Love or Die: CEO’ s Daily Dose of Swoon (Cordelia) novel Chapter 37

Hearing Steward's words, Sanderson fell silent.

He didn't like the idea of his daughter entering an arranged marriage, but Steward had a point that his Lia deserved better.

Her partner shouldn't just be the owner of some small store.

He didn't nod but merely spoke up. "I'll look into it."

It looked like it was time to dig up some dirt on that pretty boy.

-

In the elegantly decorated room, with pink curtains fluttering in the breeze, Juliana sprawled on her bed, her phone in hand, sobbing. "Why? And it's not enough she's good at math. Why does she have to be good at physics, too? What am I supposed to do? She's hogging all the spotlight. Mom, I'm suffering too much! Wah..."

The phone carried a brisk female voice. "Juliana, you're missing the point."

Juliana paused, rose to grab a tissue from the desk to wipe her tears and blow her nose, then switched her phone to speaker. The voice on the other end analyzed rationally, "Do you know what sets Greenmeadow International School apart from regular schools?"

Juliana tossed the used tissue into the wastebasket, her voice nasal as she answered. "No."

"When you were born, you were ahead of the game. Most at Greenmeadow aim for universities abroad. You're there not just to study but to broaden your horizons, network, and develop skills. That country girl, raised on rote learning, thinks she can change her destiny with knowledge. Competing with her academically is beneath you."

"Quality and refinement aren't determined by academics alone. You see what I'm getting at?"

Juliana had an epiphany. "Mom, I get it! No matter how brilliant she is, she's just a nerd, and I'm a true lady. Why bother competing in studies? I excel in piano, dance, and art!"

The voice offered advice. "What's crucial is your poise. If you keep losing your temper, it's unbecoming."

Juliana's spirit reignited. "I got it, Mom. Since Lorna took over the household, I can't live as comfortably as before."

The Delaney family had a rule. High schoolers got an allowance of ten grand a month. But Juliana used to woo more out of Laurinda. Now, with Lorna favoring fairness, equating her to that country bumpkin, Juliana wouldn't stand for it!

The voice softened on the other end. "I'll give your grandmother a call."

Juliana's eyes lit up. Mom was stepping in!

She hung up, beaming.

Meanwhile, Laurinda was stewing in her room, hating to see that country bumpkin treated like a gem!

As she wallowed, her phone rang. Recognizing the caller ID, she eagerly answered, "Rachel, when are you and Kermit coming home?"

Rachel chuckled. "Laurinda, we'll be back next week. Are you busy balancing the books? I'm just shopping for your gift. Sorry to bother you."

Laurinda's tone soured, "Balancing what? Lorna has usurped the housekeeper's role!"

Rachel was surprised. "What happened?"

Rachel laughed after a dramatic recount from Laurinda and a call to action. "Laurinda, it's easy-peasy to reclaim your position with all your years of experience."

Laurinda was intrigued. "You mean..."

-

The following morning, Cordelia came downstairs to the end of a piano concerto. Laurinda clapped vigorously. "Juliana, you are playing better by the day!"

Juliana rose gracefully, smiling. "Thanks, Grandma."

Then, with a side glance at Cordelia, she headed toward the dining room.

Cordelia noticed that Juliana's air of defeat had vanished overnight, replaced by her usual arrogant demeanor.