Chapter 36 It Has Nothing to Do with Him
Robert parked the car at the entrance of the restaurant.
The doorman came over and opened the door with a respectful nod.
Cordelia stepped out and mentioned the room number.
The receptionist led Cordelia to the private room.
The door to the room was slightly open, and Cordelia could hear the playful chatter coming from inside before she even got there.
"Mr. Hughes must really love Janet to pick her up despite his busy schedule."
Alaric's voice was calm and indifferent. "It was just on the way."
The receptionist was leading Cordelia, but she gently pulled the receptionist's hand to signal her to leave.
The receptionist understood and stopped walking.
The voices inside continued.
"It's really a shame about Mr. Hughes and Janet."
"If Mrs. Hughes hadn't opposed it back then, you and Janet would have made a loving couple."
Cordelia paused, wanting to hear Alaric's response.
But there was only silence from him.
Instead, Janet spoke softly.
"Alright, that's all in the past. Alaric is married now. Please don't joke about us anymore. If Alaric's wife comes and hears this, she might get upset."
There was a hint of resignation in Janet's voice.
Perhaps because Alaric didn't respond, the classmates in the room grew bolder.
"Janet, what are you afraid of? Everyone knows Mr. Hughes was forced to marry her."
"You are the true love in Mr. Hughes's heart, right Mr. Hughes?"
Cordelia's eyes flashed with sarcasm. She turned and left quickly, not entering the room.
After parking the car, Robert entered the restaurant and walked past Cordelia.
Before he could react, Cordelia had already hailed a taxi and left.
Robert paused, his expression stiff, and hurried to the private room.
The atmosphere inside was tense.
Alaric sat with a cold expression, while Janet looked pale and distressed.
Her classmates were silent, as if realizing they had made a mistake.
Robert knocked and stepped inside.
Alaric's eyes darkened when he saw Robert alone. He asked, "Where is she?"
Robert lowered his head and whispered, "Did Mrs. Hughes not come into the room?"
Alaric's face darkened immediately.
They had been joking about his past with Janet. Their open criticism of Cordelia had angered him, and he had shown his displeasure.
Now, upon hearing Robert say Cordelia had been there, his expression grew even colder. He glanced at everyone present and stood up.
Janet quickly grabbed his arm. "Alaric, where are you going?"
Alaric's eyes were icy as he removed Janet's hand from his arm.
"If my mother knew her students lacked such manners, she wouldn't want me to associate with you."
With that, he walked out of the room.
Robert hurried to follow him.
Janet stood there, her expression stiff.
The male classmate who had spoken earlier looked fearful and asked, "Janet, what's wrong with Mr. Hughes?"
Janet's face was pale, and she glared at him. "No matter what, she is Alaric's wife. Even if they don't have feelings for each other, he won't tolerate you insulting her. What you said was really out of line."
Everyone went quiet.
After Alaric left, several classmates who weren't close to Janet also took off.
The ones who stayed were Janet's closer friends.
Cordelia didn't head back to Garden Vista Estates after leaving the restaurant. Even though Alaric had moved his stuff out, they were still married, so he could come back anytime, and Saskia wouldn't stop him.
She got into the taxi and headed to Evelyn's private residence, Stardust Apartments.
She didn't dare go back to The Stone Manor.
Donald's mood had just improved recently, and she didn't want to worry him.Cordelia waited at the door for a bit but didn't see Evelyn, so she called her.
She rarely visited Evelyn, so she didn't know the entry code.
"Evelyn, are you coming back to the apartment tonight? I'd like to stay with you for a while."
She clutched her phone, fearing Evelyn might refuse.
Evelyn's cool voice came through, giving her the code.
Cordelia entered the code, and the door opened.
Evelyn hung up right after giving the code.
Cordelia pursed her lips and entered the apartment.
She had just sat down when Alaric called. She stared at the screen for a while but didn't answer.
Alaric only called once. When she didn't pick up, the phone stayed silent.
Evelyn returned from a dinner event and brought food for Cordelia.
She didn't ask about what happened between Cordelia and Alaric.
Cordelia didn't know how to start, so they avoided the topic altogether.
They chatted for a long time until Saskia called. Evelyn got up from the couch and said, "Answer it. I'm going to rest."
Cordelia nodded and answered Saskia's call.
"Mrs. Hughes, it's late. Is the dinner still going on?"
Cordelia's eyes lowered. "I'm at my sister's. I won't be coming back for a few days."
Saskia paused before speaking again. "Are you planning to stay at Ms. Stone's for a while?"
Cordelia pursed her lips. "Not permanently. I'll return after a while."
Because of Janet, Cordelia felt suffocated around Alaric lately and wanted some distance.
Garden Vista Estates was in her name, and she was used to living there. She would definitely return.
Saskia didn't press further. "Rest well then."
"I won't disturb you."
"Okay."
Cordelia hung up and headed to the guest room.
Inside, she found that Evelyn had prepared everything for her. The closet was filled with clothes tailored to her taste.
Evelyn had anticipated her leaving Garden Vista Estates and had made preparations.
Cordelia felt deeply touched.
Evelyn was like her pillar, always ready to support her.
Back at Garden Vista Estates.
Saskia put down her phone and cautiously looked at Alaric, who was sitting on the couch.
"Mr. Hughes, Mrs. Hughes said she's staying at Ms. Stone's for a while."
His face showed little emotion. He merely nodded. "I understand."
His voice was calm, as if Cordelia's whereabouts were of no concern to him.