Ever since they met, John had never told Cordy about his family—only his name."I am," he admitted regardless, and he asked, "When did you notice?""Just now," Cordy replied. "It's not that hard to notice. Your last name is Levine, you're a single dad, and there's your extravagance. The only thing that doesn't fit is…"As John raised a brow, she finished, "You're better looking than the rumors say.""You flatter me."Cordy said nothing to that, but she was just stating facts."I did not want to hide it for you," John said earnestly.Cordy, however, did not mind—they were not close enough to have to tell each other everything.In fact, she was just asking because Alan Levine's birthday was on the 17th, and she had been eager to find out why John had asked her to make time on that day."Well, there's this guy who keeps insisting that I'm a firefighter, and you might think that I'm deceiving you. That's why I planned to formally introduce myself on the 17th."He spoke with a neu
"Really?" Richard asked. "Of course," Cordy replied—it was Alan's seventieth birthday tomorrow, after all.And with that assurance, Richard happily left with Winston, while Cordy quickly got changed, put on makeup, and went to work.She had just entered her office when Vince approached her and presented an invitation. "Ms. Sachs? Mr. Alan Levine from Levine Ventures is celebrating his birthday tomorrow, and he has sent you an invitation."Cordy opened it casually, and saw her name written on the card with outrageously artistic calligraphy. For some reason, she was sure it was John who had written it.The door suddenly opened, and Cordy looked up to see Noel entering. "I need to talk to you, sis."Cordy sent Vince out of the room while handily hiding her invitation.Noel snapped right then, "I had something to do and left work early! You didn't have to put on notice that I skipped work on the company's administration portal, did you?!"She flew into a rage the instant she saw
The regal banquet hall was already crowded, as almost everyone in North City's high society showed up.Noel appeared utterly excited as she entered with Simon Sachs, Sue Yorkman, and Sonny Sachs. When it came to an event organized by the Levines, the average enterprise would never make it in, just as bigwigs would refuse to bring a child they did not like. As such, being able to show up here was a status of one's status and importance.It was the greatest honor!"Noel!" Mandy was calling to her from a distance."Dad, I'm joining my friend now.""Go," Simon told her, not forgetting to remind her, "Be careful. It's not your usual banquet tonight—watch your manners.""Don't worry," Sue assured him proudly. "Noel has been a good girl ever since she was a child."Simon nodded in pride as well, while Noel made her way toward Mandy.Kyle was with Mandy, and he was surrounded by young, rich kids."Kyle," Noel greeted him.Kyle smiled at her in return, but he did not dare to get too
Mandy suddenly had an idea. "Maybe she slipped in?"Noel realized with a start—it was certainly a possibility.Before the two of them could react, they saw Kyle heading straight toward Cordy.As for Cordy, she felt countless stares at her as she entered the banquet hall, but she remained calm and composed… until she saw Kyle."What are you doing here?" he asked quietly."I don't think you have a right to ask that," Cordy asked. "This event is organized by the Levines, not your family.""The Sachs didn't bring you here, and Starstream Group would never receive an invitation. How did you get in?""So, you're doubting me?""It's embarrassing if you're caught sneaking into a private banquet, Cordy!" Kyle snapped viciously.Cordy was scowling from his harsh words, when he suddenly gave in and made a kind look. "Whatever—just stay with me, and I'll tell anyone who asked that I brought you in. To the public, we're still in a relationship, after all."As he spoke, he reached out to t
One of the rich kids nearby suddenly said, "Hey, isn't that Kyle's girlfriend?" He was acquainted with Kyle and had therefore met Cordy a few times. While he knew that she was beautiful, Cordy was so dazzling tonight that he almost did not recognize her."Did you come with Kyle? I'll go get him."He was certainly kind enough—anyone would have a heart when it comes to beauty, and he felt a hint of sympathy for her.Even so, another woman nearby scoffed. "I wonder what Kyle was thinking, falling for her!""Their wedding was canceled because of a fire, wasn't it? Someone up there didn't want Kyle to ruin himself over her…"Cordy listened to the mockery with apathy and no reaction.Having gotten used to it, she genuinely thought nothing of it.However, just as she was about to reach into her bag and take out her invitation, Kyle arrived with the rich kid."Mr. Jessop," the attendant greeted him respectfully. "We received a tip that Ms. Sachs came in without an invitation. May I a
"Pfft!"Cordy smiled in disdain and strode off as Noel and Mandy looked on.Mandy almost screamed at the sight of her smugness."That's enough!" Kyle snapped right then, his expression sinister as he placed all the blame on Mandy. "Hadn't you embarrassed yourself enough, messing around as much as you like? Don't pick up her bad manners, Noel."With that, he strode off angrily.Mandy's eyes were red.Her own brother scolded her when it was Noel who suggested that they report Cordy!She snapped viciously at Noel, "Why didn't you defend me?!""I, I…" Noel looked utterly wounded. "Kyle left before I could say anything."As such, Mandy could only bear with the grievance and storm off.-The interlude involving Cordy did not affect the banquet at all.The rich and the powerful were all still busy socializing while waiting for the Levines to show up.Just then, a group of men in black strode inside from the entrance. Everyone turned toward the imposing new arrivals, and the hal
"So what if he did?" Kyle was still mocking Cordy. "He's still… a dog!"Cordy looked coolly at him but said nothing.John suddenly stepped out of the lounge, and Cordy turned toward him.Kyle saw him too, and his smirk was even broader as he watched the other man. Kyle's rich kids friends joined them just then, and they noticed the man beside 'John Levine' making his way toward Kyle. Under the impression that he was passing a message to Kyle, they want to be a part of it, while trying to make John's acquaintance. "Who is he, Kyle?" one of the rich kids asked—there was no question that the man carried a presence, making them uncertain of his identity.Kyle spared him a glance and said in disdain, "One of John's bodyguards. He used to be a firefighter.""Really?" one of the rich kids exclaimed in surprise, even commenting, "They really make them too handsome these days.""And what good is that?" Kyle snorted nonchalantly. John simply shot Kyle a look before walking up to Cord
Cordy led Richard to a corner of the banquet hall, with his bodyguard in tow but keeping a distance. Richard did not like him getting too close, after all."You brought him here, sis?!" Noel exclaimed just then.She was there with Mandy to get some desserts. Though the debacle earlier left them infuriated, they calmed down after considerable effort… only to run into Cordy again.Still, Cordy promptly growled a warning. "Noel Sachs, your father should have told you that you shouldn't embarrass yourself at this banquet. If you keep messing with me, I can't guarantee I'll keep holding back from doing something outrageous!"Noel's face fell—she was definitely afraid to upset Cordy.Mandy was not, but she left them, having seen Jay Parker arrive at the banquet hall just then.He was the reason she came here tonight. He was a famous director who worked under Windmill Pictures, a subsidiary of Levine Ventures, and he was also directing the TV series which she was removed from. Nat