Chapter 218
James straightened his posture, prepared to reveal family secrets regardless of the consequences.
"The West family has collaborated with the Fosters for years. All the shady dealings behind those transactions were handled by my father on Philip's behalf. You don't actually believe Philip is a squeaky-clean businessman, do you?"
Catherine wasn't that naive. In a world intertwined with capital and human nature, pure goodness rarely existed without compromise.
She didn't care at all about the way Philip handled his business.
"And?" Catherine maintained her composure. "That's hardly evidence. If you want to speak ill of Philip, you should provide some actual proof. After all, my impression of you is considerably worse, isn't it?"
James flashed a smirk, nodding as if in agreement.
"I wouldn't have come to you without evidence."
James pulled a USB drive from his pocket and dangled it before her. "This contains files on all joint projects between Nova Pharmaceuticals and the West Group over the past eight years. You do remember what your father's work was before he died, don't you?"
Catherine nodded.
It was something her father had spoken of proudly, his greatest achievement.
"He developed a formula that reduced cancer treatment side effects by eighty percent."
James let out a mocking laugh. "And now, that formula is owned by Nova Pharmaceuticals."
Catherine's composure faltered slightly.
Her fingers unconsciously tightened around the armrest of the sofa. "How do you know?"
James said, "Look at the contents of this USB drive, and you'll know whether I'm lying."
He extended it to Catherine.
Without hesitation, Catherine reached out and took it.
Seeing the suspicion and anger emerging on Catherine's face, James felt immediately gratified.
If he couldn't have her, then Philip shouldn't get her easily either!
"You can leave now," Catherine said coldly.
Though she might doubt Philip now, it didn't mean she would believe every word James said. Philip might not be a good person, but James was undoubtedly worse!
James had achieved his purpose of telling Catherine that Philip wasn't worthy of her trust, but he still couldn't bear to leave just yet.
"Catherine, can't we even be friends anymore?"
Catherine smiled sarcastically. "Would you befriend the daughter of your enemy?"
James grew defiant, his words turning ugly.
"Catherine, your father might have been killed by men my father sent, but Philip is certainly implicated. You can sleep with your enemy, but you won't be friends with your enemy's son?"
Catherine violently smashed the glass from the coffee table onto the marble floor, shattering it completely.
She glared at James, her emotions erupting. "Whether Philip had anything to do with my father's death, I'll investigate myself. I don't need you pointing fingers at me!"
Seeing that Catherine had completely lost her composure, James knew Philip's image in her heart was crumbling.
Mission accomplished. He stepped back calmly.
"Fine, I won't disturb you anymore."
Catherine averted her gaze from James.
James turned to leave, and as he opened the door to exit the reception room, he paused and looked back at Catherine.
"Emily, happy birthday."
Shortly after James left, Eris returned with the clothes.
Looking at Eris, Catherine made her request directly. "Can I borrow a laptop? I'd like to review some research papers while I'm having my makeup done."
Eris nodded respectfully, responding immediately. "I'll get one for you right away."
At half past six in the evening, Alex arrived at the boutique precisely on time to pick her up.
Catherine had finished her makeup but hadn't chosen the gown Philip had prepared. Instead, she selected a deep green V-neck formal dress with a white cashmere coat over it. Her wavy hair fell lazily over one shoulder, making her look elegant and noble.
"How do I look?"
Catherine held up her dress, spinning gracefully before Alex, her face radiant with a brilliant smile, her eyes filled with pride and mischief.
Alex gave her a thumbs-up, praising her repeatedly.
"Miss Levin, you look absolutely heavenly. Mr. Foster will certainly be enchanted by you tonight!"
'Perfect, Miss Levin seems to be in a good mood. Mr. Foster has a chance tonight!' He thought.
At the hotel, Alex asked Catherine. "Miss Levin, would you prefer to go directly to the suite to wait for Mr. Foster, or would you like to make an appearance at the business reception?"
Catherine, sitting in the back seat, found Alex's question somewhat amusing. "Am I even qualified to appear at the reception?"
Alex was momentarily stunned, his expression turning awkward, not understanding why she would doubt Mr. Foster's intentions. He could only smile and smooth things over.
"As Mr. Foster's future partner, you're certainly welcome to attend."
Catherine's expression remained calm. "Very well then."
She flashed a brilliant, expectant smile. "I'll go directly to the reception to find him."
In the ballroom, Philip was surrounded by people, each holding champagne flutes while engaging in small talk with him.
Philip's business acumen was exceptional. Since taking over Nova Pharmaceuticals, the company's stock had skyrocketed, with overall profits increasing by 80%.
After Nova Pharmaceuticals terminated its partnership with the West Group, opportunities for collaboration with other companies had increased significantly. Everyone was eager to catch Philip's attention, exchange a few words, and seek potential business partnerships.
Watching the crowd around Philip, Cecil and Glenn felt rather disgruntled.
Glenn remarked, "Look at these businessmen, truly pathetic."
Cecil forced a smile, his gaze cold and sharp.
He reminded his friend. "Don't forget, I'm a businessman too."
Glenn raised his glass, clinking it against Cecil's. "You're different."
Cecil tightened his grip on his glass, draining his red wine in one go.
Philip had indeed become a stumbling block in his professional career.
He never would have imagined that immediately after Philip terminated all cooperation with the West Group, he would begin preparations to acquire it.
Before he made his move, Cecil had no idea Philip was interested in acquiring the West Group.
Was he deliberately opposing him?
Glenn also found the situation strange. Recently, their acquisition of the West Group had encountered obstacles at every turn, clearly indicating someone behind the scenes was interfering. The prime suspect was Philip.
"Did you offend him?" Glenn asked curiously. "You didn't actually pursue his girlfriend, did you?"
Cecil snorted coldly, slamming his empty glass down. "If I had actually won her over, I'd gladly hand over the West Group to him!"
Lately, strange things kept happening. Their acquisition plans were being thwarted, and even Catherine wasn't taking his calls or responding to his messages.
Could she be imprisoned by Philip?
Suddenly, the doors to the reception were pushed open.
Catherine removed her white cashmere coat, casually handing it to Alex.
When Alex saw the full design of Catherine's dress, his face instantly turned pale.
He reached out to stop her from entering the ballroom, but it was too late.
Catherine walked sensually and alluringly into the ballroom in her high heels, lightly brushing her long hair with her hand, swaying her slender waist.
As soon as Catherine entered the ballroom, she attracted the gazes of everyone in her path.
"Who is that woman?"
"Is she someone's date tonight?"
"She's incredibly striking!"
"That waist is just so sexy."
Philip was engaged in conversation when he heard the commotion and looked toward the entrance.
Seeing Catherine in a deep green, deep-V waist-hugging long dress, Philip's expression immediately darkened.
He set down his champagne flute and strode toward Catherine with long steps.
Catherine spotted Philip and immediately displayed a sweet smile.
"Philip." She took his arm. "I finally found you."
Philip inhaled sharply, looking down at her.
His well-defined hand cupped the back of her head as he whispered coldly to her, "What's with this dress?"
Catherine's soft body pressed against his sturdy arm, her smile radiant and captivating.
"Don't you like it?"
Philip didn't respond, his eyes flashing with warning coldness.
Catherine deliberately ignored his warning, looking around. Noticing other men casting burning gazes her way, she smiled and said, "I think it looks good. Everyone's looking at me."
Philip turned to whisper in her ear.
"Do you have a death wish?"
Catherine shook her head coquettishly at him. "I don't want that at all. I want to be with you forever."
Although Catherine's behavior frustrated Philip immensely, her sweet words were like honey to his ears.
He inwardly cursed himself for being so controlled by this woman!
His hand gripped her slender arm as Philip attempted to lead her away, but Catherine held him back.
"Can you leave right now? I just saw you engaged in what seemed like an important conversation."
It wasn't actually time for Philip to leave yet, but seeing other men eyeing Catherine with predatory gazes, he couldn't stand to stay a moment longer!
Philip stared at her, his eyes conveying coldness and ferocity.
"You want to stay?"
Catherine blinked, her beautiful eyes shifting.
Her gaze fell on a conspicuous figure in white not far away. Cecil , dressed in a white suit, looked like a prince from a distance.
He stood tall, holding a champagne flute steadily, his gaze fixed on her.
"That lady is truly something special," Glenn couldn't help but remark teasingly.
Cecil gripped his glass tighter, his tone dissatisfied. "Don't look at her like that!"
Glenn protested, "She's not your woman."
But judging by Philip's dark expression, things were getting interesting.
Philip stepped forward, his tall figure completely blocking Catherine's line of sight.
With veins bulging at his temple in anger, he asked through gritted teeth. "What are you looking at?"