The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 307

It was Catherine’s first time meeting everyone, and with so many eyes on her, she definitely wasn’t about to share her background. She knew people would figure it out if they really wanted to, but that didn’t mean she was going to spill her life story in public.

Geoffrey offered her an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Catherine. My wife just worries sometimes. You’re barely older than our son, so she gets a little carried away.” He gave Adela a subtle nudge under the table.

Adela looked like she was in her thirties, thanks to careful self-care, but her eyes told a different story. There was a tiredness there, the kind that comes from years of life’s ups and downs. In that moment, she almost seemed closer to fifty.

Catherine studied her for a second, feeling something strange stir inside her. She pushed it down and forced a gentle smile. “I get it. It’s a pleasure to be here tonight, Geoffrey. Thanks for having me. I hope I can count on you while I’m in Eldervale.”

Geoffrey grinned and gestured for her to join everyone else. “Of course, Catherine, come in.”

As the host, he began introducing her around. Catherine tried to keep things polite and distant, using a vague excuse about not feeling well to dodge the endless toasts. Neville stuck to her side, downing three drinks for every one that was meant for her. The others didn’t seem to mind. If anything, they were happy to keep the conversation going, even if it meant Neville did most of the drinking.

Two hours later, the party finally came to an end. Catherine asked the hotel staff for help getting Neville into the car. He wasn’t completely out of it, but he was close. The minute he got in, he slid right off the seat and ended up on the floor, curled up and half-leaning against the upholstery, muttering nonsense between hiccups.

Catherine told the driver to call Ivan and figure out where Neville lived so they could get him home. The driver stepped outside to make the call, leaving the car quiet except for Neville’s drunken mumbling.

The air inside was thick with the smell of alcohol and smoke. Catherine rolled the window down halfway and stared at the city lights outside, letting the cool air wash over her.

Catherine set down her bag, shrugged off her coat, and slipped into her slippers. The tension she’d been carrying all night seemed to melt away. She realized she hadn’t eaten much at all, and now she was starving. She sat at the dining table, savoring the warmth of the soup, and asked Lorinda if she could make her a quick sandwich too.

“The way things are at the company, I probably won’t be too busy for the next month,” she said, almost sounding bored. In reality, she was being sidelined. If it hadn’t been for the banquet tonight, she’d have been home hours ago.

Supposedly, she was here to take charge, but her real job was just to report everything back to Lance. He’d analyze the situation and call the shots from afar.

While Lorinda was making the sandwich, Catherine pulled out her phone and sent Aaron a list of names she’d picked up at the party. They were all people who seemed close to the Lee family and seemed to know Ivan well. They might end up being key supporters if the Buck family ever needed to take over the branch. It never hurt to plan ahead.