SWNOVELS Chapter 48
Chapter 48
In the dining room, he crystal chandelier cast its incandescent glow upon the
faces of the Delaney family, each a mask of unpredictable emotion
Ever—present yet unobtrusive, the servants diminished their presence further,
blending into the shadows cast by the opulent decor.
Steward, who had remained silent throughout the evening, sat upright, his voice
booming through the tension. “Nonsense!”
Still standing. Sanderson seemed a pillar of strength, his broad shoulders a
protective canopy over his wife and daughter. He addressed his father directly
“Dad, take a good look around, is there even a place for us in this home
anymore? To an outsider, it might seem I'm not even Mom's flesh and blood!”
“Bullshit!” Laurinda’s voice rose to a screech. “I carried you for nine months and
went through hell to bring you into this world. Is this how you repay me?”
Her eyes then darted accusingly at Lorna. “It's you, whispering poison into
Sanderson's ear, turning him against me! I never approved of you marrying into
the Delaney family. That fortune teller was right. You're bad luck, a jinx. He said
you'd bring ruin upon us, and look at us now!”
Lorna was caught off guard, stunned by the harsh accusation.
Equally incredulous, Sanderson wrapped a protective arm around Lorna's
shoulders, his anger palpable. “Is this why you've been so cold to Lorna all these
years?”
In anger, Laurinda admitted, “Yes, that's exactly why! She can't even give us a
grandson. Our family line will end with you!”
“I have Lia!” Sanderson countered.
“She’s just a girl! Besides, her grandfather was a lunatic, and she’s likely got that
craziness in her blood!” Laurinda spat out evilly, alluding to the stigma
surrounding mental illness and its feared hereditary nature.
Laurinda’s words were a gut punch that left Lorna trembling. Her pain laid bare
without any defense.
But the reassuring squeeze on her shoulder from Sanderson's hand calmed her.
He had never intended to argue. Instead, he shielded Lorna from further harm.
“Enough. We'll move out. Consider me an unfilial son, a stay with Kermit if you
must!”
Laurinda’s voice reached a fever pitch. “You're my son, and you'll care for me in
my old age!
and
“Silence!” Steward slammed his cutlery down, silencing the room. He looked
squarely at Sanderson. The Delaney family had risen from obscurity mainly due
to Sanderson's connections and opportunities. Although Steward held the title of
chairman, Sanderson was the true force behind their success.
So, despite Laurinda’s favoritism toward Kermit and Sanderson's lack of a male
heir, Steward had no hesitation in choosing his eldest son.
He snapped at Laurinda, “What kind of nonsense are you spouting? If you can't
bear to live with Sanderson, pack your bags and return to the Smith family!”
Laurinda’s eyes bulged. “You're kicking me out?”
“If you don’t want me to throw you out of the house, apologize to Cordelia!”
Steward’s unwavering stance and dismissive snort at Rachel and Juliana made it
clear. “Cordelia is the Delaney family’s lady. Anyone who disrespects her is
disrespecting me!”
His words echoed with finality, and the room fell silent.
Too proud to apologize, Laurinda stiffened.
Rachel attempted to smooth things over. “Laurinda is a senior, after all. Let me
apologize on her behalf. And,
(1D
given her old fashioned beliefs, it's no wonder she believed those fortune—tellers.
Lia, Grandma will surely stop
scolding you”
She pleaded with Sanderson and Lorna. “Sanderson, Lorna, please forgive Mom
this once
Sanderson remained tight-lipped
Steward gave Laurinda a stern look. Startled, Laurinda blurted out. “Isn't my
apology enough now? Sanderson, do you want your mother to grovel at your
feet?”
Humiliated, she broke into tears and retreated upstairs..
Steward made his decision. “Let's leave it at that.”
The family brushed the matter under the carpet that night.
In their bedroom, Sanderson sighed. “Truth is, I've already bought a villa
elsewhere.”
Lorna blinked in surprise. “What?”
Tve been preparing it since Lia was back, knowing Mom wouldn't take to her,
Sanderson explained, “But we'll need more time to finish the renovations, so let's
hold off on splitting for now.”
Lorna understood. “We'll move out later?”
Considering Laurinda’s temperament, a change wasn't likely overnight. After
today’s outburst, she would behave for a while, but should she slip again.
Proposing a split wouldn't seem unreasonable.
Sanderson's resolve was evident. “My wife and daughter should never have to
walk on eggshells.”
The family drama had little effect on Cordelia. She continued her research late
into the night, engrossed until midnight. A message from Little Fang popped up
on her screen. [Are you asleep?]
Cordelia glanced at it, uninterested.
A few moments later, another message arrived.
Mr. All-Round’s message popped up. [Don't stay up too late. It's not good for
your health.]
Cordelia finally replied, [Okay, Sir.]
After another five minutes of reading, she put her materials down, completed her
nightly routine, and lay in bed. Her mind buzzed with new knowledge, keeping
her awake.
She needed to think of something else. What, though?
Lately, thoughts of Everard had been her involuntary pre—sleep ritual, easing the
pain in her chest.
So naturally, her thoughts drifted back to him, to their recent encounter, the
moment he swapped shirts and gave her a glimpse of his waist.
Without realizing it, she fell asleep, her thoughts lingering on Everard.
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In her dream, his abdominal muscle
was always before her, moving
hypnotically until suddenly, Everard
leaned in close, a playful grin on his
“ . ”
face. "Hey girl, want to have a touch?
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She was sure she didn’t want to, but in her dream, her hand moved on its own,
reaching toward his abdomen...
The following morning, Cordelia woke up looking a little off-color.
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As she descended the stairs, Juliana
was uncharacteristically quiet,
waiting for her. In front of Steward
“
and Sanderson, she spoke, “Grandpa,
Uncle Sanderson, you were right
about yesterday. Cordelia is my
cousin, so Mom and I want Cordelia
to join us this weekend when the
tutor comes over. If Mr. Stanton
takes a shine to her, it would be a
moment of pride for the Delaney
Ta »
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chapter there!
Her words sounded polite, but her eyes flickered with disdain.
2/3
Chapter 48
Putting on an act was easy for her! It was just another opportunity for comparison
“That's the spirit! Sisters should always support each other,” Steward praised.
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Cordelia kept her lips pursed in a foul
mood until she stormed into the
Midnight Scent café. She glared at
“
Everard. “Can you control my dreams,
" .
too?” The content is on
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chapter there!
Everard looked up, baffled, only to be met with an accusatory stare. “Scumbag!
Beast!”
Everard had no idea what had happened.
[Arthur's notes: The family drama will peak soon after a grand piano showdown.
Smooches! I'm looking forward to your recommendations!]
Chapter 49