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Mr. David sat in his chair long after Catherine had left the room, still processing the unexpected turn of events. His mind raced with questions, but one thought persisted above all others: Who is Catherine Swann really?
The mystery surrounding her had only deepened after their conversation. He had spent years in the tech industry, surrounded by the world’s elite, but Catherine… Catherine was different. She wasn’t just another wealthy individual with a vision; there was something deeper, more strategic in the way she moved, how she spoke. She didn’t need to make overt displays of power, and yet, everyone around her sensed it.
He had offered her a seat, but she had insisted he sit, demonstrating her quiet dominance. She had only sipped the tea, yet he saw the careful way she observed, how she measured each interaction, each word. “I’ll talk about the cooperation details with you in three days.” Those words had been said so matter-of-factly, as though Catherine was not just offering an opportunity—she was dictating the terms of their future.
David had been ready to offer her his full attention, but Catherine hadn’t come to talk about business today. She hadn’t even elaborated on the project, just leaving him with a date to expect her again. It was a power play, no doubt, and it was one he had no choice but to accept.
His mind flitted to the chip—the chip that was at the center of so many conversations in the tech world, the piece of technology that had the potential to shift the balance of power in the industry. David had spent years building his reputation and empire around tech developments like this one, but Catherine’s casual mention of the chip’s future partnership made it clear: She was already in control.
The door to the private room opened slowly, and the servant entered, placing another teacup on the table in front of him. Mr. David didn’t notice it at first; his thoughts were consumed by the woman who had just left. When he finally looked at the tea, it seemed trivial compared to the gravity of what had just unfolded.
He couldn’t help but feel both exhilarated and uneasy. He had been in business for decades, but never had he encountered someone like Catherine. She was far more than a guest at his party. She was a force. A shadowy figure who operated on a completely different level.
As the servant bowed and exited, Mr. David took a long sip of the tea. The taste was exquisite, but somehow, it tasted less important now. All he could think of was Sugar—the name Catherine had been known by in certain circles, though very few knew it. The enigma behind the name only deepened his respect for her.
Outside the room, the sound of the party continued, but it felt distant, muted, as if everything outside this small, dimly lit chamber was irrelevant. He had come to this event expecting to revel in his own success, but now, all he could think about was how little he truly understood the game he was in.
Back in the main hall, the Swanns were still processing the tension that had unfolded in front of them. Liana’s frustration was palpable. She had expected to be the center of attention, to have her own moment to shine, but it seemed Catherine had stolen the spotlight once again.
“Dad!” Liana hissed under her breath, still seething with anger. “This isn’t fair! Why does Catherine always manage to be the one in the spotlight? We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and she—she’s just a country girl! How did she get to be so important?”
Korbin rubbed his temples, visibly irritated. “I don’t know, Liana. This doesn’t make any sense. I should’ve paid more attention, but I didn’t expect… whatever this is. Catherine has been playing her cards close to the chest, and now… well, it’s clear she’s not who we thought she was.”
Jonathan, who had been silent until now, spoke up, his voice calm but laced with disbelief. “You’re both missing the point. This isn’t about us. It’s about how much power Catherine holds—and how little we know about it.”
Liana shot her brother a sharp look, but there was truth in his words. Catherine wasn’t the same girl they had known. She wasn’t some naïve country girl who didn’t belong in the same world as the Swanns. In fact, it was beginning to look like Catherine was the one in control.
Meanwhile, Triston, who had been observing the entire exchange from a corner with a satisfied grin, couldn’t resist sending another message to Branden. He knew he was witnessing something monumental, and he wanted to share it with the one person who would understand.
[Mr. Duncan, this is getting more interesting by the minute. You might want to keep an eye on Miss Swann.]
He hit send, his fingers hovering over the screen as he waited for a response. Branden would be watching closely now. The mysterious Catherine Swann had captured his attention, and Triston was certain that what came next would be worth the wait.