The Contracted Ever After novel Chapter 29

This week, Cordelia had been going out of her way to keep Barney happy every day.

Barney always seemed to be pretty chuffed. Ronan would give her some money now and then, Cordelia didn't care that much. The computer expenses were covered already.

On Sunday, Cordelia took a day off to join a CPA training course. However, she bumped into an old colleague, Manda, in the hallway of the training center.

"Manda? You're studying for your CPA too? How come I didn't see you here before?" Cordelia asked.

Seeing Manda, Cordelia felt a pang of guilt. After all, she had taken Manda's position at Lumos Enterprises.

"I just started a new job and enrolled in this course last Wednesday." Manda casually mentioned, sipping her coffee.

"You found a new job?" Cordelia asked.

Manda replied nonchalantly, "Mr. Evans hooked me up with a CPA firm that pays double the salary of Lumos Enterprises. If I pass the exams, I'll be a licensed accountant."

Cordelia breathed a sigh of relief at hearing Manda's words.

Just then, Jamie appeared from the opposite side, and Manda's face lit up with a smile. Jamie was Manda's old classmate from Liberty University. They shared the same mentor and had bumped into each other a few times. Manda had always had a soft spot for Jamie.

"Jamie, I got you a coffee." Manda said, handing Jamie a cup.

Jamie shook his head, saying, "Thanks, but coffee messes with my sleep. I'll pass."

Then, he pulled Cordelia aside, frowning. "Did Ronan do anything to you last time?" Jamie asked with concern.

Cordelia blinked, shaking her head, "No. What's up?"

"I thought he seemed a bit off the rails. I'm glad you're okay. I was worried he might lay a hand on you!" Jamie recalled the scene where Ronan had thrown his shirt out of the car.

Looking at Cordelia, he asked, "What’s the deal with you and Ronan? Why did you get into his car that day?"

This question left Cordelia speechless. After all, her marriage with Ronan was supposed to be under wraps. Although Ronan didn't seem to care much about this, she could tell that Ronan and Jamie were not on good terms. If she spilled the beans to Jamie, Ronan would definitely be pissed.

"He’s my boss at work, and we are friends in private life." After some thought, Cordelia decided to downplay it.

"Just friends?" For some reason, Jamie seemed relieved and even a bit pleased to hear this.

"Yep." Cordelia nodded, thinking to herself, “Sorry, I have to keep you in the dark for now, to avoid ticking off Mr. Evans.”

They chatted for a while, whispering to each other. Manda saw this from a distance and clenched her fists. Why did Cordelia always want to compete with her for everything?