As with everything else in the world, every netizen had an opinion.Some believed the Stuarts were selfish, bailing at the first sign of trouble and acting utterly heartless.Others believed the Stuarts' actions to be just, because crime was no tribulation to be weathered—the only thing it deserved was swift and decisive punishment. Naturally, most sided with Stuarts since they had power, whereas the Levines didn’t even have a say now…-Five days later, Patrick texted Cordy, informing her that John was transported back to North City while also sending her the place where he was being held.She hesitated for a while, but eventually went anyway. Patrick must’ve pulled some strings ahead of time, since she was allowed to meet John without any issue.And yet, they were both sitting face-to-face in a suffocating silence as Cordy suddenly had no idea what she was supposed to talk to John about.His haggard look also involved a slight pain in her.In the end, she couldn’t resist
Cordy snapped in annoyance, "Just worry about yourself for now."However, John’s confidence afforded her slight relief.After all, John wouldn’t go so far as to really destroy himself just to get his engagement annulled.No person could be that stupid, and John was always above the rest.She simply took it as him keeping his trump card for the time being."I'm going now," she said, rising to her feet—she had the answer she wanted, and that was enough for her."Cordy," he suddenly stopped her, his voice a little quiet, as if he was sentimental.Cordy paused, and turned around to look at him. "Is there something else?""Take good care of Dicky for the time being.""I know.""And yourself.""I've always been very good at that.""Don't fall for other men either," John reminded her.Cordy was speechless.At this point?!John then finished, "I'll woo you again when I'm out.""I won't be waiting for long," she replied. John blinked, and Cordy clearly saw the dazzling flicker
In the visitor's room, Jessica was staring tearfully at John, but he remained indifferent."Was it worth it? Doing this for Cordy?" she eventually asked."It has nothing to do with her," John replied. "The situation simply calls for it.""I know you did it for her," Jessica said staunchly."I won't joke around when my life is on the line.""You'd die for her!"John became silent at that, whereas Jessica laughed even as tears flowed down her cheeks, making her appear lunatic."Did you know, John?" she asked. "I'm getting engaged again."John blinked.It appeared he still had some feelings left in him.On the other hand, Jessica's tears flowed freely as she continued, but she seemed to feel nothing. "That's my family for you—everyone is a tool the moment they're born. My parents, myself, and my brother are no exceptions. I've always thought I've been blessed with a family like this, that even though I had no freedom in life and I don't get to choose who I marry, it was someone
After Cordy arrived at Levine Mansion, a servant led her to Alan’s study.The entire residence appeared bleak, perhaps because of John Levine's arrest. "Mr. Levine," she greeted the man when she saw him.Alan studied her for a long while in silence, probably because he had mixed feelings about her. They simply remained still and faced each other for a long while, until Alan suddenly sighed. "I didn't expect Johnny to go that far. He never resisted me, you know."Cordy remained silent, unsure how to respond. In reality, she understood how Alan felt since he raised John himself. It was certainly unthinkable that a child who had been so obedient would go against his will.But it was all water under the bridge now, and Alan could not change anything no matter how much of a tantrum he threw.And for a man of his noble stature who had weathered many tribulations, he would never allow himself to lose control while people watched."I knew John loved you, but not that much," Alan sa
Cordy had trouble asking to take Dicky away, even if John already arranged for it.Deciding to come to a compromise, she asked, "Can I visit him often, like I did before?"Alan didn’t have anyone else around him now. His son and daughter-in-law died years ago, Jay’s fate was still unknown after his accident, while John was now arrested pending trial. Only his daughter Nancy and Nancy's daughter Cora were still at his side after Nancy secretly divorced Ivan York, who had long since left Levine Manor.To think a big family like the Levines, who once embodied splendor and nobility, would suddenly be in pieces…Alan had heard Cordy, but he didn’t answer for a long while, leaving Cordy a little bitter and crestfallen.She certainly didn’t have the ability to take Dicky away, just as her conscience and morals stopped her from doing so.That being said, Dicky was her son, and she couldn’t pretend that he didn’t exist or stay away from him for too long.Suddenly, Alan said, "Take him
Alan repeated, "Go. Take Dicky with you."Cordy stared at him for a while, and then said, "If you miss him, call me anytime. I'd bring him to you, whether you're in North City or abroad."Alan nodded slightly."Take care of yourself," Cordy said, rising to her feet and giving him a small bow before leaving his study.As she headed downstairs to the lobby, Dicky was already sitting obediently on the couch, waiting for her.Once she appeared, he promptly ran up to greet her. "Mommy!"The clear, little voice warmed Cordy's heart—her son was truly the greatest fort she had in life.Crouching in front of the boy, she asked, "You're going to live with me now, okay?""Okay. Daddy told me I'd be staying with you after he married Jessica…but he didn't, did he?" Dicky asked in confusion. "Did Daddy do something wrong? Why was he arrested?"Cordy felt a little bitter. The boy had just started to attend grade school—too young to worry about adult's affairs when he should be enjoying a c
Cordy was amongst the many who submitted tenders to acquire Levine Ventures.She wasn’t interested in the Levines' estate, but she was convinced that she needed to save something for Dicky.Who knows? A spark might be all it takes to keep a fire going.Moreover, she was still partners with Patrick, who was eager to acquire Levine Ventures too. He certainly offered her as much financial backing as she needed, and they often discussed which subsidiary or shares to acquire for a successful acquisition.It was also customary for Patrick to provide her with certain insider information after business discussions. Though he appeared to do it out of the goodness of his heart, Cordy had the feeling that he simply liked to gossip like some housewives would."Jessica will be announcing her new engagement in a few days just then," Patrick said.Cordy frowned. She heard before from Patrick that Jessica was quickly brought to heel by her own family, but this development was still way too fas
In fact, Cordy herself had been wary of Jessica. She had been rather uneasy after the two months of peace, worried that Jessica would strike at her out of the blue.Patrick’s take naturally afforded her some relief—she was at least safe before Jessica got married.With that, Cordy didn’t drag on her conversation with Patrick. They soon hung up, since he was a busy man.Cordy hesitated for a moment in her office. Then, she headed to the detention center with the four bodyguards Patrick had arranged for her. John was visibly skinnier in his prison uniform and bald haircut. In fact, he had been losing weight every day since he was arrested.Even if he was smiling every time she came to visit, it wasn’t that hard to tell that he wasn’t doing well."Don't look at me like that," he said feebly. "I know I look hideous right now."He was certainly a lot less bright and glamorous than when he was the scion of the Levines.Cordy averted her eyes—he wasn’t hideous to her, but it hurt