Hair fixed, Cordelia meets her father out in the parking lot. Glen sits in the limo, his eyes on his phone. It’s strange to think about him driving her mother around—she had her own driver. Nebula? She’s new, so it’s hard to remember. Her mother’s drivers had high turnover rates—which didn’t surprise Cordelia in the slightest. Even if she had wavering guilt, her mother was still a pain in the ass to deal with.

“What took you so long? I was wondering if you got swallowed up in a black hole.” Her father laughs.

A dimension joke. Cute.

“Nah. Left my handbag upstairs, so had to grab it before I left. We should probably go—don’t want to be late for dinner, do we?”

“You’re right, Delia. Your mother will have a fit if we’re late—she thinks we’re at headquarters.”

Cordelia follows her father into the limo. Buckling herself in, she places her bag beside her. She’d pull out her phone, but she’s not interested in being disappointed. Noralyn would have just left her on read again.

“I was surprised that Phoebe had to leave so soon. Hope it wasn’t family related.”

“No, but her cousin is apparently in charge—or at least that’s what I was told.”

“Phoebe tell you that?”

“No, Calista.” Her father’s brows furrow in confusion. “Her cousin?”

“Oh—didn’t know that was her name. Hadn’t seen her since we saw her in the file room. Girl’s as quiet as a mouse.”

“You’re telling me—erm.” Cordelia squeaks. “Actually—there’s something I wanted to ask you. Why are you commissioning a watch?”

“It’s hard to explain.” He holds his hands together. “Maybe when you’re used to operations, I can tell you. But I promise you, it’d just go right over your head.”

“Would it go over Radjerd’s, do you think? You know, since I’m questioning him.”

“Why—did he say something—is that where you were?”

“Don’t look so concerned. It’s my job to pull out answers.”

“No, your job was to study. Not to philander.” His steel blue eyes squint at her in disapproval.

“Dad!” She gasps. “Who do you think I am?”

“You seemed mighty chipper after that date is all I’m saying. I hope you weren’t too careless on that date. The last thing we need is the press on our tail—considering Radjerd’s not supposed to be alive.”

“You have nothing to worry about.” Cordelia adjusts her collar. It feels tight around her neck. “Anyways, do you think the Stratfords will be fun? You know how ridiculous Mr. Strat can be.”

“On and on with the game, as he usually does. Can’t he understand that I’m a simple man? I prefer talks of the stock markets, fine wine, and watches made overseas.”

“No, you don’t.” Cordelia gently taps her father’s arm with the back of her hand. “And hey, at least you’re not being set up with him. Like I am with Aiden.”

“Aiden’s a fine chap if you want my opinion. A little meek to take you on though.” He chuckles.

“Excuse me, I think I’m easy to handle.” She laughs back. “And besides, he has a master’s degree.”

“Well, at least the lad’s got devotion.” Her father shrugs. “Shows he can stick to a commitment.”

“Careful, Father. It sounds like you approve.”

“You know my take—I want you to be with someone you’re happy with. And, who can hike. I’ve been dying to go on one, but it’s no fun alone.”

“Take Mr. Strat with you.”

“No thanks.” He looks at Cordelia. “Actually, I was hoping you’d come along.”

“And be eaten alive? No thank you.”

Twenty minutes pass, indicated by the smooth pull-through by Glen. Cordelia sighs loudly before she leaves the limo. Interesting… usually, the Stratfords arrived early. Her father notices too.

“Strange—I thought the Stratfords would be here.” Aleck observes.

Cordelia shrugs. “Maybe mom cancelled.”

“You know your mother hardly cancels.” Her father laughs. “Only time I remember her cancelling on a social engagement is when you were born—you weren’t supposed to arrive until three days later.”

“She's the only mother who would schedule a meeting near her due date—” Cordelia stops mid-sentence when she sees her mother whip open the main doors. Her stare strikes the fear of God into her.

“Aleck, Cordelia. Study—now.”

“Merise, we have to get ready before the Stratfords arrive.”

“Dinner is cancelled.” She says sharply. Both Cordelia and her father exchange relieved, yet worried glances at each other.

“To the study—I have some urgent concerns.”

That was never a good sign.

Cordelia and her father enter the study, sitting on the ornate settee as Merise calmly closes the door behind them. She hands Cordelia her cellphone without saying a word.

Confused, Cordelia stares at the screen. Her eyes widen in horror.

ROMANTIC MOMENT INTERRUPTED? Get your scoop here. Published twenty minutes ago.

She scrolls down—three photos line the screen—showing both her face and Radjerds—the worst one, where she looks as she’s riding him on the bench.

“NO!” She scrolls down reading the article—how the man was thankful he had his memory card intact after this Radjerd smashed his camera—to defend his lady love?!

Cordelia wants to disappear.

“How much more am I going to see of these before I die?” Merise speaks, her voice wavering with emotion. “Do you not realize this slander hurts me too?”

Her father waves his hand over to Cordelia, asking for the phone. Why she hands it over, she doesn’t know. “It can’t be worse than that video where you fell off the stairwell—” His face is white, as he almost drops the phone.

“These people are making our daughter look like a whore.” Her mother whispers, spitting the final word whore through her teeth. “And it certainly doesn’t help that you philander like one.”

“Merise…” Her father stands up. “Listen, the blame isn’t entirely hers.”

“Oh, so you’re going to say you’re the one who set this up? That’s impossible.” Merise shakes her head feverishly. “You know what—no—you’re not covering up for your daughter anymore. If you can’t even control her—I—I just don’t know what to do. You were supposed to watch her, Aleck. That was the entire point!”

“Mom, it’s no big deal—just a silly date!” Cordelia attempts to calm her down—it backfires.

She throws her hands in the air. “Do you even care?”

“Of course I do, but if I let every single comment hurt me—”

“You know, I’m seeing a trend. Maybe, just maybe they’re onto something.”

“Merise! Listen, she’s not to blame for this one …I put her up to it.” He lowers his head. “I told her to go on this date.

“For god’s sakes stop covering for her Aleck!” Watching her mother swing her arms like that—Cordelia backs up into her seat. She’ll be surprised if she survives tonight.

“I should have told you when it happened—but someone broke into my study. Willa Corp took them into questioning, and Cordelia is the only one who can speak Antillan in the area, so—”

“What?” Her tone is sharp. “I specifically told you when Cordelia was born—she stays away from that place!”

“That wasn’t the plan—if it weren’t for her, the man could have shot me. Cordelia needed an explanation, and I had to give her one.”

Hold on—her mother knew about Willa Corp this whole time? She would demand to know more, but her mother would probably kill her.

“Enough—I’m going to pretend that I didn’t hear you endanger our daughter’s life—wait a minute—is that the man in the picture?!”

Her father nods, closing his eyes. “You have every right to be furious—but shift the blame to me. Cordelia was only doing what I asked of her—minus the kissing of course.” Her father quickly adds in.

“I don’t know what to do with either of you—always sneaking around behind my back. I’m so upset I could—” She covers her hands with her face. “I’m done. I’m so done right now—I can’t even formulate words for how angry I am.”

“Mom, I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not. You never are!” Her mother sticks a finger in her direction. “I should throw you out.” She turns to her father. “No, the both of you.”

Cordelia’s eyes widen. She doesn’t dare challenge her mother—not now. She may actually follow through.

“Merise, you know why I can’t let Willa Corp go.”

“I know, but I specifically asked you not to get Cordelia involved!” She spits. “It is the only thing I ever asked you to do—I left that place for a reason! You know what—I’m going out. I can’t stand to see the sight of either of you.” She storms out, leaving both Aleck and Cordelia to exchange ashamed glances.

“Listen, Dad… I promise, we only kissed—”

“Look. Willa Corp is my fault—I’ll take full responsibility for that. But, I specifically asked you to restrain yourself. I thought I was clear.”

“You were, Dad. I only did it to get Intel.”

“Dammit Cordelia, I didn’t think that’s what you were going to do! I didn’t think you were that shameless. Or, maybe I’m the shameless one for putting you in that position—I don’t know which.” He takes out his secure phone. “I’ll need to do some damage control—get this man an identity, and fast. Or else the press will have another story on their hands.”

“Maybe I can help—”

“You don’t get it—god—your mother was right this whole time…”

Her throat swells. She’s not going to cry.

Breathe.

“I know I messed up, but I promise, I’m trying.” Cordelia’s voice cracks. “I’m just confused, is all. I still don’t know what I’m doing—and I still don’t understand all this dimension stuff—but I’ll learn. I’ll do better!”

“No, you won’t.” He says firmly. “As far as you’re concerned, you’re done with Willa Corp. When Phoebe returns, we’ll get her to question the perpetrator.”

“He’s not going to talk to her. He said so himself.”

“Because he’s taking advantage! It’s what men do with girls like you—and I won’t have some man use you as his plaything!”

“Girls like me?” Her lip quivers. He may as well have punched her in the gut.

His regretful stare is immediate. “Cordelia. I didn’t mean—”

“No, I think you did.” She turns away, hurrying down the stairs. Sadie catches a glimpse of Cordelia, immediately correcting her path.

“Miss!” She calls out, hurrying after the blonde.

“I’m fine. I’m fine.” Cordelia stutters out her words. “It’s just an argument like we usually have.”

“Not with your father.” Sadie corrects her. “You two always get along.”

And that’s what made this so hard. Tears overcome her; her vision blurs as she collapses into Sadie’s embrace. She kneels down as Cordelia descends, her knees buckling under the weight of her emotion.

“I’m sorry—I’m sorry!”

“You don’t have a thing to be sorry for, Miss. I’m here. It’s okay.”

But, would it be?