Skip to content
Novel Catalog
As the tension in the room heightened, Catherine leaned back further into the couch, the corners of her lips curving into a small, knowing smile. Her mind worked quickly, analyzing the situation. She had anticipated this—Branden and Paxton would eventually start tracking her. They were too cautious to ignore any unusual behavior, and her presence at the Duncan family house had certainly caught their attention.
She had been careful with her online activities, taking precautions to hide her tracks. The login to her gaming account had been deliberate, a subtle move to lead them into thinking they had finally cornered her. But the truth was, she had already taken steps to ensure that her real identity remained hidden.
As Paxton and Branden continued their conversation, Catherine’s thoughts drifted toward the broader picture. The Duncan family, with its vast resources and influence, could pose a serious threat if they managed to uncover her true identity. She had been careful for so long, but now it seemed as though the stakes were higher than ever. Branden, with his calculated demeanor, was not someone she could underestimate.
Branden, sensing that Catherine had no intention of responding to him, turned his attention back to Paxton. His calm exterior concealed the curiosity brewing within him. The hacker known as Sugar had always been a ghost, never allowing anyone to get close enough to catch her. But now, she had made a move—appearing at the Duncan family house, participating in a public event. It was too much of a coincidence.
Paxton, sensing Branden’s growing frustration, continued, “Sir, it’s clear that Sugar is playing a game with us. She’s been moving strategically, leaving us with only bits of information. We need to be careful. If she’s at the center of this, there may be a larger plan at play.”
Branden nodded slowly, his piercing gaze falling on Catherine once more. She seemed utterly unconcerned by the fact that they were discussing her. In fact, she almost seemed amused, a hint of playful arrogance in her posture.
“Let her play her games,” Branden muttered under his breath. “She can’t hide forever.”
Meanwhile, Bryan and the others, oblivious to the tension between the adults, continued to praise Catherine for her incredible performance in the game. Her flawless sniping skills and her ability to lead the team had left them in awe.
“Boss, you’re a legend!” Bryan shouted, still giddy with excitement.
Catherine’s casual demeanor didn’t falter, but internally, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of the situation. Branden’s presence at the party was no accident, and the fact that Paxton had figured out her little smoke screen meant that her every move was being scrutinized. She had to stay one step ahead.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Liana’s voice, filled with a mixture of envy and admiration, cutting through the noise of the crowd. “Catherine, you’re amazing. I never knew you were such a pro at this game.”
Liana’s words, though coated with sweetness, felt like a veiled challenge. Catherine knew Liana saw this as an opportunity to edge into the spotlight, to claim some of the attention that Catherine had stolen with her flawless gameplay. But Catherine wasn’t bothered—Liana’s jealousy was nothing new.
As Branden moved to join the group, the atmosphere shifted. The girls, still enamored with his presence, had already started whispering among themselves, attempting to catch his eye. Liana, especially, was eager to make an impression. Catherine, seeing the glances exchanged between Liana and Branden, couldn’t help but roll her eyes internally. Liana’s calculated moves never stopped.
Catherine had never cared much about the opinions of others, but seeing Liana’s obvious interest in Branden sparked a faint sense of amusement. After all, it wasn’t as if Catherine had any real competition. She and Branden had their own dynamics, their own understanding. Liana, for all her schemes, had no real claim on him.
With a sigh, Catherine turned her attention back to the game console in front of her. “Focus, Catherine,” she reminded herself. “You’ve got bigger things to deal with.”
She had to be ready for whatever came next. Branden would likely come looking for answers soon, and Catherine wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of finding them easily. She would play her part, continue to mislead, and let them chase after shadows for as long as possible.
As the party continued, with Branden at the center of attention and the girls whispering about him, Catherine remained calm, poised, and, above all, in control of the game. But deep down, she knew that the true challenge was only just beginning.