Skip to content
Novel Catalog
The attention in the room shifted almost imperceptibly when Branden’s slight smile flickered across his face. Paxton, ever attuned to his boss’s moods, straightened up, his curiosity piqued by Branden’s reaction. It wasn’t often that Branden showed any sign of interest, let alone amusement, particularly when it came to women. And yet, there was something undeniably captivating about Catherine—something that had drawn Branden’s attention in a way no one else had in years.
“Paxton,” Branden’s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, like the beginning of a storm. “Find out everything you can about Miss Catherine Swann. I want her background, her family, the company—everything.”
Paxton nodded immediately, his expression professional, but there was a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. Branden’s orders were always precise, and when it came to someone like Catherine, the curiosity was almost palpable.
Meanwhile, back at the party, Mr. David and Catherine were walking in an isolated area of the manor. The air around them was thick with tension, but also a strange sense of power. Mr. David, usually the one in control at his own events, was now behaving with a deference to Catherine that no one could have predicted. He led her to a private room, a space filled with vintage furniture and walls lined with bookshelves, a quiet retreat away from the clamor of the main party.
Catherine stepped inside, her presence commanding the room immediately. Mr. David, still with that aura of respect, gestured toward a chair, offering her a seat before settling down across from her.
“Miss Swann,” Mr. David began, his voice steady, yet there was a note of something else there—curiosity, perhaps? “You’re unlike anyone I’ve met in a long time. I’ve been in this business for decades, and yet, I’ve never met someone with your… poise. You’ve clearly been underestimated.”
Catherine simply arched an eyebrow at him, her gaze unwavering. “It’s easy to underestimate someone when you don’t take the time to really see them. People often see what they want to see, not the reality.”
Mr. David smiled, as though he appreciated her insight. “You’re sharp, Miss Swann. It’s why I think you’ll be able to handle yourself in a world where everyone is trying to tear each other down.”
Catherine’s lips curved slightly at the edges, her expression cool. “I’ve learned that, Mr. David. In fact, I’ve lived it.”
The man nodded thoughtfully, and for a moment, the two simply sat in silence, each understanding the weight of the other’s words.
Back in the main hall, things had gone from dramatic to downright awkward. The Swanns, still processing the shocking turn of events, stood in a huddle. Korbin was quietly fuming, his pride bruised by the way Catherine had been treated—yet the unexpected turn of favor from Mr. David only added to his confusion.
Liana, still seething, clenched her jaw. She couldn’t bear the thought of Catherine somehow being above her now. She had planned everything meticulously, but Catherine had somehow stolen the spotlight again. Her earlier disdain was starting to fester into something far more dangerous—jealousy. “Dad,” she whispered harshly, “do you know what’s going on with her? Why did Mr. David single her out?”
Korbin’s response was slow, his mind clearly racing to make sense of the situation. “I don’t know… but this doesn’t sit right.” He shot a glance at Rachael, who was equally puzzled.
The room buzzed with whispers, each person wondering if Catherine had been hiding her true nature all along. She wasn’t just the ‘poor girl’ from the country anymore. She had power—real, undeniable power.
Meanwhile, Triston, still capturing the unfolding drama on his phone, smirked as he watched the reactions of the crowd. He had always known Catherine would be someone to watch, but he hadn’t anticipated this level of attention. As he continued recording, he shot another quick message to Branden.
[Mr. Duncan, things are getting interesting. You won’t believe what’s happening now.]
The words hung in the air, as Triston continued to observe from the sidelines. He knew this was only the beginning. Catherine Swann was far more than the quiet, dismissed daughter of the Swanns—she was someone who was about to make waves, whether the world was ready for it or not.
Back in the private room with Mr. David, Catherine leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing slightly. She wasn’t sure where this conversation was headed, but she was fully prepared for whatever came next. There was one thing she knew for certain—this party, this moment, had changed everything.
And as she glanced at Mr. David, she had no doubt that he would play a significant role in whatever came next.