Chapter 54 She Is Not That Innocent and Beautiful
Cordelia quickly composed herself and walked over to Delphine's bedside.
"Hey, Mrs. Jennings, Rufus is off today. I'll be doing your check-up."
Cordelia's tone was friendly.
Delphine, who had been chatting with Alaric, nodded and cooperated with Cordelia's examination.
As she described her symptoms, Delphine couldn't help but glance at Cordelia a few more times.
Despite the mask, Delphine recognized her.
"Is it really you? A doctor now?"
Cordelia paused, realizing Delphine had recognized her, and smiled.
"Mrs. Jennings, it's been a long time."
Delphine's face lit up with a bit of excitement. "What a coincidence."
"Alaric, this doctor is..."
Cordelia quickly interrupted, taking a deep breath.
"Mrs. Jennings, I know him."
"Mrs. Hughes took good care of me and became my friend. Alaric is also my friend."
Delphine paused, a hint of regret in her eyes.
"Is that so?"
"That's good."
Since Cordelia and Alaric had already been in contact but weren't together, there was no need to bring up past events and create awkwardness.
"Being a doctor is a great profession. It seems we were destined to meet."
Cordelia smiled, "I hope not to meet Mrs. Jennings in the hospital. I wish you good health and that you never need to come here."
Delphine laughed at Cordelia's words, patting her hand. "What a pity."
As Allan's wife, Delphine had often visited the hospital when Aurora was admitted, so she knew about Cordelia.
Cordelia's affection for Alaric had been intense back then. Aurora even intended to set them up.
Maybe because Alaric didn't have feelings for her, Ruth became her friend instead.
Cordelia understood the implication in Delphine's words and just smiled lightly.
Alaric, listening to Cordelia's gentle tone with Delphine, felt a flash of disdain.
She sure knew how to charm the elderly.
Not that she ever tried to charm him.
Thinking about her attitude towards him last night, Alaric felt a tightness in his chest.
He took the opportunity to step out for a cigarette while Cordelia examined Delphine.
When he returned, Cordelia had finished and was leaving Delphine's room.
They bumped into each other.
Cordelia caught a whiff of smoke on him and frowned.
"Cut down on smoking."
She remembered he didn't like smoking much before. But lately, he always had a smoky scent.
Alaric raised an eyebrow, his voice low and raspy.
"You didn't care before the divorce. Why the concern now?"
Cordelia was taken aback, gritting her teeth, and walked away briskly.
Alaric felt a bit better seeing her flustered and stepped into Delphine's room.
He noticed Delphine's mood had improved significantly.
Cordelia really knew how to make the elderly happy. Ruth and Delphine clearly liked her.
Maybe the affection from those around him influenced him too.
Alaric rubbed his temples and asked,
"When did you meet her, Mrs. Jennings?"
"Many years ago," Delphine replied casually.
Alaric raised an eyebrow.
Delphine added, "Back when your mom was still alive."
"Cordelia is a sweet and diligent girl."
Alaric frowned. Sweet? Not even close. Her attitude towards him was as cold as ice.
Alaric took a deep breath, suppressing his discomfort. Delphine wisely didn't continue the topic.
"Dr. Stone."
Cordelia had just reached her office door when a soft voice called from behind. She turned to see Janet approaching.
Cordelia's eyes immediately showed a hint of wariness. Janet noticed her guard, smiled awkwardly, and forced a smile.
"Dr. Stone, no need to be nervous. I'm not here to ask about Alaric's wife."
Cordelia's slightly furrowed brows relaxed a bit.
Janet continued, "I already know who Alaric's wife is. Dr. Stone, you never told me. Turns out she's your sister."
Cordelia's expression shifted slightly, seeing Janet's smug look, a trace of doubt crossed her eyes.
Janet's previous tension around Evelyn had completely vanished, replaced by a provocative smile, as if she had found some leverage.
"What do you want to say, Ms. Martin?" Cordelia asked expressionlessly.
Janet chuckled softly, walking past Cordelia. "I said, I'm not here to talk about Alaric's wife. I'm here to see Mrs. Jennings. Dr. Stone, I won't disturb your work."
Cordelia gave her a brief glance and turned to enter her office.
Janet, seeing Cordelia truly not asking, sighed and softly said, "No wonder you never confronted me about my relationship with Alaric. You must have known about your sister's infidelity."
Cordelia paused, listening to Janet's words, and felt like laughing. She turned to see Janet's slightly triumphant smile, realizing she must have been under a lot of pressure from Evelyn, and now that she had some information, she couldn't hide it.
Cordelia smiled faintly, her expression calm. "Then go tell Alaric."
She said, returning to her office.
Janet stood there, stunned for a moment, then glanced at Cordelia. Cordelia was already seated, flipping through patient files.
Janet frowned, calming herself. She had been too hasty. She shouldn't have said those things in front of Cordelia.
After adjusting her emotions, she softly said, "I won't tell Alaric. Besides, Alaric doesn't love her. Their marriage is just a business arrangement without any feelings. It won't affect me."
Cordelia's eyes turned cold. "Seems like Alaric hasn't given you enough security if you have to say this to me."
Janet paused, biting her lip, her face innocent. "Dr. Stone, you misunderstand. Knowing your sister's identity, she's a powerful woman in the business world. I need to have some leverage to ensure my safety. If she's ever rude to me, I won't be polite either. I'm just trying to protect myself."
Cordelia's face remained cold, smiling. If she didn't know the truth, she might have been fooled by Janet's words.
Apparently, she wasn't as innocent as she seemed.
Janet, seeing Cordelia's mocking smile, felt an inexplicable sense of inferiority. She bit her lip and walked briskly to Delphine's room.