Chapter 108

Chapter 108

This wasn't just about fulfilling a partnership agreement; it was because of the abilities and value Catherine had shown that made him feel this "ally" was worth investing in.

Catherine met his gaze without a word of thanks, just a soft acknowledgment. For her, finding Aurora was the obsession that had kept her going for years. She wouldn't let any glimmer of hope slip away. Richard's promise was like a shot of adrenaline.

After a brief silence, Catherine stood up. "I'm heading out for a bit."

Richard frowned. "Where to? I'll have someone take you."

"No need." Catherine picked up her coat, her tone cool but firm. "I have some personal matters to attend to. I'll go alone."

"It's a dangerous time right now. It's not safe," Richard objected. Amara had gone mad, and there was no telling what the Spencer and Jones families might do.

Catherine turned to face him, her eyes devoid of their usual pretense, now only cold and distant. "Richard, our agreement is a partnership, not a binding contract. I have my secrets, my space, and I don't want anyone interfering."

Her voice was low but carried an undeniable authority. "If your people follow me or try to pry into my privacy, our agreement can end at any time."

This was the first time she had drawn such a clear line, even threatening to end their cooperation.

Richard watched her determined back, his eyes darkening. He knew Catherine wasn't joking. This woman, seemingly fragile, was actually stronger and more independent than anyone. She had her own boundaries and principles.

In the end, he didn't stop her. As she opened the door to leave, he quickly sent a message to Dax: "Follow Catherine, keep your distance, ensure her safety, and don't get caught."

Putting down his phone, Richard walked to the window, watching Catherine's figure disappear into the night.

End the agreement? He wasn't going to let go that easily.

Catherine was like a giant puzzle; the closer he got, the more mysteries he uncovered. He had a feeling her secrets were even more astonishing than he had imagined.

As for privacy... in the face of absolute safety, perhaps there was some room for flexibility, he thought.

The night deepened, and in the dining room of the Smith Villa, the crystal chandelier remained unlit, with only a few candelabras casting a warm glow.

Richard stood by the long dining table, awkwardly arranging a bouquet of champagne roses. The delicate petals, fresh with morning dew, contrasted subtly with the strength of his hands, accustomed to holding a pen or controlling the situation.

He wasn't unfamiliar with romance; it had just not been a theme in his life for the past twenty years.

He adjusted the bouquet's angle, ensuring it looked its best from the doorway. The silver candelabras, the pristine white tablecloth, and the carefully selected, unopened bottle of red wine—all details were meticulously arranged to create an atmosphere.

He didn't know if Catherine would like it or even notice. But that didn't matter. What mattered was that he had decided to try.

The air was filled with the faint scent of flowers and the enticing aroma of roast beef.

Richard checked his watch. It was almost time. He dismissed the butler and servants, choosing to wait alone in the quiet dining room.

Outside, the night was thick, mirroring his indescribable emotions.

Meanwhile, at the Spencer Villa, the atmosphere was the complete opposite of the warm, romantic setting at the Smith Villa, brewing like a violent storm.

In the living room, the crystal light was harsh and glaring, leaving no place to hide.

Oliver's chest heaved, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Clara. His voice was strained, as if forced from his throat. "Tell me! That sudden influx of money years ago—was it related to that car accident?"

His accusation was like a thunderclap, making Clara's face turn pale. Her hands clenched tightly on her lap, nails digging into her skin.

Catherine's seemingly casual mention of the company's early financial issues and her regret over a certain "accident" had ignited Oliver's suspicions.

Clara tried to stay calm, her voice trembling slightly. "Oliver, who have you been listening to? That money wasn't—"

"Still denying it?" Oliver slammed the coffee table, making the cups and plates clatter. "I've already found some clues! The insurance beneficiary of that car accident, and the final destination of the funds! Do you think I'm still the fool you kept in the dark?"

Clara flinched at his outburst, but then a look of venomous determination crossed her face.

She suddenly raised her head, her face drained of color, but with a sickly calm. "Yes! That's right! I arranged that car accident!"

Oliver's pupils contracted, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

"That insurance money saved your Spencer Group, saved you, you worthless man!" Clara's voice grew sharp with years of pent-up resentment. "Without that money, the Spencer family would have gone bankrupt long ago! And you think you can yell at me here?"

"You... you wicked woman!" Oliver trembled with rage, pointing at her with a shaking hand. "That was a life! How could you?"

"How could I not?" Clara suddenly laughed hysterically, tears streaming down her face.

"You ask how I could? How could you hit me? Again and again! Did you ever see me as a person? To you, I was just someone to bear your children, manage your household, and conjure up money when you needed it!"

She stood up abruptly, pointing to the barely visible scars on her body, her voice hoarse. "Did you forget these? Oliver, you owe me! Trading that worthless life for the Spencer Group, for our temporary peace, I think it was worth it!"

Oliver was stunned by her sudden outburst and accusations, unable to speak. He looked at the seemingly mad Clara, feeling not just anger but a hint of fear.

Clara took a deep breath. The last bit of warmth in her eyes had extinguished, leaving only cold calculation. She resolved to act quickly.

That man had promised her that once she transferred the remaining funds from the Spencer Group, he would take her and Amara away. She didn't want to stay in this house another day.

Oliver's anger hadn't subsided; Catherine's words from earlier still echoed in his mind. He suppressed his shock and fear of the car accident's truth, turning to another unbearable question. "And! Do you have a man on the side? Tell me!"

This question seemed even harder for Clara to admit than hiring someone to kill.

A flash of panic crossed her face, but she quickly denied it. "What are you talking about? I don't!"