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Novel Catalog
Chapter 45
Cordy smiled politely as she set the empty glass down on the table. “I suppose it’s a skill I’ve honed over the years,” she replied, her tone light and casual, but there was something guarded in her expression. The last thing she needed right now was to get caught up in any more distractions.
Jay chuckled, a little amused by her nonchalance. “I don’t know about that,” he said, his eyes glinting with mischief. “From what I can tell, you’ve got a pretty strong constitution.” He took a step closer, his gaze lingering on her with curiosity.
Cordy wasn’t sure how to respond to that, especially as she noticed the subtle way his eyes flicked toward the ongoing chaos at the center of the room. John was still surrounded by guests, his posture stiff and clearly uncomfortable with all the attention. The contrast between the scene around him and the relative calm she had found in the corner was palpable.
“Do you enjoy these types of events?” Jay asked, leaning against the table, watching her closely. “Or do you find them as tedious as I do?”
Cordy hesitated, but the truth slipped out without much thought. “I prefer quieter places. Crowds like this are a bit overwhelming sometimes.”
“Understandable,” Jay said, nodding in agreement. “It’s easy to get lost in the noise, isn’t it?” He gave her a smile, but there was something more calculating in his eyes than his friendly tone suggested.
Cordy raised an eyebrow slightly, sensing there was something he wasn’t saying. “You don’t seem like the type who enjoys being stuck in the limelight either,” she remarked, glancing over at him with a touch of curiosity.
Jay shrugged, his smile widening. “I don’t mind it now and then, but I like to keep my distance when it gets too much. I suppose we’re not too different in that regard.”
Cordy was about to respond when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She fished it out and saw a message from John: Are you still at the banquet?
She quickly typed back: Yes, just needed a breather.
Jay noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor, but he didn’t comment on it. Instead, he leaned in slightly. “I imagine John must be keeping you busy with all the attention he’s getting,” he said, his voice lowering just enough to make it sound more personal.
Cordy’s heart gave a small jolt at the mention of John, but she kept her composure. “He’s used to it,” she replied smoothly, “and honestly, I don’t mind the quiet for once.”
Jay’s eyes flickered with amusement as he pushed his luck a little further. “You seem like someone who knows exactly what she wants. John’s a lucky guy, getting your attention like this.”
Cordy didn’t miss the underlying tone, the hint of a challenge. Her smile remained polite, but it was now colder, more distant. “Everyone has their own way of getting what they want, Mr. Parker,” she said, her voice taking on a cool edge. “I’m sure you understand that better than most.”
The slight tension in the air was palpable, but Jay didn’t back down. Instead, he raised an eyebrow and gave her a look of quiet approval. “I admire that,” he said, his voice steady. “You’re a woman who knows how to navigate the game.”
Cordy didn’t reply immediately, her thoughts racing. She had to admit, she didn’t like how Jay was reading her so easily, as if he had figured her out with just a few casual words. She was used to being in control, but there was something about him that made her feel just a little off-balance.
Just as she was about to respond, the loud hum of the crowd grew louder, signaling that something else had captured their attention. Cordy turned her head slightly and saw John finally making his way toward her, a look of determination on his face.
She gave him a small, relieved smile as he approached, and Jay, noticing the change in her demeanor, straightened up. “I won’t keep you,” he said with a casual grin, though there was something almost knowing in his tone. “It’s been good catching up, Ms. Sachs.”
Cordy didn’t return the smile, her focus now solely on John as he reached her side. She was aware of the way Jay had been looking at her, and she didn’t appreciate it. But she pushed the thoughts aside as she stood up, eager to get away from the uncomfortable interaction.
John placed a hand gently on her back, his presence offering the comfort she hadn’t realized she needed until that moment. “Ready to go?” he asked, his voice soft but firm.
Cordy nodded, feeling a strange warmth spread through her at his proximity. “Yes, let’s go.”
As they left the banquet hall, Cordy couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder once more, her mind still a little unsettled by her conversation with Jay. But for now, she was content to follow John, grateful for the peace his company provided.
There was still more to navigate, but at least, for now, she wasn’t alone.