The Contracted Ever After novel Chapter 542

Petra had a bombshell of information in her grasp. Thomas and Alana had once been an item. The potential fallout of this secret coming to light was unpredictable, and somehow, she needed to pin the blame on Cordelia.

After sensing that Petra’s mood had settled, Cordelia decided it was time to head home, where she found Victoria lounging in their apartment.

"Look who's back! Been a busy bee, huh? You crashing here tonight or what?" Victoria inquired, her attention half on her latest binge-worthy TV show and half on the stash of snacks sprawled around her.

Cordelia suddenly remembered she had to discuss the Alana situation with Ronan. "Nope, not staying in tonight. Got something to hash out with Ronan," she replied with a serious tone.

"Oh, cut the official act. Just say you're hooked on cuddling up with him and call it a night," Victoria teased, eyes glued to the screen as she crunched on potato chips.

"Stop talking nonsense. There's a real issue to deal with, and I bet it's you who's itching to snuggle up with a man. Speaking of which, you've got your eye on Harold, right? Hang on, I'll send you all the photos of him I've got on my phone." Cordelia promptly sent a barrage of Harold’s pictures to Victoria. "Just so you know, he chased me once, but nothing happened. Hope you don't mind."

"Pfft, everyone has their first crush," Victoria shrugged off with a smirk.

"And just a heads up, his mom is Ronan's housekeeper. They're sort of friends, but that won't change a thing," Cordelia added as a precaution.

"I'm marrying him, not his mom. Who she is doesn't bother me one bit. Besides, I think my future hubby is quite the looker," Victoria mused, her cheeks flushing as she daydreamed over Harold’s photos.

"He'll be back after two years. Lots can change," Cordelia pointed out.

Victoria's smile faltered. "See, that's where you're wrong. Since we haven't started anything, there's no risk. It's when things begin that you start to worry."

"But in two years, you'll be hitting thirty..." Cordelia said reluctantly.

Victoria's snacking paused. "Shush, don't even mention it!"

"Even if I don't, you're still turning thirty."

"At thirty, I'll still snag him. Plus, snagging a younger guy at thirty? The bedroom skills, oh la la," Victoria quipped, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Cordelia got dressed and grabbed some fresh clothes, including underwear, preparing to leave. "I'm out."

Just as she reached the door, her phone pinged with a message from the university's messenger system. [Paricipants scheduled for a visit to the UK next month include: Professor Dustin, Professor Cordelia, and Professor Molly. Detailed itinerary to follow tomorrow.]