The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 155

Once she left Ronald’s house, Cordelia finally breathed a sigh of relief. The atmosphere at her uncle’s place was suffocating.

As Cordelia slowly walked, she thought about her recent arguments with Ronan, and about Jamie. When she passed a 24-hour convenience store, she glanced inside and saw someone buying cigarettes. It reminded her of Jamie.

Cordelia waited outside. The man turned around, lighting up a cigarette. Sure enough, it was Jamie. He saw Cordelia as well.

The encounter was a bit awkward. Cordelia felt some guilt towards Jamie, considering he got screwed over by Manda because of her.

“Mr. Colby, what are you doing here?” Cordelia asked him.

“I...I’m here on a business trip,” Jamie awkwardly responded.

Cordelia had a hunch he was hiding out here on purpose.

Among the many remote suburbs of Millstone, Roseville had the least population and was the least developed economically. She guessed that there would be less gossip here.

"Mr. Colby, I'm sorry," Cordelia apologized, head low.

They walked and talked slowly.

"Why do you always say that? It's not your fault."

"Do you know who did this?" Cordelia asked again.

"I messed things up. It's probably Manda's doing. She didn't have any evidence to threaten me, and proving things were tough. I told her that. But this time, I don't know what got into her. After all this happened, she didn't say anything. It probably fits her agenda." Jamie felt disappointed. "But we didn't..."

"Didn't what?"

Jamie's voice softened. "I was reminded of you, how you were so determined...how you pricked yourself with a needle. The video was maliciously edited."

Cordelia thought, “He didn't suspect Adrian, and probably wouldn't suspect Ronan either.”

Cordelia hated herself. Even at a time like this, she was still thinking about Ronan, wanting to clear his name.

"Oh, why are you in Roseville?" Jamie asked Cordelia.

"Oh, after my mom woke up, she wanted to visit my grandma. My grandma lives here in Roseville. Her place is small and couldn't accommodate us, so I'm staying in a motel," Cordelia explained.

Jamie stared at her seriously. "Is it safe for a girl to stay alone in a motel?"

"Oh, Brooklyn came with me. She's waiting for me."

Jamie noticed Cordelia's red and swollen hand. Instinctively, he held her hand and asked with a furrowed brow, "What happened to your hand?"

"It's nothing, just from washing clothes for my grandma." Cordelia quickly pulled her hand back.

Jamie finally nodded in relief. “I’ll walk you there.”

Cordelia nodded in agreement.

They walked slowly.

“How’s your test review? Only the last subject left, so don't slack off. Make sure to review the notes I gave you," Jamie advised Cordelia seriously. "Once you pass the test, you'll be more valuable."

Cordelia felt encouraged. “I’ve been busy lately, and haven’t had much time to review.”

“Strive hard to ace the exam. Lumos Enterprises’ Audit Department is a good place, a promising future."

Jamie kept praising Lumos Enterprises, which touched Cordelia. She clenched her fist. "Hmm."

Samantha was watching from afar. The guy who turned his head earlier, didn't he resemble the man from the "office scandal" photo?

He stayed at a nearby hotel alone.

Samantha, seeing Jamie and Cordelia entering the motel, went home as well. She knew Cordelia's secret now!

Cordelia went to Brooklyn's room.

"The people at Ronald's house are too much. They couldn't even accommodate you," Brooklyn complained.

"Did I interrupt you two?" Cordelia asked as she applied hand cream.

"He's in the other room playing games, nothing exciting," Brooklyn said, a bit annoyed.

"By the way, do you know about our company hiring salespeople?"

"Aren't they always hiring for those nasty sales positions?" Brooklyn asked, sprawled on the bed with a face mask on.

"Do they provide accommodation?"

"Nope. Housing's really tight in the company. They only give it to the top graduates. Why do you ask?" Brooklyn probed.

"Ronald's daughter. She said she's going to our sales department but didn't mention where she's going to live."

Brooklyn gently peeled off her face mask. "Just remember, don't give away your spot in the dorm so easily. I won't accept any other roommates except for you, let alone Ronald's daughter, whose character is seriously questionable."

"You haven't even met her! How do you know her character's bad?" Cordelia couldn't help but laugh.

"Just use your brain, if she's really that decent, why would she have you staying in a motel all by yourself?"

Cordelia thought for a moment. True that. If it wasn't for her respect for her grandma, she definitely wouldn't be willing to help. She just felt that Samantha was having a tough time all by herself in Millstone.