Ever since they met, John had never told Cordy about his family—only his name."I am," he admitted regardless, and he asked, "When did you notice?""Just now," Cordy replied. "It's not that hard to notice. Your last name is Levine, you're a single dad, and there's your extravagance. The only thing that doesn't fit is…"As John raised a brow, she finished, "You're better looking than the rumors say.""You flatter me."Cordy said nothing to that, but she was just stating facts."I did not want to hide it for you," John said earnestly.Cordy, however, did not mind—they were not close enough to have to tell each other everything.In fact, she was just asking because Alan Levine's birthday was on the 17th, and she had been eager to find out why John had asked her to make time on that day."Well, there's this guy who keeps insisting that I'm a firefighter, and you might think that I'm deceiving you. That's why I planned to formally introduce myself on the 17th."He spoke with a neu

The regal banquet hall was already crowded, as almost everyone in North City's high society showed up.Noel appeared utterly excited as she entered with Simon Sachs, Sue Yorkman, and Sonny Sachs. When it came to an event organized by the Levines, the average enterprise would never make it in, just as bigwigs would refuse to bring a child they did not like. As such, being able to show up here was a status of one's status and importance.It was the greatest honor!"Noel!" Mandy was calling to her from a distance."Dad, I'm joining my friend now.""Go," Simon told her, not forgetting to remind her, "Be careful. It's not your usual banquet tonight—watch your manners.""Don't worry," Sue assured him proudly. "Noel has been a good girl ever since she was a child."Simon nodded in pride as well, while Noel made her way toward Mandy.Kyle was with Mandy, and he was surrounded by young, rich kids."Kyle," Noel greeted him.Kyle smiled at her in return, but he did not dare to get too

One of the rich kids nearby suddenly said, "Hey, isn't that Kyle's girlfriend?" He was acquainted with Kyle and had therefore met Cordy a few times. While he knew that she was beautiful, Cordy was so dazzling tonight that he almost did not recognize her."Did you come with Kyle? I'll go get him."He was certainly kind enough—anyone would have a heart when it comes to beauty, and he felt a hint of sympathy for her.Even so, another woman nearby scoffed. "I wonder what Kyle was thinking, falling for her!""Their wedding was canceled because of a fire, wasn't it? Someone up there didn't want Kyle to ruin himself over her…"Cordy listened to the mockery with apathy and no reaction.Having gotten used to it, she genuinely thought nothing of it.However, just as she was about to reach into her bag and take out her invitation, Kyle arrived with the rich kid."Mr. Jessop," the attendant greeted him respectfully. "We received a tip that Ms. Sachs came in without an invitation. May I a

"So what if he did?" Kyle was still mocking Cordy. "He's still… a dog!"Cordy looked coolly at him but said nothing.John suddenly stepped out of the lounge, and Cordy turned toward him.Kyle saw him too, and his smirk was even broader as he watched the other man. Kyle's rich kids friends joined them just then, and they noticed the man beside 'John Levine' making his way toward Kyle. Under the impression that he was passing a message to Kyle, they want to be a part of it, while trying to make John's acquaintance. "Who is he, Kyle?" one of the rich kids asked—there was no question that the man carried a presence, making them uncertain of his identity.Kyle spared him a glance and said in disdain, "One of John's bodyguards. He used to be a firefighter.""Really?" one of the rich kids exclaimed in surprise, even commenting, "They really make them too handsome these days.""And what good is that?" Kyle snorted nonchalantly. John simply shot Kyle a look before walking up to Cord

Mandy's face turned green even as she glared at Zoe's haughty figure. What right did she have to attend the banquet tonight? Was she brought here to sing and dance for Alan just because she took the role of that Windmill Pictures TV series?Even if Mandy did not actually have any status in showbiz, she got to belittle others—even A-list stars like Zoe—because of her family connections.And Zoe must have taken the casting couch countless times over her long career. What right did she have to mock Mandy?!"Please show some dignity, Ms. Jessop," Jay said, leaving without taking her note.Mandy was shaking with rage—the banquet tonight certainly left her with a belly full of grievances!Even Noel did not want to stand by Mandy's side now. She was keeping her distance—not because she was worried that she would upset Mandy, but because Mandy might embarrass her as well.Thankfully, the emcee began to speak at that moment, signaling the commencement of the main event. Everyone seeme