Love or Die: CEO’ s Daily Dose of Swoon (Cordelia) novel Chapter 18

As Sanderson spoke, a voice echoed from the entrance, "Mr. Sanderson, Mr. Steward requests your presence downstairs."

Lorna didn't catch Sanderson's last words and didn't dare to ask again. They both hurried out the door.

Downstairs, Steward sat on the sofa, his face stern, and the tension in the room was palpable. The house staff tiptoed around, cautious not to disturb the heavy atmosphere.

Adjusting the button on his shirt collar, Sanderson asked with calm authority, "Dad, what's going on?"

Furrowing his brow, Steward asked icily, "Think hard. Have we done something to offend the Griffin family?"

Sanderson blinked in surprise, "What makes you say that?"

"The secretary from the Hackett family called," Steward began, "He said there's no need for us to attend this gathering at the weekend."

Just then, Juliana, who had returned from school, overheard their conversation and her eyes lit up, "I think it's because of Cordelia!"

At this, Lorna immediately became anxious, "What about Lia?"

Juliana pouted, "In school, Merry pissed off Yates, and he cornered her after class. Cordelia, always playing the hero, had to step in. But Yates is Hackett's dear grandson. We've been counting on the Griffin family's support. Isn't she just causing trouble for us?"

After Hackett's only son passed away in a tragic accident, leaving only his grandson Yates, Hackett became notoriously protective. This was the primary reason Yates could bully his way through Greenmeadow International School without repercussion.

Laurinda slammed her hand on the table, "This is outrageous! I've always said that a wild child should never have been brought into this house. It's only been a few days, and she's already causing such a mess!"

Lorna steadied herself, clutching at her chest.

Yates was known as a real bruiser, once breaking a girl's ribs. Lia, so slight and frail, could lose her life to one of his punches.

In the midst of her worry, Sanderson's gaze fixed on Juliana, "Where are they? How long ago did this happen?"

"It's in the alley next to the school, about an hour ago," Juliana replied.

Sanderson was furious, "Why didn't you call home when Cordelia was in trouble?"

Juliana darted her eyes around. She had secretly hoped Yates would give Cordelia a good beating, perhaps even cripple her. The last thing she'd do was call for help.

Before Juliana could concoct an excuse, Laurinda snapped, "Call for what? Cordelia needs to learn her lesson the hard way!"

"Mom!" Sanderson cut her off, with no more time to waste. Cordelia's safety was the priority.

"Get the car ready!" Lorna trembled her voice, fearing for her Lia's safety.

As Sanderson and Lorna rushed out, the rest waited to see the drama unfold, a slender figure walked through the door.

Cordelia had walked home with her backpack. As she entered, she saw Sanderson and Lorna about to leave in a hurry. She stepped aside, polite and considerate as always.

But Lorna stood still, looking at her daughter for what felt like an eternity. Cordelia, innocent and confused, blinked and asked, "Mom, are you going out?"

Silence fell over the hall. Everyone stared.

After five seconds, Lorna finally examined her daughter. The oversized school uniform hid her thin frame, and Cordelia's jeans were smudged with dirt. Lorna rose her panic, "Lia, are you okay?"

Cordelia sighed, "Not really."

Lorna immediately reddened her eyes as she grabbed Cordelia's hand, "Where does it hurt?"

Cordelia looked baffled by Lorna's agitation and slowly replied, "Mr. Latham gave me five sets of papers to do today. I might not finish them now."