The familiar Midwestern twang hit Abbey's ears before she even laid eyes on the source...
She whipped around, only to see Bill sauntering over with his carefree gait. Spotting her, Bill's steps momentarily halted.
Abbey's eyes widened in shock, on the verge of shouting "Bro!" when Bill sharply turned away, retreating.
Her words got stuck in her throat: ??
What on earth was her brother doing?!
How did he end up here?
No wonder upon arriving in Greenmeadow, she couldn't find him anywhere! Who would expect to find him in a tiny spot like Midnight Scent?
As Abbey pondered, Cordelia gestured towards Everard, saying, “This is my boyfriend.”
Abbey: “…”
Her brain just couldn't keep up.
She coughed slightly, slowly turning to the person behind the counter. Although she'd only seen him in photos with her brother back at home, she recognized him instantly – this was her brother's boss!
Who could tell her why her brother's boss was running a place like Midnight Scent?
But now, she finally got it!
No wonder her brother was gifting Cordelia jewels. It wasn't to woo a girlfriend but to curry favor with the boss!
In a flash, Abbey realized all this. Looking at Cordelia, who seemed oblivious to Everard's situation, Abbey clamped her mouth shut.
Her brother always moved in mysterious ways, and the boss was even more elusive.
Sometimes, when out on business, her brother would pretend not to recognize her if they crossed paths. She was used to it.
So, she decided it was best to keep silent!
She smiled at Cordelia, simply saying, “So cool!”
Cordelia: “…”
Suddenly, Abbey, who just moments ago was advising Cordelia to break up, changed her tune, showering them with praises: “Lia, I think you and your boyfriend are a perfect match! You two are literally made for each other! It’d be a crime to the audience if you weren’t together!”
After her spiel, Abbey quietly made her exit: “Well, now that I’ve met your boyfriend, I’ll head out~”
Once Abbey disappeared from Midnight Scent, Bill came back from the backyard, and the three of them sat down for breakfast.
After finishing, Everard, with his face in his hand, remarked, “See, even an outsider thinks we’re a great match.”
Cordelia paused for a moment, then nonchalantly responded with a “Hmm.”
Everard, accustomed to her cool demeanor, slowly added, “I also think we’re meant for each other.”
Cordelia: “…”
Not interested in engaging further, she stood up to leave. Just then, Everard called out, “Hey, kid.”
Cordelia turned back.
Everard, dressed in black, suddenly smiled, “Let me ask you something.”
Cordelia: “Go on.”
Hearing this, Rachel chuckled, “Being pretty and smart doesn’t compare to marrying well. I think that dress looks beautiful on you. Hurry downstairs, Hanley is already here.”
Satisfied, Juliana quickly readied herself and descended.
Upon reaching the bottom, she saw Hanley, dressed sharply, receiving compliments from everyone around.
Juliana felt pleased.
No matter what, Cordelia could never surpass her in terms of a fiancé.
Comforted by this thought, Juliana wore a broad smile as she approached Hanley.
Together, they made a stunning couple, earning praise from everyone passing by.
Hanley, just back from Ontoky City, was clueless about the recent developments and wondered, “Why’s this year’s birthday bash so grand?”
Elsewhere.
After pondering, Sanderson, as an elder, certainly didn’t want Everard to be at a disadvantage.
Given that, why not use this opportunity to make amends?
But the thought of Everard having to swallow his pride, apologize, and suck up to Bill... it just doesn’t sit right with me.
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