Chapter 106

Chapter 106

The past few days of on-and-off treatment had worked surprisingly well.

The excruciating pain that felt like it was tearing his brain apart had been effectively alleviated. Although it wasn't completely gone, it at least allowed him to stay awake and think rationally for extended periods. This was crucial for the revenge plan he was about to set in motion.

The cool touch and faint medicinal scent gradually relaxed his tense nerves. He could clearly feel that as she massaged, the sluggish sensation in his brain was dissipating bit by bit, and his thoughts were becoming clearer than ever.

He even had the leisure to wonder if Aurora had taught Catherine these impressive medical skills? What kind of person must she be?

"Your technique is pretty unique," he said casually, eyes closed.

"Learned it at home," Catherine responded lightly, her hands never stopping.

Richard didn't press further. Everyone had their secrets, and he respected hers.

Just then, his phone rang. Richard opened his eyes, saw the caller ID, and his brow furrowed slightly. He signaled Catherine to pause.

He answered the call, his tone returning to its usual calmness. "Lucas."

On the other end, Lucas's voice was slightly anxious. "Richard, I heard you've been making some big moves at the company lately? And Catherine, she..."

"Lucas, I can handle the company's matters myself," Richard interrupted, his tone gentle but firm. "You're getting older, just focus on resting. Catherine and I are doing fine."

It remained silent for a few seconds on the other end, as if digesting his attitude, before a sigh came through. "As long as you know what you're doing. If you need anything, let me know."

"I got it. Thanks for your concern." Richard hung up, the warmth on his face instantly fading, replaced by his usual sternness.

Catherine watched him silently. It was clear that the internal dynamics of the Smith family were not as peaceful as they appeared.

Richard sat up, his headache completely gone, his mind clear. He looked at Catherine, his gaze steady. "There are too many eyes and ears here. Pack up and come stay with me at Serenity Grove."

Catherine was taken aback. "Serenity Grove?"

That was his private residence, heavily guarded and known to very few.

"Yes." Richard stood up, straightening his slightly wrinkled suit. "We're 'married' now. Living together is more 'reasonable,' isn't it? Besides, it's safer there and more convenient for us to... 'discuss work.'"

He emphasized "married" and "discuss work," leaving no room for refusal.

Catherine looked at him, knowing this was part of his plan all along. From the moment he produced that marriage certificate, he had been drawing her into his control step by step. Moving to Serenity Grove meant less freedom and more interaction.

But she also understood he was right. For safety and for their upcoming plans, living together was indeed the best choice for now.

She was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "Alright."

The car soon arrived at Serenity Grove.

Catherine found a bedroom.

She was wearing a comfortable silk nightgown, leaning against the headboard, speaking softly on her phone. Unlike her clueless demeanor during the day, she now exuded a calm and calculated air.

"Uriah, go ahead with the plan for Summit Group. Keep a close eye on the cash flow, especially the overseas accounts," Catherine instructed clearly and methodically.

Uriah responded respectfully on the other end. After reporting, he hesitated slightly before asking, "Ms. Spencer, are you and Mr. Smith getting along well?"

Catherine's grip on the phone tightened slightly, then relaxed. Her tone returned to its usual calmness, even with a hint of deliberate detachment. "We're in a contractual marriage. There's nothing good or bad about it. We each get what we need."

"But..." Uriah seemed to want to say more.

"There's no 'but.'" Catherine cut him off, her tone unconsciously quickening. "Richard... he's not too bad. But that's it. We're just business partners. We don't interfere with each other. Do you understand?"

She kept emphasizing "contractual" and "business," as if convincing him, and more so, herself. Yet, Richard's eyes and his occasional, subtle indulgence flashed through her mind.

Feeling inexplicably agitated, she took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "Remember our goal. Finding out the truth about Ms. Scott's disappearance is the most important thing. Everything else is secondary."

"Yes, Ms. Spencer, I understand." Uriah didn't ask further.

"That's all for now..."

Catherine was about to hang up when the bedroom door was pushed open from the outside.

Startled, she almost reflexively blurted out, "Who, who is it? I, I have to go!" Her voice carried a hint of panic as she hurriedly ended the call, nearly dropping the phone.

At the door, Richard stood in dark gray loungewear, leisurely leaning against the doorframe. His eyes carried a mix of curiosity and amusement as he watched her flustered state.

"Who are you whispering to so late?" He raised an eyebrow, walking in slowly and closing the door behind him.

Catherine's heart was still racing, but her face quickly regained its usual calm and innocent look, though a faint blush crept up her cheeks. "Nothing... just chatting." She discreetly hid her phone under the pillow, her gaze evasive.

Richard walked to the bedside, looking down at her. He didn't ask about the call, but his eyes lingered on her slightly red earlobes for a moment, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Really? You seem quite nervous."

Richard's presence, with a faint scent of cedar, enveloped her, creating an inexplicable pressure. She instinctively shrank back, pulling the blanket higher, trying to hide her discomfort. "Why didn't you knock before coming in?"

"I did," Richard said innocently. "You were too engrossed in your call to hear."

His gaze on her was scrutinizing, but not as sharp as before. Instead, it carried a hint of warmth, making him harder to read.

"Is there something you need?" She tried to keep her voice steady and natural.

Richard didn't answer immediately. He just sat down on the bed.

The close proximity made the air feel charged with ambiguity. He looked at her feigned calmness, finding it both amusing and endearing.

She was still guessing his intentions when Richard suddenly changed the subject, his tone becoming more casual, as if he was just mentioning it in passing. "By the way, as forAmara, how do you plan to get back at her for what happened at the mall?"