Chapter 184

Catherine's POV

"Just you wait. Caroline," I muttered under my breath,staring determinedly at the direction of Caroline's office. "You'll get what's coming to you!"

I took a deep breath to calm the anger bubbling inside me. WhileI wasn't typically the type to get worked up easily, being targeted by Caroline for no valid reason was enough to make my blood boil. Especially when she had the audacity to disclose my personal information to someone like Bill White. The thought alone made my skin crawl.

After wrapping up the remaining work for the day, I glanced at my watch and headed down to the coffee shop. Bill White was already there waiting for me. and the moment he spotted me,he started complaining.

"You've become so busy these days, making me wait this long," he said with a mocking tone that immediately set my teeth on edge.

Anger flashed through me, and I rolled my eyes at him. "All companies typically have lunch breaks at the same time. You chose to arrive extraordinarily early, so what was I supposed to do about that?"

"Alright," Bill nodded quickly, clearly caught off guard by my direct response.

I promptly reminded him of our arrangement. "Remember, you can order whatever you want as long as the total stays under a hundred dollars."

"Don't be so stingy," Bill immediately protested.

"I'm sorry, but I'm just a working professional now. I earn a fixed amount

each month,so I need to be careful with every dollar. If you can't accept these terms, I'm happy to leave right now." I replied firmly.

God, he was insufferable. Ever since his father had cut him off financially.he'd been scrounging meals from anyone who would offer,yet still maintained that entitled attitude of a spoiled heir.

Bill quickly backed down. "I'm perfectly happy wwith those terms!"

He proceeded to order a coffee and a pasta dish, totaling ninety-nine dollars. then proudly declared, "See how economical I'm being? Not only am I staying within your limit, but I'm even saving you a dollar."

"How considerate of you," I replied dryly,thinking that ninety-nine dollars for a coffee and pasta was ridiculous-but then again, Bill's extravagant habits were deeply ingrained.

Once we were seated, Bill began reminiscing about his glory days. "I do miss the old days, you know. Back then, when I met friends, we'd casually order packages worth tens of thousands of dollars. Other friends who treated me to meals were also very generous, not like now, where everything has to stay under a hundred dollars, and some people are even reluctant about that."

My patience was wearing thin. "First of all, you've never treated me to anything. Secondly, if you're so close with those friends, why aren't you asking them for free meals? They treat you to such exquisite food...why come to me for cheap coffee and pasta?"

My sharp response clearly stung his pride.

Bill suddenly looked both angry and confused. "I've been wondering the same thing! When I was treating them, I never complained. If they wanted to eat. I was happy to pay. But now that I've fallen on hard times and it's their turn to treat me they all avoid me like the plague... why is that?"

"It's simple. Your father kicked you out. Everyone loaned you money before, but this time your father was particularly angry and publicly announced that he wouldn't repay any of your debts. If they help you now.they'll suffer along with you."

I felt a twinge of pity suddenly rise within me. Bill was a pitiful figure.never having learned how to take responsibility for his actions.

"They'd suffer with me?" Bill asked, a glimmer of understanding flashing in his eyes.

I nodded. "Exactly."

Bill fell silent, and I continued, "While most fair-weather friends are unreliable, you can be sure that some people genuinely care about you."

"Are you calling mne out specifically to hint that you're someone who truly cares about me?" Bill suddenly said.

I nearly choked on my drink! This guy's self-awareness was truly incredible. A sudden thought crossed my mind-this could be the perfect turning point I needed.

"Can you only see me?" I put on a mysterious expression.

"Is there someone else?" Bill asked, perplexed.

I found myself enjoying this game. "You're so oblivious! Have you forgotten about Caroline Gluck? Hasn't she contacted you since your downfall?" "I guess not!" Bill answered, but clearly wasn't connecting the dots.

Suppressing my excitement. I calmly said. "That's precisely what shows her feelings for you are special."

"If she likes me, why didn't she contact me in the first place?" Bill was even more confused.

I inwardly chuckled while outwardly appearing to analyze a profound psychological issue. "Think about it. Before your father abandoned you.what was your identity? The eldest son of the White Group! The heir who might one day take over the family business! Most importantly... you already had a girlfriend then!"

Mentioning his girlfriend reminded me of his presumptuous attitude when he once tried to pursue me, which still irritated me to this day. He had actually referred to me as a "girlfriend substitute," as if I should have been honored by the title!

"And she was just an ordinary girl, so naturally she felt inferior and didn't dare approach you. Back then, you were the young master surrounded by admirers. Now it's different-your father has publicly severed ties with you.In everyone's eyes, you're just an ordinary person now," I lowered my voice as if sharíng a secret, "that's why she finally has the courage to appear before you. Isn't that enough proof of her feelings?"

I watched Bill's expression transform from confusion to revelation,feeling a sense of accomplishment rise within me.

"You're saying she loves me?" Bill asked, his face suddenly brightening.

"Exactly! Think about it-why would she randomly tell you about my raise?" I clapped my hands in feigned excitement, while internally thinking

about how smoothly this plan was unfolding.

"Why?" Bill still wasn't entitely convinced.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "Obviously because she knows your current situation! No one can help you, so you can only turn to me for help. And with my meager salary, I naturally wouldn't want to spend money on you. But she's different... when it comes to spending money on you,she would be extremely generous."

I saw hope glimmering in Bill's eyes and almost felt guilty for my words.Almost.

"That makes sense." BiIl's eyes lit up, but then he frowned again, "but Caroline hasn't actually spent any money on me."

"That's definitely because you haven't asked," I said definitively,crossing my arms. "Otherwise, she would absolutely spend money on you."

I anticipated Bill asking Caroline for a small amount of money, then watching her awkwardly deal with the situation. It would be a subtle revenge, enough to let her experience what it felt like to be used.

"Don't believe me? Ask her now," I gestured for Bill to make the call,my heart racing with anticipation.

Though skeptical, Bill dialed Caroline's number: "I don't have money for food. Could you transfer some to me?"

"How much do you need?" Caroline's voice came through the speakerphone,surprisingly calm.

Bill didn't know how much to ask for and looked at me questioningly. I held up five fingers, thinking that fifty dollars would be enough to inconvenience Caroline.

"Five hundred?" Bill silently mouthed to me.

I shook my head frantically, clenching my fist and whispering."Fifty!"

"Five thousand!" Bill blurted out.

I was so shocked I nearly jumped out of my chair, wanting to stop him,but it was too late. My heart sank immediately; this was far beyond what I had expected.

"No problem. I'll transer it to you," Caroline replied smoothly, as if Bill had only asked for five dollars.

My jaw practically hit the table. This... this couldn't be happening! Five thousand dollars! How could Caroline agree so easily?

"Check if you've received it," Caroline asked, her tone even carrying a hint of pleasure.

Bill opened his banking app to see that $5,000O had been deposited,his expression like he'd won the lottery. I felt dizzy, as things had completely deviated from my expectations.

"If you need living expenses next month, you can ask me again. My salary is quite decent now, so supporting you isn't an issue," Caroline continued,her generosity making me shiver.

Bill looked to me for help, clearly not having anticipated such a smooth transaction either. My heart was racing, my mind filled with questions.Caroline had so casually given away five thousand dollars?"Thank you." Bill finally managed to respond, obviously shlocked by this unexpected windfall.

After hanging up, he turned to me, his eyes shining: "Caroline really loves me that much?"