A Life Debt Repaid novel (John and Cordy)

Chapter 14

Kyle shielded Noel behind himself, looking utterly protective as he asked, "What are you doing here. Cordy?"

"To get my things," Cordy said coolly-she really was numb to this pair, since they were not worth getting upset over.

Hence, she simply ignored their presence and walked straight to her desk, while asking Noel, "You really like hand-me-downs, huh? Why don't you get a new one instead?"

The ambiguity of her words left Noel flushing, while Kyle tried to explain, "Noel is here to check out our fashion products for the new season. I only brought her here to visit your office-don't get the wrong idea." "Then what's the right idea? To see you and her in bed?" Cordy sneered.

"I'm talking about work, not my relationship with Noel. Don't get weird about this." Kyle pursed his lips, even adding generously, "Like I said yesterday-you can return anytime you want. I will keep your position here, as a way of compensation."

Cordy actually laughed.

Did he not understand that the only reason Jessop Corp was standing now was because of her?

Did he actually believe that she was reliant on them, and that she should be slobbering over his generosity?!

"Save it," Cordy growled even as she held his gaze. I've already submitted my resignation to HR, and from now on, both you and Jessop Corp and me will have nothing to do with each other!"

"Do you really think you can do well without us? Kyle threatened her in return.

"Calm down, sis-don't be so harsh to Kyle. There aren't many people like him who care about their exes after breaking up."

"I'm doing this for Noel's sake too. I don't want things to get awkward because we'll be in-laws."

The pair's ability to harmonize left Cordy laughing despite her frustration.

"So this is what people mean by a bitch in sheep's clothing."

"Cordy Sachs!" Kyle snapped.

"Sis..." Noel murmured.

Even so, Cordy kept glaring at Kyle icily. "The only acceptable behavior from an ex is if they play dead- and I don't need any compensation from you."

Turning to Noel then, she continued, "As for you, don't think what you're up to. You would like me to stay here so that you can steal Starstream Group, don't you? Don't even think about it!" These two were certainly delusional, trying to make her work for Kyle while trying to take away her inheritance?!

That was not going to happen!

"How could you think of us like that, sis? We're earnestly doing this for your own good. You don't want our goodwill because of that firefighter, right?" Noel said then, while Kyle chuckled. Such was Noel's true strength-with her naive, innocent demeanor, she could say anything she liked while appearing to show goodwill.

And she was doing just that now.

"Sis, no matter how bad it goes, you shouldn't sink so low. I mean, he even has a kid..."

Cordy smirked. "At least I can be with him openly. Could you say the same about yourself?"

"Who comes first doesn't matter in love-what matters is whether there's love in the first place," Noel retorted righteously. "And Kyle and I really love each other."

"You're right, but I'm sure morals play a part as well. What can I say when neither of you feels shame?"

"That's enough!" Kyle certainly could not stand it any longer

"Fine. I don't need this stuff anyway," Cordy said, and she suddenly stopped packing altogether "It's all filth now."

With those cool words, she left.

Noel's eyes were welling with tears.

Cordy was supposed to be down and out! What gave her the confidence to still strut?!

She really wanted to tear Cordy's face apart just then, because she could not bear to see that lofty face of hers, as if she would never bring her down!

"Noel." Kyle pulled her lovingly into his arms just then. "Don't mind her She's just upset that we're happy together

Cordy heaved a loud sigh of relief after leaving Jessop Corp's headquarters.

There really was nothing for her to get sentiment about or take home with her

She returned to Startream Group's headquarters then and headed straight into the board chairman's office.

Somehow, it was clean and tidy.

Cordy had no idea if Simon Sachs had given in to her threats or had something else planned, but she calmly took her seat and called in the secretary. "Come to my office." "Yes, Ms. Sachs."

Soon, the secretary-Fiona Lamb-entered.

Cordy noted her flamboyant dressing, and thought to herself that Simon really never changed his poor

tastes in women.

Without another look, she told her, "Inform all department heads that we will have a meeting at 2 PM. Have them prepare summaries of each departments' current tasks and..." After elaborating the specifics on the reports, Cordy asked, "Did you note everything down?"

Fiona's handwriting was as flustered as it was scrawly-she took a long while before replying, "Yes, Ms. Sachs."

"After you send the word out, make me a cup of coffee. I take mine black."

"Yes, Ms. Sachs."

With that, Fiona turned to leave.

"What's your name?" Cordy asked.

"Fiona Lamb."

"Alright. You may go now"

"Yes, Ms. Sachs."

Fiona was scowling the instant she got out of Cordy's office, and she quickly returned to her seat, typing furiously with her bedazzled nails. [She's so annoying!]

[What?]

[Your daughter She gave me a buttload of work and even pulled rank with me!]

[What is she planning?]

Simon was smirking even as Fiona sent him a list of tasks Cordy had her do.

He thought that Cordy was actually smarter than she thought since she knew enough to find out about the company before getting to work.

It was just a pity everyone in that building worked for him and Cordy would never stay long enough to order them around.

That was when Fiona pouted. [Aren't you going to comfort me?]

[I'll wire you three grand. Get yourself a nice handbag]

Fiona was beaming right then and she started to fawn over Simon instantly

Still, she did not forget to add: [You said you'd be back in three months at most. I'll entertain your daughter in the meantime-not one day more. You know you're the only one I want to entertain.] [Oh, you minx.]

At 2 PM, as everyone gathered at Starstream Group's conference room, Cordy went right down to business.

"It's my first day here, so there's a lot I wouldn't know. Please give a summary on your respective departments' present tasks and plans-starting with HR."

However, Hank Rogers-the Head of Human Resources-said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Sachs, but my department couldn't prepare a summary in such a short time. However, I can submit it personally tomorrow" As Cordy looked at Hank, the man remained calm and composed as he returned her gaze

Still, she stayed calm and called up the next department. "Corporate."

"We actually have too many projects. My people are still sorting out the mess."

"Marketing?"

"The head of the department hasn't returned. I'd rather not supersede his authority," the man's deputy said, as if it was only natural.

"Finance isn't prepared either, I presume?"

"No." The man could not even be bothered to be polite.

Cordy turned toward Noel then-after she was denied the position of CEO, she remained the head of the

fashion design department, even though it left the position of CEO vacant.

Noel stood up then, saying tamely, "I'm ready, sis-I mean, Ms. Sachs."

Cordy nodded, but she was not about to get emotional.

After all, Noel was used to playing up her seemingly harmless nature to everyone else.

And after Cordy's nod, Noel spent the next hour elaborating at length about her new designs.

"Will production start next month?" Cordy asked.

"Everything's ready aside from marketing."

"There's no need to rush things. I see room for improvement."

There was a subtle flash of displeasure in Noel's eye then-she knew Cordy would harass her.

"What needs improvement?!" Hank snapped right then. "Noel's design has always started trends in the market, and yet you're pulling rank with her when you don't know a thing?!"

"This season's design draws inspiration from present trends, too. It will sell!"

"You really shouldn't meddle with the design department, Ms. Sachs. Noel won the fifth prize at an international competition, and she's the second best in Asia. Her pseudonym is Lilac, and that alone would allow us to inflate our product prices by tenfold!"

Noel was Lilac?!

Cordy had certainly heard of Lilac before, since she had worked in the circles for

"It's a shame that I can't be the best in Asia," Noel said humbly then.

"Isn't the best in Asia the best in the world too? Cordy asked directly then.

years.