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Novel Catalog
Chapter 87
Cordy’s frown deepened as she turned her attention to John, her mind racing. Zoe York’s genes? The way he’d spoken felt like he was more familiar with Zoe’s background than she had originally thought. Had he already met her parents? It seemed odd, especially when she considered the distance John and Zoe had kept from each other publicly. Was there more going on between them than he had led on?
For a brief moment, the quiet tension between them became palpable, but John wasn’t in the mood to address her questions. Instead, he glanced out the window, staring straight ahead, making it clear that he had no intention of discussing the matter further.
“Randy,” Cordy finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and mild frustration, “Do you know what John meant by that?”
Randy, who had been looking nervously between the rearview mirror and the road, hesitated. “Uh… I’m sure he meant nothing by it, Ms. Sachs. You know, just… talking about how successful Zoe is.”
Cordy narrowed her eyes, sensing that Randy was trying to brush it off. What was he really trying to say? The exchange was oddly casual, yet too calculated, like Randy was playing some sort of game he had no business being involved in.
“Hmm,” she muttered, leaning back in her seat. The news about Zoe York being signed as a brand ambassador was big, but now it seemed to be opening up questions that Cordy wasn’t sure she was ready to confront.
Meanwhile, John remained silent, his gaze fixed forward, his posture stiff.
It was as if he had never even acknowledged the tension brewing in the car. Or perhaps, in his mind, it had already been dealt with long before Cordy even caught on.
But Cordy wasn’t going to let it slide. The business world was competitive, yes, but personal matters—especially those that might involve John—were more complicated than business deals. She wasn’t sure if this was about Zoe York, or something else entirely. Either way, she would get to the bottom of it.
The car pulled into the driveway of Chateau Emporio, and Randy hastily parked the vehicle. As the doors opened, Cordy helped John out, but this time, he didn’t lean on her for support. He had regained his composure—or at least, that was the appearance he gave.
Randy, who had been uncomfortably silent during the ride, was now practically hovering, trying his best to remain out of the way as John and Cordy made their way into the estate.
“I’ll see you two inside,” Randy muttered, excusing himself as he quickly scurried off.
John turned toward Cordy, his expression unreadable. “You’re upset about something,” he finally said, his voice surprisingly calm.
Cordy glanced at him, considering whether or not to speak her mind. But instead of responding immediately, she tilted her head slightly. “I’m not upset. I just… I think we need to have a talk about something.”
John raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint smirk. “Oh?”
“Yes,” Cordy said, crossing her arms, “About Zoe. And whatever that comment about her genes was supposed to mean.” She narrowed her gaze. “Do you know her parents well?”
John looked at her intently, as if gauging her reaction. For a moment, he was silent, as though debating whether or not he should share more. Finally, he sighed, his smirk slipping into something more serious.
“Do you always jump to conclusions, or is today just special?” he asked, his voice low but not unkind.
Cordy stood her ground, her gaze unwavering. “I don’t jump to conclusions, John. But I’m not blind either. So, do you want to tell me what’s really going on?”
John let out a long breath, his eyes softening slightly. “Zoe York’s parents… they’ve been family friends for a while. And yes, I’ve met them. But it doesn’t mean anything. We’re just doing business. She’s the right fit for the brand ambassador role.”
Cordy didn’t seem convinced, but she nodded. “Fine. But if there’s anything else going on, I expect you to tell me the truth. No more cryptic comments.”
John smiled softly, his gaze affectionate. “I’ll be honest with you, Cordy. Always.”
As they walked into the estate, Cordy couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to John’s relationship with Zoe than he was letting on. But for now, she’d have to trust him—and maybe, just maybe, this was a topic for another day.