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Catherine paused, her gaze flickering briefly toward Bryan as she processed his words. There was a brief moment of silence before she replied, her voice still cool but laced with a subtle amusement.
“Boss?” she echoed, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t recall asking anyone to call me that.”
Bryan, undeterred, flashed her a grin. “Well, you did inherit a trillion-dollar corporation and handle things like a true leader today. Besides, I think it suits you.” His tone was playful, but there was genuine respect in his eyes.
Catherine tilted her head slightly, considering him for a moment. Bryan had been one of the few who’d supported her earlier, not just out of fear, but out of some kind of understanding of her strength. It was rare, and it made her feel slightly more at ease with him.
“You really think I’m your ‘boss’ now?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of challenge.
“Absolutely,” Bryan replied, undaunted by her cool demeanor. “From now on, I’ll follow your lead, Boss.”
Catherine’s lips curved slightly upward in a near-smirk. “Alright then,” she said, tossing the water bottle back into her bag. “But remember, I don’t do favors. If you’re looking for someone to make your life easier, you’ve come to the wrong person.”
Bryan laughed, a confident sound. “I’m not expecting any favors, but I’m happy to have you as a ‘boss’—if it means being on the winning side.”
David, who had been listening in on their conversation, couldn’t help but join in. “I’ve got to admit, Bryan, you’ve got guts. Not everyone can handle Catherine’s ‘chill’ attitude.”
Catherine’s eyes flicked toward David, who raised his hands in mock surrender. “Just saying, she’s one tough cookie.”
A rare, genuine smile flickered on Catherine’s face at the exchange. Her eyes softened just enough for the smallest hint of warmth to show. It wasn’t often she allowed people to get this comfortable around her, but she was starting to appreciate the sincerity.
Bryan noticed the change in her expression and took it as a sign that he was making headway. He leaned back in his chair, his playful attitude still intact, but he was beginning to understand that Catherine was more than just a girl with power—she was someone who commanded respect through both her actions and her presence.
“You know,” Bryan said after a moment, looking thoughtful, “you’ve shaken up this entire class. People won’t mess with you anymore, that’s for sure.”
Catherine’s gaze became distant as she looked out the window, her expression unreadable. “I didn’t do it for them. I did it for myself,” she murmured. “People always think power is about making others kneel before you. But it’s not about that. It’s about making sure they understand that when you stand, you stand alone—and they can either respect that or stay out of your way.”
Her words lingered in the air, and the other students in the room fell silent, absorbing the weight of what she had said. It was clear that Catherine’s power wasn’t just in her position or her family’s wealth—it was in her mindset, her attitude, and the way she carried herself.
Bryan glanced at her, admiration in his eyes. “Well, I’m definitely on your side. So, Boss, what’s next for us?”
Catherine shifted in her seat, a flicker of amusement passing through her eyes. “Next? We survive the rest of the semester, of course.”
“Under your leadership, no problem,” Bryan replied confidently, and Catherine allowed herself a brief, almost imperceptible smile. For now, she could afford to let her guard down just a little.