Cora certainly wanted to argue. "But, I…"John, however, remained stern and solemn. "You have much to complain about, and you feel that Zoe has stolen your rights and identity—but in reality, Zoe was the one who was hurt the most when the truth came out, and the reason is simple: rags to riches is easy, but the converse is hard."You need to understand—I'm not telling you that you're not the victim, but Zoe was never the culprit. She was sent back to where she belonged after being thrown out of this house so mercilessly, and neither of you have any excuse to vent your grievances on her."The atmosphere in the living room was stiffened.Still, Nancy was indignant to see that her daughter was left flushing by John's words, and she growled through gritted teeth, "Weren't you on my side when we first found out that Zoe wasn't my daughter? You're now completely on her side just because she's with Jay now—""It was a selfish act on my part," John said, holding her gaze without flinching
Richard called out to him in surprise. "Daddy?!"On the other hand, Cordy turned away in a split second.John did the same. "Yeah.""When did you come back?" Richard asked excitedly.John headed downstairs and walked up to them "Just did.""Where have you been? Why didn't you contact me? Your replies were half-hearted, too," Richard huffed, clearly upset. "I thought you'd gone missing again.""I had something to do.""Your face is back now," Richard pointed out in surprise just then.He was busy complaining about John being distant to him and only noticed just then that John's face was much better.There were no burn marks to be seen, and most importantly, John's original appearance was restored, and he no longer looked like Lucas Lynch."Yeah," John replied again, and glanced at Cordy.Her eyes were glued to her phone and she was not looking at him again. He actually had the feeling that she did not get a good look at him when they traded glances for a second."Are you lea
John nodded. "I know. Zoe told me."Cordy said nothing else at that, and everyone else stayed silent.She left Levine Manor after lunch but told Richard to stay since she could tell that he really wanted to stay with John.But even as she stepped outside, a familiar voice called out to her from behind. "Cordy."Cordy's heart skipped a beat, and she pursed her lips and turned to find John standing there."Your phone," he said, holding it out to her.It turned out that she had left it on the couch."Thank you," she said as she took it, surprised that she would have left it in Levine Manor—she would never usually forget things.Even so, she had to admit that her emotions were affected when she saw John's face restored to how it was, no matter how hard she tried to ignore it."When's the wedding?" John asked."We haven't decided," Cordy said. "It'll be in a few months."John smiled faintly in turn. "Congratulations.""Thank you.""Do you need a ride?" John asked. "It's easy to
Richard watched as Cordy left, looking a little disappointed."I'm sorry, Daddy," he said guiltily. "I…""It's alright," John replied and patted Richard's head.John did not realize it, but Richard really grew up as if in an instant."I thought it's still possible for you and Mommy. I didn't think she'd be so angry," Richard explained."I know." John nodded.It's not all Richard's fault either, since John could have left if he insisted.In the end, it was John who wanted to see her—even for seconds.He had his own expectations, after all."It's late. You're still growing, so go to bed soon. I'll be going now.""Yeah." Richard nodded."Do you want to come over tomorrow?""I'm going to school tomorrow, and I'm used to staying here. But I'll visit if I'm free on weekends.""Anyway, just call me if you miss me.""Okay."John left. Richard thought about it, but he ultimately got up and headed to Cordy's room.He knocked politely, and Cordy opened the door. "Mommy," Richard
The wedding would be in two months.Zoe had a feeling she could not quite describe as she browsed the photos Cordy sent, especially since John was discussing rebuilding Levine Ventures with Jay in the house.She mused if she should show John the photos and actually make him give up.Judging from the current state of things, John really showed no intention of getting Cordy back. In fact, he had put on his workaholic form again and completely focused on work.She walked over and asked, "Want another coffee?"John nodded and gently pushed his cup to the side, letting her refill it without glancing her way.Zoe was speechless—she was supposed to be his elder, his aunt, and he did not even thank her.However, she seemed used to it and refilled both John and Jay's cups.Still, she had to admit that men were so good looking when they were working seriously. They were both seated at the table in front of the glass wall, and it was honestly a feast for the eyes as the sun illuminated
Jay stopped her right then, "Zoe."Zoe sighed heavily but snapped in disappointment at John regardless, "Now you'll be forever alone!"And with that, she stormed off.John finally turned away from the laptop screen, whipping out a cigarette, thinking about it and asked, "Can I?""Do it on the balcony," Jay said. "Yelena doesn't like the smell of tobacco whenever she's home."John nodded and headed there, and Jay went with him.The sun was just right today, but Jay had the feeling that even a warmer sun would not melt the coldness in John's heart."Why don't you do something?" he asked eventually. "There won't be a chance only if you don't fight for it, but there will be if you do.""It won't work," John said, breathing out a puff of smoke. "No one can change Cordy's mind once she's made her decision."John nodded, since he knew that much about Cordy.-News about Cordy's wedding started circulating in two months, and their wedding photos were posted online soon after.There
Randy actually had a hunch, but there was no way he could hide it from John.He certainly knew how things were between his boss and his lady… or Ms. Sachs now, given current circumstances.However, John was just gone for too long, and it was perfectly reasonable that Cordy had found someone new.He looked on, watching as John opened the envelope anyway.The wedding invitation was a fair whiteness, with a wedding photo of Cordy and Patrick attached.They looked sweet and happy—a good match for one another.John stared at the invitation for a long time, which only stated Patrick's name without Cordy's.The wedding would take place at noon on the eighteenth of May."Sir?" Randy called out to him again, concerned that he would be staring at the invitation for an entire night—he would rather the man just go home and rest."Is that the weekend?" John asked, lowering the invitation and looking normal again."Yeah. It's a Saturday.""Okay. Remember not to arrange any work for that d
Zoe gave him the address, so John drove over to pick her up.There were indeed not many women who could make John put away his work.When he reached the destination, he called Zoe. "Come out. I'm waiting for you at the entrance." Zoe answered in a drunk manner, "Come in. I can't walk." "Don't push your luck!" "Room 808." She abruptly hung up the call.John took a deep breath. He would have pressed the gas pedal and left immediately if it were not for Jay's sake. He then got out of the car and walked into the private room. The door was pushed open, and he thought that it would be smoky and filled with loud music. Based on Zoe's former character, all people in there would be drunk. However, it was strangely quiet, with only three people staying together to drink wine. There was no music in the private room, and it was brightly lit. So, he saw Cordy drinking and chatting with Zoe and Quinn the minute he entered the room. His appearance was quite abrupt, and while he w