The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 665

"Come in."

Catherine had barely knocked when Hammer's voice echoed through the wood.

She pushed the door open and offered a polite nod. "Hammer."

Hammer shifted in the leather chair when he saw her. "Sec—Secretary White. I'm still used to calling you that."

They had crossed paths multiple times during business banquets back in Cabinda, though always strictly at a surface level.

Transitioning from corporate rivals to a boss-employee dynamic was undoubtedly an awkward adjustment.

"Call me whatever you prefer," Catherine replied seamlessly.

A title meant nothing to her.

Though she had started out as a mere secretary, Hammer knew better than to underestimate her.

After all, her connection to Lance made her a formidable variable.

"The Southeast Expansion Project partnership with The Lee Group is set in stone. If you have personal reservations, you need to overcome them. The company's bottom line comes first."

Hammer's tone wasn't outwardly hostile, but it carried absolute authority. "Gavin walked off with the corporate seal. Go reach out to him and get the contract with The Lee Group signed immediately."

He was effectively ordering Catherine to force Gavin into accepting the partnership.

Catherine had absolutely no desire to get caught in the crossfire of their family feud.

"Hammer, you raised Gavin yourself. If you can't convince him, I certainly don't have any better methods."

Hammer let out a heavy sigh. "He paid a premium to poach you from SilverLeaf Industries. You immediately went on maternity leave, and he even arranged a half-day schedule just for you. You're far more than just a regular employee to him."

"I—"

"He treats you exceptionally well. If he leaves, there won't be anyone left in this company to protect you."

Hammer's oppressive authority flooded the room.

When Gavin threw his temper tantrum, he clearly hadn't considered that he was abandoning Catherine at Golden Horizon without any leverage.

Instead of heading straight home, she got into her car and dialed Gavin's number.

He answered almost immediately. "You should be off work by now. What's up?"

"Where did you leave the corporate seal?" Catherine asked point-blank.

Dead silence stretched over the line for several seconds before Gavin let out a loud groan. "Oh, crap! I think I left it on a table in the airport lounge!"

Catherine rubbed her temples. "It's a good thing you weren't actually planning to sign anything. That would have been a disaster."

"Whatever, better lost than used," Gavin said, brushing it off. Then he paused. "Wait, why do you need the seal?"

Catherine kept her tone neutral. "Golden Horizon is moving forward with The Lee Group. You walking away isn't going to stop them from signing."

"Hold on," Gavin said, the realization suddenly hitting him. "Because I left, they dumped the partnership on you?"

"I'm heading to the airport to get the seal," she confirmed.

"You can't sign that contract!" Gavin yelled frantically through the speaker. "The Lee family is specifically targeting you! If you sign it, they're going to make your life a living hell!"