The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 652

"Man, can you believe it? Harold's a smart kid, top of his class and all. How could he do something like this?" Professor Dustin shook his head, baffled. "It's like he's under some kind of spell. Life's really unpredictable."

"Yeah," Ronan nodded, "you can't fight fate."

Daniella was getting more anxious by the second. What the heck was going on? Just spit it out already!

If he didn't spill the beans soon, Daniella was ready to corner Mr. Evans for answers.

"He actually plagiarized a paper!" Dustin finally exclaimed.

Plagiarism? Daniella was stunned.

As a stickler for academic integrity, Daniella had zero tolerance for any sort of dishonesty, let alone outright theft. Didn't Harold realize the gravity of his actions?

In an instant, any warm feelings Daniella had for Harold plummeted.

Just as Ronan had said, her liking for Harold was pretty superficial. She had admired him from afar, thinking he was a decent guy, but up close, he turned out to be a total fraud.

Her affection for Harold vanished, leaving behind a trail of disappointment.

Ronan and Dr. Dustin went on to discuss Petra's situation, with Dustin suggesting that Tabitha would be better off in Ronan's care.

"Alright, got it," Ronan replied.

After dinner, they headed to Edith Hills.

Daniella's drone was finally put to good use.

But ever since the meal, she seemed lost in thought, a bit out of it, though the footage she captured was still stunning.

Ronan exchanged a knowing glance with Emerson – their collective IQs needed no words.

"Bro, do you think we're being shady?" Emerson joked.

"I won't lie, I'm pretty stoked," Emerson admitted. "Bro, your strategic play is top-notch."

The conversation ended there, and by evening, the trio made their way to Ronan's grandpa's house.

The house had plenty of rooms, so each picked one for themselves.

Ronan chose to sleep outside, staying close to his home-bound treasures.

He video-called Cordelia.

"I won't be coming home to sleep tonight," he said.

"Where are you crashing?" Cordelia asked, her tone a mix of concern and frustration. It used to be that wherever he went, she'd follow. But now, she no longer did, and he didn't insist. Moreover, him spending nights out had become all too common.

"At Grandpa's. Emerson's here, and so is Daniella."