The CEO's Forbidden Wife のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 11 - チャプター 20

After their eyes briefly met, Kathalina was the first to look away. Her gaze dropped to her plate, as though the untouched food there could shield her from the storm building quietly inside her chest. She forced her fingers to stay steady around her fork, though she could feel the heat of his stare lingering like a shadow.Across the hall, Thirdie stood among a cluster of businessmen. He was tall, composed, and effortlessly commanding every movement measured, his presence drawing attention even without intent. His voice carried low and steady as he spoke to one of his partners, yet from time to time, his gaze slid across the room, brushing against her like an unspoken call.Among them, an older man caught Kathalina’s notice. His hair was silver, but his eyes were still sharp, alive with wisdom that age hadn’t dimmed. When his gaze wandered past Thirdie, it landed on Pia. Recognition lit up his face, and with surprising energy, he excused himself from the group and walked toward their t

Agnes froze the moment she saw Pia standing beside Kathalina.Her throat went dry. For years after Kathalina’s disappearance, she had tried everything little gift, careful smiles, forced cheerfulness to get closer to Pia. She offered to help in the kitchen, to run errands, even to sit with her in the afternoons. But Pia never agreed.It was like talking to a wall made of ice. No warmth, no response. Just that steady, unreadable gaze that made Agnes second-guess every word she spoke.Now, caught speaking out of turn in front of Pia and Kathalina, her stomach twisted.“A-Aunt Pia, I was only—”The excuse died in her throat. Pia’s eyes locked on her calm, steady, unflinching. The kind of look that made every false word shrivel before it could be spoken.She didn’t raise her voice. She didn’t have to. When she spoke, her words were sharp and exact, like the edge of a blade.“You always have so much to say, Agnes. And yet……when it comes to what truly matters ……you say nothing at all.”The

The office was silent except for the steady sound of typing and the soft hum of the air conditioner. The city outside was already wrapped in night, but Thirdie hadn’t noticed. He hadn’t eaten since noon, and his eyes were still fixed on the screen.Jeff stood near his desk, arms crossed, watching with a sigh.“Boss, it’s late again. You haven’t eaten dinner. You’ll get sick if you keep this up.”Thirdie didn’t look up. He flipped through another document, his voice flat and predictable.“I’ll eat later.”Jeff rolled his eyes.“You’ve been saying that for three years now. Later, later, always later. Do you even remember the last time you ate on time?”Thirdie didn’t answer. His pen scratched across the paper as if Jeff’s words bounced off the walls without reaching him. But the assistant didn’t give up until he pulled out the next report that changed the mood in the room.“Boss,” Jeff said slowly, holding out a folder.“There’s something else. About the upcoming board meeting.”Thirdie

The hum of the elevator was the only sound as Kathalina and Erika stepped inside, the polished steel doors sliding shut behind them. The brief meet-and-greet with the branch employees had gone better than either of them expected. Smiles, applause, curious whispers that carried both awe and excitement, it was still strange for Kathalina to stand in the middle of it all, knowing this was the company she and Erika had built from nothing. TrendChic had grown into one of the most respected names in fashion worldwide, and now she was back at its heart.Erika folded her arms loosely, tilting her head as the elevator glided upward.“So, now that you’re officially back…” Her voice held both curiosity and challenge. “What’s your plan, Kath? You can’t exactly just hide in the office all day.”Kathalina let out a quiet laugh, her lips curving into something between relief and determination.“Actually, I’ve been thinking. Since I can’t return to Milan right now… I want to make this branch…. the Ma

Ten minutes before the board meeting was set to begin, Attorney Jun and Kathalina entered the sleek lobby of Stone Company. The receptionist immediately rose from her seat, politely blocking their path.“Excuse me, ma’am, sir. May I see your appointment details?” she asked, her tone professional.Attorney Jun adjusted his glasses and reached into his coat pocket. “I’m a board member. Here’s my identification.”The receptionist examined the ID carefully, then called the head office to confirm. After a brief exchange on the phone, she nodded and smiled. “You may proceed, sir. Ma’am.”“Thank you,” Attorney Jun replied with a polite nod as they walked toward the elevator. The ride up was silent, the soft hum of the machine filling the space. When the doors opened on the forty-ninth floor, he stepped aside, then guided Kathalina toward the glass-paneled doors of the main conference room.When they stepped inside, the long mahogany table was already half-filled with members of the board,