Chapter 98

Chapter 98

Catherine dropped her gaze, avoiding his intense stare. "She brought me here, and yeah, I did lose something important." She lifted her head, meeting his eyes with a calm expression. "That item means a lot to me."

"More than your own life?" Richard stepped closer, his tall frame almost completely overshadowing her. "Catherine, have you forgotten you're my wife now? Can't you tell me first when something happens?"

His voice was filled with frustration and an indescribable fear. He couldn't imagine what would have happened if he had arrived a moment later.

Seeing the undisguised worry and urgency in his eyes, Catherine's heart softened slightly. She knew what he was worried about and understood why his emotions were so out of control at this moment.

Richard looked at her silent demeanor, his anger mixed with a sense of helplessness. He gripped her shoulders again, his hold firm and unyielding, forcing her to look at him.

"Listen, Catherine," his voice was low and commanding, "from now on, no matter what happens, you tell me first. As long as I'm here, no one can touch you. Got it?"

His gaze locked onto hers as if trying to engrave his words into her soul.

Catherine met his domineering yet protective gaze, remained silent for a moment, then nodded slightly.

Although she had her own plans and cards to play, at this moment, Richard's strong protection unexpectedly made her feel a bit... reassured.

Maybe, occasionally, relying on this "husband" who also had his secrets wasn't such a bad thing.

The night breeze rustled through the trees, bringing a slight chill and dissipating some of the tension in the air.

They stood close, close enough to feel each other's breath. The masks were off, secrets clashed, and a subtle, complex emotion quietly grew between them.

Richard looked at her, his deep eyes no longer empty or occasionally cunning, but clear, with a hint of fatigue and determination.

"It seems we've both underestimated each other," he spoke first, his voice low and calm, as if a dust had settled. "Ms. Spencer, or should I say, the mastermind behind Summit Group?"

Catherine's heart skipped a beat, but her face remained calm. She had suspected it, but hearing him confirm it was still a shock. He wasn't just not foolish; he knew her background thoroughly.

"Likewise," Catherine retorted, her gaze sharp. "Mr. Smith, the head of TY Group, how does it feel to play dumb?"

Richard's smile was cold. "To survive, to uncover the truth, you endure whatever it takes." He paused, his eyes probing her face.

"And you, Ms. Spencer? Starting to disguise yourself at six years old, for what? Just for your 'missing' teacher?"

His words were like a key, precisely unlocking the most hidden part of Catherine's heart. Similar disguises, similar endurance, but for different obsessions.

"Seems like Mr. Smith has done his homework," Catherine didn't deny it, nor did she intend to explain further.

Richard stepped forward, closing the distance between them instantly, his powerful presence overwhelming. "So, you figured out Mr. Fisher's identity, too?"

Catherine's pupils contracted.

"So it was you," Catherine's voice tightened. All the scattered clues quickly connected in her mind; those seemingly coincidental events, those perfectly timed "helps" or "obstacles," suddenly made sense.

She felt like a transparent person, seen through by him, while she knew so little about him.

Richard was pleased to see the surprise in her eyes. "Since our identities are out in the open, it seems we have some unfinished business."

He shifted his tone, his gaze becoming meaningful. "Ms. Spencer, you still owe me a favor."

Catherine frowned. "What favor?"

"Stay by my side," Richard said firmly, leaving no room for doubt. "That's what you had promised Mr. Fisher."

Catherine almost laughed in anger.

She had indeed promised Mr. Fisher a favor that wouldn't endanger herself or her company's interests in exchange for crucial information. But she had promised the mysterious Mr. Fisher, not the deceitful Richard standing before her!

"I refuse," Catherine said coldly. "I promised Mr. Fisher, not a liar. Mr. Smith, you used a false identity to gain my trust and commitment. Shouldn't we settle that score too?"

Richard seemed to have expected her response, showing no surprise. "Deceive you?" He chuckled, a bitter and self-mocking sound.

"Catherine, who would choose to play the fool if not for a deep-seated grudge? My parents' car accident wasn't an accident. I need to uncover the truth and make those responsible pay. For that, I'll do whatever it takes."

He tried to evoke her empathy with his story. "We're the same, aren't we? Burdened by a heavy past, wearing masks, treading carefully with every step."

Catherine's heart was indeed touched. As a fellow pretender, she understood the hardships and loneliness better than anyone. But this brief empathy was quickly replaced by another emotion—anger.

"The same?" She looked up, her gaze cold as it swept over him. "Mr. Smith, you reminded me. If you're not foolish, then those things you did to me before..." She paused, recalling some embarrassing moments, "the forced kisses, the embraces, even..." She bit her lip.

"Mr. Smith, you seemed quite skilled at taking advantage, not like a fool at all."

Caught off guard, Richard's face showed a rare hint of discomfort, but he quickly regained his composure, even looking somewhat justified. "Between husband and wife, being close is normal."

"Husband and wife?" Catherine seemed to hear the biggest joke. "Mr. Smith, we have a contractual marriage. Now it seems this contract was based on your deception from the start."

She took a deep breath, as if making a major decision, her eyes unusually firm. "Tomorrow is my birthday."

Richard looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

"My birthday wish is..." Catherine said clearly, "for us to get a divorce."

The air instantly turned icy.

The last trace of warmth disappeared from Richard's face, replaced by a chilling coldness. "Divorce?" He repeated, his tone dangerous. "Catherine, say that again?"

"I said, let's get a divorce." Catherine met his gaze without flinching. "This marriage, based on lies, has no reason to continue."

"Reason?" Richard stepped closer, his powerful aura almost engulfing her. "Do you think marriage is a game, to start and end at will? Don't forget the contract we signed!"