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
Cordy was taken aback. "What is it?"Zoe repeated Jay's message then. "He said you should doubt everything my grandfather says and not make hasty decisions. Also, you should wait for John until he explains everything to you." Cordy pursed her lips.So, Jay actually knew everything—that was why he had been so helpful over the years.And she actually thought that he was just being a good Samaritan. Still, Zoe eventually could not help defending John. "Look, Cordy," Zoe said. "My brother would never fall in love with Jessica Stuart. The old folks must have decided on the engagement themselves, and not even John knows about it. If he did, he would never have brought you to the banquet hall—even if he doesn't love you, there's no need to humiliate himself and cause necessary trouble, don't you think?! You have to believe in John!"Nonetheless, Cordy calmly replied, "Zoe, what did you think will happen after your grandfather has announced John's engagement with Jessica in front of
As Zoe sat at the dining table to eat her breakfast, she texted Cordy. [Back to work?]Cordy's reply quickly arrived. [Yeah. Had an appointment at North City Channel to discuss a partnership.][Alright, won't bother you at the office now, honey. Breakfast was great, love you.][Love you too.]With that, Zoe tapped out of WhatsApp and into a news app.It went without saying that John and Jessica's engagement made all the headlines. Various media outlets released photos of them standing together at the moment of the announcement, congratulated by the crowd around them.The comments section was even more ridiculous. [A match made in heaven! Most importantly, a union between Levines and the Stuarts is simply perfect!][I heard that they were childhood friends. Maybe Richard Levine's mother is actually Jessica?][Now that I’ve taken a closer look, Richard does resemble Jessica.][Good-looking people will only have good-looking children.][Excuse me, but who are the Stuarts?]Th
Kyle was left gritting his teeth. "Don't get so full of yourself, Cordy!"After all, he was already the laughingstock of high society for being denied an invitation to Levine Ventures' anniversary celebration. The fact that Mandy had been exposed for trying to frame Cordy only left his family's reputation hitting rock bottom, and no one among the commerce circles of North City cared about them anymore.To make things worse, the sponsors Cordy brought in for Jessop Corp before were looking prepared to withdraw their capital. If this continued, Jessop Corp would soon face bankruptcy just like they did years ago.Even so, Kyle only became harsher toward Cordy. "Jessica is a hundred times better than you. You know important families care about background, while she and John have feelings for each other. And what's more, John's son is hers! Do you really think there's anything about you that's better than Jessica?!""I don't have to compare myself to her. All I need to know is that Jo
The room and props for the bed scene were already in place, and all they needed was the word from Jay to start filming.And the reason he had not started already? Mandy was visiting. She bought stacks of gourmet confectionery for the production crew, so everyone including Jay was busy eating. Naturally, Mandy was hovering around Jay and happily locking arms with him.Still, despite her usual pompous, conceited manner, Mandy was as sweet as a lamb around Jay.Once they were done eating, everyone quickly returned to their positions to continue filming.On the other hand, Mandy appeared surprised to see Zoe. "When did you get here, Zoe? Sorry, I didn't see you there. I brought some food—would you like some?"Though she appeared cordial, she then groaned regretfully before Zoe could speak. "Oh, I forgot—we just finished. I'll remember to bring more next time."Zoe merely sneered and strode past Mandy.Jay was already sitting behind the monitors and preparing to shoot the bed sce