Chapter 10 The Riddles PART 1

Benedict opened his phone, flooded with messages from unfamiliar numbers. "Ma'am, I liked you at first sight. How about grabbing a meal and getting to know each other?" "Beauty, hi! You probably haven't graduated yet and seem like an intern. I'm interning nearby too. Let's be friends. We can exchange ideas when you're free." "I filled out the form earlier just to spend Valentine's Day with you. If you're interested, hit me back." Benedict stared at the countless messages on his screen, his cold face growing even more ominous, like a raging storm. 'This woman was using my number to handle guys. Huh, she sure knows how to find a shield,' Benedict wondered. Cordelia leaned forward, curiosity in her eyes. "What did they say? Show me." "Junk messages," Benedict replied, pocketing his phone, keeping her from seeing. Cordelia snorted and lifted her puffy face. "Did you need something from me? I still have survey forms to distribute." Benedict furrowed his brows, taking the forms from her hands and handing them to Richard. "Deal with these for her." "Thanks, Richard!" Cordelia's innocent eyes sparkled like stars, her smile rosy. "Mrs. Radcliffe, it's just my duty," Richard replied, somewhat helpless. "Spill it. I'm still working here. If Amelia docks my pay, will you chip in?" Cordelia pouted, her wide eyes glaring. Suppressing the urge to squash her, Benedict gritted his teeth. "Grandpa called us home for dinner. Whatever she deducted, take it up with him." Cordelia crossed her arms, grumbling to herself, 'How can I ask Mr. Archibald for money? Overbearing guy!' "We're going back to the Radcliffes' Manor," Benedict ordered in a stern tone. "Yes, Mr. Radcliffe." On their way back, Cordelia's phone rang. It was a call from a colleague at the studio. "Cordelia, it's been days since you contacted us. Everything okay?" Thomas Clark's voice came through. "Nothing much, just handling some family matters. I'll drop by the studio tomorrow," Cordelia whispered. "Alright, catch up when we meet." Benedict glanced sideways at the petite figure with cold eyes, a small bundle, like a fluffy kitten. He had read Cordelia's entire profile. She was a senior in college, majoring in business management, and co-owner of a game development studio with two friends. But, in his eyes, producing only one or two results a year was a waste of time. The car arrived at the Radcliffes' Manor. As Cordelia stepped out, she saw Archibald waiting at the entrance. He greeted her with a smile, "Cordelia, you're back. I had them prepare lots of desserts, You'll surely love them." Cordelia chuckled, charmingly obedient. "Thank you, Mr. Archibald. Let's go inside and chat." Archibald glanced at the cold figure behind her and grunted, "Sit next to me and make us coffee." Benedict's face darkened. Once seated, Cordelia engaged Archibald in a riddle. "Mr. Archibald, I fly without wings. I cry without eyes. Wherever I go, darkness follows me. What am I?" Archibald puzzled for a while before laughing. "I can't figure it out." "It's a cloud!" Cordelia beamed, revealing her two front teeth. Archibald joined in the laughter, in a much better mood. "Cordelia, playing with you makes me feel young again." Benedict sipped his coffee, disdainfully muttering, "Illogical nonsense." His voice was low, but Cordelia heard. She raised her eyes, a snicker in her tone. "So smart, let me test you. What if the loser is a little fool?" "Childish." Benedict had no interest in playing with Cordelia. Archibald added fuel to the fire. "Are you afraid of losing to Cordelia?"