Noel was once again shouting to defend herself. "K-Kyle was just nice enough to teach me to swim!" And once again, no one cared. Then, the third photo was shown, where in a dimly lit karaoke lounge, a drunk Noel was leaning cozily against Kyle, whose hand was under her blouse for some reason."I was drunk. Kyle was such a gentleman, taking care of me…"At the same time, Noel's explanation grew feebler with every photo. Then, came the last photo.It was taken inside a luxurious dressing room on Cordy and Kyle's wedding day.Kyle was in his bridegroom tailcoat, pushing Noel up against his dressing table as they French kissed.Noel's face turned pale right then—her jaw hung ajar, but no words came out.Cordy glanced sideways at Noel, watching Noel as she appeared on wit's end, as if she would break down right then.The conference room was in an uproar as the lights returned. What a dramatic turn of events! To think that Cordy, who had been flamed to no end, had been inno

Cordy had no intention of letting Noel weasel her way out of her guilt—certainly not in front of the press."Cheaters and mistresses don't deserve forgiveness," she declared sonorously, enunciating every word.And it was certainly true.There was a reason behind anything, but not cheating!Noel bit her lip right then. Naturally, she knew that her appeal was not going to work with Cordy, so she let her eyes well with tears again and she sobbed. "I know you're still upset, sis. But I believe blood is thicker than water, and time will heal all wounds."'Blood is thicker than water?!'Hold on, that is kind of true. Blood could occasionally be filthier than water!'"Noel Sachs, how do you still have the cheek to talk like that?! Blood is thicker than water?! You don't want to hurt your sisterly bond?!" One of the journalists shouted right then, unable to stand the sheer hypocrisy. "Granted, even if it was as you have said—that right and wrong doesn't matter in love—you're the one w

John's lips were slightly pursed.Cordy was even tougher than he had imagined.But what did she have to go through to gain such perseverance? As his long fingers tapped on his phone screen for a while and finished drafting the message, he hesitated to send it.He more or less understood now why Cordy would keep him at arm's reach.After experiencing the sheer cruelty of her reality, she would never come to trust anyone easily.John's phone suddenly started ringing just then, and he answered it impatiently after glancing at the caller ID."Bob," he growled."Did you see the livestream of Cordy Sachs' press conference?!" Bob Davis exclaimed excitedly."I did.""Holy sh*t! That slap in the face was as clean as it was devastating! I actually think I'm in love now."John started to scowl right then, even as Bob continued happily. "By the way, are you hitting it off with her yet? We saw you stand up for her during your grandfather's birthday banquet, but it's like nothing has com

Cordy sneered. "You made me do it, didn't you?""I didn't think that you were investigating me in secret!" Kyle growled viciously. "Don't you ever tell me again you trusted me unconditionally. We're the same—get off your high horse!""Don't try to pull me down to your standards, Kyle. You're far beneath me," Cordy retorted coolly. "And I never asked for those photos." "What, are you saying you didn't ask someone to get them for you?! Do you think I'd believe—""Don't think for a second everyone else is despicable just because you are!" Cordy cut him short right then. "There are plenty of good people in this world—people who stand up for justice and who are utterly repulsed by your behavior! That's why someone took photos of you cheating on me, because they could not stand watching you brazenly fool around with my sister while I worked myself to death for Jessop Corp!"Kyle's hand was shaking even as he held his phone.Who was it? Who could have betrayed him?!"Don't ask me who

Smack!Cordy's eyes narrowed as Plum's slap landed squarely on her face, leaving a distinctly red palm print on her fair cheek."You shameless bitch! How could you do this to your own sister?!" Plum snapped at her right after that. "How can she or our family show our faces in public now?! How did we ever raise a swine like you, Cordy?!"Cordy simply pursed her lips seven as she felt the burning sting on her cheek.Many unpleasant memories abruptly appeared in her mind at the same time.She had been alone and helpless since her mother died.On the other hand, Noel won Simon and Plum's favor in every way, and abused Cordy however she could.As a child, Cordy was not good at resisting, and she had to just bear with it most of the time. Even if Simon or Plum knew that Noel was the one at fault, Cordy would be punished anyway. There was even a time when Plum locked her up, denying her food or drink for two days. She had been slapped before by Plum too—just like now, with every ou