With Fiona gone, Cordy had help from Stephen to select a new secretary, Vince Cartman. He was young and academically qualified, and had not joined either faction in Starstream Group since he was only recently hired.And as instructed, Noel arrived to present her drafts for the season in the vast conference room. But even as she elaborated on the details, she lost confidence by the minute under Cordy's watchful gaze.She certainly had to admit that she did not have the inspiration to create a design from scratch—even if she was given another week. Her design was fundamentally stuck to her old ideas, and the minute adjustments she made by borrowing inspiration from others left her designs less than outstanding."Do you think this is going to fly, Ms. Sachs?" Cordy asked as she took a sip of tea.It was only natural that Noel came up with an excuse beforehand. "Personally, I think trends matter, but that does not mean we should lose our brand's individuality. What's wrong in keeping o

Noel checked the time, but it was only 3 pm. "In another couple of hours.""Can't you leave early?" Mandy Jessop was clearly upset. "I'd like you to go shopping with me."Noel appeared slightly hesitant. In the past, she could just leave work without a word since her father would not say a thing.But now, Cordy had taken control, and Noel was worried she would notice and use it as an excuse to harass her.Even so, she had even less reason to upset Mandy. If she wanted to marry Kyle without issue, she certainly needed his sister's favor.After weighing her options, Noel agreed to it anyway. "I'll be right there. Where are we going?""Radiant Global.""Be there in twenty minutes."Hanging up, Noel drove to the mall.-Meanwhile, Cordy was drafting a design in her office when her phone rang too.She gave it a casual glance but eventually put away the draft and answered it. "Mr. Levine.""When will you call me something else?" That familiar voice was ever deep and magnetic.

Did 'good' mean it was acceptable, or did it mean something else?Still, Cordy was going to ask a store assistant to pack it up when another store assistant arrived with a breathtaking gown. Mandy's eyes lit up, and she promptly intercepted the store assistant as she exclaimed, "I'll try that one!" "I'm sorry, Ms. Jessop, but this one is reserved for Ms. Sachs." The store assistant apologized."Why? I saw it first, and that makes it mine! I'll try it right now!" Mandy snapped bossily, snatching it off the store assistant's hand before she could agree to it.Mandy held it over herself, measuring it—they had been shopping for a while, but this was the only gown that suited her taste. "It's so beautiful." Noel fawned over it, feeling jealous because she had her eyes on it too."I'm sorry, Ms. Jessop, but this is tailored made for Ms. Cordy Sachs—""How much is it?!" Mandy refused to hear a word of it. "I'll buy it right now!""It's not about the money—""I'll make a complaint

Regardless, none of them would admit it."Thank you," Cordy flashed a tender smile at Richard before turning to Mandy. "Pay up."Mandy's cheeks were alternating in color.Cordy had actually put it on! How?!"A bet's a bet. What, going to go back on it already?" Cordy sneered.Mandy's teeth were gnashing—she just had to make the bet in front of so many people.She could not afford to humiliate herself by reneging!"How much for the gown?" she growled."It's 1.3 million dollars, Ms. Jessop," a store assistant replied."What?!" Mandy thought she was hearing things.Most designer brands would cost a few hundred grand at most, but that gown cost 1.3 million?!"The dress was completely handmade in Franconia, and every part of the design was made to specifications. The 500 diamonds encrusted on it were in turn sewn by hand by our best tailor," the store assistant explained, while showing her the invoice. "The pricing was also charged according to official rates. Please take a look,

There was no reply this time.Cordy pursed her lips and turned toward Richard. "Your daddy is working overtime tonight. Would you like to come home with me?""Okay!" Richard actually appeared excited. "I would like to visit your home, Mommy."Cordy smiled and patted his little head adoringly. Arriving home, she put on a cartoon for him while wondering what to cook for dinner.Although she had lived abroad for years, she was too busy trying to earn a living to cook for herself. It was beef jerky when she did not have money, and takeout when she did.And after thinking about it, she decided on takeout—she would not have to worry about the food either when it was from an expensive restaurant. She sat beside Richard, making her orders solemnly."Can I change the channel, Mommy?" Richard asked just then. "Sure," she said, and pointed at the remote lying just ahead.Richard picked it up and started switching the channels, while Cordy continued to swipe through takeout menus. I