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Novel Catalog
Chapter 34
The tension in the room was palpable as Noel’s words trailed off. Everyone was now keenly aware of Cordy’s entrance, her presence undeniably commanding attention. The diamond-encrusted gown she wore shimmered under the lights, reflecting both the luxury of the event and her own understated grace. The crowd parted slightly as she moved through, and there was no mistaking that Cordy had, in one fell swoop, captured the spotlight.
Mandy’s face flushed with irritation as she leaned in closer to Noel. “This isn’t just about her appearance,” she muttered. “She’s making us look bad. She’s not even supposed to be here!”
Noel clenched her jaw, trying to recover. “It’s not my fault,” she said under her breath, her eyes narrowing. “She must have gotten in through other means. Maybe she’s here to ruin the night—who knows?”
But despite Noel’s attempt to downplay it, the reality was clear: Cordy’s appearance was drawing more attention than anyone could have anticipated. As she made her way further into the banquet hall, her confident stride and composure only highlighted the fact that she was no ordinary guest. Even the richest, most influential people in the room couldn’t help but turn their heads, whispering amongst themselves.
Cordy was no longer just the woman they had heard about—she was now the one everyone wanted to see.
At the same time, John Levine was watching from a distance. His expression was unreadable as his gaze lingered on Cordy, who was now standing near the center of the room. He had hoped for this moment to be understated, but it seemed the evening had taken a different turn. His world of power, money, and influence hadn’t prepared him for someone like Cordy to turn it all upside down.
For a moment, he didn’t move, his eyes focused solely on her, but then he turned to face his guests. His role tonight was more than just attending a celebration—it was about managing the delicate balance of power and prestige. Yet, he couldn’t deny the impression Cordy was leaving.
Back with Noel and Mandy, the situation was quickly escalating. The people around them were still gawking at Cordy, and Noel’s unease was apparent as she tried to regain control of the situation. But Cordy’s entrance had already altered the night’s course.
Mandy, who had been silently stewing, couldn’t hold back any longer. She stepped forward, pushing past Noel, and headed straight toward Cordy.
Noel watched in silence, her fists clenched at her sides. If Mandy confronted Cordy now, it could be the perfect way to undermine her. But as the distance between them closed, Noel’s unease grew—Mandy’s anger could be more damaging than she realized.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Mandy said coolly as she approached Cordy, her voice carrying the weight of authority.
Cordy turned slowly, a serene smile on her face. “I don’t recall asking for permission.”
The words, spoken with such quiet confidence, were enough to stop Mandy in her tracks. She blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback by Cordy’s calm demeanor.
“I’ve every right to be here,” Cordy continued, not a hint of nervousness in her tone. “After all, it’s a public celebration, isn’t it?”
For a brief moment, there was silence between the two women. The air felt charged, as if everything that had led to this point—the rivalry, the tension, the competition—was building up to something bigger than either of them could predict.
Mandy’s smile returned, but it was colder now, laced with venom. “You’ll regret this, Cordy. Believe me.”
Cordy, unfazed, simply gave a small, measured shrug. “We’ll see about that.”
And with that, she turned away, making her way deeper into the heart of the event. The spotlight was hers for the taking, and nothing was going to stop her from enjoying this moment.