Chapter 77

Howard's POV

"Knock before entering next time," I said, my voice icy with barely controlled frustration.

*Damn it, who dares interrupt at this moment? I swear whoever this is will be clearing their desk tomorrow.

Catherine Morgan?! I could throw her outthe window right now. Annie and I finally define our relationship, finally have an intimate moment,and she chooses NOW to appear? If looks could kill, she'd have dropped dead a hundred times over. Deep breath, Howard. Don't lose composure in front of Annie. But this woman seriously needs to learn what knocking means...*

I kept my arm firmly around Annie's waist, my body partially shielding her from the intrusion. The warmth of her pressed against me was both comforting and frustrating given the interruption.

Catherine Morgan stood in the doorway, her designer outfit impeccable as always,her perfectly manicured hand still on the doorknob. Her eyes widened dramatically at finding us in such a compromising position.

"Oh my!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying an exaggerated note of surprise."I'm so sorry to interrupt!" The smirk playing at her lips suggested she wasn't sorry at all.

Annie shifted slightly in my arms, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment,but she maintained her composure admirably. I reluctantly released her,though every instinct in my body protested the loss of contact.

"Do the two of you always spend your workday hugging and kissing instead of actually working?" Catherine asked, her tone playful but with an undercurrent that set my teeth on edge. "I mean, I knew you were dating,but wow!" I straightened to my fulI height, adjusting my tie in a practiced motion that helped mask my annoyance. "Ms. Morgan, is there something specific you needed?"

Catherine breezed past me as if I hadn't spoken, making herself comfortable on Annie's sofa without invitation. "So, Annie," she said,crossing her legs elegantly, "how long has this been going on? The real thing, I mean, not the public show."

Annie glanced at me, a silent question in her eyes. I gave her a subtle nod,letting her decide how much to share.

"Catherine," Annie said with a patient smile, settling into the chair opposite her uninvited guest, "what brings you here?"

Catherine waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, just checking in on some investments. But that's boring business talk." She leaned forward conspiratorially. "This is much more interesting. Howard Thompson, New York's most eligible bachelor, finally caught. And by such a talented illustrator,no less."

I remained standing, arms crossed, watching this exchange with growing impatience. Every moment Catherine spent here was time stolen from what should have been a private celebration of my new relationship with Annie.

"Annie, darling," Catherine continued, "a woman has to treasure herself.you know? Don't let a man have his way just because he says some sweet things. Even if that man is Howard Thompson!"

My expression grew increasingly cold as she dispensed her unsolicited relationship advice. Annie, however, handled it with surprising grace.

"Thank you for your concern, Catherine," she replied diplomatically. "Howard and I understand each other quite well." Catherine's attention briefly flickered toward me,then back to Annie.Clearly recognizing I wasn't going to engage in her gossip, she focused entirely on Annie.

"Remember that guy I told you about? The one who wanted to date me?"Catherine sighed dramatically, settling deeper into the sofa as if preparing for a long conversation.

"Vaguely." Annie replied, though I couldn't recall her ever mentioning such a conversation with Catherine.

"Well, while I was still considering it, he already found himself a new girlfriend!" Catherine examined her manicure with exaggerated nonchalance. "And now he's trying to get close to my father through business deals. Can you believe the nerve?"

My interest marginally increased at the mention of business,though I maintained my distant position, leaning against Annie's desk with calculated casualness.

"My father discovered problems with his proposals and rejected all his offers," Catherine continued. "Dad warned me to stay away from him too."She looked up at Annie with wide eyes. "He was only interested in our family's money, not me."

"That's terrible," Annie said with genuine sympathy. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

I remained silent, though my mind was already analyzing the fragments of business information Catherine had inadvertently dropped.

"The worst part," Catherine said dramatically, "is that he's trying to sabotage some of our investments now. My father is worried about the North City project especially. If that fails, our company could face serious problems." At the mention of North City, my attention fully engaged. That project had significant potential despite its current troubles.

"The North City development?" I asked, speaking for the first time since Catherine had begun her story.

Catherine seemed startled that I'd finally joined the conversation.'"Yes,"she replied, eyeing me suspiciously. "Why? Don't tell me you're interested in it too."

"What that man is doing," I said evenly, "trying to pressure your family into financial trouble to force you into marriage, is despicable." I moved away from the desk, my posture shifting subtly from annoyed observer to engaged businessman. "However, the North City project itself has considerable merit."

Catherine's eyes narrowed. "Are you just saying that to get back at me for interrupting your romantic moment?"

"I don't mix business with personal matters," I replied coolly,though internally I acknowledged she'd actually given me a valuable opportunity. "I can meet with your father to discuss potential collaboration on that project. If your... admirer... tries to withdraw funding to sabotage it, I can step in to ensure its completion."

Annie watched me with clear admiration in her eyes, understanding immediately what I was doing. We exchanged a look of silent communication that felt more intimate than our interrupted embrace had been.

Catherine seemed to consider my offer carefully. "That would actually help Father enormously," she admitted. "The project is critical for our company's growth strategy." She pulled out her phone. "I'll call him right now."

As Catherine spoke quietly into her phone, I moved to stand beside Annie. "I'm sorry about the interruption," I murmured, just loud enough for her to hear.

Annie smiled up at me. "Business never sleeps for CEOs, does it?"

"Some things are worth prioritizing," I replied, allowing my fingers to brush against hers briefly.

Catherine ended her call with obvious excitement. "Father says he can be here in twenty minutes! He's very interested in discussing this with you,Howard."

I nodded. "I'll have my assistant prepare the conference room."

"This is wonderful!" Catherine exclaimed. "I hope he hurries. The sooner we get this sorted out, the better for everyone."

As she continued chattering about the potential partnership, I exchanged another glance with Annie. HIer eyes held understanding and something deeper that made my chest tighten pleasantly. We'd have to postpone our celebratory dinner, but there would be oter evenings. Many other evenings, if I had any say in the matter.

The thought caught me by surprise. When had I started thinking about a future with Annie as an inevitability rather than a possibility? Watching her now - composed, intelligent, adaptable - I realized there was no going back. What had begun as a convenient arrangement had transformed into something I wasn't prepared to lose.

*If that means sitting through a meeting with Morgan instead of spending the evening alone with Annie, so be it,* I thought. *There will be time for us. I'll make sure of it.*

"Howard?" Annie's voice brought me back to the present. "Should I join the meeting or would you prefer to handle it alone?" The question carried multiple layers, as her questions often did. Was she offering professional support, or seeking reassurance that our personal relationship wouldn't interfere with business?

"Your insight would be valuable," I replied carefully. "If you're available."

Her smile told me she understood my real meaning. We were partners now,in more ways than one.

Catherine looked between us with renewed interest. "You two really are serious, aren't you?" For once, her tone lacked its usual teasing quality."T ve never seen Howard include anyone in his high-level negotiations before."

"Annie isn't just anyone," I said simply, allowing the weight of that truth to settle in the room.