The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 719

Ronan didn't stop Cordelia this time. He knew she was fuming, and trying to keep her close would only make things worse. Maybe a change of scenery would help her think things through. She was just too attached to Jayson to let go easily.

Back at school, Cordelia threw herself into her lesson plans and teaching, trying to forget about Jayson and squash her anger towards Ronan. She was swamped with work, yet she often found herself zoning out while prepping for class.

Victoria, who knew all about the Jayson debacle, came to visit. The two women holed up in Cordelia's room, whispering for hours.

Victoria didn't share Cordelia's rebellious streak; she still saw Jayson as the mischievous kid he used to be. "He's the spawn of your nemesis, after all," Victoria said with a hint of steel in her voice. "Better off without him. Saves you the trouble of him teaming up with your rival to bring you down. It's a shame we didn't manage to get rid of Samantha once and for all. Should've caught her and pushed for the death sentence."

Cordelia looked at Victoria, shocked and incredulous. "Are you saying you agree with Ronan? But Jayson's been improving. He's just a kid, a life!"

"He's not a good kid, though!" Victoria stubbornly held her ground.

Cordelia felt the gap widening between them. Maybe Victoria couldn't understand the heartache of a mother, the kind that even the slightest suffering of her child could cause.

Without another word, Cordelia let the subject drop.

There was a knock at the door. "Cordelia, Harold's here," called Whitney from the other side.

"Harold?" Cordelia glanced at Victoria, who suddenly seemed anxious, lost in thought. Despite her agitation, she managed to keep herself from making any rash moves.

"I'll be right there."

"I'm taking off," Victoria announced.

After all, the whole city knew about the tragic case of Jayson. The murder of a billionaire's adopted son was big news, and Harold, fearing another prolonged separation between Cordelia and Ronan, had come to offer some moral support. "Life's good times are fleeting, Cordelia. Think about Mr. Evans too," he urged.

Cordelia remained silent, the very mention of the ordeal giving her a headache.

Aunt Whitney insisted Harold stay for dinner. Callum kept piling food on Harold's plate and begged him to spend the night. Unfortunately, the house wasn't large enough to accommodate an extra guest, and Harold had to leave.

After Harold's departure, darkness engulfed Cordelia once more. She couldn't sleep or focus on her lesson planning.

Especially tonight, as she lay in bed, Callum suddenly clung to her, crying, "I miss Daddy. I miss Daddy so much."

Cordelia wondered if she was being too cruel, her heart torn with conflict.