Zoe nodded and said earnestly, "Cordy, you're so nice. John's lucky to have met you."Cordy became a little embarrassed by Zoe's words. In reality, she was lucky to have met John too."Thank goodness Dicky's mother was blind, or I'd never have such a nice cousin-in-law," Zoe said, continuing her flattery. "Just sleep," Cordy urged Zoe with a smile, and then hurried off to the bathroom.Zoey watched as Cordy left, her smile slowly fading.She wondered just then if women had to meet scumbags before meeting their prince. Even Cordy had to run into one like Kyle Jessop.As for herself, Jay was more than enough.-Zoe was woken by her phone's ringtone early the next morning, and seeing who it was, she answered with a groan. "Linda, didn't I tell you that Jay Parker would handle it? We just have to wait, so don't bother me already…""He just made an announcement," Linda said bluntly.Zoe promptly sat up on bed, wide awake right then.Cordy was woken by Zoe too, and she rose to fi
Zoe said nothing, because she had no wish to do so.Linda seemed to sense her displeasure, and she was convinced that Mandy had stolen Jay from Zoe.Still, she sighed. Given Mandy and Jay's influence, Zoe would just have to take this bullet."There's plenty of good men in showbiz, not just Jay Parker," Linda said to comfort Zoe. "Also, the studio is planning to send a statement of support for their relationship, since they both announced it on their respective social accounts. Is that acceptable to you?"They were certainly considerate of Zoe's feelings."It's your call," Zoe simply said. "Alright, then take the day off," Linda told her. "I'll apply for a day's leave for you.""Yeah," Zoe replied, and hung up.She then read through updates on Mandy, who most recently tweeted on her personal account: [Jay and I have been dating for a while. Things are fine between us, and it will only get better from here. Thanks for everyone's concern.] There was even a photo of her and Jay,
But if Jay did not like Zoe, why would he sacrifice himself for Zoe's sake?"Things are complicated between them," John explained. "I'm keeping the details confidential for Jay since Jay is my friend and elder, but the bottom line is that they can't be together."Cordy was actually annoyed that John was openly keeping something from her.Still, John suddenly gave in. "It's not as if I can't tell you…"Cordy, however, did not believe that John was that agreeable. Especially considering his cunning nature!"But since this concerns my family's privacy, I'm afraid I can't reveal it to someone outside the family. That said, you'll have the right to know everything if you marry me."John said it as if it was only natural, leaving Cordy speechless.She already wanted to comment on Alan Levine being as devious as a snake, but it seemed now that the Levines were all a nest of vipers."Anyway," John continued. "Zoe can sleep over at your place for a few days. I'll tell her to move out on
Even before Noel spoke to Cordy, Mandy arrived, escorted by a handful of assistants, and she immediately scoffed at Cordy. "Oh, the world is so small… To think that we'd run into you here."Cordy was actually surprised that Mandy was a part of this.Still, she soon remembered that Solo Show could never get current A-listers. All they had were either former stars whose popularities were fading, or actresses who were at best B-listers. And since the designers were newcomers or even amateurs, there was no popularity to be gained for real stars here.Naturally, Cordy simply ignored Noel and Mandy, since there was nothing to be said to them.But just as she was about to leave, Mandy laughed with utter disdain. "Cordy Sachs! Anyone can take pride in themselves, but always beware that it doesn't become vanity. Aren't you afraid of humiliating yourself in front of one billion people across the country?!""Shouldn't you be more concerned about yourself, Ms. Jessop?" Cordy retorted. "I know
Noel certainly could not depend on her own family since they were strictly patriarchal. They could accept paying the media for publicity, but they would refuse immediately if it were more than what they were willing to pay. But with the Jessops joining in, she could easily surpass her original budget.That was why she went to Kyle and competed as the chief fashion designer of Sachs Enterprises.Even if she felt nothing toward Kyle now, she still had uses for him before achieving the success she wanted.Moreover, Kyle would only be too eager to accept her proposals, not to mention that the money spent would basically clear both their names! And if she could win the grand prize as Jessop Corp's representative, she would also strengthen their reputation.Noel's eyes narrowed right then.She never unleashed her true potential when she worked at Starstream Fashion—not even when Cordy pushed her to design a template for their autumn collection. After all, she refused to work for Cor
The pilot episode of this season's Solo Show was received with widespread acclaim, gaining plenty of public reaction and viewership.Only then did John realize what Cordy meant when she said she would be busy for three months.He kept looping the scenes where Cordy was featured, watching it for over half an hour even though it was supposed to last minutes. Randy was left speechless as he looked on.He understood that Cordy was beautiful and would eclipse even star celebrities if she stood beside them… but John could get cross-eyed if he kept watching the same video repeatedly!Randy could not help chuckling as he imagined the sight! Still, he quickly turned silent the next instant as John glared at him."Do you find this funny?" John asked."Nope," Randy replied, and added. "Mrs. Levine is beautiful."That only made John scowl harder, leaving Randy on the verge of tears. What was wrong with praising Cordy?! She was beautiful!"Out!" John barkedRandy did so immediately,
Still, Cordy retorted, "Don't underestimate your girlfriend's abilities now.""Even so," John said, "you should remember that your boyfriend owns a mountain of gold bars. It's hard, reliable, and dazzling."Cordy could not help laughing at how vividly John was describing himself. Changing the subject just then, John asked, "Are you free tonight?" "...Yeah." She had been neglecting him for almost two weeks, and decided she should see him even if she was not done with work tonight.John made the arrangements. "I'll pick you up after work. We'll eat at your place."Cordy did a double take, and asked to confirm since she believed she had misheard. "There's nothing to eat at my place.""You can make pasta, right?" he asked."That's it?" Cordy asked. "Yeah," he replied happily. Cordy did not say no.Vince Cartman came in to give her a report just then, and she said, "I'm going back to work now. See you tonight.""Yeah."With that, Cordy put away her phone and focused on her
Cordy shook her head. "I-I'm fine."She was just scalded a little by the boiling water, and it only hurt for a split second—she could bear it.However, she felt genuine danger as John got even closer. He was already tall, while she was dainty even though he put her on the bar. She did not even reach his height even though she was sitting so high up! He did not seem to hear her either, and he was studying her fair, delicate fingers for injury. After ensuring there were no red burns on her hand, he eventually said, "Ms. Sachs, you're clumsy, aren't you?" He was being critical, but somehow, he sounded ever so tender. "I'm not!" Cordy retorted, though she suddenly lost confidence after that.She just realized she messed up as many times as she cooked for John at her place.Meeting John's meaningful gaze just then, she admitted, "It's just around you."She never messed up around others, after all."Really?" John asked, his lips curling upward—clearly satisfied by the answer.