Chapter 52 Time Is the Best Cure
Alaric paused, his hand hovering over his glass, then shrugged.
"How'd you find out?"
The news of his divorce from Cordelia hadn't gone public yet. Even Donald was still in the dark.
Bruce sprawled out on the sofa, looking casual. "Evelyn's been setting things up for Cordelia to go abroad for more studies."
Alaric listened, his face showing little interest. Cordelia had already handed in her resignation to Sunrise Valley Hospital and could leave anytime. Going abroad was something she'd always wanted, so Alaric wasn't surprised.
"She also bought a small house in Astoria for a pretty penny," Bruce added, glancing at Alaric with a smirk.
Julian shot Bruce a look. "The Stone family might not be rolling in dough like they used to, but buying a house isn't a big deal."
The Stones weren't so broke they couldn't afford a small house. Plus, Cordelia would get some property from the divorce, so it wasn't anything out of the ordinary.
Alaric downed his drink in one go and frowned at Bruce's weird expression. "Just spit it out already."
Seeing Alaric's impatience, Bruce decided to get to the point. "Buying a house isn't weird. What's weird is that it's right next to the Gray family's place in Astoria."
Alaric's thoughts immediately turned to Dominic.
Alaric's grip on his glass tightened, but he quickly regained his composure. "So what?"
Bruce was momentarily speechless. He found Alaric's indifference boring.
Julian nudged Bruce. "What's so weird about that? Everyone knew Dominic and Cordelia had a thing back then. Now that Cordelia's divorced, it's only natural she'd go to Dominic. Moving to Astoria means you won't have to see her and get annoyed."
"Let's drink!"
Alaric stayed expressionless. Bruce, not getting the reaction he wanted, felt a bit let down.
After several rounds of drinks, Robert saw Alaric step out of the bar. His steps were steady, showing no signs of being drunk.
Bruce, on the other hand, was a mess, leaning on Julian and muttering complaints about Cordelia and Evelyn.
"Alaric, I've told you before, Cordelia and Evelyn are trouble. Don't get tangled up like I did."
Alaric, tired of Bruce's ranting, rubbed his temples. Bruce seemed convinced Alaric would fall into the same trap and kept trying to warn him.
Robert quickly brought the car around. Alaric got in, but Bruce grabbed his hand at the last moment. "Even if Cordelia left you, don't be down. You still got us, your buddies."
Alaric's expression darkened. Julian immediately pulled Bruce's hand back and shoved him into the car. Robert started the car and drove off, keeping an eye on the road behind them.
Alaric felt a growing irritation. He rummaged through his bag for a cigarette but found none. Searching the car, he found a bracelet in a corner. The bracelet was studded with diamonds, and its sparkle momentarily distracted him.
"Take me to Garden Vista Estates," Alaric ordered.
Robert thought he misheard. "Mr. Hughes, did you say Garden Vista Estates?"
Alaric nodded. Robert sped up towards Garden Vista Estates.
Garden Vista Estates was the marital home of Cordelia and Alaric. The Hughes family had registered the property in Cordelia's name when they bought it as a wedding gift. So, after the divorce, it naturally became Cordelia's property.
Cordelia had been staying with Evelyn for a few days, not taking much with her. Alaric had already signed the divorce papers, so he wouldn't be coming back.
After leaving the hospital, Cordelia returned to Garden Vista Estates. Saskia, their housekeeper, was happy yet sad to see her.
Clifford, the Hughes Manor's butler, had informed her of the divorce and offered her the choice to return to the manor or stay at Garden Vista Estates, with her salary still covered by the Hughes family. Clifford had hinted that Cordelia might not stay at Garden Vista Estates.
"Ms. Stone, you're back! Have you eaten?" Saskia asked.
Cordelia shook her head slightly. "Not yet. I'll be staying here tonight."
Saskia nodded quickly. "I'll prepare something right away."
Cordelia smiled softly. "Thank you."
She headed upstairs, thinking she might have left her bracelet at Garden Vista Estates. Entering the bedroom, everything was as she had left it, indicating Alaric hadn't been back. His belongings were gone, making it easier for her.
She went to the jewelry stand to look for her bracelet. It was very important to her, a keepsake from her mother, as Donald had told her. She cherished it deeply.
After searching through all the drawers, she still couldn't find it. Saskia had dinner ready, so Cordelia gave up the search and went downstairs to eat.
Saskia stood by quietly as Cordelia ate. Cordelia invited her to sit, and Saskia finally did, speaking softly.
"Ms. Stone, Clifford told me about Mr. Hughes. Are you planning to move out of Garden Vista Estates?"
Cordelia nodded gently. "I'll be going abroad soon. Did Mrs. Hughes ask you to return to the manor?"
Saskia shook her head. "Mrs. Hughes said if you weren't staying here, I could return to the manor. But if you were staying until you left, I should take care of you."
Cordelia nodded. "Alright, then stay with me until I leave."
She was clueless in the kitchen, and Saskia's cooking suited her taste.
After dinner, Cordelia took a walk around the garden before heading upstairs again. She searched the study for the bracelet but couldn't find it.
Saskia, learning about the lost bracelet, helped her search, but they found nothing.
"Let's stop looking, Saskia. You should rest," Cordelia said.
Maybe some things were just meant to be lost, whether objects or people. She couldn't change Alaric's feelings for her or recover what was lost. Though it hurt now, time would heal her wounds and help her move on.