A Life Debt Repaid

Chapter 9

After a while, Randy told John it was the time for the meeting, and John left his office. Kyle—who had been waiting in the guest room—watched as all the executives walked past from behind the glass wall.“Is that Mr. Levine?” Kyle asked.Debbie the secretary glanced at the people outside, and quickly said, “Yes, Mr. Levine is on his way to a board meeting.”Kyle lowered his teacup and studied the people outside, and Randy just happened to turn around.Kyle quickly smiled and nodded in greeting at Randy.Although Randy was frowning, he nodded politely and followed John into the elevator.Randy certainly did not know that Kyle could not see John from his perspective, only that everyone else was walking behind Randy.Kyle returned to his seat in turn to wait for ‘John’.Levine Ventures would soon be establishing the biggest commerce guild in the world in North City, with a building to be completed soon. Since Jessop Corp’s main business was high fashion and they were looking to get involved in electronic commerce, they would get a good spot soon if they built a partnership with Levine Ventures early on.However, John spent the entire morning at the board meeting.When Kyle asked at noon, he was told that John had left for lunch with a partner and would return in the afternoon.When he asked in the afternoon, he was told that John was at an on-site survey, but he probably would return.When he asked in the evening, most employees in the building, including John, had already left work for the day!Kyle’s face was left ashen.He was the scion and the CEO of one of North City’s top corporations, and yet he ended up being stood up by John for an entire day. Even if Debbie kept apologizing, he felt that John was deliberately messing with him!And he had no grudge with him!Furious, he stormed out of Levine Ventures headquarters and got into his car, and that was when he received a call. “Noel.”“Hey, Kyle! I heard you spent the whole day at Levine Ventures. You must’ve had a pleasant meeting with John Levine, right?” Noel asked fawningly.Kyle’s expression darkened as Noel continued. “I’m going to have dinner with Mandy. Would you like to join us, or are you eating with Mr. Levine?”“I’m fine. You girls enjoy yourself.”He certainly was not going to tell Noel he was not even allowed to meet John, and that he was not in the mood to hang out with them.Still, Noel was sharp enough to notice. “What’s wrong? Are you in a bad mood?”“No, I’m just a little tired. I’m thinking about going home soon to sleep.”“Alright,Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

have a good night.” Noel appeared to care enough. “By the way, what does Mr. Levine look like? Is he like one of those middle-aged men with dad bods?”“No, but his looks are average,” Kyle critiqued.“I guess.” Noel giggled. “Alright, I won’t keep you, Kyle. I’m arriving at the restaurant soon.”Kyle, however, was left glowering after hanging up.Cordy had already left him infuriated in the morning, and now John humiliated him.He was shaking even as he tried to restrain his temper!…Over at North Garden, Cordy was planning to order takeout for the night when her phone started to ring.It was the number from this morning—it was not hard to remember it when the number 8 was all over the screen.Taking a deep breath, Cordy refreshed his memory, having planned how to reject the man’s invitation.“Mommy!”However, when Richard’s chipper voice exclaimed from the other end, Cordy’s words were left stuck in his throat.At the same time, Richard continued excitedly, “I missed you so much, Mommy. Daddy and I are coming to pick you up for dinner. We’ll be there in ten!”Cordy was speechless.John was certainly cunning!…Eventually, Cordy limped out to the entrance of the apartment block on her crutches, where John was leaning against his all-too-conspicuous Maybach, somehow more eye-catching than the car.She could already see a crowd around him. Men, women, young, and old—they were all staring at him, but he ignored them. In fact, his gaze finally showed focus when he saw her, and he strode toward her and took away her crutches.While Cordy frowned, he scooped her up in his arms the next instant and headed toward the car.It drew even more stares, but Cordy took a deep breath and decided to give her silent assent.When they got in the car, Richard called out to her adorably, “Mommy!”The boy was smiling sweetly at Cordy, and her heart always softened every time she saw him.It was just three days since they were apart, but Richard promptly gave her a big hug while exclaiming excitedly, “I missed you so much, Mommy! Daddy said that we will be having a big dinner today. Are you hungry, Mommy?”“Yes, I am.” Cordy smiled.“Me, too! We should eat more soon.”“Of course.”As the car took them to the restaurant, Richard and Cordy were making merry.John simply sat near them without butting in, but the smile on his face was obvious.When they arrived at the restaurant, a waiter led them to a window seat.However, Cordy blinked just as they sat down.It was a minute gesture, but John sharply noticed it although he was holding the menu.He turned around and saw Noel, who was having a happy conversation with Mandy Jessop at the next table.As

Kyle’s sister, Mandy’s contribution was indisputable in Noel’s success in seducing Kyle and stealing him away from Cordy.Mandy was herself an actress—not first-rate, but she had a fanbase regardless.“Shouldn’t you be on a plane? I heard you have another project coming up.”“Yeah, but they are shooting it in North City. I’d never leave if they shot elsewhere,” Mandy replied loftily.“I’ll come visit you when you’re free,” Noel said, and added as she suddenly remembered, “By the way, Levine Ventures are investing in the production too, yes?”“Oh, don’t even mention them.” Mandy’s eyes flashed with disgust.“What? Why?”“Their heir, John Levine, has just returned to the country, but they’re saying he has his eyes on me and wants to arrange a marriage interview.”“Really?” Noel gasped in surprise, while John remained impassive nearby.He continued to order more food, while asking Cordy what she liked from time to time.“Oh, this is killing me.” Mandy was still complaining indignantly. “There’s no way I’d choose him! Not only is he ugly, but he also has a kid! Who would want to be a baby mama?”“That’s true. You’re so gorgeous and it’d be a waste to marry him,” Noel said, flattering her.“I’m so worried now that he’s so obsessed he might get aggressive. You know how important his family is in North City—my dad would’ve played along,” Mandy said unhappily.“Well, it’s your fault for being too beautiful,” Noel joked.Mandy looked smug right then—Noel really knew how to flatter a person, and Mandy certainly relished it.“Oh, let’s forget about him. By the way, how are things going with Kyle? Why isn’t there an announcement to annul his engagement yet?”“He’s been with my sis for years. He has to be considerate for her sake,” Noel said understandingly.“Considerate? To Cordy Sachs?!” Mandy was almost speechless. “What is there to be considerate about when she slept around at eighteen and had a child out of wedlock? I’d just jump off a building if I were her instead of showing my face anywhere!”Cordy completely ignored her, while letting Richard pick the desserts he wanted.John suddenly rose to his feet. “I need the washroom for a moment.”“Okay,” Cordy replied.He returned soon enough, while the waiter from before approached Noel and Mandy.“Apologies, ladies, but this restaurant has been reserved for the night.”