Chapter 82 They Are Already Divorced, No Reason for Jealousy
Allegra had just finished wrapping Cordelia's ankle.
Cordelia glanced at her own ankle, then pulled her foot back and stood up, heading upstairs.
Seeing this, Allegra immediately and carefully supported her up the stairs.
Cordelia was still on the phone with Evelyn.
Alaric watched her intently, his eyes following her until she disappeared around the corner of the staircase.
Throughout the entire process, Cordelia hadn't looked back even once, not even giving him a glance.
Alaric felt a bit defeated.
Donald, having taken his medication, walked over to the sofa and sat down.
The two men chatted for a while before Alaric finally left The Stone Manor.
With Luminary Ventures Group's anniversary celebration approaching, Evelyn returned to Shadowpine the day after attending Arabella's wedding.
She was away for only four days, but spent most of that time on the plane.
After all, the distance between Shadowpine and Astoria was considerable, requiring a fifteen-hour flight.
Over the past few days, Cordelia's ankle had improved significantly, allowing her to walk normally.
As soon as Evelyn got off the plane, she headed straight to The Stone Manor. Entering the living room, she was surprised to find Alaric there as well.
She raised an eyebrow and walked over.
Evelyn had brought many gifts for Cordelia.
Cordelia sat on the sofa, unwrapping the presents, her smile revealing a hint of girlish delight.
Alaric watched her smile, feeling a pang of frustration in his chest.
All these years, he had never picked out a gift for Cordelia himself.
For the past three years, on their wedding anniversaries, it was mostly Robert who selected the gifts and delivered them to Cordelia.
Evelyn, seated on the sofa, looked unusually weary.
She glanced at Cordelia's ankle, seeing no signs of swelling, and softly asked, "Will you be attending Luminary Ventures Group's anniversary celebration?"
Cordelia nodded lightly.
"Sure."
This recent issue with The Stone Group made Cordelia realize just how crucial relationships within this circle were.
She had been well-protected by The Stone family all these years, but when The Stone Group encountered problems, she couldn't offer any help, feeling deeply guilty.
As a member of The Stone family, she couldn't continue to place all the burdens on Evelyn.
Evelyn nodded and then turned to Alaric. "Mr. Hughes, will you be attending?"
"Of course," Alaric replied, as if it were a given.
Evelyn smiled faintly.
On the day of Luminary Ventures Group's anniversary celebration, Evelyn arrived with Donald and Cordelia.
Alaric was present to recognize the outstanding employees of Luminary Ventures Group.
Cordelia sat beside Donald, watching Alaric, who was radiant on stage, feeling a stir in her heart.
After all, how could she easily let go of someone she had loved for so many years?
She took a deep breath, deliberately avoiding his gaze and looking elsewhere.
Luminary Ventures Group was co-founded by The Stone Group and The Hughes Group.
As a result, many business partners of both The Stone Group and The Hughes Group attended the anniversary celebration.
Some families, eager to curry favor with Alaric, also seized this opportunity.
After the employee recognition ceremony, Evelyn took the stage to outline Luminary Ventures Group's future plans and directions.
After the speech, everyone moved to the banquet hall.
Taylor stayed close to Evelyn throughout.
Donald introduced Cordelia to some of The Stone Group's business clients.
Cordelia rarely attended such events, so many people didn't recognize her.
Once they learned that Cordelia was the second daughter of Donald, many began to consider the possibility of a business marriage.
Although The Stone Group wasn't as strong as it used to be, it still held significant status in Shadowpine. Plus, The Stone family had Alaric's backing.
Given the recent buzz, many believed there was something going on between Evelyn and Alaric. After all, The Hughes Group, led by Alaric, had long surpassed The Stone Group. There was no need for the two families to co-found Luminary Ventures Group unless Alaric intended to support The Stone family.
The rapid transformation and stabilization of The Stone Group were largely thanks to Luminary Ventures Group's support.
Earlier, when Evelyn and Alaric stood on stage together, they looked like the epitome of a power couple.
However, many men found Evelyn's strong personality intimidating.
But Cordelia was different.
She exuded a gentle elegance, lacking Evelyn's cold authority but possessing a dignified and graceful demeanor. She wouldn't overshadow her husband, nor would she appear lacking in etiquette, fitting the ideal image of a wife for many men.
Evelyn's professional aura could only be matched by someone like Alaric; most men couldn't handle it.
Bruce was a prime example of this.
"Did Ms. Stone work at Sunrise Valley Hospital before?" a young man next to Donald suddenly asked.
Cordelia looked up at him, recalling his name.
Carl Lewis was the heir to the Lewis family.
Cordelia nodded lightly. "Yes."
"How did you know, Mr. Lewis?"
Carl smiled. "I ran into Ms. Stone a few times when I picked up my cousin at Sunrise Valley Hospital."
"I just didn't expect you to be Mr. Stone's daughter."
Cordelia smiled slightly and asked, "Your cousin is?"
Carl replied, "Hannah."
Cordelia understood. "So it's Hannah."
Donald added softly, "Hannah and our Cordelia are quite close, but she never mentioned her connection to the Lewis family."
Carl smiled modestly and explained, "My uncle and aunt are dedicated to research and have little interest in business, so they distanced themselves from the main Lewis family early on. Recently, we've reconnected because of my grandmother's health."
Donald nodded. "That makes sense."
Not far away.
Evelyn and Alaric had just finished toasting a respected elder in the business circle. When Evelyn noticed the dark cloud over Alaric's demeanor, she raised an eyebrow and followed his gaze, seeing Cordelia and Carl deep in conversation.
They seemed to be getting along well.
Evelyn smiled, swirling her glass. "Mr. Hughes, are you jealous?"
The Lewis family had been struggling with poor management and were on the fringe of the upper circle. They needed a family like The Stone family to help maintain their status.
Cordelia, with her outstanding looks and gentle personality, was naturally an ideal candidate for a business marriage.
Besides Carl, many other families present were considering a business alliance with The Stone family.
Hearing this, Alaric's eyes darkened, and he coldly looked away.
"No."
Evelyn smiled slightly.
Bruce, standing beside Evelyn, looked frustrated.
The person causing his frustration was Alaric.
Earlier, when Alaric and Evelyn stood on stage together, they attracted many admirers who saw them as the perfect couple.
Bruce was jealous to the point of madness. He and Evelyn were the real couple!
These people were just randomly pairing them up!
And Alaric didn't seem to have any intention of clarifying things!
Seeing Alaric in a bad mood, Bruce seized the opportunity for revenge and said sarcastically, "Alaric and Cordelia are already divorced. How could he be jealous?"
"Even if he wanted to be, he has no right to be."
Alaric's face darkened instantly upon hearing this.