Chapter 408


    Cordelia didn''t pay much heed to Harold''s words. With a decent amount of time left before the


    academic year started, she holed up in her quiet little house, reading and aiming to publish a few more


    articles in foreign journals. She even managed to squeeze in a meeting with Petra.


    Petra lived on campus, too, but not in Unity Hall; she resided in another faculty building — Evergreen


    Gardens.


    The two women met at the campus fast food joint, a setting thatcked any hint of ceremony.


    Upon seeing Cordelia again, Petra couldn''t help but be dazzled. Cordelia was wearing a sky-blue shirt


    and white capris. Despite their simplicity, the quality of the materials gave her an air of elegance.


    Somewhere along the line, Cordelia started prioritizing quality over quantity when it came to her


    wardrobe. She didn''t buy a lot, but every piece in her wardrobe was top-notch.


    "Cordelia, it''s been three long years since we parted ways in the States. I always knew we were


    destined to cross paths again," Petra said.


    Cordelia smiled. "I have to thank you. If not for you, I would not havended this teaching job at


    Birchwood."


    "That''s because you have the talent. All I did was put in a good word. What are your ns for the


    remaining days before school starts?"


    Inside the air-conditioned eatery, the August heat was kept at bay. The coolness was a pleasant relief.


    "I''m working on some papers. Also, I''m nning to visit Empower Operations. They''ve offered me a


    position as an independent director, which seems to be a good fit for me. I need to go and have a talk


    with them," Cordelia replied, exuding an air of confidence and poise.


    Petra studied Cordelia with admiration. "That sounds great. An independent director makes a good


    paycheck. I bet you''ll have admirers lined up at Birchwood. Just remember to manage your time.


    Teaching undergrads, guiding postgrads, and working part-time can be exhausting."


    "I''ll manage. Howe you''re living on campus?" Cordelia asked, intrigued. Married faculty members


    usually bought houses off-campus, given the small size of the campus residences.


    Petra''s face changed slightly. Cordelia knew instantly she had asked something inappropriate.


    "If you need anything, feel free to reach out," Petra assured Cordelia warmly.


    "Sure," Cordelia replied, feeling touched.


    Later, Cordelia contacted Empower Operations, intending to attend an interview in theing days.


    "Ms. Haselwood, now that you''re back, let''s have a chat. With your qualifications, an interview is hardly


    necessary. Our boss thinks highly of you. We''re looking to appoint you. Having a Ph.D. graduate from


    the University of Edinburgh on board will certainly elevate ourpany''s prestige," the HR director of


    Empower Operations said.


    "Sure."


    The following day, Cordelia visited Empower Operations. The investment firm was located downtown,


    quite a substantial establishment.


    Peter, the CEO, personally greeted Cordelia. He expressed his admiration for her knowledge and


    elegance, which he said left a deep impression on him during their encounter in Edinburgh. Cordelia


    was equally impressed by Empower Operations.


    Peter wanted to share some information about recent projects with Cordelia, but considering the


    confidentiality of the matters, he refrained.


    Cordelia carefully reviewed the appointment contract. The sry was one million a year, without the


    requirement of daily office hours. However, she was expected to oversee significant projects and would


    receive year-end bonuses.


    Upon seeing her responsibility of overseeing major projects, Cordelia felt a strong sense of duty and


    mission. For the first time, she realized how easily knowledge could be tranted into money. The


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    promise she once made to her mother was finally being fulfilled.