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Novel Catalog
Chapter 39
Zoe York, with her signature confidence, moved through the crowd like she owned the room. The soft fabric of her gown caught the light as she walked, her heels clicking rhythmically against the marble floor. She’d heard Mandy’s voice and noticed the tension in the air from a distance, and she couldn’t resist the opportunity to make her presence known.
“Am I interrupting something important?” Zoe’s voice dripped with amusement as she approached, her eyes flicking over Mandy and Jay with a knowing smirk.
Mandy stiffened immediately, her face a mask of forced politeness. “Zoe,” she greeted with a thin smile, though the recognition was tinged with bitterness. She’d never been fond of Zoe, the actress who always seemed to be one step ahead, effortlessly winning roles that Mandy desperately coveted.
Zoe’s eyes darted to the note still clutched in Mandy’s hand, a clear indication of the unspoken exchange that had just taken place. “I see you’re still trying to work your ‘magic,’” Zoe said lightly, her tone mocking but not unfriendly. “Can’t say I’m surprised.”
Mandy’s jaw tightened, and she almost retorted, but she managed to hold back. Her mind was spinning with the knowledge that she had already lost the role she was so determined to keep. Zoe, on the other hand, had a reputation for being just the kind of person to swoop in and take advantage of the situation.
Jay glanced at Zoe, visibly uncomfortable with the tension brewing. “I think we’re done here,” he muttered, clearly eager to escape the situation before it escalated. With a polite nod, he turned away from the two women, his businesslike manner leaving no room for further conversation.
Mandy, her pride wounded, finally snapped, “Don’t think you’re better than me, Zoe. Just because you’re in with the right people doesn’t mean you’re untouchable.”
Zoe’s smirk widened, and she paused, clearly enjoying the moment. “Oh, Mandy, I’m not ‘better’ than you. But I do know how to play the game, and that’s something you’ve yet to learn.”
With a final, dismissive glance, Zoe turned and strutted off, leaving Mandy standing there, seething with frustration.
Meanwhile, Cordy had finished with Richard and was now standing at a more secluded part of the banquet hall, trying to ignore the drama unfolding around her. She had learned long ago not to get involved in petty squabbles—especially ones like Mandy’s, who seemed to think that life was one big casting call. But even as she watched Mandy’s fuming expression from a distance, she couldn’t help but feel a quiet satisfaction.
Mandy was reaping what she sowed. There was a certain irony in seeing her try to use charm and connections to regain what she lost, only to find that people like Jay—who, though not a saint himself, understood the politics of the industry—weren’t interested in playing along.
Cordy’s attention shifted as she heard her name being called softly from behind. She turned to find Richard holding a little plate with cake crumbs on his face, his innocent smile as bright as ever.
“Mommy, can we go see Great-Grandpa now?” he asked, his little voice full of excitement.
Cordy’s expression softened as she knelt to his level. “Of course, sweetheart,” she said gently, brushing a bit of frosting from his cheek. “Let’s go.”
As they walked toward Alan, Cordy couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace, a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding her. While the rest of the crowd seemed entangled in their own webs of power plays and petty rivalries, she had something far more precious: the love and trust of her son.
But even as she made her way to Alan, she couldn’t ignore the way people were watching her. There was an undercurrent of curiosity—and maybe even admiration—following her every step. Cordy knew that, no matter how much they tried to bring her down, they would never succeed in taking what mattered most to her.
As she reached Alan, his eyes softened at the sight of her. “Richard,” he said warmly, his voice raspy but filled with affection. “I see you’re enjoying the cake.”
Richard grinned and hugged his great-grandfather’s arm. “It’s the best cake ever, Grandpa!”
Alan chuckled, looking at Cordy with pride in his eyes. “You’ve done well, Cordy. Richard is a fine boy.”
Cordy smiled softly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “Thank you, Great-Grandpa. He’s everything to me.”
The moment felt like a quiet victory amidst all the noise. Despite everything, Cordy had her family—and that, to her, was far more valuable than any role, any title, or any piece of gossip floating through the banquet hall.