Chapter 118

Howard's POV

I met Bill White's gaze directly, responding to his comment about Annie's "inappropriate" behavior: "She's my girlfriend, not my property. I don't need her to be dependent on me. She has the right to her own emotions.I don't interfere. And everything she just said was entirely appropriate."

After speaking. I glanced at Annie. Those clear eyes of hers sparkled with independence and determination. This was precisely what I admired about her-she was a woman with her own opinions, capable of thinking independently and expressing herself freely. Unlike those women who needed a man's backing before daring to speak, Annie had her own confidence and principles.

Bill White's face quickly changed from red to white, his mouth twitching slightly as he unconsciously loosened his tie. He straightened his back like a middle school student whose proposal had been rejected, putting on an air of disdain while his eyes darted uncertainly. Irritated, he grabbed Grace's wrist, his grip so tight that Grace let out a soft hiss of pain.

"Since you're all being so unreasonable, we have nothing more to discuss,"he said.

"You interrupt our meal, come looking for trouble, and then blame us.That's quite a skill," I responded with a cold smile. I noticed Bill White's shoulders flinch slightly, but he immediately straightened his back,trying hard to maintain his dignity in front of Grace.

"Mr. Thompson, I'm just trying to get justice for my girlfriend," Bill White said irritably, his thumb anxiously rubbing his cufflink while his eyes slid sideways toward Catherine, clearly viewing her as an easy target.

h

People like him were truly annoying. I'd encountered too many such characters in the business world completely lacking in ability yet always maintaining a superior attitude. The way his eyes shifted told me he didn't even believe his own words. More ridiculous was his apparent belief that I would yield to preserve his pitiful self-esteem.

"Catherine has already explained clearly that she never did what you accused her of. You're wrongly accusing her," I stated calmly.

Bill White made a contemptuous sound through his nose. "But I believe my girlfriend wouldn't lie."

How absurd. To maintain such ridiculous stubbornness in the face of clear evidence-this wasn't loyalty but stupidity. I began to wonder whether he truly lacked basic judgment or was deliberately putting on a show for Grace.

"Belief doesn't equal truth. The evidence is right in front of you, but you choose not to believe it," I replied.

Bill White tightened his jaw. "Since Mr. Thompson is determined to protect his company's employee, I'll say no more. Come on,Grace,let's go."He turned dramatically, pulling Grace along. She stumbled after him, the tears on her faceflowing more fiercely as if a switch had been turned on,while her eyes secretly glanced around to gauge others' reactions.

I watched their retreating figures with an inward cold laugh. The way Bill White concluded this farce also matched his character perfectly-pushing all responsibility onto others, then departing as if he were the victim.Grace's pretense of pitiful helplessness was even more unpleasant, her tears seemingly a weapon she could deploy at will. This couple, living in their self-woven web of lies, was quite well-matched indeed.

h

As they disappeared from view, Catherine visibly relaxed. "I hope after today's incident, they'll dislike me enough to never bother me again."

"You should still be careful," I warned her. "Bill White's feelings for Grace aren't deep enough yet. She'H continue speaking ill of you to him, claiming you're persecuting her. This way, he'll view you as the villain and her as the victim, feeling more sympathy for her and greater aversion toward you.

11

Catherine covered her face with both hands. "When will she ever stop?This is an absolute nightmare! I haven't done anything, yet I've become the villain in their love story."

"She probably won't stop," I analyzed. "Whenever they have conflicts,they'Il use you as an excuse. This not only helps them reconcile quickly but also ensures their relationship remains intact. For them, it's completely beneficial with no downsides."

"They can say whatever they want, as long as they don't come directly to bother me, I don't care," Catherine reluctantly conceded, though her brow remained furrowed, her fingers tapping anxiously on the table.

"They'll definitely continue to frequently cause you trouble."

Catherine looked up, her eyes suddenly brightening. "Mr. Thompson,could I work at the company 24 hours a day? I could live in the office, so Bill White wouldn't be able to find me!"

"No,you can't. Our company doesn't allow such intense overtime,"I answered decisively.

Catherine's expression fell as if she'd been doused with cold water. "I understand."

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Annie looked at me. "Logically speaking, Bill White comes from a good family background. Shouldn't he have the ability to resolve conflicts with his girlfriend on his own? He can't possibly come to bother Catherine every day,can he?"

I turned to Annie, my voice softening. "Think about the type of people in their social circle."

"Useless people!" Catherine immediately exclaimed, hitting the table forcefully. "I see it clearly now. What kind of people are in that circle? Idle all day,only caring about designer brands and parties. Fortunately,I've already distanced myself from that circle. Especially after Bill White caused me trouble, I'm truly grateful I escaped."

"Exactly," I nodded. "Successful people wouldn't associate with them,and they can't connect with wealthy second-generation individuals of good character. Those who remain in that circle are ill-mannered but arrogant rich kids. Their parents indulge them, their friends flatter them, and their personalíties inevitably become tyrannical and unreasonable. When faced with problems, they never analyze the real issue, acting like headless flies,blindly charging ahead when used as weapons."

"I'm so grateful I'm no longer mixing with them. Otherwise,I would eventually be assimilated and become a brainless fool," Catherine said,picking up a napkin and firmly wiping the corner of her mouth.

"Considering these factors, my conclusion is that the possibility of Bill White being instigated to cause trouble in the future is very high," I said,noticing a flash of fear in Catherine's eyes.

"But don't worry. Since you work at our company, I'll definitely find a way to help you solve this problem," I added.

h

"Really? Thank you so much!" Catherine said excitedly, light returning to her eyes.

"Absolutely," I nodded firmly.

I noticed Annie observing me, approval in hergaze. I turned to meet her eyes. taking her hand in mine. Just then, the,waiter arrived with our food.

Catherine checked the time, her eyes lighting up. "Mr. Thompson, could I have my meal packed to take back to the office? To show my gratitude, I've decided to return immediately and continue working, not wasting any more time! I want Bill White to hear only 'Sorry, Miss Morgan is busy with an important project' the next time he comes!"

"Of course." I gestured for the waiter to pack Catherine's food.

Catherine soon received her packed meal and stood to say goodbye."You two enjoy your meal. I'm going back to work! I won't be intimidated by those workaholics. I'll be the most dedicated one in the department!"

Watching Catherine leavefull of energy, Annie looked at me with a smile."You were really great just now. You defended your employee's rights without excessive interference, giving Catherine confidence to solve her problem."

"Isn't it amazing how quickly she recovered?" I asked.

"Yes, she was angry just a moment ago, and now her fighting spirit has returned," Annie nodded. "You gave her a sense of security and support,which is exactly what she needed."

"That's the advantage of youth-emotions come quickly and go just as fast,

" I commented, patting the back of Annie's hand. "We should also enjoy our meal while it's still warm."

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"You're right," Annie picked up her cutlery and began tasting the food before her, making a soft sound of appreciation. "Thisis really excellent,completely to my taste."

Watching Annie enjoy her meal. I felt a warmth spreading in my heart.This kind of ordinary happiness was something I had never noticed in my previous life.