A Life Debt Repaid

Chapter 9

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