MasukCATHERINE'S POVThe next morning, my office buzzed with work. I was buried in paperwork when my secretary tapped the door and walked in, holding a slim folder."Miss Clark, this just came from Jason Carter.""From Jason?" I muttered, reaching for the file.I flipped it open. Inside were reports, valuations, all pointing toward Continental Company. It read less like information sharing and more like an invitation to buy.He wants me to take it over? Why?I dialed my phone quickly, calling Michael."Michael, Jason Carter just sent me documents on Continental. He's hinting I should make a move. What do you think?"Over the line, Michael chuckled. "That's a good opportunity. If you can pick it up as a subsidiary under your group, it'll strengthen your position.""My company's tight on cash lately, though.""You'll have to cover it yourself."I flipped through the papers again. "The va
CATHERINE'S POVWalker's swollen face looked like it had gone a few rounds in the ring. I glanced at him, let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, and slipped into the driver's seat. I didn't bother asking questions.He slid into the passenger side without hesitation, his long legs bending awkwardly under the dash. His knees jammed up against the glovebox."This car's trash," he muttered, shoving at the seat like it was to blame. "My legs don't even fit. Why didn't you ask Ryan for a car when you divorced him? Could've at least gotten something decent.""Then get out," I said flatly, my eyes staying on the road. "Go ride in Ryan's BMW instead."He clamped his mouth shut.Always complaining. Always acting like the world owed him something. He doesn't even realize he's lucky I didn't leave him on the street.The drive through Seafield's downtown rolled by in silence. When I pulled into Bayside Residence, Walker ho
CATHERINE'S POVI glanced at my phone, frowning at the caller ID."Madison Clark speaking, but I don't have a brother. You must have the wrong number.""No mistake. He says he's your brother. His name is Tyler Brooks."I froze. That name carried a flood of memories annoying, reckless, and chaotic ones. I gritted my teeth."I'm sorry, I don't know him," I said sharply, and hung up before another word could be said.Michael raised an eyebrow, curiosity getting the better of him. "Brother? You mean Carl?""No. Wrong number," I muttered, trying to shake off the tension as we walked toward the elevator. We were supposed to discuss Paragon Technologies' next steps over some Japanese food.The elevator doors closed, and just as I exhaled a small sigh of relief, my phone rang again. I answered quickly, keeping my composure, only to hear a gruff voice on the line."Hey, Catherine, come pick me up from the p
CATHERINE'S POVI didn't pay attention to the rumors.After clearing my schedule, I flew to Norfolk on Thursday to visit Rentworth's factory. The facility was vast, stretching across acres, humming with activity. After greeting Rentworth's boss, I toured the production lines, checked the overseas products, and discussed logistics.Negotiations lasted from noon to two in the afternoon. By the end, both sides had signed the contract, sealing the deal. I smiled as I saw Rentworth's stamp on the paper."I'll count on you for these orders. The new year's coming soon. I'll have my secretary send gifts to you and the staff.""No problem. You're very kind, President Clark," the boss replied.I declined dinner, opting to catch a 3 p.m. flight.By 4:30 p.m., while walking along the boarding area, someone rushed past me and accidentally bumped into me, almost making me drop my phone."I'm sorry," the person said.
CATHERINE'S POVMy heels clicked against the office floor. I hadn't expected Kate Walker to show up at Paragon Technologies today, and yet here she was, storming in with hands on her hips and a scowl that could stop traffic.Before she could lunge forward, I reached out, grabbed her wrist, and pushed her back. Kate stumbled, losing her balance, and landed hard on the floor with a groan."Madam Walker, mind your behavior," I said, my voice flat. "If you want to throw hands, I won't hesitate to do the same."Her face twisted in rage. "How dare you speak to me like that!"In the past, I would have cowered under such fury. Obedience had been my default. But today, I was different."I knew you were a bitch," Kate spat. "All this time pretending to get along with me."I raised an eyebrow and said nothing."You refused to take a single cent when you divorced Ryan," she went on, her voice rising. "And now you have the n
CATHERINE'S POVThe next morning, sunlight had already sifted through the curtains. The rain was gone. My throat was scratchy, but my head felt clear.Did Ryan drive me home? I wondered.Someone had fed me medicine. I could picture a hand holding a glass. Was it him?I pushed the questions away and got ready. The office was waiting."Daphne, have the Dwells contract ready. Their boss is coming to sign," I told my assistant.Daphne blinked. "You actually closed with them?"I smiled without showing my teeth. "Someone helped me get them to say yes."I hung my coat and sat down. Papers, calls, deadlines. That rhythm steadied me.My desk phone rang. The receptionist said, "A man named Jason Carter is here to see you.""No, send him up," I said.When he entered, Jason moved like he'd always belonged in rooms like mine. He sat, relaxed, eyes quick and sharp."You settled in fast







