Chapter 91

Chapter 91

He didn't outright argue with Lucas. Instead, he used his solid credentials and experience to shut down Lucas's point.

Lucas wanted to disagree, but he couldn't just call Richard a fool in front of everyone. If the Smith family heard that, he'd be out on his ear.

The room went dead silent, and the reporters quickly picked up on the tension within the Smith family. Lucas's face soured, and under everyone's watchful eyes, he looked pretty embarrassed.

After the press conference, Lucas cornered Richard in the hallway, his mask of calm slipping away to reveal pure anger and resentment.

"Richard, don't think you're off the hook!" he spat, his voice dripping with menace.

"The board and the tangled mess at TY aren't something you can fix with a few words! If you want to keep your spot, fine, show us what you got!"

He sneered, "Don't say I didn't warn you, TY's not the same as when you left."

Richard kept walking, leaving Lucas staring at his tall, unyielding back.

"Just wait and see."

Richard's faint response hung in the air, along with Lucas's increasingly dark glare.

The Smith family members scattered, each lost in their own thoughts, leaving behind a tense atmosphere.

Richard's eyes scanned the room, finally landing on Catherine. A subtle smile tugged at his lips.

Ignoring the surprised and questioning looks from others, he wheeled himself over to Catherine.

"I'm beat. Let's go home and get some sleep," he said, taking her hand.

Catherine got the hint and helped him with the wheelchair.

The door closed, shutting out the outside world.

Richard gently placed Catherine on the soft bed, his movements tender, a stark contrast to his earlier assertiveness. He didn't leave right away but sat by the bed, watching her.

The bedroom was lit by a single wall lamp, casting a warm, cozy glow.

"Tomorrow's your birthday, right?" Richard asked suddenly, his voice cool but curious.

Catherine stiffened slightly, her lashes lowering to hide the storm of emotions in her eyes. Birthdays were never a celebration for her; they marked the anniversary of her mother's death. Every year, this day reminded her of the heavy past and unfinished responsibilities.

"I don't like celebrating birthdays," she said softly, a hint of detachment in her voice. "It's the day my mom died."

Richard was silent for a moment, the air thick with a faint sadness. He reached out, as if to touch her, but his hand only landed on the bed sheet beside her, his fingers curling slightly.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I didn't know."

Catherine shook her head, her face blank. "It's okay, it's all in the past."

"It's not in the past," Richard said, looking at her with deep eyes. "Some things can't be forgotten, nor should they be. Moving forward with the past might need some... warmth."

Catherine looked up, meeting his gaze.

His eyes were bright in the dim light, as if they could see right through her. She understood what he meant; they were both people weighed down by a heavy past, walking alone in the darkness.

"Like what?" she asked.

"Like keeping each other warm," Richard said calmly, as if stating a simple fact. "We are husband and wife, aren't we?"

Catherine's heart trembled slightly. Husband and wife... When he said it, it carried a strange weight. They had come together for their own purposes, but at this moment, it seemed they had formed a bond called "companionship."

"Okay." She nodded lightly, agreeing to this silent pact.

Richard seemed satisfied, standing up. He walked to the window, looking out at the pitch-dark night, his back straight like a pine tree.

"The Smith family matters are more difficult than you think," he said, his voice low but clear to Catherine. "Since you are 'my wife' now, some advantages shouldn't be wasted."

Catherine's heart stirred, looking at his back. He was hinting that they could use their relationship to aid their respective revenge plans.

"For example, helping you uncover the truth about your parents' car accident?" Richard turned around, his gaze falling on her face, with a hint of scrutiny and an indescribable seriousness. "What do you think, honey?"

"Honey"...

The term felt like a feather, gently brushing against Catherine's heart, bringing a strange tingling sensation.

It was the first time someone had called her that, especially after clarifying their cooperative relationship. It caught her off guard, making her cheeks flush slightly.

She looked away, hiding her reaction by tidying her hair. "Mr. Smith... how do you want to cooperate?"

Richard noticed her slightly red ears, a fleeting smile in his eyes. "No rush, we have plenty of time."

He didn't say more, turning to push his wheelchair into the bathroom.

Leaving Catherine alone on the bed, her thoughts in disarray. Richard's last "honey" was like a stone thrown into a lake, creating ripples in her heart.

Meanwhile, at the Smith Villa.

Lucas sat on the couch, his face dark, with Gavin beside him, eyes flashing with malice.

"Dad, are we just going to let Richard take Catherine away? He's becoming more and more disrespectful to you!"

Gavin's tone was indignant. "And that Catherine, she's no good either. The two of them together are definitely trouble!"

Lucas snorted, turning around, his murky eyes filled with calculation. "What's the rush? Richard is getting stronger; openly targeting him will only alert him."

"Then what do we do? Just watch him take control of the Smith Group step by step?" Gavin was unwilling.

"He likes Catherine, doesn't he?" Lucas's lips curled into a cold smile.

Gavin's eyes lit up. "You mean..."

"Isn't Catherine's birthday coming up?" Lucas said slowly, his fingers tapping lightly on the mahogany table.

"Find an opportunity to 'invite' her out. I want to see if Richard will choose his lover or everything he has now."

"Kidnapping?" Gavin was excited but hesitant. "Isn't that too risky? What if..."

"Being overly cautious won't accomplish anything," Lucas glared at Gavin. "You handle this personally, and do it cleanly. Remember, our target is Richard; Catherine is just bait."

A ruthless look flashed across Gavin's face. "Don't worry, Dad, I guarantee success!"

In the darkness, father and son exchanged a smile, their conspiracy quietly taking root.