The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 647

Ronan's closet was a treasure trove of high-end designer clothes. Normally, he’d just grab the first thing he found, but today he was being unusually fussy. What was up with that?

"I've got a get-together," Ronan said casually.

"A get-together? With who?" Cordelia asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

"Marie and Emerson, some old school friends."

"And you're not taking me?"

Ronan looked up, his hands gently resting on her arms. "Wanna come along? Sure. Go get changed."

Cordelia picked up on his vibe and decided not to push it. It was a reunion of old friends, and she'd probably feel out of place anyway. Besides, she had lesson plans to prep.

"I'll sit this one out," Cordelia said.

"You're sure?"

"Yeah."

Ronan had only made the offer out of politeness, knowing she'd say no. With that, he grabbed his keys and headed out the door.

Today, he needed to discuss some matters concerning Harold and Petra, and having Cordelia there would be a drag on the conversation.

...

The day before.

Harold had just wrapped up his training when Victoria showed up at the basketball court, watching him play from the sidelines.

Coincidentally, Daniella had also decided to drop by. With nothing to gain from Janice anymore, she figured she'd go straight for Harold’s attention.

She kept her distance, controller in hand, capturing Harold's every move with her drone: the way he wiped his sweat with his jersey, the nonchalant way he drank from his water bottle—it was all effortlessly cool.

Harold scanned the area and spotted Victoria.

He assumed it was her doing and walked away, muttering, "Funny, isn't it?" as he passed by her.

Victoria was left standing there, baffled.

Daniella, seeing Harold talk to Victoria but not hearing their exchange, got even more frustrated watching Harold's indifferent reaction to the note. Even though someone else had pulled the note, it was clear it wasn’t meant for them. The drone had hovered around Harold, obviously meant for him. Now with Harold gone, the guys teased from behind, "Oh, he's leaving? What are you gonna do about the note your 'girlfriend' wrote you?"

Everyone speculated about who had written the note. Most thought it was Daniella since her pursuit of Harold was no secret.

Seeing her plan fizzle out, Daniella left in a huff.

The guys lost interest and tossed the note away before dispersing. Victoria picked it up and read it. She had seen Daniella sitting at a distance during the basketball game and thought to herself, "Sneaky girl, always with the tricks. But luckily, Harold thinks it's from me."

In the quiet battle for Harold's attention, Victoria felt she'd just gained an edge. Perfect!