Chapter 116

Annie's POV

I sat in my new office, watching Catherine pace back and forth in front of me as our conversation continued.

"I remember that guy. What happened with him?" I asked, curiosity evident in my voice.

Catherine's brow furrowed slightly, her eyes reflecting clear displeasure."He's been going to my father every day, claiming there are issues with the Morgan family company. He says if my father arranges for me to marry him. he'll 'generously' help solve this 'crisis."

She rolled her eyes dramatically. "It's absurd! He's nothing but an idle.spoiled rich kid. How could he possibly help my father?"

Howard glanced at me,his expression calm but attentive. I could tell he was listening carefully despite appearing focused on his work.

I couldn't help but find Catherine's obvious disdain amusing. "Then what happened?"

Catherine sighed, her fingers lightly tapping against her coffee cup. "You can't imagine how strange he is! On one hand, he's desperately trying to convince my father to agree to our marriage. On the other hand, he's still entangled with his girlfriend who looks like me. I truly admire their dedication to this madness."

I tilted my head, asking with confusion, "He's still in contact with his girlfriend?"

Catherine wrinkled her nose slightly, her expression somewhat disgusted.

Yes! I don't know what twisted game they're playing..."

She paused, brushed a strand of hair aside, then continued,"Later I heard he tried to break up with his girlfriend.

She told him that if he didn't want her anymore, life would have no meaning, so she attempted suicide."

"A friend who witnessed the whole thing said it was quite touching.They embraced and cried, sharing their deepest feelings. All the bystanders were heartbroken." Catherine's voice was fuIl of sarcasm. "I might have found their little story moving if they hadn't mentioned me."

I was genuinely confused, my brow involuntarily furrowing. "What does any of this have to do with you?"

"That's exactly what I can't figure out!" Catherine lifted her hands slightly,her tone carrying bewilderment. "So I asked my friend who was there what he said while holding his 'poor girlfriend'..."

Her voice turned mocking as she quoted him: "'Catherine Morgan, if it weren't for you, my girlfriend wouldn't have tried to harm herself. So from today on, don't expect you can have peace either."

Catherine explained that when she heard this, she was completely baffled and wanted to curse them out. It was one thing for them to stage a dramatic love story, but why drag in someone who had exited theisocial circle,focused on work, and didn't even maintain contact with them?

Catherine frowned and asked, "Are they mentally unstable?"

"They must be," Iagreed,nodding.

Howard had been listening quietly, seeming surprised that such strange

people actually existed.

Catherine appeared to relax slightly due to our agreement. "I think so too."She continued her story: "My father told me that very night, this guy called him and went on about how my father had failed as a father because he raised me to become..." she hesitated before quoting again, "'a cruel woman who doesn't value human life.' And that my father would pay for it."

My body instinctively leaned forward, my gaze immediately focusing on Catherine's face as I quickly asked with concern, "How did your father respond?"

"He recorded the call and sent it to the guy's father," Catherine said with satisfaction. "Then my father completely blocked him."

I thoughtfully rubbed my chin, my brow slightly furrowed,my gaze a bit unfocused as I tried to understand this strange situation."Are they playing some kind of role-playing game?"

"They can play whatever game they want," Catherine dismissed with disdaín. "The ridiculous part is that I'm minding my own business at home,so how did I mysteriously become the villain in their love drama?"

Catherine explained that if she were like Sarah-constantly messaging men,pretending to be fragile-she could understand why they might dislike her. Or if she claimed disinterest but maintained regular contact, their hostility would make sense. But the reality was, she hadn't done anything at all!

"It's ridiculous," I agreed, shaking my head slowly but firmly, my fingers unconsciously drawing small circles on the table surface.

Howard, who had been listening to our conversation casually, suddenly asked. "When he made these threats, did he mention how he planned to deal with your father?"

Catherine shook her head. "I don't know. My father didn't tell me."

"He always says I'm still young and shouldn't worry about company matters," she explained, her tone carrying a hint of affection. "I know he wants me to be his carefree little girl forever."

Her expression softened as she mentioned her loving parents. "My current plan is to focus on the project I'm involved in. If it launches successfully, I'Il make a lot of money! That way, even if my father's company really faces issues, I'll be able to support my parents."

Catherine's eyes sparkled with pride. "My father may have never imagined his daughter could be so capable and independent."

I smiled and gently patted her shoulder, my eyes reflecting admiration,impressed by her determination. "You've grown so much in just a few days. Your parents would be happy to see this. And I've started earning money recently too, so if you need financial assistance, let me know. I'll help as much as I can."

"Thank you," Catherine responded emotionally, her eyes slightly glistening as she threw herself into my embrace. "You're so good. I love you."

"Mmm," I murmured, the corners of my mouth turning up slightly as I patted her back gently.

Catherine reluctantly added, "I heard that strange couple is still trying to cause trouble for me. I hope we don't run into them tonight."

Howard, having finished his work, stood up. "Let's go have dinner."

l also rose from my seat. "Let's go."

The three of us headed downstairs to the restaurant and found a table.The waiter had just taken our menus, and Catherine was telling us about the progress of her department's project.

At that moment, a man's jarring voice suddanly cut through the restaurant's atmosphere.

"Catherine Morgan!" The voice was aggressive, each syllable filled with hostility. "You claim you don't like me, so why are you targeting her? Why did you message her saying she stole your man? Tellingher to die?"

I turned toward the source of the voice to see a young man in a well-tailored suit standing not far away, beside a tearful young woman.The entire restaurant suddenly fell silent, alleyes focusing on our table.

The Betrayed Wife's Revenge:Marrying the CEO