The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 105

“No,” Catherine replied, her voice calm and even. She kept her eyes down, like she couldn’t see the suspicion in Lance’s stare.

Aaron stepped in quietly and leaned close to Lance, speaking in a low voice. “Lance, Ladd just called. He wants to deal with the scandal at Monday’s board meeting. He made it clear that Catherine’s role in all of this counts as serious professional misconduct.”

Lance’s brow tightened as he looked at Catherine.

She just pressed her lips together, her own brow faintly furrowed, but she stayed silent.

“Move the board meeting up to tomorrow,” Lance said, his voice steady but cold.

Aaron nodded. He gave Catherine a look on his way out, like he wanted to say something but thought better of it, and left the room.

Lance stood and walked over to her, leaning back on his desk. Even sitting, he still looked down at her from above.

Catherine had left in a rush. She wore a soft pink sweater and black wide-leg pants, her long hair pulled into a messy bun, a few loose strands curling around her ears. The marks on her neck had faded to a light blush, barely visible now.

Like this, she looked younger, more at ease than she ever did at work. But Lance knew better. Beneath that gentle look, Catherine was sharp and stubborn, never the pushover she seemed.

“Gavin might have some influence, but he can’t touch SilverLeaf from the inside. Catherine, you’re smart. Did you ever see things getting to this point?”

A secretary, causing a stir big enough for the board to notice. Her job was hanging by a thread.

Sunlight spilled through the windows, throwing long shadows across the floor. Catherine stared at his shadow, at the lean lines of his frame. He looked handsome, sure, but there was something almost intimidating about the way he carried himself.

Lance didn’t just think she’d said something to Lara. He actually believed she’d followed Gavin’s orders on purpose.

His expression grew darker. He clamped the cigarette between his teeth, pulled out his phone, and blocked Gavin’s number. His thumb hovered over the smooth screen, catching his own reflection, his face clouded with frustration.

Smoke curled around him, the nicotine only making his nerves feel more raw. He couldn’t stop seeing Catherine’s retreating figure in his mind.

***

If this incident got her fired, Catherine’s record would be stained for good. No matter where she went, no one would ever really trust her or give her a decent shot.

But she couldn’t bring herself to argue or explain. If anything, she almost wished she’d get fired. That would mean she could leave SilverLeaf Industries, leave Cabinda. Leave Lance behind for good.

That night, when Lorinda called her on video chat, Catherine didn’t mention any of it. Lorinda was impulsive, and nothing was certain yet anyway. If Lorinda found out, she’d probably be more upset than Catherine was herself.