Chapter 87 Visible Displeasure
Janet's face was pale, her hands trembling slightly as she clung to the tablecloth.
She bit her lip hard, her head down, looking completely defeated.
Taylor, noticing her despondent state, smirked coldly and shoved the termination notice into her hand.
"Ms. Martin, you need to come to Luminary Ventures Group tomorrow morning to pick up your stuff and get your final paycheck."
Janet gripped the termination notice so tightly her fingertips turned white. She could only manage a nod, "Okay."
Taylor looked away from her. "The party's over, Janet. Please leave now."
Suppressing the discomfort in her heart and body, Janet took a step to leave. A waiter approached, eyeing the tablecloth draped over her shoulders, and politely asked for it back.
Seeing the waiter's courteous demeanor, Janet's expression darkened.
Taylor stood there, watching her. "Ms. Martin, you seem to have a particular fondness for things that don't belong to you. Since they've asked for it back, you should return it."
A murmur of mocking whispers rose around them.
Janet's body trembled slightly. She glanced up and saw the disdainful and mocking looks people were giving her, and she gritted her teeth in silence.
Taylor was clearly trying to humiliate her, but she had no choice but to endure the ridicule without any means to fight back.
She had been manipulated by Evelyn and Cordelia, becoming the laughingstock of Luminary Ventures Group.
Humiliated and furious, she yanked off the tablecloth and thrust it into the waiter's hands before fleeing the scene.
Since being with Alaric, she had always maintained an image of kindness, generosity, and sophistication. She had never been so humiliated.
Evelyn had set a trap for her, and Cordelia had watched her make a fool of herself like a spectator.
She bit her lip hard. Although she was humiliated, at least these things weren't done by her own hand.
Her image in Alaric's eyes wouldn't be completely shattered.
Janet hurriedly left the party.
Taylor watched her leave and made a call to Evelyn.
Evelyn, who had just gotten into Bruce's car, answered Taylor's call with a soft hum.
"Let her relax for a few days."
She hadn't yet avenged the public humiliation she had suffered.
Bruce, sitting beside Evelyn, noticed the slight smile on her otherwise cold face and raised an eyebrow. He realized that Janet was in for a rough time.
Meantime, Cordelia returned to The Stone Manor. As soon as she entered the living room, she saw Dominic sitting on the sofa playing chess with Donald.
Donald seemed to be in a good mood, unaffected by the rumors and gossip online.
Seeing Cordelia come in, Donald put down his chess piece.
"You're back? Is everything taken care of?"
Cordelia walked over and sat next to him.
"The Hughes Group has issued a statement and will hold the media outlet responsible."
Donald nodded in satisfaction. "As long as it's clarified."
Dominic put down his chess piece and looked at Cordelia. "Evelyn has already arranged your and Mr. Stone's place in Astoria."
"You and Mr. Stone can move in as soon as you arrive."
"Cordelia, when is your trip scheduled? We can travel together and look out for each other on the way."
The trip wasn't fully scheduled yet.
Cordelia was still on medication.
Donald explained, "I have a follow-up appointment in two weeks. We'll figure out the exact timing after that."
Cordelia had shown signs of a threatened miscarriage before, and the journey to Astoria was long, with a fifteen-hour flight.
Donald wanted to ensure Cordelia's health was completely stable before they traveled to avoid any complications.
Dominic smiled warmly, "Coincidentally, I also need to handle some family matters here and will return to Astoria in two weeks."
Donald, packing up the chess pieces, said, "Alright, we'll discuss it with Evelyn and let you know."
Dominic's smile remained. "Sure."
As long as the Stone family hadn't canceled their plans to go to Astoria, he was relieved.
After seeing the video of Alaric forcibly kissing Cordelia, he felt a sense of urgency.
He knew Cordelia's feelings for Alaric and was worried.
Cordelia took her phone out of her bag, sat on the sofa, and yawned, feeling a bit tired.
A message from Alaric came in.
[Are you home?]
Cordelia saw the message but didn't reply. She put her phone away.
Seeing the fatigue in Cordelia's eyes, Dominic stood up.
"It's late, Cordelia, Mr. Stone. You should rest. I won't disturb you any longer."
Cordelia stood up as well. "I'll see you out."
Dominic didn't refuse.
Cordelia put her phone aside and walked Dominic to the door of The Stone Manor.
Before getting into his car, Dominic retrieved a gift box from the front seat.
"My mother asked me to bring this for you from Astoria. It's a set of skincare products."
Dominic's mother had already mentioned this to Cordelia over the phone.
She accepted the gift box. "Please tell Mrs. Gray I really appreciate it.."
Dominic smiled. "Okay."
After chatting for a bit, Dominic started his car and let Cordelia go back inside.
"Get some rest."
Cordelia nodded and turned to go back inside.
Just as she entered The Stone Manor, Alaric's car pulled up.
Cordelia paused for a moment, then closed the front door.
Dominic saw Alaric's car and stepped on the brakes.
Alaric parked his car by the curb, his expression cold.
He had seen Cordelia talking to Dominic from a distance and had sped up to get there.
With a stern face, he got out of the car.
Dominic followed suit, parking and getting out of his car. Seeing Alaric heading towards The Stone Manor's door, he spoke up.
"Mr. Hughes."
"It's late. Cordelia and Mr. Stone are getting ready to rest. It's not appropriate to disturb them now."
Alaric glanced coldly at Dominic.
"Mr. Gray, have you become so idle that you need to meddle in everything?"
Dominic's expression changed slightly.
Alaric gave him a dismissive look, walked to The Stone Manor's door, and entered the code to open it.
After entering, he closed the door behind him.
Dominic stood there, stunned.
Cordelia had just stepped inside when she saw Alaric walking from the yard.
She frowned and looked at Allegra, who was standing nearby.
"The code hasn't been changed yet?"
Allegra shook her head. "Not yet."
Cordelia sighed, glancing at Alaric as he approached, and instructed Allegra.
"Make sure to change it tomorrow."
Allegra nodded, glancing cautiously at Alaric, who had clearly heard Cordelia's words and looked visibly displeased.