The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 119

"In our office, someone's real designer bag has been swapped for a fake one." someone announced loudly.

Well, ever since Cordelia got married to the president, the green-eyed monster had been running rampant amongst her colleagues.

Cordelia was engrossed in her work at the computer, but she was well aware of the juicy drama unfolding in the office. She only just noticed that Manda's bag was also from Chanel, and it was identical to hers.

"Cut the crap. She's the president's wife. You think making a ruckus will do you any good?"

"I heard she's been banished to the dorms these days, kicked out by Mr. Evans because she didn't meet his standards."

...

Cordelia had a crash course on how the Finance Department folks loved to kick someone when they were down.

"Cordelia, check your bag. Manda's bag has been swapped and yours is just like hers." Someone started to defend Manda.

After all, compared to Cordelia, they were all underdogs, especially Manda, who had been bullied by Cordelia to the point of leaving the company. She had only just returned and now her bag had been swapped. Everyone was jealous of Cordelia and liked to help the disadvantaged.

"Why would I be the suspect just because her bag was swapped?" Cordelia responded calmly. "If I did it, would I make it so obvious?"

"Maybe you're the real culprit." The colleagues chimed in again.

More colleagues returned from lunch, all eager to watch the drama unfold.

"If it turns out my bag isn't hers, who's going to take the blame?" Cordelia challenged.

No one dared to respond.

Jordan had always preferred Manda over Cordelia. Now that Cordelia was suspected of theft, he figured Ronan would feel the same. Even if she were ultimately proven innocent, being accused of theft would cast a shadow in Ronan's mind. The Audit Department was a crucial unit and Ronan would never let a woman once accused of theft in.

Under normal circumstances, the office wasn't the place to resolve such disputes. But $3,500 was no small amount. Moreover, Jordan wanted to see Cordelia's pride crumble. It was clear from Cordelia's plain clothes and ordinary bags that Ronan didn't lavish her with luxuries. So this Chanel bag definitely wasn't a gift from Ronan. With this in mind, Jordan was even more convinced of his suspicions.

"I am the president's wife!" Cordelia declared loudly now.

The colleagues started whispering amongst themselves, "So what if she's the president's wife?" "Can't stand her cocky attitude."

"Then I have no choice but to take this up with the president." Jordan announced and headed upstairs.

He wanted Ronan to see that his wife was a thief. After seeing Manda's receipt and pictures of her old bag, Jordan was certain of his judgment.