My mom’s just bored at home and plays around! Uncle and Aunt Tanner, you’ve got to come if you’re free!”“Of course! That’s needless to say!”“My mom’s organizing a recital on the sea this time. The elders will be on a cruise, while the younger generation will be on yachts at our family’s private beach!”“Oh, that’s very thoughtful!” Joe said with a smile, “Please ask Mrs. Bayer to rest assured. We’ll be there on the dot!”
“Mr. Irwin, you’ve presented halfway through. Do you want to go back and continue…”“No need.” Rowan waved a hand.He was out anyway and was free now. He might as well go take a look at the vet.Charlie swiftly took him to a famous veterinary hospital nearby. Just as the car stopped at the entrance, he saw Cordelia walking with a fat cat carefully.Rowan wanted to follow her inside but paused and thought about it. He then asked Charlie to buy a Siamese cat at the nearby pet shop. He had to have some pet to enter the veterinary hospital, or it would be too strange.Charlie did as told. Rowan was well respected in Southeast Aciatic, and no one dared stop him, no matter where he went. Now, though, he had to enter a veterinary hospital depending on a cat. Charlie found it kind of funny.When Cordelia lined up to wait, holding Ginger, Rowan sat close to her quietly. He waited for a bit and slowly inched closer to her when he saw that there was no one beside her. He watched her discr
Rowan paused. His throat felt choked up, and his gaze turned sorrowful.Cordelia thought that she had triggered something sad and felt guilty. She quickly diverted the topic. “Sir, your cat looks quite well. It doesn’t look like it’s sick!”“Oh…” Rowan recovered and plastered on a smile. “It… isn’t feeling too well these days either. I think it’s better to check it out.”“But this line is really long.” Cordelia sighed.The veterinary hospital was not big, but the cats and dogs were hard to control. They could not speak and could only cry their discomfort out. Even an experienced vet would take some time with each pet.“It’s not your turn yet.” Rowan smiled. “Why don’t I take a look at your cat?”Cordelia was surprised. “You’re a vet?”“I’m a doctor.”She smiled. “Sir, you treat humans, but you can treat animals too?”Rowan refused to miss this chance to interact with her, so he insisted. “Theoretically, you grasp a concept in medicine, and you’re able to comprehend the rest. I
A large cruise sailed along the Bayers’ private sea area.Melodic piano music resonated across the beach, and even the seagulls danced along.Rowan was one of the invited guests. He stood at the deck and sipped on his champagne, knowing full well why the Bayers had invited him. It was for the joint hospital project.He smirked and finished the champagne to turn back to the restroom on the cruise.He suddenly heard a deep and mocking voice as he rested with his eyes closed on the couch.“Mr. Irwin, you didn’t bring your Siamese cat along?”Rowan’s eyes flew open abruptly.Zephyr stood before him with a mocking smile on his icy face. He looked at him coldly. “Mr. Irwin, have you been fine?”Rowan took a deep breath.“Mr. Zephyr.” He got up and smiled.As both of them stood across each other, Zephyr’s icy gaze turned vicious as he took a sudden step forward to force Rowan to the wall.If he had not rushed to the veterinary hospital in time that day, who knew what the sly fox
Zephyr paused and narrowed his eyes at Rowan.“Why are you fretting about whether I keep her company or not?”“You—”“Aren’t you poking your nose into business that’s not yours, Mr. Irwin?” Zephyr’s tone hardened as his eyes gleamed coldly.What surprised him, however, was that Rowan’s expression dimmed, and a wash of dejection flashed across his face.“Yeah, I shouldn’t be caring so much.” Rowan muttered to himself and chuckled rather self-deprecatingly as he walked out, “Who am I to…”Zephyr watched him leave with a confused face.What did the sly old fox want? Whatever it was, he must not get close to Cordelia.Zephyr left the room briskly.The recital at the deck had come to a close. The guests were clinking glasses, and it was merry.Cordelia stood at the bow, away from the crowd, as she watched them with a smile.“Cordelia, why are you here alone?” Josiah jogged over giddily and passed her a glass of wine.“Z’s not keeping you company?”“I called him just now. He’ll