Novel Square
Chapter 44
Chapter 44
Everard was the epitome of rugged handsomeness, with a chiseled face that seemed sculpted by the gods and piercing features that commanded attention. His frame was athletic, broad- shouldered, and narrow at the waist, the perfect balance of strength and grace.
Cordelia couldn't take her eyes off him, her mind silently marveling. Who would have thought that beneath that austere black dress shirt lay such sculpted perfection?
After locking gazes for ten seconds, Everard broke the silence casually. "Like what you see?"
Cordelia nodded, feeling a touch breathless. "Yeah, it's impressive."
The hint of a smile began to play upon Everard's lips, but before it could fully form, Cordelia's voice piped up again. "How do you get those abs?"
Everard was stunned.
Her curious gaze was still fixed on him as though she were admiring a piece of fine art.
Everard was speechless. His stride toward her halted, and with a swift pivot, he headed toward the back of the house. "I'm going to take a shower."
"OK."
Once he left, the quiet of Midnight Scent settled in, and Cordelia belatedly pondered if it was somewhat inappropriate for a girl to stare at a man like that. But those pecs, abs, and that waistline were indeed a sight to behold.
Lost in her thoughts, she was brought back to reality when Little Fang, prompted by Everard's instructions, returned promptly with breakfast. In less than five minutes, Everard emerged from his
shower, his hair still damp. He slipped back into his signature black shirt. This time, he buttoned up to the top, exuding an even more intense air of restraint.
The three ate in comfortable silence.
Buzz. Cordelia and Everard's phones vibrated in unison.
Glancing down, they both saw notifications from the Pioneers Group.
Everard's eyes flickered. Since Cordelia joined the Pioneers Group, he had unblocked the group notifications he'd found annoying.
Cordelia was scrolling through the group chat.
Bland sent a message which read, [Argh, I'm dying for this bag! But I missed out on the sale! Can someone please snag it for me in your city? It's a limited edition. I'll pay top dollar!]
Piano Man replied, [Can't help. Sorry!]
Mathster added, [I'm just an academic with no connections in that world.]
Others said, [Sorry, can't get it.]
Bland continued, [Whoever gets it for me is my hero!] ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
Cordelia didn’t know about limited edition luxury or care much for brand names and price tags. But recalling Mathster's offer of a learning opportunity the day before and considering the group was decent, she decided to chime in, looking up at Everard. "Do you sell bags here?"
Calvert, mid-bite of his bacon and egg sandwich, paused. Bags? Did that sort of thing even align with the vibe of Midnight Scent?
Before he could voice his thoughts, Everard nodded. "Yeah, we do."
Cordelia pulled up the picture Bland had shared in the group and showed it to Everard and Calvert. "What about this one?"
Calvert was puzzled.
It's a limited edition with only twenty existing in the world, snapped up instantly by socialites and debutantes upon its release.
Before his shock could surface, Everard simply replied, "Sure, pick it up in two days."
Calvert was speechless.
Calm as ever, Cordelia said, "Okay."
She then typed in the group chat.
LearnLover sent a message. [I think I can get it for you in two days.]
Bland replied, [Really?]
LearnLover typed, [Yep.]
Bland sent another message. [OMG, Lia, you're my savior!]
After sending the message, a new friend request popped up from Bland.
She accepted and added a note, Actorman.
No sooner had she added him than Bland initiated a private chat.
Actorman asked, [Lia, which city are you in?]
Not knowing the caution of online acquaintances, Cordelia replied truthfully, [Greenmeadow.]
Actorman added, [Cool, thanks, Lia! If you get me this bag, you're my boss forever!]
Cordelia said nothing in reply.
After putting down her phone, she focused on her meal, and once finished, she couldn't help but remark, "You guys have quite an inventory here, huh?"
The coffee beans from before seemed rare, and this bag was no different.
Everard stood up, heading behind the counter, the black shirt accentuating his waist as he tucked it into his trousers, highlighting his lean figure.
He slumped into a chair, a lazy chuckle escaping him as he said gently, "I can get whatever you want."
Calvert looked helpless.
The boss' ability to charm was off the charts! If he were a woman, he'd have fallen for him already. As a man, he was halfway gay!
Alas, Cordelia, the straight-as-an-arrow woman, nodded in admiration. "That’s amazing!"
Calvert was speechless.
Everard seemed to have anticipated this response, a hint of resigned amusement in his tone. "Yeah, there’s nothing you can’t find here."
As the words settled, a rough man burst in, heading straight for the counter and addressing Everard. "Hey, you, give me a box of Trojans."
Everard felt like his bold claim had just been punctured, deflated.
He looked toward the still-present Cordelia, choosing not to answer, and glanced at Calvert instead.
Swallowing hard, Calvert stepped forward: "We're out."
The man blinked. "Out? What about Durex?"
"None of that either."
"Lifestyles?"
"Nope."
"Damn!" The man cursed under his breath, "Isn’t it a sex toy store? How can you not have the basics?"
Avoiding eye contact with his boss, Calvert affirmed with all the dignity he could muster. "You got the wrong place. Please leave."
And with that, the atmosphere of Midnight Scent returned to its usual, understated elegance.
Calvert nudged the man toward the door, who was muttering with confusion as he walked, "Isn't your place called Midnight Scent? Isn't that misleading?"
Calvert replied with irritation, "Who says something called Midnight Scent can't be a variety store?"
The man wasn't ready to let it go. "If it’s a variety store, why don't you have any condoms?"
Calvert was baffled. Who said anything about not having them? There was a whole stash of them in the backroom storage! All flavors, all sizes, you name it!
But dare he sell them to Cordelia’s face? Would he dare?
After finally shooing away his first customer in over a month, Calvert felt he had narrowly escaped death!
And Cordelia, who had quietly slipped away, suddenly had an epiphany.
No wonder Midnight Scent was fully stocked, but business was so terrible. It was all in the name of the shop.
But what on earth was Durex?
With this question in mind, she entered the classroom.
She heard gasps of amazement and cheers when she walked in. Her classmates, huddled in small groups, were excitedly peering at their smartphones, engrossed in conversation.
She had just taken her seat when Merry turned to her, bubbling with excitement. "Ah, Lia, my idol Landie is coming to Greenmeadow! He's going to film at our school!"