Chapter 194

[Cordelia]

"Bryant?" I look up at the elegant woman. "As in Sydney Bryant."

"The very same," she sighs. "Sorry about my daughter. She was always a bit of a handful. I know she's caused you a bit of stress."

A bit of stress? This woman is a bit delusional. But she's nice, so I don't want to hurt her feelings by saying so. "She's been...challenging," I try to smile, but I must look strange because the woman laughs and it sounds like the tinkling of silver bells.

"You can be honest, dear," she encourages, shaking her head. "I might be her mother, but I'm not blind or ignorant of her shortcomings. She's always been a bit of a spoiled brat and I'm afraid that time with her father hasn't helped that."

She gracefully takes the chair next to my bed as Clark and Tilly excuse themselves to give us some time alone.

"So you and Mr. Bryant...are not together."

She raises an eyebrow at the personal question. "Technically we're still married, although we have had separate households for the last 15