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Novel Catalog
Chapter 38
The moment Richard leaped into Cordy’s arms, all attention seemed to momentarily shift toward them. Kyle, who had been watching with disdain, gritted his teeth, his earlier smugness dissolving into irritation.
Cordy’s interaction with her son was so natural, so effortless, that it was impossible to miss the bond between them. The way Richard’s face lit up as he hugged his mother—who held him gently, reassuring him with a soft voice—was a reminder of who was really in control of the room. Despite the grandeur of the banquet and the powerful people surrounding them, Cordy was unwaveringly grounded, her focus entirely on Richard.
“Let’s go get the cake, sweetheart,” she said softly, her eyes softening as she spoke to him.
Richard, still clinging to her, nodded eagerly. As they made their way to the dessert table, Cordy could feel eyes on her. Some were filled with curiosity, others with judgment, but none could ignore her presence. As they approached the lavish spread of desserts, Cordy felt a sudden twinge of discomfort—mostly due to Kyle’s lingering gaze, though she tried to ignore it.
Meanwhile, Alan Levine, seated in his wheelchair and surrounded by his entourage, watched the scene unfold. His sharp eyes caught the moment Cordy and Richard shared, and a quiet smile tugged at his lips. There was something endearing about the way Cordy had handled herself tonight.
“Mr. Levine, this is Mrs. Sachs?” one of the men in his group asked quietly, referring to Cordy as she passed by, not realizing she was someone of importance at first.
“That’s Cordy Sachs, yes,” Alan replied smoothly, his voice carrying a quiet authority. “She’s one of the few people I’ve seen who can truly navigate this crowd without losing herself in it.” His eyes briefly flickered toward the stage where other guests were gathered. “She’s a reminder that some things are more important than the chase for power or status.”
The man nodded, impressed. Alan’s words weren’t just a compliment—they carried weight, and the subtle shift in the atmosphere following his statement didn’t go unnoticed.
Back at the dessert table, Cordy took a moment to enjoy the small joy of spending time with Richard. He eagerly picked out a small cake, his hands messy with frosting as he ate it with an innocent enthusiasm that made her heart swell. She hadn’t realized how much she needed this moment until it was happening.
“Mommy, this is the best cake ever!” Richard exclaimed between bites.
Cordy chuckled, her expression soft. “I’m glad you like it, sweetie.”
Just as she was about to take another bite of her own dessert, a voice interrupted her from behind. “Cordy.”
She turned, immediately recognizing John Levine’s calm yet powerful presence. His entrance had gone largely unnoticed by the crowd as he had slipped in quietly, but it was impossible to ignore him now. He was standing with a slight tilt of his head, his sharp gaze on her.
John’s casual attire—a sharp, well-fitted suit that matched the elegance of the venue without seeming out of place—added to his undeniable air of authority. His presence in the room was like a silent storm, yet he remained calm and composed.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. He wasn’t asking in the typical socialite way, but more like someone who genuinely wanted to know how she was faring.
Cordy, sensing the sincerity in his words, gave a small smile. “I’m enjoying it more than I thought I would, considering everything.”
John chuckled lightly, his expression still unreadable. “I’m glad. The evening might not have gone as planned for some, but it’s good to see that some people are making the most of it.”
Her eyes flickered momentarily toward Kyle, who was still glaring from across the room, and then to Mandy and Noel, who had been caught in the middle of their own drama.
“I try to stay above the noise,” Cordy replied, her voice even. “It’s not worth getting caught up in.”
John’s smile grew faint, as if he appreciated the sentiment. “Good. The world’s full of distractions. Best not to let them interfere with what really matters.”
Before she could respond, Richard tugged on her sleeve, his mouth full of cake. “Mommy, can we go see Great-Grandpa now?”
“Of course, sweetheart,” Cordy said, leaning down to brush his hair back affectionately.
John watched the exchange quietly, then nodded as if understanding something unspoken. “Take your time,” he said, giving her space. “I’ll be here if you need anything.”
Cordy gave him a quick, appreciative glance before walking toward Alan. As she approached her great-grandfather, Alan’s eyes twinkled with amusement.
“You look well tonight, Cordy,” Alan said, his voice deep and raspy with age, but full of warmth.
“Thank you, Great-Grandpa,” she replied, a soft smile curving her lips. “I was just about to make sure Richard doesn’t eat all the cake.”
Alan chuckled. “I’ll leave that to you. You’re more than capable.”
As Cordy settled next to Alan, watching Richard joyfully munch on his cake, she allowed herself a rare moment of peace. Tonight had been a reminder that despite all the chaos, some things remained constant. The love for her son, her ability to stand her ground, and, most of all, her unwavering belief that no matter how much the world tried to throw her off course, she would always find her way back to what mattered.
And in this crowd, with all their power and prestige, that was more than enough.