Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon (Cordelia and Sanderson) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 

Cordelia urged Larry to head back first, then made her way toward the other side. 

After crossing the street, she slipped into an alleyway where the raucous shouts of street vendors seemed to be cut off, creating an oasis of calm amidst the clamor. 

She walked on for about two hundred meters until she heard noises coming from around the corner. Turning the bend. she was met with a group of about seven or eight individuals. 

In that instant, Cordelia’s vision was flooded with red. 

The seven, decked out in various school uniforms, represented different institutions. The girls sported pink. hair, while the boys‘ fir 

red locks were slicked up with enough gel to rival a bonfire. 

At that moment, they had Merry cornered. 

Flame No. 1 shoved Merry, “Who gave you permission to dye your hair back?” 

Flame No. 2 chimed in, “Merry, are you trying to bail on us?” 

Flame No. 3 added, “Have you forgotten what happens to those who try to leave the fold?” 

Merry was trapped in the middle, shivering with fear, her heavily made–up face a canvas of terror. She pleaded with someone on the side, “Yates, please, let me be!” 

That was when Cordelia spotted Flame No. 8. 

Leaning against the cool grey wall, Yates also sported an exaggerated red mane. Despite his wild hair, his good looks were unmistakable. He was slouched against the wall, eyes half–lidded, engrossed in a game on his phone, an aggressive aura around him. 

Flame No. 1 spoke again, “Merry, have you forgotten the oath you took when you joined? We’ll give you one chance. Dye your hair back by tomorrow, or face the consequences of betraying the Flame Union!” 

Standing bewildered at the entrance of the alley, Cordelia finally began to piece together the situation. 

Merry’s fiery hair was apparently the hallmark of the Flame Union, and their ringleader was none other than 

Yates. 

Everyone at school avoided Merry, fearing Yates. Even Hanley wouldn’t dare cross him. It seemed this guy was either fearless or came from a powerful family, or possibly both. 

Despite her fear, Merry stuttered, “What do I need to do so I don’t have to dye it back?” 

Flame No. 2 scoffed, “Not dye it? Are you kidding me?” 

Flame No. 4 accused, “Who helped you out when you were being bullied and crying for help? And now you’re so ungrateful and clueless!” 

Flame No. 1 offered a solution, “If you don’t want your red hair, fine. We’ve got a better idea. We’ll shave it off for you. How about that?” With that, he brandished a pair of scissors. 

Merry crouched down, clutching her hair, “No, please…” But her arms were grabbed, leaving her powerless to resist. 

“Merry, you’ve brought this on yourself!” 

Flame No. 1 lifted a strand of her hair, ready to cut without mercy! 

That’s when…. 

“Stop.” A voice, cool and indifferent, rang out, freezing everyone in their tracks. They turned to look at the mouth of the alley. 

Cordelia stood there, her misty eyes scanning the group before settling on Merry. 

13.06 

Merry, seng Cordata, was momentarily stored, then urgently oted our “Cordella, don’t worry about me just 

Cordelia walked right toward Marry Shepped fragile and dermy as the stomached the Flame 

essen 

servure, yet members instinctively cleared a path 

Once she was in front of Sherry the faced Fem o 1 

After few ronds of silence, during which Flame is 1 began to question his life choices Cordelia finally spoke, “What does it take to leave her alor 

140 

Flame 1 blurted out at once. Thears only one way Bear rates, and you become the boss of the Flame Union. Then you make the rulesm 

Cordelia processed this for a moment, her expression revealing her surprise & fights 

Seeing her reaction, the others felt a return to normalcy 

Flame No. 1 regained his swagger “Scared, huh? Mind your business and bear e don’t waste our time? 

Merry pushed at her too, We don’t know each other, just got 

Cordelia handed her backpack to Merry and then turned to face fates, saying simply Ter’s fight 

finishing 

Yates didn’t respond immediately Only after fughing his game did he show signs of impatience tossing no phone aside and limbering up, his joints cracking Mare it quick” 

But upon seeing Cordelia, his expression faltered 

Was it this the girl who had grabbed him on the street the other day, confessing her feeings? 

She looked so gentle and fail, clearly not from their word How could he fight her? 

Cordelia didn’t recognize him. They stood fading each other inblence 

Yates finally said, “Well, come at me then 

Cordelia paused before asking. “Could you give me half an hour? 

Yates was perplexed, “Why?” 

With an impassive face, but inwardly feeling somewhat embarrassed, Cordelia soled Tcont know how to fight. I need to learn first.” 

There was a moment of stunned silence before Yates, almost refervely, nodded in agreement. 

Ignoring the bewildered expressions of the others, Cordelia made her way to the Midnight Scent