Before Cordy could speak, John added sharply, "And don't tell me you weren't being distant. I have a heart; I can feel it."In other words, he was telling her not to lie to him. Cordy stared at him in silence for a while before asking, "I thought you knew?""No, I don't," he replied, not bothered to play around."I don't believe in love, and I've rejected you before already," Cordy said, lowering her gaze in fear of meeting him. "It's just your stubbornness talking."She did not want to admit that it was because of Zoe York.There would be no 'other woman' if he never wanted to be with her."So you mean to say that my effort was bearing fruit, which was why you're deliberately distancing yourself?" John asked, as if to confirm it.Cordy was taken aback, but she admitted it with her silence. What other reason was there?!John was too dangerous—she must not get too involved with him."So, I failed to offer you a sense of security," John said. "I will restrain myself as best
Noel was left staring fixedly at Cordy, completely unable to read the latter's mind. Noel had presumed that Cordy had asked for her to talk about her visit to John's ward. She doubted that Cordy would not know what she was up to, and she was not even hiding it.Naturally, Noel could not admit it… but the issue was that Cordy had not mentioned it at all! And it was impossible that Cordy didn’t mind it!Cordy of all people would know that men always hovered around Noel ever since they were children, but now, all she talked about was work.Most importantly, Cordy had done everything she could so that both Fabian and Dean were ousted. That was just to ensure that Cordy herself could take charge of production, was it not? Cordy obviously knew that those men were loyal to Simon and would not really work for her.And yet, Cordy was delegating all authority on production to Noel, who would unquestionably side with Simon. That meant all of Cordy's efforts were wasted, no? Had her brai
Be that as it may, none of the heads of departments and executives believed that Cordy was stupid after working for her for a while.But before they could speculate about Cordy's thought process, she proceeded to the next agenda. "It has been over two months since I've come to Starstream, and thanks to everyone's help—especially my sister Noel—I'm now familiar with the company's operations and management. For that, I thank everyone here."No one applauded her—not even Noel—even if Cordy was clearly being nice to her.Even so, Cordy continued nonchalantly. "Having grown to learn about this company, I've also noticed certain glitches, which naturally means that we need to fix them. As such, I'm announcing a complete shuffle of positions—and that includes everyone here."Her words sent the conference room into an uproar.Shuffling positions was a huge deal, but Cordy said it as if it meant nothing!"And now, I will present the list of personnel to be shuffled—of course, if anyone he
Noel was in shambles.It took her great difficulty to finally send the disgruntled employees congesting her office away. However, just as she prepared to leave work, Hank intercepted her at the door!Flinging his phone straight at her desk, he bellowed, "Noel Sachs! I've been completely loyal and did everything your father and you asked of me! But now, I'm losing my job just because Cordy Sachs said so?! You better explain yourself, or I'm not letting you out this door!" Left utterly terrified by Hank's outburst, Noel scrambled to get her phone and ask for help. However, even though she could unlock her phone, Hank snatched it out of her hands."Calm down, Mr. Rogers!" Noel quickly tried to calm him down. "I really didn't know you would be shuffled, and I have no idea why my sister did it. She never told me about it beforehand, and I would've stopped her if I knew—""Quit lying to me! I finally got it now… It's all a conspiracy by your family!" Hank snarled viciously, completel
Randy Martin was reporting on the recent situation at Starstream Group, and he could not help giving earnest praise when he was done. "Mrs. Levine's moves were perfect… I was so worried that she'd be ousted when she charged into Starstream all by herself, but she took complete control of them in under four months instead!"John listened to him, his delight hardly hidden from his calm expression."We have insider information that Hank Rogers was running everywhere and bad-mouthing Simon Sachs, calling him an ingrate and a snake. Fabian Locke and Dean Longman are reconsidering their allegiances as well—in short, Simon's pedestal is crumbling, and his company's stock prices are dropping slightly because of that. Most importantly, no one in Starstream trusts him now. All they want is to keep their jobs and stay in Starstream, so they have to be loyal to Mrs. Levine."John took a slow sip of his tea, seemingly enjoying the worshipful tone in Randy's words. "Mrs. Levine's only issue now
Cordy had just sent her text when a reply came almost instantly.[Nope.]Cordy could not help smiling. It was as if John had been waiting for her text, and she could almost imagine the look on his face. While her heart was not sent fluttering, her lips were still curling upward from habit.She replied: [It's late, and you're a patient. Sleep early, wake up early.]Once she was done, she called Walter to take her to the hospital. She had no idea when it started, but she was not that stiff toward him now. In the car, she was staring at the phone which never rang.He could really be petty sometimes. -After she arrived at the hospital, Cordy tried to be as quiet as she could as she entered John's ward. If he was obedient enough and fell asleep, she would rather not disturb him.However, there was no one in the hospital bed in that dark bedroom.Cordy was frowning when she suddenly heard movement from the bathroom, and she turned toward it just as the door suddenly swun
Today was the scheduled photoshoot for Zoe York for her endorsement of Starstream Group's fashion line for the next season.Cordy was at the studio early in the morning, personally helping Zoe with her wardrobe, hairdressing, and makeup.This was the first product launch commercial for Cordy since she took over Starstream—it was important to both her and her company, so she would not drag her feet. She had personally designed Zoe's dress according to the latter's measurements, and it was even more fitting than she imagined after Zoe put it on."I mean, I've seen your designs, but I'm still amazed at how great this looks once I put it on. This has to be the best casualwear I've ever worn—the design is as perfect as it is unique." Zoe praised generously as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. "You have to give the designer a bonus." Cordy smiled. "I'm honored.""I'm just telling it as it is," Zoe said bluntly. "If Starstream Fashion still doesn't skyrocket in popularity wi
Cordy spoke with much irony, "Kyle Jessop is really good at claiming others' achievements." She had done so much for Jessop Corp, but all of it in the end was categorized as Kyle's work.She did not hold it against him because they were in a relationship, but now, she found that it really was not worth it. "How did you two end up breaking up? Don't tell me that fire burns away your feelings for each other…""He fell for my stepsister.""Noel Sachs?" Zoe smirked. "That two-faced bitch.""You can tell?" "Anyone with eyes can. Shame that four out of five men are blind."Cordy smiled—Zoey was certainly speaking sense, and she could not help feeling a little touched.This was only their second meeting, but there was this indescribable connection between them. Even Cordy herself had to admit that they really get along well together.Since she always kept to herself even as a child, she never had many friends. While she did have a couple of close friends, everyone avoided her e
Soon, another nurse emerged from the delivery room with a small bundle. "Is the mother's family here?""Yes!" John exclaimed loudly."The delivery was successful," the nurse said. "The baby weighs eight pounds—""How is she?" John asked in agitation, not caring about the child."She's fine. The doctor is just helping her clean up and she'll be out soon," the nurse replied.As John breathed a sigh of relief, the nurse reminded him, "Aren't you the father? Here's your child."John took the baby off her arms, staring at her for a moment as the others flocked around him. "Oh, she's so fair!" Zoe could not help exclaiming. "That's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.""Are you saying that your son's ugly?" Bob teased."To be honest, yeah," Zoe replied without thinking.Jay cleared his throat—even if it was a subjective opinion, it still hurt to have his own baby called ugly."Let me carry her," Zoe volunteered just then, and John did not hesitate to hand her his baby.As Zoe
"What?!" Zoe exclaimed in shock.Beside them, John's face fell despite being usually stoic.Still, even before anyone could react, he scooped Cordy up in his arms and left.Zoe did not hesitate to follow, but Jay reminded her, "We're the hosts, Zoe.""Don't care." Zoe was completely unconcerned. "Ask my mom and your sister to handle the guests. I'm going with Cordy!"Jay hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow since there was no reasoning with Zoe.Sam and Quinn also realized that something was out of place.As they pulled away reluctantly, Bob shouted from below, "If you're done kissing, we're going to the hospital! Cordy's going into labor!"Quinn hurried after them as soon as she hurt, but Sam caught her. "Slow down. We can catch up."In fact, most of the guests were leaving as well—it was as if the banquet for Zoe's son was actually intended for everyone else.The poor boy was certainly unlucky to have such unreliable parents!-As everyone rushed to the hospit
"I'm swelling from my pregnancy," Quinn explained. "It's not your fault."Sam was left staring at her for a while before asking, "So, what should I do?""I'll put it on when I slim down.""Oh." Sam was a little disappointed, since he had always dreamed of having her put on the ring he had custom made.But this was fine—they had all the time they needed, and the most important thing for him is that Quinn was marrying him!He rose to his feet just then, and everyone was cheering as soon as he did. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"Quinn blushed right then, and Sam could see that she was embarrassed.He did not want to make things awkward for her, even if he was quite eager at the moment.Heaven knows how much he missed that night's drunken fumble they had. In fact, during the times he remembered it in dreams, he had to wash his pants when he woke up.Still, just as he took Quinn's hand and started to leave, he felt a softness on his lips—Quinn was kissing him! Sam's heart pounded thunderous
Everyone waited patiently for the final outcome.Quinn's eyes were welling up with tears, threatening to gush if she so much as blinked.She did her best to hold back her tears—to be strong!Sam pursed his lips in turn, his Adam's apple bobbing.A long while passed, and it felt like a century for Quinn when she finally heard him say, "Yes."Quinn's tears started falling in happiness as Sam declared loudly, "I'll marry you, Quinn—it's what I've always wanted to do! I won't let you go even if you regret it eventually! You only get to be with me, and I'll never let any other man claim you! I'll become very overbearing… eventually!""I won't regret it," Quinn said, determined.She certainly would not regret marrying him!Zoe walked up to them with perfect timing just then, and Sam did a double take.He finally remembered that Zoe was the host of this luncheon and was going to leave with Quinn when Zoe whipped out a small red velvet box."You know what's in here, don't you?" Zoe a
However, Sam had already pushed Quinn away before she could tell him. But even if he did not love her or did not want to be with her, she would never stay with Ryan.She had been disappointed in Sam, wondering why he would give up so easily.Was she that unimportant to him?Therefore, if it were not for Zoe and Cordy showing her that video or telling her so much, she would never have known that he loved her for years…Sam's heart ached even as he looked into Quinn's tearful eyes.He reached out a hand, but soon withdrew it—would he not burden her?Even so, it hurt to restrain himself as he watched her, and he was actually getting the feeling that Quinn loved him…But she already had Ryan's child…Well, he was fine with that, as long as the child was Quinn's.But would she not mind?"I will marry you, Sam," Quinn said slowly and clearly then. "Not because you're a good man, not because you prepared so much for me, and not because of how much you prepared for me, but because I
Everyone in the hall was staring at Sam and Quinn, while Quinn took center stage, staring fixedly at Sam.He stood in the middle of the crowd, watching her silently.She in turn felt fear that he would turn and leave, just as she did not know if she had the courage to stand before him again and to declare her feelings for him in front of so many others.Nonetheless, amid the deafening silence, Sam suddenly walked toward the stage.His pace was slow as if his feet were made of lead, but he was also unusually determined.Quinn's heart raced uncontrollably right then!Everyone else was watching them nervously, especially Cordy and Zoe, with the latter being especially concerned that the cowardly Sam would bail.Fortunately, he was a man who showed responsibility. He would not leave Quinn alone and embarrassed.Hence, as everyone looked on, Sam stood before Quinn, his gaze flickering as their eyes met.He gulped ever so slightly, his emotions clearly ruffled even as he did his bes
The guests were encouraging, loudly asking, "Why?!""Because of a woman," Sam's recording replied."Who is it?""Quinn Summer," the Sam on the screen said slowly and clearly, leaving the Sam who was in the hall stunned.What the hell?! That was the proposal video he prepared before! Why did it show up here? Did Zoe make a mistake?!He knew it—leave anything to Zoe, and she would mess it up!He started striding toward the stage, intent on stopping the recording, when John and Bob intercepted him with a look of utter guilt while the recording continued. "Quinn is my wife, and we've been married for years, but I've never really loved her—not because I don't, but because I'm afraid to. I feel too insignificant in comparison to the one she loves, so I'd always hurt her… painfully and childishly. I regret that so much now, Quinn. How could I have abandoned you for so long because of my own jealousy? I'd rather hold you in my sleep every night, but my damned pride denied me that for y
At the banquet hall, Jay and Zoe were thanking their guests with their children in their arms.Then, Zoe announced excitedly, "Please give my best friend, who is also my son's godmother, a warm applause as she comes on stage!"Sam stood at a corner of the hall, watching as Quinn walked up the stage, only realizing just then that her belly was clearly swelling despite her baggy clothes.Time flies—he had not left that long ago, but she and Ryan already had a child.She was not worried about giving him a stroke, was she?He watched as Quinn took the mic and looked around below searching, seemingly searching.After a while, he thought she was looking at him, but by the time he looked up, she had already turned away.Maybe she was looking for Ryan before remembering that Ryan was not there?Nonetheless, Quinn spoke into the mic, saying, "I'm honored to be chosen as the godmother to Zoe's son, and she's been saying he'd be engaged to my child if it's a girl. I already love my godson
As their eyes met, Sam turned frantic and averted his. "Of course.""Really?" Quinn asked."Would I lie to you?" Sam asked a little grumpily."And you didn't bring her back?" Quinn asked."I'm on a schedule, and it'd be taxing for her if I bought her along," Sam said, making things up as he went along. "I'll bring her along when things are less busy.""Is she pretty?" Quinn pressed."What, have I ever picked an ugly one?" Sam snorted smugly. "You know I prefer curvaceous types, and there are plenty of those abroad.""Do you have a photo?"Sam was silent for a while and eventually said, "Yeah.""Can I see it?""What, does she have to pass your assessment?""Just curious about the girl who can tempt you to settle down," Quinn replied. "You'd be humbled." Sam hastily came up with an excuse."I won't," Quinn said, determined."You'll see her when I bring her home." Sam refused nonetheless."I would like to see a photo now.""No, she's not that photogenic. It'd be slander a