The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 548

Ronan was on the same page as Victoria. He figured Victoria must have her sights set on Harold and was trying to butter up his mom to seal the deal. If Victoria swung by and Cordelia wasn't around, there wouldn't be much of an excuse for the visit. You had to hand it to Victoria; she was sharp as a tack.

Janice swung the door open for Victoria.

Victoria's eyes lit up like Christmas when she saw Janice. Clutching a basket of goodies, Victoria whisked her aside. "Janice, Cordelia realizes she messed up with the whole Harold situation. She's too proud to say it herself, so I'm here to apologize on her behalf. This was all Petra's doing, you know. She put Harold in a tight spot, and bless him, he didn't make a fuss. Such a stand-up guy. I bet he'll climb the ranks in no time if he joins the army."

Janice glanced over at Cordelia, lounging on the couch, and her annoyance started to ebb. Victoria's words had a way of making sense. Deep down, Janice knew Cordelia was a good egg. She wasn't the type to push Harold into enlisting.

"Janice, you have to accept this," Victoria urged, piling on health supplements and a piece of clothing.

"This is... a lot," Janice faltered, the gifts weighing heavily in her hands.

"Look at this dress. You're the only one in this house it would fit," Victoria pressed on. "Try it on, and if it doesn't fit, I'll exchange it for you."

Finally, Janice nodded. "Alright."

As Janice retreated to her room with the bounty, Victoria couldn't help but feel smug.

The dress was a calculated move by Victoria. She deliberately got a size too big. She could only secure another visit the Evans residence by getting the size wrong.

Victoria plopped down next to Cordelia. "If only you lived in Millstone, I could pop over any old Saturday. But no, you're always out in Birchwood, and I have to plan around your schedule," Victoria grumbled.

"Go on, you two catch up," Ronan said before retreating to the bedroom.

"Look at the mess you've made, leaving me to clean up your mess," Victoria chided Cordelia.

"What?" Cordelia asked, puzzled.

"I mean, I'm the one who just apologized for you. I got a dress one size too big on purpose, so now I’ve got an excuse to come back.”

Cordelia thought for a moment and realized Victoria’s ‘kill two birds with one stone’ approach had worked out perfectly. She’d smoothed things over with Janice for Cordelia and had crafted a perfect excuse for future visits.

Cordelia had never met anyone as shrewd as Victoria. She figured it was only a matter of time before Harold was wrapped around her finger, too.

Ronan opened one eye. "Since when did you start putting on airs?"

"When have I ever?" she replied.

"I'll pass. You just got back, and you're already dining out. What is this place, a pit stop?" he teased.

"It's not like that. I didn't want to spring my return on Janice, and Victoria's here too. Cooking would be such a hassle. I thought I'd take Callum out for lunch and give you some peace and quiet. Is that okay?" she explained.

"Go ahead," he said, closing his eyes again and settling back. "Just don't take Callum. He can't handle spicy food."

Cordelia's plan to hit a Spanish restaurant for lunch flashed through her mind. Ronan knew her all too well.

"Okay, I'll leave Callum. I'm heading out, okay?"

Ronan didn't reply. She took that as her cue and descended the staircase, ready for a lunch reunion with old friends.