Chapter 18
"Two weeks? How about that?" James negotiated, his voice hopeful as he faced his uncle.
Philip scoffed coldly. Nobody dared to bargain with him.
Since they couldn't reach an agreement, continuing the conversation seemed pointless.
James noticed Philip turning to leave and quickly stepped forward to block his path. "Fine! Ten days it is!"
'I'll have to find a way to get her into bed,' he thought to himself.
Catherine observed Philip and James returning from the balcony. Philip maintained his aloof demeanor, but James appeared unusually excited. She frowned slightly, sensing something wasn't right.
James rushed to Catherine's side like a child eager for praise. "Baby, everything's good now. Uncle Philip won't give you any more trouble."
Hearing this, Catherine shifted her gaze toward Philip, waiting for his confirmation.
Philip's eyes met hers, his expression instantly darkening though his face remained cold and impassive.
"You can go to the hospital tomorrow without worry," he said coolly.
Catherine immediately displayed a brilliant, grateful smile. "Thank you, Mr. Foster."
Her smile was so pure, so dependent—it inexplicably irritated Philip.
He smirked coldly, thinking, 'This woman is cunning and seductive. She needs to be taught a lesson.'
James, having just accomplished what he considered a great feat, gazed at Catherine's radiant smile with mounting desire.
Growing bold, he took Catherine's hand, caressing it gently. "Baby, shall we dance in the center of the ballroom?" he asked, his eyes burning with longing.
Catherine was about to accept his invitation.
"No."
Philip abruptly cut off James's fantasy. Catherine looked at him, puzzled.
Completely ignoring her questioning gaze, Philip fixed his piercing eyes on James. "Mind your surroundings and your position. The Wilson family is watching from over there. Do you want the West family to be tomorrow's headline news and the laughingstock of Levia's elite?"
James instantly sobered up.
It was one thing to bring Olivia as his secretary to the gala—that could appear professional. But Catherine was different. To the Wilson family, she was just his lover.
Philip turned to Catherine. "You can't accompany James tonight."
Catherine immediately gave James a disappointed, heartbroken look that was utterly captivating.
Philip suddenly extended his hand to Catherine, a gesture that allowed no refusal. "As it happens, I need a companion tonight."
James widened his eyes in disbelief. Philip was stealing his date right in front of him!
"Uncle Philip!" James exclaimed, unable to contain his shock.
Philip turned his head, giving James a cold look. "Was my warning not clear enough?"
A sense of defeat washed over James as he looked helplessly at Catherine.
Catherine, appearing innocent, glanced at Philip, then turned back to James, saying softly, "I don't mind."
James felt sorry both for Catherine and himself. This "rich prize" that had almost been his now had to be surrendered—even if to his uncle.
Shortly afterward, Philip took the stage and delivered a brief but powerful speech, officially declaring the charity gala open.
As tradition dictated, the first dance of the evening required Philip, as host, to select a female guest.
With true gentlemanly grace, Philip descended from the stage and walked slowly toward Catherine.
He elegantly bent his knee, raised his right hand, and asked with innate aristocratic charm, "Miss Levin, would you do me the honor of joining me for this dance?"
Under the focus of countless eyes, Catherine smiled as she gently placed her gloved hand in his larger one.
The moment their fingertips touched, a subtle electric current seemed to pass between them.
Philip immediately gripped her hand firmly, his other arm naturally encircling her slender waist.
Their bodies instantly pressed together as they glided toward the center of the dance floor to the melodious waltz.
They moved and turned with perfect rhythm.
Philip's large hand deliberately caressed the delicate skin at her waist, his voice deep and intimate. "Come to my room tonight."
Catherine looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes.
As the music suddenly swelled, Philip's strong hands steadied her delicate waist, elegantly lifting her into the air. Her figure soared like a swallow taking flight.
When Philip returned her to the floor, he skillfully drew her back into his tight embrace.
His lips pressed against her ear, his tone full of mockery. "What's wrong? Not willing?"
Catherine deftly pushed Philip away, carefully stepping back, regarding him warily. "Mr. Foster, what game are you playing now?"
Philip's expression instantly cooled as he extended his arm, pulling Catherine back into his embrace. "Afraid your boyfriend will see through your true nature?"
Her pitiful act with James—seeking his protection—had infuriated him.
Catherine tried again to push Philip away, but his hand gripped her waist like an iron vise, forcing her to follow his rhythm.
Philip gave a cold laugh. "Not interested in spending the night with me because you're still thinking about James?"
Catherine widened her eyes, glaring fiercely at Philip, thinking this man had never said a kind word to her.
Sure enough, Philip continued his offensive remarks. "Perhaps you prefer something more exciting. Should we invite James to watch us make love?"
Catherine clenched her jaw. "Mr. Foster, are you angry that I used James to escape my predicament?"
"No." Philip's smile vanished instantly, replaced by icy severity. "I'm telling you that using me comes with a price."
He had ultimately underestimated her. He thought she would obediently break up with James as he had demanded.
But he hadn't anticipated her boldness—openly coming to this gala seeking James's protection, playing the role of a damsel in distress.
She knew perfectly well that he wouldn't create conflict with the West family over her. As long as James intervened, he would temporarily leave her alone.
Catherine gave a bitter smile. "Mr. Foster, I had no choice. You're so intimidating—I needed to find a way to survive, didn't I?"
Philip scoffed. "Survive? Did it never occur to you that I could tell James about your wanton behavior in my bed right now? Then let's see what end you'll face."