Chapter 21
Cordelia’s nerves were palpable as her heart raced. Had he uncovered something? Or had he overheard the rumors that the Jenners had secured the marriage contract by using an illegitimate daughter? Was he aware that he had married an imposter, not the beloved heiress of the family? Men, too, had their pride, and they dreamed of marrying a rich and beautiful woman—not a poor one like her.
She lowered her gaze, her hands gripping the hem of her clothes as anxiety overtook her. She reminded herself not to give anything away. Marcus had been in jail for a fight, and the fallout would be disastrous if he made a scene.
“Hah, what could I possibly say?” She looked up at him with sparkling eyes, quickly trying to change the subject. “Oh, I haven’t made any sales this month, so I’ll need to work harder next month! I… I might not be able to come back and cook as often. Will you be okay on your own?”
“Mm, I’m not a child. I’ll manage,” Marcus replied with a slight smile, then pushed half of the lobster risotto on his plate toward her. Despite her protests, he held her gaze and in a deep voice asked, “Do you want me to feed you?”
Cordelia blushed and looked down, reluctantly giving in.
A little while later, Marcus’ phone buzzed. It was a message from Josiah. Discreetly, Marcus glanced around, and sure enough, he saw Josiah smirking at him from across the room, Fredric standing beside him, trying to stifle his laughter.
“I’m going to the washroom,” Marcus said coolly to Cordelia before heading toward the restaurant’s hallway.
Once he was out of earshot, Josiah burst into laughter. “A husband and wife really do share joy, huh? Sharing a plate of lobster risotto with your heads so close… Z, I never knew you were such a romantic!”
Marcus shot him a sharp glare, causing Josiah to quickly stifle his laughter and fall silent.
“Z, don’t blame him for talking so much! Even I’m surprised,” Fredric chuckled. “Looks like you’re… getting along well with her?”
Marcus’ expression turned serious. Fredric was always the sensible one, so he wouldn’t ask such a question without reason. There was something behind it.
Marcus understood. Fredric was concerned about him losing sight of his goals in Centrolis, distracted by his time spent with Cordelia.
“I’m just laying low to prepare,” Marcus responded coolly. “It’s just a roommate situation with Ms. Jenner. Nothing special. I’ll be leaving soon.”
Fredric smiled but said nothing more.
Josiah glanced over at Cordelia before turning back to Marcus with a grin. “Z, how about I… put your check on the house?”
“You?” Marcus raised an eyebrow, considering the offer. “Forget it. Just get me a discount, or she’ll be eating in distress.”
“Mm, that works too,” Josiah agreed, clearly having learned his lesson. Whatever Mr. Z Hamerton wanted, he would do. “I’ll take care of it!”
Marcus arched a brow. “Your family owns this hotel?”
“My uncle’s the boss!” Josiah scratched his head, proud of his family’s success.
“You Bayers have a lot of businesses in Jangasas, huh!”
Josiah stood taller, beaming, but then Fredric stepped on his foot, making him realize something. He quickly caught Fredric’s eye and winced. “Z, just let me know if you ever need anything in Jangasas!”
“Mm,” Marcus replied with a smile, hands behind his back.
Josiah was carefree but reliable when needed. In fact, Marcus had something he wanted him to look into.
“Check out Bowfest Foreign Trading for me. There’s a department supervisor named Karine Carmichael there… Get me her details.”