The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 698

"No need. You think a phone call can change anything? Anything to do with you, anyone connected to you—I want nothing to do with it. Not now, not ever. Don't kid yourself. I don't hit women, but if something like that hotel incident happens again, I can't guarantee I won't snap. Watch yourself!" With those cutting words, Harold turned and walked out.

Victoria was left alone, the sting of humiliation burning her cheeks as she sat in her office. It wasn't long before she buried her face in her hands and began to cry.

She had thought that by getting Harold into bed, she'd have him wrapped around her finger. Instead, it seemed to have unleashed his rebellious streak. Harold, who rarely smiled, had since treated Victoria with nothing but icy disdain.

Distraught, Victoria called Cordelia. She told her about Harold's visit, how he had rejected the job opportunity she had set up for him, and how he had spoken to her with such venom. Everything was spiraling in the wrong direction.

"Take a breath, Vic," Cordelia advised once they hung up. "If his folks don't even know his current predicament, then what he probably needs most is cash. I'll see if I can hook him up with a job, get him back on his feet. After all, money talks."

Cordelia thought about her connections at Millstone College and realized Brenda was the obvious choice. She was a whiz in finance, and with Harold's skills, he'd nail any job in that field.

Cordelia hadn't been in touch with Brenda for ages. And it wasn't that she wanted Harold and Brenda working together—she was keen to keep Harold away from Jamie's firm. She just hoped Brenda could offer Harold a job.

And Brenda came through, finding a perfect fit: an accountant position at a small but thriving CPA firm she owned. Though she still worked her usual gig at Jamie's firm, this side venture could use someone like Harold, and it paid well.

Cordelia rang Harold to explain the situation. His voice was hoarse when he answered, but he agreed with a simple "Okay."