Vince Cartman arrived with a document just then. "Ms. Sachs? The sales report for the first wave is here.""Show it to me," Cordy said calmly. Even as he passed it to her, Vince was reporting excitedly, "It's far beyond what we predicted—sales began at 10 am sharp today, and the more popular designs were sold out in seconds. Sales of the other designs also rose over thirty percent from our forecast, and counting. The numbers from physical stores are still pending, but the feedback nationwide is that they are selling like hotcakes, and they are too busy to count. Even the supplies are barely meeting the demand."Cordy could not resist smiling at that, even as Vince took out an iPad and tapped on the photo gallery. "Humphrey Wickers—our director of sales—has just arrived at the biggest mall in the city for an on-site survey, and here are the photos of our retail stores. Retail stores of other brands on the same floor are basically empty, though it's the same story for retail stores o
Kyle calmed down right then. "What do you mean?"Even so, Noel still looked annoyed, as Kyle's mockery and outburst left her utterly disgruntled.She used to bear with his outbursts because she wanted him.Now that she had zero interest in him, all he said only filled her with spite."Sorry I got a little emotional, Noel," Kyle said, naturally noticing that he had been too harsh, quickly turning mild-mannered as he could clearly tell that Noel had a plan. "Please understand—I'm just worried that you're still helping your sister after she used you."While Noel was not that understanding, she did not get petty since Kyle was still useful to her. "You see, since Starstream Fashion is now wildly popular, every article on them is positive, with the media and netizens flattering them to no end. But if a scandal suddenly hits at this juncture, do you really think Starstream Fashion would retain their popularity? In fact, I expect a dramatic turn of the tide."Though Kyle quickly underst
Afterwards, Kyle and Noel flirted a little before Noel hung up, her eyes projecting savagery just then. She wanted to expose Cordy not only because of the reason she told Kyle, after all.She wanted to make John utterly disgusted toward Cordy, so that she would have a chance to steal him!-After a week of unprecedentedly high sales figures, Starstream Fashion's autumn collection had shortages nationwide. Cordy promptly decided on another large-scale production instead of going the hunger marketing route.She certainly did not expect the autumn collection to sell so well they would go out of stock! Her ideals in fashion were just like her mother's, too—so that the clothing they designed personally could reach as many people as possible.However, just after the production was completed and the second batch was about to hit the market, a certain scandalous expose made the headlines: The Deplorable Path to Success of Cordy Sachs, Owner of Starstream Group!The details were ela
Gary Bryant, the head of the sales department, rushed into Cordy's office just then, clearly agitated."Ms. Sachs…" As Cordy lowered her phone to look at him, he cried, "What should we do, Ms. Sachs? Every customer is now demanding a refund and the physical retail stores are crowded with them. All malls nationwide are also complaining to us, demanding that we produce a solution.""Ms. Sachs!" Tim Hardy, the head of purchasing, soon rushed inside as well. "We have multiple suppliers demanding payment, or they would sue!""Ms. Sachs, our customer service department is really falling apart. The lines are all busy, and none of the customers are listening to us…"Cordy pursed her lips as she looked at her anxious executives. "I'll hold a meeting in ten minutes. Everyone must be there—I will be presenting a comprehensive solution to this crisis. You all may go now.""Yes, Ms. Sachs," they replied, and left despite their worry.If this situation continued and their autumn collection f
In the end, they were just strangers who made a passing acquaintance. "I'll enforce a press gag as soon as possible. Send me your account number—I'll wire any amount of capital you're short of," John eventually said, but his neutral voice obscured any emotion he felt. "I have a PR time specializing on crisis mitigation who's abroad at the moment, but I'll have them fly here by tomorrow morning. Just spare some time, and I'll arrange for a meeting."Cordy bit her lip.She actually did not yearn for any help from anyone at this time—especially after all that she had been through. Back when she was just eighteen, she had been mocked and ridiculed. No one stood up for her, and her biological father considered her such an embarrassment that he could not wait to send her abroad so that his reputation would not be ruined.This was the exact same situation, and everyone could not wait to cut ties with her…That was, everyone except John and Zoe.Confusion showed in Cordy's eyes just
John's fingers eased around his golden fountain pen just then, as Randy's words seemed to offer him assurance.As for Randy, he was heaving a subtle sigh of relief—thank goodness he was sharp enough, or the days ahead would be disastrous. "I'll be constantly keeping an eye on things over there too, sir," he quickly added. "I won't ever let her be hurt by those loathsome dirtbags.""Good," John replied, and finally turned his attention to his computer, returning to his own work.-The atmosphere at the conference room in Starstream Group was immeasurably grim.They had never been a major enterprise, but things had always been calm, and they had never faced such a terrible crisis.At wit's end, no one could hide their anxiety and panic at all.Suddenly, someone spoke."Sis, have you thought of a solution? If this goes on, I'm worried that our company would…"Noel deliberately allowed her words to trail off, while appearing to look apprehensive as well.Cordy looked at her jus
"I believe in you too, Ms. Sachs," Stacy quickly chimed in. "It wasn't easy for Starstream Group to turn over a new leaf, and it's not worth falling to this setback. I'm with you as we do all we can to resolve this crisis.""We're with you too, Ms. Sachs!"All at once, the atmosphere was charged by the sudden show of solidarity with Cordy.Noel was naturally scowling slightly—Cordy had genuinely surpassed her expectations.Forget being calm despite the serious crisis and the prospect of bankruptcy—she had somehow managed to draw everyone to her cause even now!Still, Noel's eyes flashed dangerously. So what if everyone was standing with Cordy? It was just an appeal to emotion. She would never believe that Cordy could save Starstream Group on her own!-And yet, Noel's face fell the instant she returned to the office.Every article of Cordy's scandal which topped search trends had been removed—all of them!There was nothing on Cordy, and while there were more than a few thr
Cordy was sitting in her office as she looked through her phone, seeing that all the scandalous articles on her had been taken down.She naturally knew that it was John.Her heart fluttered ever so slightly, but she restrained herself. Soon, Zoe posted a tweet on her personal account.[Each person has a past, but facts would only be speculation until proven. However, certain people really need to grow a conscience!]The tweet was clearly a show of support for Cordy, and was hinting that she had been framed.It caused yet another fervent debate among the netizens.Some were naturally flaming Zoe for not having a conscience herself, that she had abandoned morals for the sake of money.On the other hand, those who supported Zoe spoke up. They point out that the endorsement fee she earned from being brand ambassador to Starstream Fashion was spare change compared to her net worth, even speculating there was something fishy because she certainly did not have to go that far for so l
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