Chapter 68
Marcus paused, following Cordelia’s gaze. Yelena had somehow appeared at the same boutique, watching the two of them mockingly and occasionally scoffing. Cordelia tugged at Marcus, trying to leave, but Yelena was faster, blocking their way. “Oh, what a coincidence!” Yelena sneered. “Looks like you’re having a good time at work. Got a promotion and a raise? You can take my dear brother-in-law to a luxury boutique like this for shopping!”
Cordelia recognized the sarcasm in Yelena’s words. When she looked up at Yelena, the hatred in her eyes was palpable, as if she wanted to rip Cordelia apart. “Yeah, Mr. Father-in-law is pretty nice to us,” Marcus said with a smile, positioning himself between Yelena and Cordelia. “Not only did he choose a good place, but the property deed also has Cordelia’s name on it! As for someone else, she’ll probably have to look for a new place for her studio. After all, no one her age can afford to intrude on private property, right?”
Yelena glared at him, her eyes burning with fury. Marcus, however, remained indifferent, completely disregarding her.
“Don’t feel too triumphant!” Yelena gritted her teeth. “It’s just a cheap house! Consider it charity from the Jenners to shoo beggars away!”
“It’d be best if Ms. Jenner thought that!” Marcus responded with disdain, unwilling to engage further in petty arguments. He was about to leave with Cordelia when Yelena suddenly shouted, “Cordelia, stop right there!”
Cordelia took a deep breath and turned around to face her.
“I’ve been negotiating a project with your company recently,” Yelena said with a sly smile. Cordelia’s expression shifted slightly.
Yelena continued, “I’m on the guest list for your company event this weekend. Don’t be awkward when we meet then!”
Cordelia remained calm. “I’m paid to work at the company. There’s nothing awkward about it. If your project needs my help, feel free to come to me as long as you’re not uncomfortable.”
“Bring your husband too,” Yelena mocked. “Show your coworkers and guests what man you got married to, that you’re treasuring him like a gem!”
…
At the company event, Cordelia had indeed brought Marcus with her. She wore a cream-yellow dress with thin strapped heels, looking captivating with each smile and movement. Marcus, standing next to her, was tall, straight, and impossible to ignore in his suit from the boutique.
“Hey, he’s so handsome!” someone whispered. “Didn’t people say Cordelia married a thug who only knows how to fight? Have you seen such a handsome thug?”
“When they stand together, those who didn’t know better might think they’re a CEO and his wife attending the event!”
Yelena gripped her champagne flute tightly, her lips twitching in irritation. Meanwhile, Cordelia stayed by Marcus’s side, radiating warmth and a pure smile. The spotlight of the event seemed to be on them. Though she was a little nervous, the warmth of Marcus’s hand in hers calmed her down, and she felt at ease among the guests.
“See, I wasn’t wrong to bring you here!” Cordelia said with a soft chuckle, “My coworkers are all complimenting you!”
Marcus smiled at her.
“I might not be able to keep you company later,” she said apologetically, pointing in the direction of a group. “Over there, Ms. Cloud from the Morn-Glo Group, the one who was allergic to peanuts the other time… There, Mr. Oliver Jones from the Star Group. They’re all my clients. I need to go greet them. Can you stay here and have something on your own?”
“Mm, I can…” Marcus teased, “But you’ve seen your female coworkers calling me handsome. They’re staring at me like starved wolves…”