SWNOVELS Chapter 26
Kyle circled his desk and sat in his large chair; she followed him coquettishly, intending to sit on his lap, but he stopped her with a hand. "Catrina, you better sit down," he exclaimed, cold as ice.
Catrina, taken aback, opened her eyes wide. For the first time since she's known him, she feels fear in the words of the man before her. She turned away, taking sensual steps, swaying her hips to appear attractive. She sat in front of the desk, crossing one leg over the other, partially opening them. She lifted her dress to reveal a part of her intimate clothing, pushed her chest forward to emphasize her voluptuous breasts, ran a hand through her hair, delicately placing it forward. Then, she moistened her lower lip with her tongue and bit it with a lustful smile.
"Catrina, lower your dress and sit properly," he clarified in a threatening tone.
"Tell me you don't like what you see."
"Catrina, we need to keep our distance. Starting today, you will not work in the company, and I'll continue helping you until you can find a job and rebuild your life."
"What? Don't do this to me, Kyle. You can't just throw me out of this company like a dog. Remember that I love you. I've been proving my love for five years, devoting myself to you," she began to shed tears, desperate, shouting sarcastically, "This is how you repay me? What happened to 'I'll never leave you alone, and I'll always protect you"?"
She never thought the day would come when he would reject her. She always dreamed of being Mrs. Pratt.
"That's why I'll help you financially. I'll cancel the credit cards under my name, and you'll receive a monthly sum for your expenses. You decide how to distribute it. This will continue until you establish yourself as a model in another company. You're a beautiful model who can find work based on your talent."
"So, you're throwing away what we had. We had plans. After the time of your damn marriage passed, we were going to get married. Your grandfather was going to let you live your life without the threat of removing you from the presidency." Victimizing herself, she continued, "A few months ago, you wanted to marry me. Where's that affectionate man who made me happy?"
Kyle stared at her, feeling compassion. Five years of knowing her, memories flashed in his mind.
She came to the company helpless, seeking a job. She convinced him by saying she was an orphan with no family, her parents having died on the day of her kidnapping attempt. They gradually developed a relationship. She was the only one he went out with publicly, entered his office without permission, and spent nights at his luxurious apartment. She sought him out to relieve his stress, and as a reward, he covered her expenses. It was she who insisted on marriage. Kyle thought what he felt was love and agreed, but his grandfather set a condition. When Catrina found out, she proposed canceling the wedding and waiting. After being with Lindsey, he discovered what real love was-thinking and wishing to be with someone. That's when he realized his feelings for Catrina were not love but pity. He needed to let her make her life away from him. Returning to reality, he growled.
"Things have changed. Back then, we didn't get married for you. When you found out I wouldn't continue with the presidency, you said it was better to wait until my grandfather came to his senses."
"I reconsidered for both of us. This company is your legacy, and if I took it from you, what would happen to your financial status? How would we survive?"
"Always thinking about money. I don't want to argue anymore. Please leave me alone."
"It's because of your wife, isn't it? Don't tell me you fell in love with that insignificant woman." Rage was consuming her, and control was slipping through her fingers.
"Thank you for not dragging my wife into this," he scolded angrily. For some reason, he didn't like it when people spoke ill of his wife. "Leave my office, please."
"I love you, I love you, don't leave me, my love," she screamed hysterically, tears streaming down her face.
Kyle, annoyed by the drama, leaned forward, narrowed his eyes, and with a harsh tone repeated, "If you don't leave my office now, I'll have to have you escorted out by one of my men."
"Fine, I'm leaving, but I swear I'll get back at you for this," she wiped the tears from her face, regained her composure, stood up, turned her back, and walked out as if nothing had happened.
That evening, Kyle felt the need to be with his wife. Without thinking, he shut down the computer and left the office. As he passed by his secretary, he commented, "Rebeca, you can go home, see you tomorrow." With his briefcase in hand, he turned around and disappeared from his secretary's view without waiting for a response.
Rebeca smiled; she has been working with her boss for years, knows his character, and knows that behind that facade of a cold and calculating man is someone who cares about his employees. For the past three weeks, she has noticed a change in him. His gaze is no longer harsh; on the contrary, it seems more relaxed. Before, he would spend hours in his office and leave late at night. Now, he leaves the office early and has a better expression on his face. Lindsey was arriving home, parked the car, grabbed her purse from the passenger seat, and got out. As she walked towards the entrance of the house, she heard a rude voice just before entering.
"You damn wretch, we know it was you who damaged our daughter's reputation. How could you harm your sister like that?" Kathen spat venomously, and Courney's integrity was on the ground. She hadn't left her room since Friday. Lindsey squinted, turned around, and observed them. She couldn't believe they were so cynical to show up at her house. They knew all the wrongs that her stepsister did to her, yet they said nothing. They punished her, and now that she retaliated, they appeared offended like the vermin they are.