The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 696

"Mr. Grant?" Cordelia was caught off guard. The world suddenly felt incredibly small as she realized the "Mr. Grant" Sienna had mentioned was none other than Grant Thompson.

"Cordelia?" Grant was just as surprised. "Wow, it's been ages. I almost didn't recognize you."

When Sienna saw Grant arrive, her face lit up like a sunny day. She quickly went to the door, ushered Mr. Grant inside, and with a bright smile, said to Cordelia, "Della, I won't keep you from your studies. You better head back to class."

With that, she shut the door, leaving Cordelia standing outside.

Grant noticed Samantha slumped on the couch, clearly upset, and asked, "What's going on?"

"She's throwing a fit about going to the set. I've told her to take a break, but she won't listen. She says earning her own money is what makes her feel secure. I mean, she's already made enough for a house and a car – what's with the obsession to keep earning more?" Sienna praised Samantha, painting her as a fiercely independent and ambitious woman. The last thing she wanted was for Mr. Grant to find out about Samantha's overnight stay at Harold's place.

For a tycoon like Grant, a girl's reputation was everything.

Sienna brought Grant a glass of water and a plate of sliced fruit before retreating to her room. She even shoved Ronald out, leaving Samantha and Grant alone.

No sooner had she left than Sienna sent a message to Cordelia: [Della, you better not tell Mr. Grant that Samantha knows Harold. Please, please. Since you don't want Samantha with Harold, you might as well hope she ends up with Grant.]

Cordelia had just stepped off the elevator when she saw Sienna's message. She smirked, thinking: Classic Sienna, always chasing the money. She actually wouldn't mind seeing Samantha and Grant together. Grant, with his wealth and cunning – just look at how he treated his ex-wife – was quite the character. Cordelia wondered, if they got together and Samantha misbehaved, how would Grant deal with her?

She was looking forward to the drama.

Cordelia then headed to school.

Later, when she got home, Janice asked Cordelia where she'd been all day. Not wanting Janice to worry about Harold, Cordelia made up a story. But Janice, puzzled, remarked, "Huh, didn't you and Mr. Evans go to the same place?" Cordelia realized she might have messed up, not knowing what excuse Ronan had given.

Just then, Jayson came running up, calling out, "Mom, mom, where were you last night? I didn't see you this morning."

Objectively speaking, Jayson was more observant and sensitive than Callum, perhaps feeling a lack of love from a young age. He clung to the people he loved, fearing their loss, his vulnerability tugging at heartstrings.

"Mommy was at a friend's house and went straight to school from there. That's why you didn't see me. Did you miss me?" Cordelia's voice softened, influenced by Jayson's gentle tone.

Jayson nodded, "Mhm."

"Well, Mommy's back now, isn't she?" Cordelia scooped Jayson into her arms, her heart hardening against Petra. How could anyone mistreat such a sweet boy?