Chapter 409


    Chapter 409


    Sure, Cornelia would never spill the beans to anyone not rted to Marcus, so she didn’t answer


    Zack’s question.


    Zack got it, no more questions asked. He just switched the topic right away, “Nelly, where’s the party


    at? How about me and Abby wait for you and give you a ride home? We don’t want to wait till


    tomorrow.”


    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Comelia replied, “He didn’t give any specifics, and didn’t say where we’re going. I have no idea how


    long it’ll take. You and Abby don’t have to wait. I’ll grab a cab when I’m done.”


    Zack got more and more steamed up, “Paris to Riverton is a twelve–hour flight, anyone would be beat.


    No rest after the flight, just straight to work, Marcus is heartless.”


    “Zack, stop it, I know what I’m doing.” Cornelia didn’t want to hear any more trash talk about Marcus, so


    she ended the call quickly.


    She put away her phone and almost bumped into Marcus as she turned around, thankfully she


    steadied herself in time, “President Hartley, sorry, didn’t see you there.”


    Cornelia was on her phone as soon as theynded. Marcus saw her engrossed in her phone, oblivious


    to her surroundings. He worried she might bump into someone, so he walked on her outside, careful to


    protect her. Little did he know he’d overhear her friend.ining about him, “Your friend got beef


    with me?”


    Cornelia got the fright of her life, and quickly shook her head, “No, President Hartley, don’t sweat it.”


    Marcus grumbled, “I’m not deaf.”


    Corneliaughed awkwardly, “I didn’t mean it like that. Zack’s just looking out for me. He’s always like


    that, doesn’t matter who it is.”


    “Does he like you?” Marcus had had this question in his mind for a while. He knew Cornelia didn’t have


    romantic feelings for Zack, but he thought Zack might have a crush on her because she was so


    awesome.


    “Of course he likes me.” Cornelia didn’t pick up on the jealousy in Marcus‘ voice and said excitedly.


    “We three grew up together, went to elementary school, high school, even got into University of


    Riverton. We rented a house after graduation. Never split up all these years, we must all like each


    other. Otherwise how could we have lived together for so long?”


    Marcus was ticked off by her words and walked off, “I had someone get our luggage, just follow me.”


    “Sure.” Cornelia followed Marcus out of the VIP channel to his personal ride, a Rolls–Royce. She ran a


    few steps forward to open the car door for him, blocking the top of the door with her hand, very


    professional, “President Hartley, your ride is here.”


    Marcus wanted to let her get in first to sit in the back with him. But he knew she would refuse, so he


    just got in.


    After Marcus got in, Cornelia took the passenger seat.


    The driver was Austin, an old acquaintance of Cornelia’s. “Austin, long time no see, how’s everything?”


    Cornelia asked.


    Austin replied, “Not so good.”


    Cornelia asked, “What’s wrong?”


    Austin started to vent, “After Marc left for his business trip, no one’s been riding in my car. During the


    time you guys were away, I had nothing to do and was bored out of my mind.”