Chapter 43 Cordelia is a dispensable person
Alaric watched Cordelia walk ahead of him, his eyes icy.
Lately, Cordelia had been acting like a porcupine, all prickly and defensive. Maybe spending time with Evelyn had rubbed off on her?
His eyes narrowed slightly as a thought crossed his mind—he didn't want Cordelia staying with Evelyn any longer.
As they entered the house, the butler immediately went to notify the others.
Donald came out, beaming.
"Alaric, you went to the hospital to pick up Cordelia? Seeing you two getting along so well makes me really happy. Come on in. I made a few dishes you both like."
Donald patted Alaric on the shoulder, clearly fond of his son-in-law.
Cordelia's worry heightened, and she glanced at Alaric.
He responded politely, "I guess I'll have to give them a try then."
Throughout the meal, Cordelia barely had a chance to speak.
Donald and Alaric chatted enthusiastically.
Being middle-aged, Donald loved reminiscing about his past achievements.
He talked non-stop, and Alaric listened with surprising patience.
Cordelia had heard these stories countless times and found them boring.
But Alaric seemed genuinely interested, encouraging Donald to keep talking.
Allegra noticed Cordelia's discomfort and gestured for her to come over.
Cordelia stood up and walked with Allegra out to the yard.
They stopped at a spot where they could still see the living room.
Cordelia saw Alaric sitting across from Donald, nodding in agreement and occasionally offering his own thoughts.
Donald was smiling the entire time.
Cordelia looked away. "Allegra, what's up?"
Allegra stared at her for a few seconds before speaking.
"Cordelia, I know it's not my place to interfere in your personal matters with Mr. Hughes, but I've noticed he genuinely cares for you."
"Your feelings for Mr. Gray might just be leftover from your youth. His sudden return might have amplified those feelings."
"I don't want to see you make a mistake and miss out on someone as good as Mr. Hughes."
Allegra's words were filled with concern, as if Cordelia had already wronged Alaric.
Cordelia paused for a long time.
Her interactions with Dominic weren't that frequent.
She didn't expect Allegra to misunderstand.
She sighed softly, "Allegra, Dominic and I are just friends."
After standing Dominic up a few times, Cordelia was too embarrassed to ask him out again.
Fortunately, Dominic didn't seem to mind.
Cordelia felt a bit guilty towards Dominic, especially since he had helped the Stone family and they hadn't properly thanked him.
Allegra didn't seem convinced by her answer.
Cordelia rubbed her temples, unsure how to clear up Allegra's misunderstanding.
"My relationship with Alaric has issues, but it's not because of Dominic."
Before she could finish, Evelyn's voice rang out nearby.
"It's because Alaric has a mistress."
Allegra's face showed surprise, and her expression towards Cordelia became more complicated—guilt, sadness, and concern.
Cordelia felt a twinge of embarrassment. "Allegra, I'm fine. Just please don't let my dad know about this."
Allegra nodded stiffly, glancing back at the living room.
Alaric was still talking with Donald, both of them looking pretty content.
Alaric's refined and elegant demeanor was hard to ignore.
It was shocking to think that Alaric could be unfaithful.
Allegra's image of Alaric was crumbling.
Evelyn had just returned from a social event and came back to the Stone Manor upon hearing that Cordelia and Alaric were there.
It was time for Donald to take his medication, so Allegra returned to the living room.
"Mr. Stone, it's time for your medicine."
Allegra gently reminded Donald.
Alaric stood up from the sofa, "Dad, Cordelia and I will visit you another day."
With her image of Alaric shattered, Allegra felt he was eager to leave, probably hoping she would interrupt their conversation.
Donald nodded and saw Evelyn standing at the door.
"Evelyn, you're back from the event?"
Evelyn nodded. "Yeah."
Donald asked quietly, "Bruce didn't give you a hard time, did he?"
He had heard that Bruce was at the event tonight.
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, her eyes indifferent.
Of course, Bruce had taken the opportunity to make things difficult for her.
He had embarrassed her several times during the event.
But after the Stone family's troubles, Evelyn was used to such treatment.
"No."
So Bruce's attempts to trouble her were insignificant in her eyes.
Donald chatted with Evelyn for a bit longer.
After taking his medication, Donald got up from the sofa and waved them off.
"You all should go. I need to rest."
Donald wanted to see them out, but Evelyn stopped him.
"You should rest. We're not kids anymore; you don't need to worry."
Donald patted Evelyn's head and smiled. "Your sister has Alaric to take care of her, so I'm not worried about her. But you, you're still single and don't have anyone to help you. That worries me."
Evelyn smiled lightly and replied, "Alright, I'll work on finding you a good son-in-law soon."
Donald raised an eyebrow, "Really?"
Evelyn nodded, "Really."
Donald's smile widened, and he didn't follow them out.
The three of them left the Stone Manor.
Evelyn's driver started the car immediately.
Cordelia followed Evelyn and got into the car.
Alaric didn't try to stop her.
As soon as Cordelia got in, Evelyn glanced at Alaric walking towards his own car, her eyes cold.
"Mr. Hughes, we'll be going now."
Evelyn had always called him "Alaric" before, but now she used "Mr. Hughes," causing Alaric to pause briefly.
He quickly regained his composure and nodded slightly.
"Take care."
Evelyn's eyes turned cold, and she instructed the driver to leave.
Evelyn was very displeased with Alaric's indifferent attitude towards Cordelia.