Chapter 107 Others Before You
Audrey rose from her chair, professional mask firmly in place. "Miss Catherine. Welcome. Can I help you with something?" Her voice was pleasant, but her instincts were already screaming.
Catherine looked her up and down slowly. Deliberately. Like she was appraising merchandise.
"Just stopping by." Her tone was light, but her eyes held something else entirely. She let her gaze drag over Audrey once more, then laughed softly.
"Ah... now I understand why you've stayed here so long." Her voice dripped with false amusement. "No wonder you've kept this position. You've found a more... effective way to hold onto it."
Audrey frowned. "I don't understand what you mean."
Catherine chuckled, but there was nothing warm about it. She crossed her arms, looking at Audrey with undisguised contempt.
"Don't play dumb." Her voice was smooth, satisfied. "How long have you been spreading your legs for Elliot?"
Audrey's body went rigid.
This woman. She's going to bring up that call.
But Audrey refused to show weakness. She drew a slow breath, straightening her shoulders.
"I think you're making assumptions, Miss Catherine."
Catherine laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Assumptions? Oh please, Audrey. You were screaming like a whore."
Audrey froze. Her heart pounded, but her face stayed carefully blank.
"What are you talking about?" she asked—though she already knew.
Catherine leaned closer, smirk widening. "You think I don't know? That night. I heard everything."
Audrey felt heat flood her face—anger and shame tangling together.
"I don't know why you put me through that little show, but my God, you're loud. Who knew the quiet, professional secretary was so..." She paused, pretending to search for the right word. "...animalistic."
Audrey's hands curled into fists at her sides. She forced herself to breathe.
"I don't see why my personal life concerns you."
Catherine laughed again.
"I just wanted to be sure." Her eyes sharpened. "Do you really think Elliot will stay with you? You're just a toy, Audrey. Like all the others before you."
Audrey's breath caught. "Others before me?"
Catherine's eyes flickered with satisfaction. She'd hit a nerve. She pressed her lips together, pretending she'd let something slip. "Oh? You didn't know? You think Elliot's never done this before?"
Audrey's fists tightened further. Hard enough that her nails bit into her palms.
"If you don't have business here, I have work to finish." Her voice was flat. Controlled. She was done with this conversation.
But before Catherine could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension.
"I hope you're not saying anything inappropriate in my office, Catherine."
Both women turned.
Elliot stood in his doorway, hands in his pockets, expression cold. His gaze locked onto Catherine with unmistakable warning.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Catherine smiled, unbothered—or pretending to be. She turned gracefully, meeting his eyes.
"Elliot. I was just chatting with your secretary. Nothing to worry about." Her voice was sweet, but Elliot caught the edge beneath it.
He stepped forward, jaw tight. "If you don't have important business here, I suggest you leave."
Catherine sighed dramatically, feigning hurt. Then she moved closer to him, eyes gleaming. "You never used to talk to me like that."
"Because I won't let anyone disrespect my wife."
Audrey's eyes went wide.
Catherine froze. Her smile vanished. "W-wife?" she repeated slowly, like she hadn't heard correctly.
Elliot didn't answer. He just moved to Audrey's side and wrapped an arm around her waist. Possessive. Protective.
Others before me. The words echoed in Audrey's mind despite herself.
Elliot said he had none. But now, doubt crept in.
Still, standing here, with his arm around her, she felt something else too. Relief. Satisfaction. She watched Catherine silently, waiting.
Catherine processed the information, jaw tightening. Then she forced a laugh—strained, unconvincing. "Oh... So you're married?"
She glanced at Audrey, then back at Elliot. "Does your mother know about this?"
"Don't." Elliot's voice cut like a blade. "Don't you dare bring my mother into this."
Catherine's hands clenched. She was losing control of this situation, and she knew it.
But she wasn't the type to give up easily.
She composed herself quickly, tilting her head with a smirk—though her eyes still burned. "Relax, Elliot. I'm just asking."
Elliot said nothing. His stare was enough.
Catherine sighed dramatically, turning back to Audrey. Her gaze was still dripping with condescension. "I'm just curious... with all the options you had, why her?"
Audrey didn't answer immediately. She could have responded sharply. But she chose silence.
Elliot spoke first. "That's none of your business."
Catherine's smirk sharpened, eyes gleaming as she looked at Audrey. "You're right. It's not. But I wonder... how long will she last?"
"Catherine." Elliot's voice was pure warning now.
She held up her hands in mock surrender. "Fine. I'm done."
She looked at Audrey one last time—long, meaningful, cruel. "I hope you're ready for the consequences, Audrey. Marrying Elliot isn't just about taking his name. It's about everything that comes with it."
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication.
Audrey held her ground. Said nothing.
Catherine turned to leave.
"Catherine."
Elliot's voice stopped her.
She looked back.
"I want to talk to you."