Chapter 10 Not That Attractive Yet
Ruth's anger flared as soon as she saw Alaric walk in from outside. "Oh, look who decided to show up," she snapped.
Alaric, unfazed by Ruth's attitude, glanced at Cordelia, who was sitting on the couch. "I'm here to take her back."
Ruth sighed, glaring at him. She reached out to hold Cordelia's hand, ready to stand up for her.
"Cordelia, if you don't wanna go back tonight, you can stay here with me."
Before Cordelia could respond, she noticed the warning glint in Alaric's eyes. If she agreed to stay, it would make it difficult for him to leave.
Janet had surgery scheduled for tomorrow, and Alaric needed to be there with her tonight.
"Grandma," Cordelia began softly, but Alaric cut her off.
"She needs to be in a familiar place to sleep."
Ruth, her face stern and full of anger, snapped, "Shut up."
Cordelia, her expression calm, gently agreed, "Grandma, I do need a familiar place to sleep, and I have a really important surgery tomorrow. I can't afford any mistakes. Staying here would be inconvenient."
"You should rest early. Alaric and I won't disturb you."
As she spoke, she slowly stood up from the couch.
Ruth sighed, standing up as well and holding Cordelia's hand tightly. She wanted to say something, but Alaric had already reached out and firmly grasped Cordelia's waist, pulling her away from Ruth with a slight tug.
"Grandma, we're gonna head out now. Please rest well."
Cordelia was pulled into Alaric's arms, the faint scent of his cologne filling her nose, causing her heart to skip a beat.
Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, but then she relaxed them after a few seconds.
Ruth, still upset about what she had witnessed at the hospital earlier, huffed and turned her back on Alaric.
Cordelia gently tried to soothe Ruth's emotions. "Grandma, take good care of yourself. Once I'm less busy, I'll come back to spend time with you. Please don't be angry, okay?"Ruth finally turned back, holding Cordelia's hand and offering a few words of advice.
Alaric kept holding Cordelia's waist. Her slim and soft waist felt as comforting as her gentle tone when speaking to Ruth.
As they walked out of the yard, Ruth went back inside, and Alaric's hand slipped away from Cordelia's waist.
It was clear that Alaric's affectionate behavior earlier was just for show in front of Ruth.
Cordelia suppressed the fleeting sense of disappointment. "I drove myself here."
She started to head towards her car, but Alaric grabbed her hand. "I'll have Robert bring it to the hospital tomorrow."
Cordelia, sensing that Alaric had something to say, didn't argue. She skipped the front seat and got into the back.
The front passenger seat was for Janet.
Alaric's eyes flickered as he looked at her actions, glancing at the front seat with a hint of displeasure. "Am I your driver now?"
Cordelia paused, her expression changing slightly. After a few seconds of silence, she responded, "Should I be your driver instead?"
Alaric stayed silent, his handsome face cold as he got into the car and started it, driving away from The Hughes Manor.
Neither spoke a word during the drive, the silence between them unbroken.
At Garden Vista Estates, Alaric pulled the car into the driveway and parked. Cordelia was the first to get out, noticing Alaric's cold demeanor and lack of intention to follow her. She bit her lip and spoke softly.
"Grandma seeing Ms. Martin at the hospital has nothing to do with me."
Alaric looked up at her, their eyes meeting. Cordelia didn't flinch.
Seeing her calm demeanor, he looked away and said indifferently, "It may not be your fault, but you were the one who brought her downstairs."
Cordelia felt a chill in her heart, regretting having wasted her breath on him.
She sighed, took her eyes off Alaric, and walked into the house.
Alaric watched her retreating figure for a moment before starting the car again and driving it into the garage.
As Cordelia stepped inside, she heard the engine roar to life again. She bit her lip, steadying her emotions.
She had expected him to go to Janet's side tonight. There was no reason to feel upset.
Saskia greeted her as she entered. "Mrs. Hughes, have you eaten? Should I prepare a snack for you?"
Cordelia placed her handbag on the cabinet, smiling. "No need, I already ate at The Hughes Manor."
Saskia nodded, glancing towards the door.
Cordelia noticed her look and said softly, "Grandma's health isn't great right now. Saskia, if it's nothing serious, don't bother her with it."
Saskia smiled awkwardly and nodded.
Alaric entered just then, hearing Cordelia's gentle instructions to Saskia.
His eyes narrowed slightly. Her magnanimity somehow irritated him.
Saskia was pleasantly surprised to see Alaric. "Mr. Hughes."
She hadn't expected him to come back.
Cordelia's body stiffened slightly, turning to look at Alaric as he stepped inside.
Alaric, seeing her slightly surprised expression, scoffed, "What? I'm not allowed to come back?"
Cordelia's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Of course not."
Alaric gave her a cold look before walking past her and heading to the elevator, going up to the second floor.
Cordelia watched as he walked towards the master bedroom, her expression changing slightly.
She habitually took the stairs to the second floor. Entering the master bedroom, she heard the sound of running water from the bathroom and paused.
Since their last intimate encounter a month ago, Alaric hadn't set foot in this room. His shower tonight indicated he planned to stay.
Suppressing her inner turmoil and cursing her lack of dignity, she turned to leave the bedroom just as the bathroom door opened.
Alaric stepped out, a towel wrapped around his waist, his chiseled abs and defined muscles on full display.
For some reason, Hannah's comment flashed through her mind. "Your husband looks like he's very good in bed."
He was indeed very good.
As she thought this, she looked up, her eyes meeting Alaric's. She hesitated, her gaze shifting away.
Alaric noticed her blushing ears, pausing as he dried his hair. He glanced at the towel around his waist, then adjusted it slightly higher.
His handsome face showed a hint of wariness.
Cordelia realized the meaning behind his action, anger flaring up. "Mr. Hughes, rest assured, you don't hold that kind of attraction for me."