Chapter 90

Catherine's POV

Molly dashed out of the restaurant and headed straight for the Tech Department, where I was waiting. This recent addition to Howard Technologies' marketing team had quickly become one of my few genuine friends at the company. Her love of gossip and practical jokes unexpectedly matched my own temperament. Though sometimes too straightorward, her innocent enthusiasm always made our dull workdays more entertaining.

I spotted her from across the hallway, her face flushed with excitement as she waved frantically.

"Catherine!" she called breathlessly, clearly winded from running.

I immediately went to meet her, eager to know the results of our little scheme. "How did it go?"

Molly's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I followed your plan exactly! Annie had no idea, and she tried all the spiciest dishes."

I couldn't help but smile slyly. "Excellent. Let's go watch what happens next."

As we hurried through the corridors of Howard Technologies,I found myself contemplating my complex feelings toward Howard Thompson.While he'd been decent enough to me-even offering my father some investment advice-I knew it was only because of Annie.'In fact, I distinctly felt that Howard didn't particularly like me.

No, that wasn't quite accurate. More precisely, Howard seemed to view me as an interloper-an uanwelcome visitor interrupting his private moments with Annie.This thought irritated me. Annie and I were good friends! It was perfectly natural for us to spend time together. Howard had absolutely no right to be annoyed by our friendship.

"Hurry up!" I pulled Molly by the hand toward our hiding spot near the elevators.

We carefully concealed ourselves around the corner, waiting for Howard and Annie to emerge from his office. The spicy food prank was simple yet brilliant-Molly had deliberately served extremely spicy dishes only to Annie and not to Howard, so when they kissed (as couples inevitably do),Howard would feel an unexpected burning sensation on his lips.

As we waited, I recalled how Margaret Thompson had once inadvertently revealed at a charity gala that her seemingly invincible son Howard had a little secret: he couldn't handle spicy food at all. Even the tiniest bit of chili would make him lose his composure. This had been the inspiration for our prank.

When Howard and Annie finally walked toward the elevator, I glimpsed Howard's momentarily comical expression-his eyebrows twisted upward,his lips trembling slightly, and fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.That perfectly maintained mask of cool composure had crumbled instantly.He quickly turned away, as if not wanting Annie to notice his discomfort.

After the elevator doors closed, we finally emerged from our hiding place.

"Success!" Molly and I high-fived. The prank had gone exactly according to plan.

"Yes!" Molly could barely contain her joy, clapping her hands together. I proudly lifted my chin, like a swan displaying its elegance. "From this moment on, all past tension between Howard and me is officially erased!" Molly looked at me with fresh curíosity. "You actually know Mr. Thompson personally?"

She clearly assumed we were just regular employees who could only admire Howard from afar in the hallways.

"I once pursued him," I answered without hesitation.

Molly's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

"Of course," I confirmed. I'd always been someone who owned up to my actions.

Molly blinked rapidly, processing this information. "I heard that employees who show interest in him or confess get either demoted or fired.

She leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "How are you still working at Howard Technologies? Does he secretly have feelings for you?"

Her ridiculous suggestion made me laugh. "Absolutely not."

Molly tilted her head, looking confused. "No?"

"When I confessed to him, he made it very clear he wasn't interested in me,"I explained matter-of-factly. "Later, after Annie and I became friends, he let me work at Howard Technologies as a favor to her."

"Oh. I see," Molly said, sounding somewhat disappointed. "I thought I was witnessing the beginning of a passionate office romance!" Hearing this, I quickly glanced around to ensure no one could overhear our conversation. Once I confirmed we were alone, I leaned toward Molly. "Don't ever say anything like that again," I warned her seriously."If Howard heard you saying such things..." I paused for emphasis,"he would fire me without hesitation!" Molly immediately covered her mouth with her hand. "I understand! I won't mention it again!"

However,our celebration was quickly interrupted. My phone suddenly rang, the screen displaying Howard's direct line. My heart sank, and after a moment's hesitation,I answered.

"Miss Morgan, please bring Molly to my office immediately." Howard's voice was brief and forceful. He hung up without waiting for my response.

After ending the call. I felt a chill creep up my spine. I looked at Molly,who was still blinking those innocent wide eyes, seemingly unaware of the danger we now faced.

"What's wrong?" she asked, noticing my change in mood.

I maintained a serious expression. "Howard wants to see us."

"Then let's go," Molly replied casually.

I pulled her aside and whispered in her ear: "Have you forgotten we just pranked him?"

My reminder finally made Molly realize the potential consequences of our actions. Her eyes widened with anxiety. "Do you think he's going to get back at us?"

"Possibly," I patted her shoulder reassuringly. "We both need to be mentally prepared. Whatever he says, we absolutely cannot show any unusual reaction. Understand?"

Molly's expression immediately became serious. "Understood!"