The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 380

It seemed as if Ronan had a gift of foresight, for he had replaced Callum’s babysitter, Paloma, with a seasoned caregiver, Jessica.

Jessica was a stranger to Cordelia and didn’t have Messenger, so there was no chance for Cordelia to make contact with her. She trusted Janice more.

"Let her send a picture of me in exchange for pictures!" Ronan sat on the living room couch, slowly lifting his glance.

Janice was puzzled. "Your picture in exchange for the baby's?"

"Yes. She has one picture of me, which can be swapped for ten of the baby. It's a fair deal."

With that, Ronan got up from the couch and headed upstairs. He paused, turned back to Janice, and added, "Pictures downloaded from online magazines or posted on Facebook don't count. I know all the ones she's posted on Facebook. If she dares to download any from online magazines, she'll never see the baby again!"

Janice was stunned. She knew when Mr. Evans spoke, he meant business. She had to figure out how to break the news to Cordelia without hurting her feelings.

Finally, Janice texted Cordelia. [Cordelia, Mr. Evans caught me taking pictures of the baby earlier. Seems like he wants to see where he stands in your heart. He's asking you to send a picture of him in exchange for a picture of the baby. One picture of him can be exchanged for ten of the baby’s. Can't you see he's obviously seeking your attention? Remember, pictures downloaded from websites or magazines, and those posted on Facebook, don't count. See how much he cares about his place in your heart.]

Cordelia couldn't help but give a bitter smile upon receiving the message. She didn't see any plea for attention in Ronan's request. Rather, she thought he was being difficult. His demand felt more like a reprimand!

He probably knew that Cordelia had never taken a picture of him except for one she posted on Facebook to provoke Deanna.

To confirm, or perhaps out of wishful thinking, Cordelia started flipping through her photo album, hoping to find a picture of him. Unfortunately, all her search yielded was disappointment.

Ronan must've known she wouldn't find a picture to meet his command. That was probably why he offered such a tempting deal - one picture of his to be exchanged for ten of the baby's.