Chapter 101

Chapter 101

The vow was so intense, it was hard to believe it came from someone who was supposed to be a fool.

The crowd erupted in shock, their eyes filled with uncertainty as they looked at Catherine. Amara was even more terrified; her face was as white as a sheet, her lips trembling, and she could not utter a word.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Her reaction was the best proof.

Richard clapped his hands at the right moment.

The crisp sound of two claps echoed loudly in the silent hall.

As the applause died down, two bodyguards in black suits entered, dragging two men who were clearly beaten up.

These two were the bodyguards who were supposed to "protect" Catherine, but were nowhere to be found when she was "attacked."

"Let them speak for themselves," Richard indicated.

One of the bodyguards, clearly scared out of his wits, fell to his knees with a thud.

His voice trembled, "It was... it was Ms. Spencer! She gave us a large sum of money to leave at the critical moment and said... said she would give us hush money afterward!"

The other bodyguard also knelt down, adding, "It was Mr. Smith! Mr. Smith was involved, too! He and Ms. Amara Spencer planned it together. They said... said as long as Ms. Catherine Spencer 'accidentally' died, then..."

"Then what?" Richard pressed, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.

"Then no one would stand in their way!" the bodyguard shouted, "They said if a fool died, it wouldn't matter, the Spencer family and the Smith family wouldn't look into it!"

All eyes turned to Amara and Gavin.

Gavin's face darkened; he never expected Richard to get the bodyguards to talk so quickly!

He suddenly pointed at Amara, shouting, "It was her! She instigated me! This vicious woman came up with the idea first! I was just momentarily confused and fell for her tricks!"

"Gavin! You're lying!" Amara screamed, throwing all decorum aside, pointing at Gavin's nose like a shrew.

"It was you who was jealous of Richard and wanted to get rid of Catherine, so you came to me saying you could help! And now you're pushing all the blame on me? You coward!"

"You're lying! It was your own delusions, wanting to destroy what you couldn't have!"

"You had bad intentions first!"

The two started tearing into each other, revealing all their dirty thoughts and plans, making the scene extremely ugly.

The Smith family's reputation was thoroughly tarnished by Gavin.

"Enough!"

A thunderous roar filled with rage echoed, Simon trembling with anger, his face red, his cane striking the floor heavily.

"Guards!" he shouted, "Take this shameless woman away, lock her in the basement! No one is to let her out without my orders! Notify Oliver to come and get her himself!"

Several bodyguards immediately stepped forward, roughly dragging the limp, still cursing and crying Amara away.

After dealing with Amara, Simon's eyes were filled with undisguised disappointment and anger.

"Gavin! You've let me down! From today, all your assets are frozen, and you are to stay in your room and reflect! You are not to step out without my permission!"

Gavin's face was ashen, and he knew he was completely finished this time. Not daring to argue, he slunk out of the hall under everyone's disdainful gazes.

The chaos finally came to an end.

The hall was thick with tension, everyone too afraid to even breathe loudly.

Richard walked over to Catherine, noticing the bandage on her arm and her slightly pale face. His brow furrowed slightly.

"I'll take you home," his voice softened unconsciously.

Catherine looked up at him, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, and she nodded lightly.

Just when everyone thought Richard would help Catherine walk out, he suddenly bent down and, with a low gasp from Catherine, scooped her up in his arms.

This action instantly ignited the room!

Everyone was stunned, including Simon, who never expected the usually cold and previously "pretending to be a fool" Richard to make such an intimate and bold move.

Catherine's body stiffened, instinctively wanting to struggle, but feeling the steadiness of his arms and the warmth from his chest, her resistance gradually weakened.

She turned her face slightly, avoiding the probing gazes of the crowd, and her ears quietly turned a faint shade of red.

Richard carried her, his steps steady, his gaze unwavering as he walked through the crowd towards the guest rooms. His posture was tall and resolute, exuding an undeniable protective stance.

The air seemed to be filled with a subtle, heart-racing atmosphere.

And as Amara was being dragged to the basement, she happened to see this scene in the hallway corner.

She watched Richard carefully holding Catherine, a tenderness she had never seen before. Jealousy and regret instantly consumed her, gnawing at her heart like a venomous snake.

So... he wasn't a fool at all!

He had been pretending all along!

The man she had despised and looked down upon was actually someone so formidable and deep! And she, for the sake of that useless Gavin, had plotted to harm Catherine, completely destroying any chance she might have had with Richard!

If... if she hadn't looked down on Richard so much, if she had discovered his true nature earlier...

Endless regret swallowed her like a tide, and Amara let out a piercing scream, filled with unwillingness and despair.

Richard gently placed Catherine on the soft bed in the guest room, his movements as gentle as if handling a rare treasure.

"Rest well," he said, looking at her with deep eyes.

Catherine avoided his gaze, whispering, "Thank you."

The atmosphere was a bit silent.

Richard stood up straight, his gaze sweeping over the room before returning to her.

"Tomorrow, I will officially reclaim my position in the Smith Group and take over as CEO."

This news wasn't too surprising; after tonight's events, it would be unreasonable for him to continue hiding. Catherine nodded, indicating she understood.

Richard paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, then said in an undeniable tone, "The Smith Group needs a secretary who understands me well and is highly capable."

He looked at her, his eyes like whirlpools.

"You are the most suitable candidate."

Catherine's head snapped up, meeting his deep gaze, her heart inexplicably skipping a beat.

Was he... inviting her? As the CEO of the Smith Group?