Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon (Cordelia and Sanderson) novel Chapter 157

Chapter 157 

When Cordelia got back home that night, something felt increasingly off. At dinner, she was somewhat distracted, and when Lorna inquired about it, she couldn’t help but express her skepticism, “Is that school really that effective? She’s only been there for a week and she’s already a different person?” 

Cordelia’s brows furrowed in contemplation. 

After dinner, as was their new routine for the past week, Cordelia and Lorna headed to the study. Cordelia played some video games and Lorna indulged in her painting. 

Cordelia waited for a bit, but her gaming buddy, Jungler didn’t reach out, prompting her to send a message. When Jungler didn’t respond immediately, Cordelia booted up the game. She was about to go solo in ranked play when Jungler popped online and invited her to a duo queue. 

Cordelia accepted and once in the lobby, realized it was a trio setup with another player. Jungler typed, “Mind if I bring a gal along?” 

“No problem,” Cordelia replied. 

They played a game, but Cordelia was restless. After the match, just as she was considering another round, she dropped out and texted Jungler, “Something’s up. You two play on.” 

Her intuition was seldom off, and she had a nagging feeling that something was up with Merry. 

People didn’t change that drastically overnight. 

She thought about calling Yates, but for some reason, as she switched to the phone app, her fingers instinctively dialed a number she knew by heart. 

As soon as the call connected, Everard’s voice came through, “What’s up, sweetie?” 

Cordelia’s eyes flickered, “I think there’s something wrong with Little Parrot.” 

“Why do you say that?” 

She sighed, “Just a hunch.” 

As soon as those words left her mouth, she knew they lacked conviction. Who would take a hunch seriously? 

She braced for some comforting but noncommittal response when Everard surprised her, “Alright, I’ll look into it.” 

Cordelia blinked, “You believe me?” 

With a chuckle, Everard replied, “Why wouldn’t I?” His voice, deep and resonant, seemed to wrap around her, and his reply warmed her more than the thickest blanket on a cold night. 

“Thanks,” Cordelia said softly. 

She was just a student, unsure of how to investigate, and could only rely on Everard. 

“I’ll have an answer for you tomorrow,” Everard promised. 

“Okay.” 

After hanging up, Cordelia rose from her seat after a while, told Lorna she was heading to bed, and retreated to her room to bury herself in her chemistry textbook. 

The next morning, Everard called with alarming news, “That school is definitely sketchy. I’ve got people gathering evidence, but you should prevent the Jordan family from sending your friend there today‘ 

Cordelia was stunned, “What’s the problem?” 

“I suspect they’re using corporal punishment. I’m still looking into the specifics.” 

1/3 

Corporal punishment? 

Her pupils contracted, and without hesitation, she said, “Got it, I’m going to stop Little Parrot’s parents right now.” 

She dashed out to her car and drove towards the Jordan residence. 

On the way, she called Latham to excuse herself from school. After hearing the situation, he not only agreed but also added, “Talk it out with the Jordans. Actually, I’ll head over there myself in a bit.” 

Unfortunately, by the time Cordelia arrived, the Jordans‘ butler informed her that Paulina had already taken Merry to school early that morning. 

In the Jordans‘ car, Merry was struggling to memorize passages from her literature book, repeating lines over and over. Paulina looked on with a mix of pride and pity. 

“If only you had started working harder earlier, you wouldn’t have to struggle so much now,” she sighed, “Merry, stop for a bit and have some breakfast.” 

“No need,” Merry replied without lifting her gaze from her book, her concentration waning as the school loomed closer, bringing with it a wave of dread, 

Sensing Merry’s discomfort, Paulina’s brows drew together, “What’s wrong, Merry?” 

Clutching her chest, Merry shook her head, “Mom, can we not go to that school anymore?” 

But Paulina’s reply was firm, “You’ve changed so much in just a week there. Just stick it out a little longer.” 

At the thought of the consequences of not mastering her assignment, Merry grabbed Paulina’s hand 

desperately, “Mom, please, I’ll do anything you say from now on, just take me back home.” 

Tears welled up in her eyes. 

Paulina was torn, but as she was about to respond, Merry pleaded, “Do you love me, Mom?” 

“Of course, I love you. Why would you ask that?” 

“If you love me, take me home.” Merry’s voice became shrill, “If you don’t take me home, then you don’t love me.” Paulina’s sympathy vanished at that moment, replaced by the image of her rebellious daughter. How could she equate going home with love? 

She took a deep breath and looked ahead, “You might hate me now, but one day, you’ll understand that I did it all for your sake.” 

“For my sake, my foot.” Merry beat the seat in frustration, “I want to go home. I want to go home.”