Chapter 409
Sure, Cornelia would never spill the beans to anyone not related to Marcus, so she didnât answer Zackâs question.
Zack got it, no more questions asked. He just switched the topic right away, âNelly, whereâs the party at? How about me and Abby wait for you and give you a ride home? We donât want to wait till tomorrow.â
Comelia replied, âHe didnât give any specifics, and didnât say where weâre going. I have no idea how long itâll take. You and Abby donât have to wait. Iâll grab a cab when Iâm done.â
Zack got more and more steamed up, âParis to Riverton is a twelveâhour flight, anyone would be beat. No rest after the flight, just straight to work, Marcus is heartless.â
âZack, stop it, I know what Iâm doing.â Cornelia didnât want to hear any more trash talk about Marcus, so she ended the call quickly.
She put away her phone and almost bumped into Marcus as she turned around, thankfully she steadied herself in time, âPresident Hartley, sorry, didnât see you there.â
Cornelia was on her phone as soon as they landed. Marcus saw her engrossed in her phone, oblivious to her surroundings. He worried she might bump into someone, so he walked on her outside, careful to protect her. Little did he know heâd overhear her friend. complaining about him, âYour friend got beef with me?â
Cornelia got the fright of her life, and quickly shook her head, âNo, President Hartley, donât sweat it.â
Marcus grumbled, âIâm not deaf.â
Cornelia laughed awkwardly, âI didnât mean it like that. Zackâs just looking out for me. Heâs always like that, doesnât matter who it is.â
âDoes he like you?â Marcus had had this question in his mind for a while. He knew Cornelia didnât have romantic feelings for Zack, but he thought Zack might have a crush on her because she was so awesome.
âOf course he likes me.â Cornelia didnât pick up on the jealousy in Marcusâ voice and said excitedly. âWe three grew up together, went to elementary school, high school, even got into University of Riverton. We rented a house after graduation. Never split up all these years, we must all like each other. Otherwise how could we have lived together for so long?â
Marcus was ticked off by her words and walked off, âI had someone get our luggage, just follow me.â
âSure.â Cornelia followed Marcus out of the VIP channel to his personal ride, a RollsâRoyce. She ran a few steps forward to open the car door for him, blocking the top of the door with her hand, very professional, âPresident Hartley, your ride is here.â
Marcus wanted to let her get in first to sit in the back with him. But he knew she would refuse, so he just got in.
After Marcus got in, Cornelia took the passenger seat.
The driver was Austin, an old acquaintance of Corneliaâs. âAustin, long time no see, howâs everything?â Cornelia asked.
Austin replied, âNot so good.â
Cornelia asked, âWhatâs wrong?â
Austin started to vent, âAfter Marc left for his business trip, no oneâs been riding in my car. During the time you guys were away, I had nothing to do and was bored out of my mind.â