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Novel Catalog
Chapter 4
After leaving the hospital, Kyle made his way to Sachs Mansion. Upon arrival, Simon Sachs wasted no time, his voice urgent. “Did Cordy agree to annulling your engagement?”
Kyle shook his head, his gaze lingering on Noel Sachs, whose soft demeanor had always charmed him. He replied calmly, “We’ve broken up. The annulment is just a matter of time. Sorry to keep you waiting again, Noel.”
“No need to apologize,” Noel said gently, shaking her head. Her eyes sparkled with affection. “I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you, Kyle.”
Her words warmed Kyle’s heart, but he couldn’t help but feel a little conflicted. He had made the right choice in Noel—her gentleness was a balm for his frustrations.
Still, he maintained his composure. “I was planning to visit Cordy, but she was with another man—the firefighter from last night.”
Simon scoffed. “Old habits die hard. You should have ended things with her long ago. She doesn’t deserve you!”
Kyle nodded in agreement. “She doesn’t,” he murmured, the bitterness clear in his voice. “Let’s not waste any more time on her. I’ll pretend I never had such a shameless daughter.”
Simon’s words echoed with finality, and he quickly shifted the conversation. “I heard that John Levine, the heir to Levine Ventures, has returned to the country. You should meet him as the CEO of Starstream Group, Noel.”
Noel’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Are you letting me take over the company, Dad?”
She knew that Cordy’s mother had founded Starstream, and now, this could be her chance to take what Cordy had always wanted.
“Thank you, Daddy! I won’t disappoint you,” she said, her determination evident.
Simon’s smile was warm with affection. “Of course, I trust you.”
He then continued, his voice low and thoughtful. “By the way, the Levines are the wealthiest family in the city. It’s said that John has a child abroad, but no one knows much about the mother.”
Curiosity flickered in Noel’s eyes. “Is that so? But aren’t the Levines one of the most influential families? If John’s in charge now, that’s quite something.”
Simon nodded. “His grandfather, Alan Levine, is ill, and John has been asked to take over the family business. He’s been expanding their operations internationally, with success that rivals Alan’s. You’re around the same age as him, Kyle, so try to make his acquaintance when you can. The Levines practically own North City.”
Kyle spoke up, his tone modest, “I’ve already discussed it with my father. Once John officially takes over, I’ll visit him.”
Noel’s curiosity grew. “He’s only twenty-seven? So young, yet so successful. I wonder what he looks like.”
Kyle glanced at her with a teasing smile. “It’s Alan Levine’s seventieth birthday next month. We’ll meet him then. Are you interested in him?”
Noel quickly shook her head, laughing lightly. “No way! I’m only interested in you, Kyle. I’m sure he’s probably just some middle-aged guy with a big belly. After all, in North City, only you have it all—looks, success, and family connections.”
Kyle chuckled, amused by her comment, and they both casually shifted the conversation, though something about the exchange lingered in his mind.
Meanwhile, the stark contrast between the cheerful atmosphere at Sachs Mansion and the somber tone of Cordy’s hospital ward couldn’t have been more striking. Though she had been crying for over an hour over Kyle, she couldn’t shake the emptiness of the situation.
Before she could even order food, a man in his fifties entered the room, flanked by two young women.
“Good day, Ms. Sachs,” the older man greeted respectfully. “I’m Winston, Mr. John Levine’s valet. You can call me Winston. These are Flora and Scarlet, professionally trained maids who will assist you during your stay. Feel free to ask them for anything.”
Cordy blinked in confusion, unsure of what to make of this sudden arrangement. Winston continued, “Girls, please present Ms. Sachs’ lunch.”
The maids quickly set out an array of dishes on a nearby table, placing the knife and fork in Cordy’s hands with an almost ceremonial respect. “Please enjoy your meal, Ms. Sachs.”
Cordy was taken aback by the lavishness of the meal. She thought John was going a bit overboard, especially considering the damages his hotel had sustained from the fire. Still, she accepted the food, murmuring her thanks.
As she began to eat, Winston, ever observant, adjusted his reading glasses and took out a notebook. “Please forgive me if the food isn’t to your liking. Are there any preferences or ingredients you dislike?”
Cordy paused for a moment, then replied softly, “No.”
Winston nodded, jotting down notes with precision, as he observed her closely. “Ms. Sachs seems to prefer fish but avoids carrots and onions.” He made a final note, then turned to her. “I will ensure future meals align with Mr. Richard’s preferences.”
After Cordy finished her lunch, Winston presented her with a small box containing a mobile phone, already equipped with a SIM card. She thanked him as he quietly exited, leaving her with Flora and Scarlet.
“Don’t mind me,” Cordy said as she wheeled herself out of the ward. She had promised to visit Richard, and she always kept her word. She also had matters to discuss with John directly.
When she knocked on the door to the next ward, it opened to reveal John Levine, standing tall and broad-shouldered, his white shirt rolled up to reveal his muscular arms. Cordy couldn’t help but notice the bandage around his wrist—the same wrist that had once carried her in his arms.
Averting her gaze, Cordy asked, “Is Dicky in?”
“He’s taking a nap,” John replied, his voice soft but firm.
Cordy hesitated, wondering if he was deliberately keeping her away from his son. She pursed her lips and started to speak, but before she could continue, Richard’s voice called out sweetly from the room.
“Mommy? Can you sleep with me?”
John looked at Cordy, his tone immediate. “I need to step out for a moment. Could you keep him company, Ms. Sachs? Dicky just had appendix surgery, and the doctors insisted on bed rest. If you can, please help him fall asleep.”
John left quickly, leaving Cordy somewhat bewildered by his actions. Was he not concerned about his son’s wellbeing?
“Mommy?” Richard called again.
Cordy took a deep breath, not correcting him. “Alright, just take a nap. I’ll be here with you.”
“Thanks, Mommy,” Richard said, curling his tiny hands around her arm, holding it close to his chest as he drifted off to sleep in a matter of moments. Cordy envied the ease with which children could fall asleep—she had struggled with sleep for years.
As she gently withdrew her arm, Richard’s small hands tightened around her, and he murmured, “Mommy, don’t leave me…”
Unable to resist, Cordy leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. It was then she realized John had returned to the room, watching her with a dark gaze, his expression unreadable.
Caught in the awkwardness of the moment, Cordy froze. She had been caught red-handed, kissing another person’s child.