The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 413

Once the books were cleared off, Cordelia noticed a young boy's face peeking from behind the bookshelf - Harold. He was busily arranging books on the shelf.

Tears still glistened on Cordelia’s face. It was not ideal to show her vulnerability in front of a student.

"What are you doing here?" Cordelia asked.

"Earning some bucks! Have you been crying, Ms. Haselwood?" Harold inquired while continuing his task.

"No," Cordelia dodged.

"Ms. Haselwood, you're five years older than me," Harold added.

"Hmm?" Cordelia wiped her tears subtly, puzzled by the remark.

"A graduate of the University of Edinburgh with a PhD in Finance."

"Did your advisor hold a meeting?" Cordelia tried to keep her voice steady.

"Very good!" Harold said again.

"What?" Cordelia furrowed her brows, unable to comprehend Harold's words.

Harold looked at Cordelia, "Ms. Haselwood, you don't have a boyfriend, do you?"

Cordelia was taken aback. Her personal life was complicated, and neither a 'yes' nor a 'no' could accurately describe it. Moreover, she had no intention to answer Harold's invasive question.

"If you don't have a boyfriend, then I'll pursue you. Even if you do, I'm not afraid," Harold boldly stated.

Finally understanding Harold's intentions, Cordelia wanted to retort with, "You're crazy," but restrained herself due to their teacher-student relationship. She picked up Barney's works and turned to leave, leaving behind a statement. "I have a kid!"

After she left, Harold mumbled to himself, "Who are you kidding?"

Cordelia didn't take Harold's confession seriously. In her eyes, he was just a student, a child, whimsical and fickle. She had heard of teacher-student relationships but mostly involving male teachers and female students. The opposite dynamic was rare.

"Why the hatred? Can't you just confront her? You both need closure." Emerson was frustrated. "She has been gone for three years."

"So you know it's been three years," Ronan replied, his tone reproachful.

Emerson was at his wits' end. "So if not this time, then when? Our collaboration with Empower Operations is long-term."

"You can meet her."

"Why are you so dramatic, Ronan?"

"Dramatic?" Ronan snorted coldly, "I've moved on."

"Dad, where are you going?" Callum had just returned from outside, his forehead slick with sweat.

Ronan patted Callum's head. "Are you tired?"