Patrick hence concluded, "This is why I came seeking a partnership with you, Miss Sachs. So that my family can retain our influence.""You flatter me, Mr. Stuart," Cordy replied. "I'm far less wealthier than every other bigwig in North City, let alone the Levines. I’ve never gotten involved in politics to know my way around it either, so a partnership with me doesn't help you at all." "You should give yourself more credit, Miss Sachs," Patrick grinned. "It's already clear that you're special, given how John Levine was smitten—""There's not necessarily a connection between sentiment and competence," Cordy retorted, cutting him off swiftly."Of course, but that's just one point," Patrick replied, ignoring her and showing no doubt in what he had set his mind on. "Secondly, if William Stuart intends to venture into politics, our side of the family has cause to get involved in business. Right now, you don't have the ability to compete, but it is my opinion that a dark horse like you w
Patrick went silent for a while.Cordy would rather not explain herself, but seeing that Patrick had traveled all the way here, she should at least give him a reason to leave. "I understand your reasoning, and there’s definitely a lot in it for me. However, I refuse to take part in this grudge match, just as I lack the capacity for it." "Your families stand at a level far above my reach or recognition, and I don't have that much ambition because all I want is a peaceful life. Naturally, you can argue that there’s no peace to be had in my life right now, and I’ll admit as much—but at the very least, I wouldn’t go out of my way to allow that peace to slip through my grasp by my own doing."Patrick's Adam's apple rolled, and he suddenly asked, "Because of your son?"The change in Cordy's expression was all too obvious."It's not that hard to find out," Patrick added bluntly.Cordy glared at him. "If that's the type of person you really are, Mr. Stuart, I don't believe there's a nee
Cordy stared at Patrick, and then admitted, "I have no guarantee that I can be helpful in your campaign against Jessica Stuart. The best thing I can do at the moment is to improve the value of our partnership.""And that's enough," Patrick replied. "If you're going for something big, rushing things would only ruin everything, even your previous achievements.""Well, shouldn't I at least report our business strategy?""It's fine," he said. "I'm just an investor. You have full authority on the rest.""Of course." Cordy did not press him, since he was mostly involved in politics and wasn’t exactly learned in business. "If you don't mind, may I buy you dinner to celebrate our partnership?" Patrick offered. "Sorry, but I'll be busy for the next couple days," Cordy refused. "I'm picking up my son from school.""Well then, I shan't impose," Patrick said politely, his fine upbringing and considerate nature obvious. "Here's my number. Do keep in touch.""Okay."Patrick left after th
Cordy had a hunch about what John was going to say.Even if her partnership with Patrick Stuart hadn’t been publicized, all insiders were aware since news of it had spread through alternative outlets. In fact, it actually drew some controversy amongst the business folk.Of all things, the great house of Stuart actually chose to partner with Cordy's small enterprise! If anything, they should be choosing an enterprise like Levine Ventures, whose riches seemed to have no limit.But the deed was already done, and now everyone just had to wait and see what came of it."Come in," Cordy said, opening the door.John followed her inside; he took a seat on the couch and went straight to the point, "Why would you choose to partner with Patrick Stuart?""It's a perfect coincidence of opportunity and merit," Cordy said, as formal as she was honest.John snorted. "Don't you know what's happening amongst the Stuarst at the moment?"Cordy shrugged. "All I know is that I only stand to gain th
However, John slept for a while.When Cordy turned to look at the clock on the wall, she saw that it was already past midnight. If he kept sleeping, she wouldn’t be getting up in time for work.Saving her documents, she shut her laptop and walked towards him, calling out, "Wake up, John."His brow furrowed, and he appeared a little agitated. "It's very late. You need to go to bed right now. Oh!"Cordy yelped as she ended up beneath John in a split second, and was pressed into the couch.Before she could react, his warm lips were pressing firmly against hers…"Umph!Cordy fought back, but he was too strong for her; he held her so firmly, she couldn’t breathe.She had the feeling if he kept this up, he would smother her completely.Narrowing her eyes right then, she bit John on the lip; the taste of blood immediately swirled between their jaws.John seemed to come to his senses, and finally saw Cordy's dainty figure beneath him; her face was flushed in anger as she glared at
It was now December, and full-blown winter in North City.Sam Saunders's birthday was on the twelfth, and it was a grand occasion—aside from his usual friends, every important figure in North City was there. Cordy was invited too—she had been working hard on taking Starstream High Fashion to the market, so she used the occasion to take a breather.She strode through the banquet hall in a subtle but elegant gown, and saw Quinn in the distance. Quinn had her hand around Sam's arm, and was mingling with their guests.Cordy had never seen Quinn wear red before, since she usually dressed conservatively as a lawyer. Thus, Quinn’s red gown was especially striking. And for some reason, she certainly looked like she belonged at Sam's side—she was almost the epitome of a trophy wife."Cordy," the familiar voice of a man called out just then, and Cordy turned to find Jay standing beside her.He seemed to have lost a lot of weight, and his fair face actually appeared pale now."It's been
As Cordy got up and left, Quinn shot her a grateful look. But as Cordy turned around as she left, she seemed to catch a glimpse of the tears in Quinn's eyes under the dim light of the back garden."It's been years. You're a lady now," the man chuckled, his voice still tender.Quinn bit her lip; it was a while until she greeted him. "Ryan.""I thought you'd forgotten about me," Ryan Saunders grinned. "It's cold out here—let's go in." Quinn arched her back to pick up her shoes, but he stopped her. "No."He dropped to a crouch and picked them up for her, his long fingers holding up her feet as she put them on.Amidst the silence between them, a neutral voice that carried a hint of sarcasm rang. "That might be inappropriate contact with your younger brother's wife, y'know."Both of them turned to find Sam nearby, staring down at them with his advantage in height. "I always thought of Quinn as a younger sister, even now," Ryan argued."But she's my wife and your sister-in-law,"
Marvin Saunders, Sam’s father, promptly snapped at him. His tone was severe as he said, "Watch your language! You're talking to your own brother here!""It's alright," Ryan said nonchalantly. "Sam's always been like that. Even after all these years, he never changed.""You're the pride of our parents. No matter how I change, I'd always be less than you," Sam retorted self-deprecatingly. "Anyway, it's rare for the family to gather, so take your time to catch up. My friends are over there, so I'm going.""Sam!" Marvin huffed despite his rage. Still, he wasn’t really going to lash out in front of so many guests.There was no question they shared the same parents, but the brothers were completely different. Ryan had always been smart and understanding, never giving anyone a reason to worry. The only time he rebelled was when he left Saunderia to pursue a career in scientific research. Lindsay and Marvin had been reluctant, but they were reluctant to stop him from fulfilling his ambitio