Chapter 59
After some rest, Cordelia’s leg had finally healed. Eager for the check-up at the hospital, she decided to return to work.
Annie was delighted to see her. “You’re finally back! I haven’t been able to focus without you sitting next to me!”
Cordelia smiled, feeling a warm sense of appreciation. “You’re getting sweeter with your words!”
Annie sighed, her voice filled with guilt. “I feel terrible! If only I had insisted on going to that dinner with you, you wouldn’t have been tricked by that scum…”
Alarmed, Cordelia quickly pulled Annie aside, into a quieter hallway. “Does… everyone know about this already?”
Annie glanced around cautiously before responding in a soft tone, “No. The people in the office don’t know why you suddenly took sick days. The director just said that you accidentally injured your leg. Everyone wanted to visit you in the hospital together, but he stopped them.”
Cordelia nodded silently, appreciating the director’s decision. He wasn’t bad, but his focus was always on self-preservation. He tended to gloss over sensitive matters and rarely took a stand.
“So, even if there are suspicions, no one’s saying anything out loud,” Annie continued, giving her a reassuring look. “Don’t worry. It’s passed. Just say you injured your leg accidentally!”
Cordelia nodded in agreement, considering the director’s way of handling things. As a woman, her reputation mattered a lot to her, and it would have been unpleasant if rumors started spreading.
Annie’s tone shifted as she grinned excitedly. “Oh, by the way, Cordelia, I’ve got some amazing news!”
Cordelia paused, curious. She couldn’t help but chuckle at Annie’s excitement. “What’s so delightful?”
“Michael and Jesse are no longer with the company!” Annie exclaimed.
Cordelia’s eyes widened in shock. “What? They—”
“I don’t know the details, but the second day after you were in the hospital, I saw Jesse leaving with a cardboard box. He looked absolutely dejected, poor guy!” Annie said, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “As for Mr. Johnson…” she continued in a hushed tone, “The board of directors seems to have cut down his shares and transferred him to a subsidiary in Chengasas, making him a small department manager. Ha! It’s even worse than getting kicked out! How is he supposed to sell his goods in a place like Chengasas? That’s practically torture! Haha, it’s so gratifying!”
Cordelia stared at her, still processing the news. “Wait… how? What happened?”
Annie noticed her reaction. “Cordelia? Are you okay? You’re spacing out.”
Snapping back to reality, Cordelia forced a smile. The more she listened to Annie, the more astonished she became.
A memory from the hospital surfaced, of Marcus asking her casually what she wanted regarding those people. She had said, almost offhandedly, that she hoped they’d never appear before her again. Marcus had responded with a simple, “Got it.”
The words echoed in her mind. Was it possible? Could Marcus have orchestrated all this? No… it must be a coincidence.
Just as Cordelia was lost in thought, another coworker rushed over, looking anxious. “Cordelia, you’re here! I’ve been looking for you. Why didn’t you bring your phones when you went out to talk?”
Confused, Cordelia asked, “Did something happen?”
“Someone’s here for you!” her coworker said, pointing toward the first-floor lobby. “A handsome young guy said he’s your younger brother. He’s been calling you many times, but you didn’t answer! He looks really worried. Hurry up and go see him!”
Cordelia’s heart leapt into her throat, her pulse quickening. Carter was a sensible child. Even if he was upset or wronged, he would never come to her workplace. The fact that he was here, looking anxious, could only mean one thing…
“Carter!” she exclaimed, panic rising in her chest. “What’s wrong? Did Mom get worse?”
Without another word, Cordelia rushed downstairs, her mind racing with worry.