The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 353

Marian was a sharp-witted heiress, shrewd and resilient. She knew what she wanted and the path she had to tread.

She understood the reason why Cordelia sent her to Jamie’s firm, PrimeNumbers Accounting. Cordelia probably realized that after having a child, she had no future with Jamie. She must have feared that Ronan would suspect something amiss between her and Jamie, hence her introducing Marian to the firm. Over time, Cordelia believed that Jamie would fall for Marian, and her troubles would naturally dissolve. Moreover, Marian working at Jamie’s firm would also suit Ronan’s agenda.

So here Marian was, bringing Jamie to meet Cordelia. To be precise, she came to make her stance clear to Ronan.

Jamie, on the other hand, was here out of spite. Cordelia wanted to introduce him to her new girlfriend? Fine, he'd play along. He was here, and he was curious as to what she could have possibly done next.

"How's PrimeNumbers Accounting?" Cordelia asked Marian, her question also directed at Jamie.

"It's great. PrimeNumbers Accounting is the best firm, after all. Our collaboration will surely thrive," replied Marian, shooting a glance at Jamie. She came off as a dutiful wife.

"Sounds good," Cordelia responded.

"Cordelia, I want to thank you. I got this pearl necklace, especially for you. I'm sorry for the past. Now you've had a child, you look even more charming." Marian pulled out an exquisite pearl necklace and draped it around Cordelia's neck. Cordelia's radiance was undeniable. Her already smooth skin further accentuated the luster of the pearls.

"Cordelia, it looks lovely on you. Don't take it off," Marian suggested.

"Alright," agreed Cordelia.

"I'll take my leave now," Marian announced to Ronan.

"Sure."

After Marian and Jamie left, Cordelia removed the necklace. She always had to be wary. What if another phosphorus combustion incident occurred? What would she do? Marian was too shrewd to be trusted.

"Why did you take it off? It looked good on you," Ronan asked with a teasing glance.

"That's a secret. I don't feel safe keeping it at home," Cordelia replied.

She had an idea. She planned on sending the necklace to Samantha.

Last Christmas, she received a bouquet of roses with a teddy bear and suspected it was Samantha's doing, in an attempt to stir up trouble between her and Ronan. Samantha kidnapped Cordelia and forced her to sign the divorce papers. She stood by as her grandmother died. She caused Cordelia's premature delivery, indirectly leading to the stillbirth of Edith. If Cordelia hadn't delivered prematurely, Edith might’ve still been alive.

And these were just the major offenses; there were countless minor ones.

If Marian had tampered with the necklace, it would have harmed Samantha. If not, Cordelia wouldn't have lost much by giving it to her.

Cordelia hadn't told Ronan about Samantha causing the stillbirth of her baby. Initially, her health didn't permit it, but later, after giving it some thought, she refrained from telling him to avoid dealing with Samantha the way he dealt with Manda.

Cordelia didn't want that. Firstly, Samantha was her relative, and they had quite a close relationship. She wanted to preserve whatever dignity Samantha had left. Secondly, Cordelia wanted to deal with Samantha herself.