Bryson could see Cordy's contempt, and he scowled as he continued, "You have to understand that your hype is only temporary, Cordy. Your past remains a mess, and people will continue to belittle you once your hype passes. You should be pleased that I don't hold it against you.""Mr. Zimmer, do you mean to say that if I start dating you, you can use your position to ensure that my company develops unimpeded in North Cty?" Cordy asked.Bryson grinned. "Exactly. You're the one who gets the better end of the deal if we start dating—"The man standing behind him finally had enough. "Mr. Zimmer."Bryson promptly turned to find Randy standing behind him, and his expression promptly changed—high and mighty just a second before, he was now fawning and eager to please. "Oh, Mr. Martin! Hello, hello!" Bryson exclaimed, extending a hand.Everyone in Levine Ventures certainly understood that Randy was John's personal assistant and basically his second-in-command. There was none who did not
Naturally, Randy was under orders from John to help Cordy, since John was too busy to see to it himself.Even so, he was watching from above until the matter was resolved.But just as he left, Cordy blinked—the woman who had been standing next to John turned to look at her too.There was neither hostility nor friendliness in her gaze, and it looked like a brief, nonchalant glance.However, Cordy's intuition was tingling spontaneously. -The banquet hall was getting even more lively, and at 8 PM, the host of the celebration showed up.Alan was saved by a hair's breadth after the death of his son and daughter-in-law, but he was crippled since and was wheelchair-bound.Cordy suddenly remembered what John had told her on their trip to Ayro Island. At the time, he was so nonchalant when he spoke of what befell his family back then and the pressure that was thrown on him afterward. It must have been hard on him at the time, and Cordy's heart ached for him.That was when she saw J
A man like Alan, who had weathered his fair share of trials and tribulations, would not usually be shaking with excitement like that. Everyone was certainly interested, just as he spoke determinedly with great vigor. "My grandson will be formally engaged to Jessica Stuart, heiress of Stuart Holdings!"Every guest was left in shock—there was no question that it was a big deal.It already went without question that John would inherit Levine Ventures, even if no one had expected it to be this early. On the other hand, no one would have expected John to be engaged to Jessica Stuart, the heiress to Rocktown's most important family! Ever since John returned to the Zidonia, countless heiresses were getting restless, eager to get a shot at marrying him… only for this to happen?!At the same time, Jessica was getting onstage at Alan's kindly beckoning. She was wearing a pink gown that was attractive instead of tacky and not too reserved either. The tiny diamonds refracted a myriad ra
With a look from Alan from the stage, the black-clad bodyguards present around the hall closed in on John instantly.He did not even have the time to resist and was dragged away by force, watching as Cordy disappeared from sight.Even so, his eyes were red and his knuckles clenched! -After Cordy left the banquet hall, she remained very calm. She walked steadily as she lifted her skirt and was neither quick nor slow.She waved, and a black luxury car stopped in front of her outside the banquet hall. She had already sent Walter home since she was under the impression that she would be late.The chauffeur stepped outside and opened the door for her. She entered without turning back—not that she wanted to.If she did not hope, she would not be disappointed. She reclined against the backseat as she stared outside the window, taking in the night view of North City.She suddenly smiled—so she was not imagining it.Things really did change when she returned to North City.How
Cordy took her seat, neither cowed nor pompous as she spoke, "Thank you, Mr. Levine.""I'm sure you understand why I've invited you to my humble abode—we're all business people and time is money, so let me cut to the chase," Alan said bluntly. "I would like you to leave my grandson.""A relationship only concerns the two individuals involved. I don't believe it's appropriate for you to meddle in your grandson's affairs," Cordy replied, equally bluntly.She was certainly not humbled or meek despite the pressure Alan was projecting.However, it was not as if she could not leave John—they were not so intimate that they could turn against family.And after Alan announced John's engagement to Jessica in front of so many people, said engagement was set in stone. Cordy's relationship with John would in turn end unceremoniously. Even so, she would rather she could end things friendly with John instead of having others interfere.She had her own principles and dignity too. "I like y
Cordy was quiet, as if she was thinking.Alan did not hurry her—business people are never afraid of spending time to negotiate a deal.However, it did not take long for Cordy to answer. "Your offers are certainly tempting, Mr. Levine. Even so, I can earn the money myself, and it just doesn't feel right to be given money for nothing, no matter how much it is. As for the Sachs and the Jessops, I really don't think they would win against me, and it's a matter of time before they fall."Alan was taking a sip of his tea, keeping his head down and his expression unreadable.As he slowly lowered his tea cup, he corrected himself. "I can give you all three."In other words, he was saying that she did not have to choose. "I have been perfectly clear—I don't need any of those," Cordy replied, determined. "Did it cross your mind that I can keep what I offered eternally out of your reach and make you lose more in turn?" Alan growled threateningly, the air around him suddenly turning chill
'That crafty geezer! What is he doing to Cordy?!'He could have sold her to human traffickers and none would have been the wiser!'It was scarier the more Zoe thought about it, and she quickly got into her car, intent on saving Cordy from Levine Manor."Wait." Jay caught her wrist, but she shook him off violently. She did it almost as soon as Jay touched her, and a moment of awkwardness ensued.Still, Jay spoke calmly in the next instant. "When you see Cordy, tell her to doubt everything your grandfather says and not to make any hasty decisions. Tell her to wait for John until he explains everything to her.""What are you talking about? Is John hiding something from her?" Zoe asked, sharp as ever.It was not as if she was not smart—she simply did not use her brains properly, such as in her studies.However, Jay did not elaborate either. "Just keep Cordy company for a couple of days—things like these hurt, so try to counsel her. I'll postpone your scenes to a further time so
Zoe did not stop to argue with her grandfather.Having lived here for years, she knew all too well that he would just talk her to death. She pulled Cordy along and left Levine Manor, getting into their car that took them back to Cordy's apartment.Cordy did not say a word along the way and was so silent.Zoe was not good at figuring out people or she could have avoided being so thoroughly wounded in her own relationship.That was why she had no idea how Cordy felt as Cordy remained impassive. Was she really sad, or was she actually as eerily calm as she looked?But after they had returned home, Cordy went about her life as usually did, taking a shower and then going to bed.It was as if nothing happened earlier, as if she was not hurt, not traumatized, and did not meet Zoe's grandfather. Unable to take it, Zoe dropped to her knees on the edge of the bed and snapped at Cordy, "Cry if you want, Cordy! You'll feel better if you do—I've done it plenty of times myself or all that