Chapter 91 Alaric's Attention to Cordelia
Janet reached out and took the basket of vegetables from Delphine's hand as she spoke.
Delphine didn't react immediately and let go of the basket.
Cordelia started picking some vegetables.
Janet held out the basket, "Dr. Stone, just put them in here."
Cordelia placed the vegetables into the basket and kept picking, calm as though her rival weren't even there.
Seeing this, Delphine quickly reached to take the basket from Janet.
"You should be resting. I heard you haven't had much rest since your surgery. Young people shouldn't neglect their health."
Janet held the basket tightly, smiling gently.
"Mrs. Jennings, I'm fine. You should sit down and rest. It's just picking vegetables. Dr. Stone and I can handle it. Don't worry."
Janet turned to Cordelia."Right, Dr. Stone?"
Cordelia placed the freshly picked vegetables into the basket and said softly, "I'm a bit thirsty."
Alaric extended his hand towards Cordelia, "I'll take you to get some water."
Shadowpine had a rainstorm last night, so the vegetable garden was a bit muddy and slippery in places.
Cordelia placed her hand in his palm and freed her foot from the sucking mud, the shoes now caked in dirt.
Alaric bent down and used a small shovel to clean the mud off her shoes before leading her inside.
Delphine stood by Janet, observing.
Alaric's care and concern for Cordelia were evident. He was very attentive to her.
Despite their divorce, Cordelia still seemed to be his wife in his heart.
Janet held the basket tightly, her eyes filled with reluctance.
Delphine took the basket from her and sighed.
"Face it, you're not suited for Alaric."
Janet let go of the basket and, after a moment, softly said, "How can I just accept it after being with a man like him?"
Her voice was so quiet that only she could hear it.
Delphine didn't catch what Janet was murmuring, but it was clear that Janet wasn't willing to give up.
Given Alaric's current affection for Cordelia, Janet's persistence would only lead to heartbreak.
Despite her dissatisfaction with Janet taking Ruth's money, Delphine still felt Janet was inherently a good person.
She hoped Janet would learn from her hardships and move on.
Alaric led Cordelia to the front hall and poured her a cup of water from a kettle.
"There's no bottled water here, only what they've boiled themselves. Hope that's okay."
Cordelia took the cup politely, "Thank you, I'm not that particular."
She was genuinely thirsty and quickly drank the water without any sign of disdain.
During the hospital's outreach program, she had led teams to remote areas with even harsher conditions, drinking spring water and eating food often mixed with sand.
Alaric took the cup from her and asked, "Want more?"
Cordelia shook her head.
At the same time, Janet and Delphine returned from the vegetable garden.
Delphine handed the basket to the students cooking in the kitchen.
A student took the basket and urged Delphine to rest.
Janet had been abroad for three years and hadn't attended Delphine and Allan's birthdays during that time.
Delphine joined Cordelia in the living room, while Janet went to help in the kitchen.
Despite the three-year absence, everyone was familiar with Janet, and she quickly blended in.
If Janet were with Alaric, it would benefit them.
Although Alaric attended Delphine's birthday dinners, he was always reserved, sitting by Allan, and left shortly after eating.
Three years had passed without them gaining any substantial benefits from Alaric.
If Janet were with Alaric, they could approach her for favors, knowing she was kind and wouldn't refuse.
Cordelia was a different story.
She was one of the heiresses of the Stone family, clearly of high status and difficult to approach.
The kitchen was filled with laughter, and Janet's cheerful voice occasionally drifted out.
Delphine glanced at Cordelia, who remained calm, reading her medical reports, unaffected by the noise.
Allan was talking to Alaric in the yard.
Alaric's attention frequently drifted towards the living room.
Allan noticed Alaric's distraction and decided not to keep him.
"Alright, let's go inside."
Alaric nodded and went inside.
Dinner was ready, and everyone helped bring the dishes to the table.
Cordelia sat between Alaric on her left and Delphine on her right.
They intentionally left the seat next to Alaric empty.
Janet brought out the chicken soup and naturally sat beside Alaric.
Everyone was curious about Cordelia but kept their observations subtle due to unfamiliarity.
Cordelia noticed their curious glances but remained friendly and unaffected.
Her gentle demeanor was different from Janet's, exuding a natural warmth that made people want to approach her.
Delphine served Cordelia some food, speaking softly, "You came all this way, and I'm only offering a simple meal. I hope you don't mind."
Cordelia smiled, "Mrs. Jennings, don't say that. We've known each other for years. No need to be so formal."
Delphine smiled, "Yes, back then…"
Janet noticed Delphine was about to mention Aurora's illness and quickly interrupted.
"Mr. Jennings, I remember you used to make your own wine. Today's Mrs. Jennings' birthday. Won't you share some with us?"
Allan slapped his forehead, "I almost forgot. I'll get it right away."
Delphine was interrupted and saw Allan go to fetch the wine, smiling, "Your memory."
Everyone laughed and helped Allan with the wine.
Delphine forgot the previous topic.
Soon, Allan returned with the wine, assisted by the students. Janet was relieved he didn't continue the conversation.
Alaric's attention towards Cordelia was already significant.
If Alaric knew about Cordelia's efforts for Aurora and that Aurora favored Cordelia as a daughter-in-law, Janet would lose any standing in Alaric's heart.