Chapter 49
“D-Did you make a mistake?”
After a moment of silence, Yelena’s shrill voice rang out, “How is it possible that you’re looking for her!?”
The man’s smile didn’t reach his eyes as he addressed her coldly. “May I know if you’re Ms. Cordelia Jenner? If not, please step aside!”
Yelena’s expression faltered, her words choking in her throat. “You—”
“This is the Splendor Dynasty. The Hamertons are hosting the dinner tonight,” the man continued, his tone unwavering. “It’s my job to decide who to welcome. I don’t need you to tell me how to do my job!”
Yelena’s face drained of color. The corner of her lips twitched, but no words came out.
Joanne and William exchanged uneasy glances, their minds racing. Cordelia? A disgraced illegitimate daughter—how could she be here, at such a prestigious event!?
“Ms. Jenner.” The man walked over to Cordelia, bowing his head slightly in respect. “Please, follow me.”
Cordelia’s heart skipped a beat. She was struck dumb, her thoughts scattered. It felt as though everything had gone blank in her mind.
“Sir, d-did you make a mistake?” she asked softly, unsure whether she should be testing the situation. “I don’t have an invitation, and I’m not here for the ball. I just need to deliver some documents…”
“Please come with me, Ms. Jenner. Don’t make me get into trouble,” the man smiled, his expression calm yet firm.
“Hey!” Joanne’s voice was sharp as she tugged on the man’s arm. “What about us?”
The man raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing. “Do you have an invitation?”
“What invitation!?” Joanne barked, her hands planted firmly on her hips. “Go ask around. The young lady of the Quimbies of Centrolis is my aunt’s niece. She’ll get us access to the ball! Who are you to question me about invitations!?”
“The Quimbies?” The man’s lips curled in a smile, his chuckle almost mocking. “Ma’am, I’m the general manager of the Splendor Dynasty. I work for the four families. Forgive my ignorance, but I don’t see the Quimbies on the guest list.”
Joanne’s face stiffened, and William shot her an angry glare. Their secret weapon had just backfired.
As more people passed by, some cast curious glances at the commotion. The stares felt like daggers, causing William to shrink in embarrassment.
“Ms. Jenner.” The general manager extended his arm with a respectful gesture. “After you.”
Cordelia, now almost numb from the surreal turn of events, walked forward. The general manager clapped his hands once, and two attendants immediately stepped forward, expertly blocking the reporters.
Yelena’s face flushed with anger as she watched Cordelia being escorted like a VIP into the grand hall.
Cordelia was led through a private section of the hotel, far away from the bustling banquet hall. The room was exquisite, almost magical, like something out of a fairytale. The sounds of the event were distant, replaced by the serene quiet of the space. A table was set with lavish dishes, and attendants stood nearby, ready to serve.
Confused, Cordelia’s mind raced, trying to make sense of everything. The general manager smiled, sensing her confusion. “Please, Ms. Jenner, you may eat first. My master was aware you didn’t come in a gown, so he arranged for you to be placed here. Is this suitable for you?”
Cordelia was taken aback for a moment, her thoughts scattering as she nodded eagerly.
The general manager’s smile remained. “Master said it’s fine if you don’t attend the dinner as long as you’re comfortable, well-fed, and content.”
“May I know who your master is?” Cordelia asked, her curiosity piqued.
The general manager gave a cryptic smile, his gaze flicking to the documents she still held tightly in her hands. “Who are you giving these documents to, Ms. Jenner?”
Cordelia paused, her heart leaping as a thought crossed her mind. Had Josiah seen her trying to get into the Bayer Group earlier in the day?
Her mind spun with possibilities, especially as she realized how kind the powerful man had been. He had arranged for her to be placed far from the chaotic dinner, allowing her the peace and comfort to relax, all while she could eat and rest.
Could it be that Josiah had some connection to this? Perhaps she could have the general manager deliver her proposal on her behalf…
Cordelia’s lips curled into a smile, a sense of hope rising in her chest. She bowed slightly to the general manager, her expression serious as she handed him the proposal.
…
Back in Jangasas, Cordelia excitedly relayed the events to Marcus. He…