Chapter 41 The Thought of Divorce Reached Its Peak
Cordelia followed Alaric into his office.
It was her first time there, and the cool tones matched his personality perfectly.
As they entered, Alaric gave her a brief, indifferent glance.
"Sit wherever you want."
She was about to bring up the topic of divorce.
Robert knocked on the office door, "Mr. Hughes, there's an urgent document you need to sign."
Alaric nodded.
Robert stepped forward, respectfully handing the document to Alaric.
Cordelia chose not to sit, instead standing to the side.
While Alaric reviewed the document, he looked up at Cordelia, his cool eyes showing a hint of curiosity.
Cordelia pressed her lips together and spoke softly.
"Once you finish signing the document, I have something to discuss with you."
Alaric's gaze softened slightly before he returned his focus to the document.
Robert noticed that Alaric was taking unusually long to review the document.
After waiting several minutes, Robert gathered his courage and asked, "Mr. Hughes, is there something wrong with the document?"
Alaric didn't answer, just looked at him briefly.
Robert felt a bit confused.
From Alaric's earlier glance, he sensed some disapproval.
Had he made a mistake?
Robert quietly stood aside, waiting.
Several minutes later, Alaric finally picked up his pen and signed his name.
The document was fine.
Robert felt relieved, took the document, and promptly left the office.
Cordelia saw Alaric finish with the document and reached into her bag to pull out the divorce papers.
Just as she did, Alaric's phone rang.
Without glancing at her, he picked up the phone.
The call was from Janet's caregiver. Normally, he would have Robert handle such calls, but this time he felt a strange sense of relief and turned his back to Cordelia.
"What's the matter?"
The caregiver's tone was urgent.
"Mr. Hughes, Ms. Martin is in the emergency room."
"Ms. Martin has been in a bad mood recently. Today she wanted to go out for a walk, and while I was in the restroom, she accidentally fell down the stairs."
Alaric frowned, his eyes narrowing.
"I'm on my way."
He ended the call abruptly, stood up to leave.
Cordelia frowned and reached out to stop him.
"I need to talk to you."
Alaric removed her hand, his gaze deep and serious, "We'll talk another day."
With that, he walked out of the office.
Cordelia stood there for a long time, the divorce papers in her hand never getting the chance to be handed over.
She took a deep breath to calm herself.
Hannah called.
Cordelia answered.
Hannah's voice was filled with frustration, "Janet really knows how to cause trouble!"
Cordelia thought of Alaric's hurried departure and couldn't help but ask.
"What happened?"
Hannah said angrily, "She was supposed to rest in bed but insisted on walking around. She almost fell down the stairs, causing a commotion and ended up in the emergency room.
"But it turns out she just sprained her ankle."
Cordelia frowned. "Maybe she was just scared. Since it's not serious, I won't go."
Hannah vented a bit more before hanging up.
Evelyn had noticed Cordelia took the papers earlier and sent her a message.
Evelyn: [Where are you? I'll pick you up.]
Cordelia: [I'm at Hughes Group.]
Evelyn: [I'm downstairs waiting.]
Cordelia raised an eyebrow.
She collected herself, put the divorce papers back in her bag, and left Alaric's office.
The secretary at the door smiled professionally, "Mrs. Hughes, take care."
The title "Mrs. Hughes" felt ironic to Cordelia. She didn't respond, stepping into the elevator.
The secretary thought Cordelia was a bit aloof, preferring Janet's approachable nature.
When Cordelia exited Hughes Group, Evelyn drove up.
Cordelia saw Evelyn's car, walked over, opened the passenger door, and got in.
"Did he sign?"
Cordelia shook her head.
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, "Did he have issues with any clauses?"
Cordelia sighed, "He didn't even look at the divorce papers before leaving."
Evelyn was silent.
Cordelia gazed out the window. After a while, she spoke.
"Looks like I'll have to go directly to Grandma."
She'd present the divorce papers in front of Ruth, ensuring Alaric couldn't be called away by other matters.
Evelyn nodded in agreement.
"Divorce procedures are complex and time-consuming, best to handle them quickly."
Cordelia agreed, "Alright."
Currently, divorce required a court application, and after thirty days, a judgment could be made.
Only with the divorce decree could Cordelia feel truly at ease.
Evelyn and Cordelia chatted about her plans to study abroad. Three years ago, Cordelia had received an acceptance letter from a prestigious medical school in Astoria, but she chose to stay because of Alaric.
Now, she planned to study abroad, with Astoria as her first choice.
"I'm going to Astoria."
"The medical standards there are high, and they have advanced techniques. I can prepare for childbirth and learn at the same time."
Evelyn nodded at the mention of Astoria.
"The Gray family is thriving in Astoria now. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are there, and our families have been close for years, they can look after you."
"I'll fly to Astoria soon, arrange a property near the Gray family, hire staff, and you can move in directly."
Cordelia felt deeply touched by Evelyn's thorough planning.
Though she didn't need care now, once her pregnancy progressed, she'd definitely need help.
Having trusted people around her in Astoria would bring great comfort.
Cordelia and Evelyn returned home, had dinner, and chatted before Cordelia retired to her room.
Even until she fell asleep, Alaric hadn't called.
It was as if he didn't care why she had come to Hughes Group.
His lack of concern made Cordelia feel hurt.
Three years of marriage, and she had no presence in his heart.
The thought of divorce reached its peak.