Chapter 93 She Looks Pitiful with Tears Streaming Down
Cordelia looked at Janet's tear-streaked face and managed a faint smile. "Janet, when you cry like that, it makes it seem like I'm the one giving you a hard time."
Vivian shot Cordelia a sharp look. "As if you aren't doing it on purpose."
Delphine's face hardened as she scolded, "Vivian, that's enough."
Cordelia gently held Delphine's hand and smiled warmly. "It's okay, Mrs. Jennings. It's your birthday today, so let's not make a big deal out of it. Let's just call it a misunderstanding."
Delphine glanced sternly at Vivian, who still looked defiant.
Janet quickly pulled Vivian aside. "Vivian, cut it out."
"It was my fault. I accidentally bumped into Dr. Stone and caused the plate to fall and hurt her."
Vivian muttered under her breath, "If she hadn't pretended to help in the kitchen, none of this would have happened."
Janet tugged on her hand and whispered, "Let's go clean up the kitchen."
In the end, the matter was resolved thanks to Janet's willingness to compromise.
Vivian followed Janet into the kitchen, still fuming.
From the kitchen, Vivian's voice could occasionally be heard, complaining that Cordelia was a troublemaker and that she was doing this on purpose to undermine Janet.
Alaric's face darkened with anger.
Allan walked over and said a few words to Vivian.
Delphine applied a bandage to Cordelia's finger, her eyes filled with apology. "Dr. Stone, please don't be mad at them."
Cordelia glanced at the bandage on her finger. "I won't."
She responded softly and then stood up from the couch. "Mrs. Jennings, it's getting late. I should head home."
Delphine nodded. Given the unpleasantness, she didn't insist on Cordelia staying. "I'm sorry for the trouble tonight. Next time, I'll invite you and Alaric over for a proper gathering."
Cordelia smiled slightly. "I'm not sure when that will be. I'll be going abroad for further studies soon."
Delphine's face filled with regret.
Alaric's brow furrowed when he heard she was leaving the country.
Janet and Vivian, having finished cleaning up, overheard the news as they returned.
Janet's eyes reddened, looking at Cordelia in disbelief. Cordelia had already won Alaric's attention; she had no reason to leave the country. Could it be that Cordelia thought, like Janet once did, that Alaric would wait for her no matter what?
Janet had come to see Alaric's coldness and indifference over time. If Cordelia thought the same, Janet found it ironic and hoped Cordelia would leave soon, giving her a chance.
Cordelia had gained Alaric's attention through three years of companionship. Janet believed she could do the same.
"Dr. Stone, are you leaving in Alaric's car?" Janet asked as Cordelia prepared to go.
Cordelia nodded.
Since Alaric had been drinking, she would have to drive his car.
Janet glanced at Alaric, then back at Cordelia. "Dr. Stone, can I catch a ride with you? It's late, and there's no public transportation."
Cordelia glanced at Alaric, who remained indifferent. Seeing this, she didn't hesitate. "Sure, hop in."
Janet hadn't expected Cordelia to agree so readily. She thanked her softly and glanced at Alaric, whose expression seemed darker than before, making her feel a bit sad.
Cordelia walked to Alaric's car and held out her hand. Alaric handed her the keys with a hint of anger in his movements. Cordelia noticed his displeased expression but got into the car without a word.
Alaric walked around to the passenger side and got in. Vivian and Janet exchanged a look before getting into the back seat.
Cordelia was used to driving her own car, which was worth about twenty thousand dollars and had simple features. Alaric's car, on the other hand, was a million-dollar luxury vehicle with numerous functions. She felt a bit nervous but tried to stay calm.
Alaric noticed her unease and leaned over from the passenger seat to help her adjust the settings, speaking to her in a soothing tone.
Janet, sitting in the back, felt a pang of jealousy, while Vivian rolled her eyes, thinking Cordelia was putting on an act.
"Dr. Stone, as a member of the Stone family, if you can't drive a luxury car, won't people laugh at you?" Vivian sneered.
Cordelia raised an eyebrow and replied coolly, "The Stone family has drivers. I don't need to drive. Can you drive, Vivian? Why don't you take over?"
Vivian was left speechless.
Janet tugged at Vivian's hand, signaling her to stop talking. "Vivian's had a drink. She can't drive."
Cordelia didn't respond and started the car, driving slowly due to her unfamiliarity with the route.
Vivian, in the back seat, couldn't help but complain. "Dr. Stone's driving skills are really something else."
Alaric's voice cut through the air, laced with anger. "Get out."
Cordelia pulled over and looked in the rearview mirror. Seeing that neither Vivian nor Janet was moving, she asked Alaric, "Who exactly are you telling to get out? If you don't specify, I'll get out."
Alaric's face darkened further, and he spat out a name. "Vivian."
Vivian's face turned pale. Janet, feeling embarrassed, tried to plead softly. "Alaric, here..."
Before she could finish, Alaric's cold voice interrupted. "You, too."
Janet paused. Vivian took a deep breath, opened the door, and got out. "Fine, we're leaving. What's the big deal?"
Janet followed reluctantly, feeling a surge of resentment towards Vivian.
Cordelia smirked slightly as she looked out the window, maintaining her composure. "Please close the door."
Janet hesitated but then closed the door.
As soon as the door shut, Cordelia drove off.
Vivian muttered under her breath the whole way, making dissatisfied noises. Despite her irritation, Cordelia maintained her composure and continued driving.
Alaric's frustration was evident, but Cordelia saw it as an opportunity to assert herself. She would cooperate with Alaric's decision to remove them if it meant maintaining peace.