Love or Die: CEO’ s Daily Dose of Swoon (Cordelia) novel Chapter 167

Leila paused in her tracks, her gaze flickering with confusion as she looked toward Cain, "Dad, what's wrong?"

Cain gestured towards the couch across the room, signaling her to sit. He then asked, "I heard that today at school, you offered to get a drink for Merry?"

At his words, a flash of panic crossed Leila's eyes.

Under normal circumstances, such a slight change in demeanor might have gone unnoticed, but Cain, already harboring suspicions, was watching her closely. The shift did not escape his gaze.

Furrowing his brows, Cain felt a sinking feeling in his heart.

Unable to hold back, Paulina chimed in with a hint of reproach, "Merry had a panic attack last night because of a shower. She's terrified of water now. Why would you block her path and offer her a drink?"

Leila quickly spoke up, "Mom, Dad, I didn't mean to. I saw her at the water cooler and just asked if she wanted a drink. I was only trying to be caring."

Cain's voice carried a sternness, "Leila, you said last time that throwing away the note at school was out of concern for her, and now you're saying giving her a drink is the same. Do you really love her?"

Leila hurriedly replied, "Of course, she's my twin sister. How lucky am I to have another version of myself in this world?"

Cain kept his gaze fixed on Leila, and after a long pause, he sighed, "Alright, if you truly love her, then I presume you'll be willing to cooperate with what I'm about to suggest."

A sense of dread filled Leila, "What is it?"

Cain slowly began, "Paulina and I have discussed it, and we've decided that with Merry's current condition, it's not suitable for her to stay at the Delaney's. Her phobia of water is such that even a shower could cause her to faint. It's too much of a burden on them."

Leila immediately interjected, "Right, we should bring Merry back home."

Cain continued, "But, Merry has some misunderstandings about you."

Leila quickly said, "Then I can go with you and Mom to pick her up. I can apologize to her. Once she's back, I'm willing to give her all the best things I have."

Cain shook his head, sighing, "That's not what I mean."

Leila was baffled, "Then what do you mean?"

Exhaling deeply, Cain said, "Merry is ill right now. She needs more care from us, and she's avoiding you, unwilling to even hear about you, let alone see you. Besides, you're in your senior year and your exams are coming up. Your studies are critical. So, Paulina and I have decided to buy a house near your school for you to move into for now. Don't worry, and we'll arrange for two housekeepers to look after your daily needs, and we'll visit often."

Leila's eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to Paulina, "Mom, you want me to leave too?"

Paulina quickly reassured her, "We're not sending you away. You're the most obedient child, Leila. Merry's situation is complicated right now, and we trust you're willing to step back for her sake, right?"

Step back? To give up her parents' affection?

Leila clenched her fists tightly. Seeing the resolute looks on Cain and Paulina, she knew the decision was final. Always cunning, she managed to hide her unwillingness and rage, only showing a pitiful redness in her eyes.

She nodded, "I'm willing, but Mom, I'll miss you."

Paulina stood and embraced her, "It's okay, Leila. I'll visit you often."

After releasing Leila, Paulina instructed, "Go upstairs and do your homework. I'll help you pack your things in a bit. It might not be for long. Once Merry gets better and is willing to listen, we'll move you back."

Leila nodded her head.

But as she turned to go upstairs, a fierce glint shone in her eyes.

It was all Merry's fault, stealing the love of Cain and Paulina. She wouldn't let her off easily.