The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan)

Chapter 8

Mom's surgery and hospital bills hadn't been paid off yet, and it was making Cordelia edgy. Dr. Devon

told her today was the final deadline for payment.

But when she saw Jordan, was still in a meeting in the company conference room, she guessed Ronan

was probably in there as well. Sending him a message now would not be the best timing; it would rub

him the wrong way. All she could do was wait patiently.

Past 10 p.m., after working overtime, Cordelia trudged into the elevator, utterly exhausted. It just so

happened, that Ronan was already in the elevator when she got in.

Seeing Ronan seemed to perk her up a bit, and she moved to stand in a corner of the elevator.

The money issue had been gnawing at her for a while now. “Mr. Evans,” She said, plucking up her

courage when she saw no one else was around.

“Mm?” Ronan replied casually, standing in front of Cordelia without turning around to look at her.

Their conversation was nothing like what you'd expect from a married couple.

“I remember the contract mentioned a down payment of 200,000 after signing… that money…” She

treaded carefully since she was talking about asking for money.

“You haven't gotten it yet?” Ronan asked, still not turning around to look at her.

“Mm, not yet.”

“You in a hurry?”

Cordelia was so anxious she was about to tear her hair out. The day was almost over.

“I thought the lawyer had transferred it to you already. Send me your bank account number.” Ronan

was straightforward, not dwelling on whether she was in a hurry or not. He asked for her account

number directly.

This straightforwardness made Cordelia feel a bit relieved. “I’ll send it to you once I get on the bus.”

When they got to the first floor, Ronan left the elevator without a word.

The bus wasn't crowded. Cordelia got on, took out her bank card, and sent Ronan a clear picture of the

card number. Not long after, she received a transfer of 200,000.

Just when Cordelia was inwardly praising Ronan for being so decisive, she received another message

from him. [If you were a little more diligent and typed the numbers, the transfer might have been 30

seconds faster.]

Was he calling her lazy?

Cordelia was worried this would affect her marriage performance and felt the need to over-explain. [Oh,

Mr. Evans, the bus was crowded, it was inconvenient to type.]

[You're in such a hurry, but you're afraid of inconvenience?]

So, it all came back to her being desperate for money.

As Cordelia was contemplating how to respond, she received another message from Ronan. [This

Saturday, come to Birchwood with me to visit my grandfather, Barney.]

Cordelia felt a pang of anxiety, and then asked. [How many days are we going for?]

[We're leaving Saturday morning, staying one night, and coming back on Sunday.]

To be honest, when she saw that they were going to Barney's house, Cordelia was happy. After all, all

her performance wages were based around him. Only by seeing him could Cordelia get more money.

On Friday, Cordelia went to visit her mom in the hospital. Her mom was doing much better after the

surgery. Cordelia even talked to Dr. Devon about hiring a suitable nurse to help out.

However, when she got to her mom's room, she saw her rarely seen brother Adrian. Adrian wasn't

exactly a success story, but he had recently gotten a new job as a chauffeur for a tech company CEO.

His driving skills were decent.

“Cordelia, how about I set you up with a boyfriend?” Adrian said with a grin.

Cordelia ignored Adrian. What good could come out of his drinking buddies? Moreover, she was novelbin

officially married now. There was no way she'd betray her husband and give Ronan something to hold

against her.

“Not interested. I don't have the time right now. We can talk about it once Mom gets better.” Cordelia

held her mom’s hand tightly, pressing it against her face.

“Wait till mom gets better? You might be waiting a long time,” Adrian said casually.

Cordelia didn't appreciate his remark, but she didn't respond.

“I remember you had quite a few suitors back in the day. And about that guy who passed away… Are

you still planning on never marrying because of him?” Adrian had come to the hospital to pester

Cordelia. He hardly ever visited their mom.

“Don’t mention him! You have no right!” Cordelia said sternly.

Seeing Cordelia getting upset, Adrian dropped the topic. It was a painful memory for his sister, and he

didn't want to upset her. He paused for a moment before saying, “Alright, alright, I won't bring it up

again. Don't get so worked up. But the guy I want to introduce to you this time is Mr. Colby's son. He's

a second-generation rich kid, handsome, and wealthy. Are you sure you don't want to consider it?”

Cordelia didn't respond, completely disregarding Adrian's suggestion.

Seeing Cordelia so stubborn, Adrian couldn't help but get angry. “Cordelia, you need to know your

place! You're pretty, but there are plenty of girls like you out there. Don't think too highly of yourself!

Mom's medical bills need to be paid, and as her daughter, you're not even considering her medical

expenses. You're heartless!”

Cordelia closed her eyes, letting Adrian's words breeze past her like the wind.

“Ungrateful,” Adrian muttered angrily when he saw Cordelia ignoring him. He then left the room.