A Life Debt Repaid novel (John and Cordy)
Chapter 405

Jessica stood above the stage, asking everyone below, "Is Number 62 present in this hall?"

In reality, the paddle numbers were arranged before the auction-odd numbers were assigned to men, while even numbers were assigned to women.

Cordy Sachs had no idea why that was the case when she received her auction paddle, and simply presumed there would be a lottery or something else. After all, entertainment was necessary to keep things lively at a charity auction, and she realized now that the arrangement was for this mini-event.

Patrick obviously knew Cordy's number and teased, "Oh, this truly is destiny!"

Cordy shot him a sideways glare.

Destiny? She would already disagree when Jessica picked Noel with pinpoint precision for the first number, and had even more reason to after Jessica picked her as well.

There were only that many coincidences in the world-Jessica meant to do this, and as the host, she had a million ways to replace out the numbers of every person in this ballroom. "Number 62..." Jessica repeated.

"Over here!" Patrick suddenly exclaimed, pointing at Cordy.

Jessica feigned surprise as she gasped in turn, "It's Cordy?"

"Yes," Cordy replied calmly.

"Oh, what a coincidence! You and Noel... Oh, this is wonderful!" Jessica exclaimed with a look of utter joy. "Please, come forward."

Cordy pursed her lips, earnestly repulsed.

At her side, Patrick noticed her hesitation. "Just say no if you don't want to go..."

Cordy, however, didn't want to cause unnecessary trouble.

If Patrick had to challenge Jessica for her sake, he wouldn't fare well, especially since his side of the family was having a clandestine power struggle against Jessica's. Moreover, Cordy refused to owe him favors.

She started towards the stage, and as she walked past John, he suddenly reached out to grab her wrist.

However, she simply raised her hand and avoided him-but their skin brushed against each other's, the sensation delicate yet profound.

John clenched his knuckles, and was forced to watch as Cordy lifted her skirt and calmed walked upstage.

At first, Noel more or less had the men's attention with her shrinking violet demeanor and stunning figure.

But no matter how impactful it had been to the eyes of the men present, she dimmed in comparison when Cordy walked onstage.

If one were to describe her beauty, one could simply say that no one would be able to take their eyes off her wherever she went. Likewise, no one who stood at her side would match her beauty.

It wasn't just Noel who dulled in comparison either-even Jessica, in her elegant gown, seemed a little less stunning.

Cordy certainly could take the wind out of every woman's sails.

At the same time, Noel's smile faded as soon as Cordy went on stage.

Why did Cordy have to be everywhere?!

Why does Cordy have to steal Noel's thunder all the time?!

Noel could clearly see the stares focused on herself before had turned towards Cordy at once, who instantly became the focus of the entire ballroom.

Even as Noel repressed her rage, Jessica said, "It seems tonight is really going to be a great night. I called out two numbers at random, and I got two of my best friends. Most importantly, they're sisters! I surprised myself too!"

She was certainly smooth, alright.