Chapter 2
Several hours later, the car stopped before the Delaney Manor in Greenmeadow City. With wideâeyed curiosity, Cordelia admired the grandeur of the ornate standalone villa as Lorna guided her through the gate, the unfamiliar surroundings rendering her slightly bewildered.
As soon as they entered, they were assaulted by the pungent smell of alcohol spray.
The housekeeper, Sandra, wielding a spray bottle, began to douse Cordelia indiscriminately. A silverâhatred lady. directed the onslaught, âThe hair and the shoes. Donât miss a spot.â
Cordelia instinctively shielded her eyes while Lorna quickly stepped forward to exclaim, âLaurinda, what are you doing?â
Laurinda Delaney, eyes droopy with disdain, replied with a biting tone, âWho knows what kind of riffâraff those orphanages harbor? What if she brings in germs and viruses?â
Torn between hurt and anger, Lorna retorted, âLaurinda â
Laurinda assessed Cordelia thoroughly.
The g
girl seemed docile enough, her gaze lowered, long lashes casting shadows on her cheeks, quite a looker, but so wooden as if the barbs went unheard.
Laurindaâs gaze was thick with distaste, âLook at her, all dopey. Sheâs not foolish, is she? Did you even check properly? Youâve searched for 18 years for nothing and suddenly found her by some random email?â
Sandersonâs tone was firm. âMom, Iâve had the DNA test done. She is indeed my daughter. I wonât tolerate such talk again! And she is not foolish.â
After that, Sanderson pointed to Laurinda and introduced her to Cordelia, âLia, this is your grandmother.â
Then, he pointed to a spirited and beautiful girl near Cordeliaâs age. âAnd this is Juliana Delaney, your cousin from your uncleâs side.â
Laurindaâs demeanor softened as she turned to Juliana, patting her hand affectionately. âJuliana, keep your distance from her. Her mindâs not right. Donât let it rub off on you.â
Juliana maintained a polite smile on her face as she said, âGrandma, you
do jest.
Yet she stepped back, covering her nose and saying to Lorna, âAunt Lorna, why donât you get Cordelia to bathe first?â
Her disdain was clear as .
Lorna quickly glanced at Cordelia, expecting her to be upset, but instead found her eerily calm, as if she hadnât heard a word they said.
Feeling a pang, Lorna led Cordelia upstairs. âLia, your dad has to take care of your school transfer. Iâll show you to your room now. I designed it myself. It was in a hurry, and I didnât know what youâd like, but take a look. We can always make changes later.â
Lornaâs kindness was like a warm current to Cordeliaâs chilly heart, but upon opening the door to the room,
Lorna herself shocked. âWhatâs going on here?â
The spacious and beautifully decorated room was bustling with servants organizing clothes on the bed
Juliana walked in. âAunt Lorna, Grandma said I could have this room. You two might want to find a different one.â With that, she gave Cordelia a provoking glance.
Julianaâs room had been fine, but her envy had taken hold when she saw the beautiful room Lorna had prepared for Cordelia.
Both were daughters of the Delaney family. And why should this country bumpkin get the better room?
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Chapter 2
Lorna frowned. âThis isnât right.â
Before she could finish, Laurindaâs imperious voice rang out, âAnd why not? Itâs just a room. Whatâs wrong with giving it to Juliana?â
Lorna hesitated. She knew Laurinda had never approved of her as family, always making concessions to keep the peace at home. But this involved Lia.
She mustered her courage to object, âLaurinda, I specifically prepared this for Lia. You canât play favorites like
this.â
Laurinda cut her off again. âPlay favorites? Juliana is bright and smart, facing critical exams this year. This room has good light and soundproofing. Itâs only practical for her to have it. And for this fool, what does it matter where she sleeps? Any room will do for her.â
Lorna wanted to persist, but Laurindaâs face darkened, her voice raising, âKnow your place! Who is in charge of this house now?â
Lorna was at a loss for words.
Laurindaâs husband, Steward Delaney, was in charge, managing their vast corporation. And though was starting to take over, Steward held absolute sway over household matters.
Defeated, Lorna clenched her fists. âLia, Iâll show you another room.â
Cordelia nodded. And where she stayed made little difference to her.
But then, she looked at Laurinda thoughtfully. âSo, if youâre a good student, you get a nice room?â
Like her demeanor, her voice sounded with a profound indifference.
Laurinda blinked, âWhat?â
h Sanderson
Cordelia averted her gaze, returning to her detached air. After a brief pause, she added, âNever mind.â As Cordelia followed Lorna to the other room, Laurinda still tried to decipher that enigmatic remark.