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Novel Catalog
Chapter 44
The atmosphere in the banquet hall was tense, the murmurs of gossip suddenly drowned out by the force of John’s words. Mandy’s face flushed a deep red, her anger mixing with a heavy dose of humiliation. Her pride was crumbling right before her eyes, and she couldn’t stop herself from lashing out.
“You think I’ll apologize to her?” Mandy sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. “I’d rather die than say sorry to someone like her!”
But John’s gaze hardened, his eyes narrowing into a steely glare. “You’re not in a position to be proud right now, Mandy. You’ve made a fool of yourself in front of everyone here.”
The truth of it hit like a hammer. Mandy’s mouth opened and closed, but she had no retort. Everyone in the room could see what she had done, and the whispers were now more than just casual gossip. They were filled with judgment, and everyone—everyone—could tell that Mandy’s attempt to disgrace Cordy had backfired in the most spectacular way.
“Not only did you try to smear Cordy’s name,” John continued, his voice low but powerful, “but you also humiliated yourself. In front of me, in front of my family, and in front of all these people. And for what? To satisfy your petty jealousy?”
Mandy’s fists clenched at her sides. Her shoulders were trembling with the weight of her shame, but the one thing she couldn’t stand—couldn’t tolerate—was being spoken to like this, like she was some small, insignificant figure. She had always been the center of attention, the one who called the shots, and now… now she was nothing but a laughingstock.
“I don’t care about what you think!” Mandy spat, her voice quivering with frustration. “I don’t need your approval! And Cordy—she’s nothing but a gold digger!”
“Enough.” John’s voice was cold, sharper than ever before, and it sliced through the air with finality. “If you can’t apologize with grace, then you’ll just have to leave. The sooner, the better.”
Mandy’s lip trembled as she looked from John to Cordy, then to Richard, standing confidently by his father’s side. Richard’s innocent gaze locked with hers, and she could feel the weight of his quiet judgment. The child had more dignity in that moment than she did.
Finally, she broke. “Fine. I’ll go. But know this, Cordy…” Her voice wavered with rage and helplessness. “I won’t forget this. I’ll make sure you regret this moment.”
John’s expression didn’t change, and his words were like ice. “You’ve already embarrassed yourself enough tonight, Mandy. Take your pride and leave while you still have some left.”
Dandy, visibly uncomfortable and now wishing he had never come, pulled at Mandy’s arm. “We’re leaving. Now.” He practically dragged her away, muttering under his breath about how she had ruined everything.
As they walked out, John’s gaze lingered on Mandy for a moment longer before he turned to Cordy. His expression softened, just a little, as he approached her.
“Are you okay?” John asked, his voice low, the warmth returning to it.
Cordy couldn’t help but smile, though it was tinged with a sense of satisfaction. “I’m fine,” she said, her voice light. “I’ve been through worse. But I think I just witnessed the most spectacular public meltdown in history.”
John chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with affection as he took a step closer, his hand brushing lightly against hers. “I think you’ve handled it better than most would. I’m proud of you.”
Cordy felt a warmth spread through her at his words. For the first time that evening, the tension seemed to dissipate, replaced by something far more comforting. She wasn’t alone in this anymore. And that feeling, that sense of partnership, was enough to make everything worth it.
As the last of the whispers died down, and the room slowly resumed its usual hum, Cordy found herself looking around at the guests, who were now all too aware of the drama that had just unfolded. Some were still staring, but others were moving on, no longer interested in Mandy’s theatrics. The night was far from over, but Cordy felt a shift—things were changing, and for once, she felt like she was on the winning side.
John’s presence, calm and steady, was like a shield around her. He wasn’t just standing by her; he was actively defending her, showing the world that she mattered. And for once, Cordy felt that she wasn’t just a pawn in someone else’s game. She was in control.
As the evening continued, the spotlight seemed to shift, and Cordy took a deep breath, ready to face whatever came next. But for now, at least, she could savor this small victory, and the knowledge that she had the support of someone who truly saw her.