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Novel Catalog
Chapter 15
The sudden interruption from Shaun caught everyone off guard, especially Catherine, who hadn’t expected him to speak up again. Her heart raced as she turned her head towards him, her thoughts a blur. What could he possibly want now?
Shaun’s cold gaze swept over the scene one last time. He didn’t look at Catherine directly, but his words were directed at everyone, sharp and unyielding. “Manager Lorenz, I don’t care what your reasons are. You’ve treated my wife and her friend horribly tonight, and I expect an apology—now.”
Catherine blinked in surprise. Her mind was spinning. Did he just… refer to her as his wife?
The manager, clearly caught between the powerful figures standing before him, hurriedly nodded. “I-I apologize, Miss Jones, Miss Lynch… I did not mean to cause offense. It’s just that the restaurant was already fully booked, and there was confusion…” His voice trailed off under the weight of Shaun’s icy stare.
Chase, still standing by Shaun’s side, was visibly entertained by the scene. “I think that’s enough. You’ve already proven your incompetence, and now you’re wasting everyone’s time with your excuses.”
Rebecca, her face flushed with embarrassment and rage, cleared her throat. “Young Master Harrison, I think this is going a bit too far. I don’t think we need to continue this any longer.”
Shaun didn’t even spare her a glance. His eyes remained locked on the manager as he spoke again, his voice low but commanding. “You’ll give them a private room immediately. No further questions.”
The manager, defeated, nodded fervently. “Yes, yes, of course. I will arrange it right away.”
Catherine couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of vindication. For the first time in a long while, she was seeing some semblance of support from Shaun, even if it was not as she had expected. Despite the discomfort and humiliation she felt, there was something about the way he commanded respect that made her feel strangely safe—albeit conflicted.
Freya, standing beside her, gave a small but triumphant smile. “It’s about time they got what was coming to them.”
Cindy, who had been quiet until now, looked up at Shaun with a forced, insincere smile. “I don’t think we need any more trouble, Young Master Harrison. We’ll be on our way.”
Chase, however, wasn’t done. “Leaving so soon? Don’t you want to stay for the show? You know, to learn how to act like a proper guest, instead of a spoiled child throwing tantrums over minor inconveniences?”
Cindy’s face grew pale, but she was too proud to respond. Rebecca, on the other hand, shot a venomous look at Chase before turning on her heel, pulling Cindy with her.
“Goodbye,” Rebecca said coolly, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she walked away.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Shaun turned to Catherine, his gaze narrowing. “You’re not staying here. We’re leaving.”
Catherine’s heart sank, though she wasn’t sure whether it was due to his words or the tone in which they were delivered. She glanced at Freya, who looked equally uncomfortable.
“Shaun, is this really necessary?” Catherine asked, trying to keep her voice steady. “I mean, I appreciate the help, but I’m sure we could’ve handled it ourselves.”
Shaun’s expression softened for a brief moment, but it was still hard to read. “You don’t need to handle everything on your own, Catherine. Not anymore.”
His words sent a ripple through her chest. Was he implying something more? She didn’t dare ask, unsure of what response she was hoping for.
Before she could say anything more, Shaun turned toward the door, clearly expecting her to follow.
Freya placed a hand on Catherine’s shoulder. “Let’s just go with him, okay? It’s not worth arguing right now.”
Catherine nodded quietly, following Shaun out of the restaurant and into the awaiting car. The air between them was tense, and Catherine couldn’t help but wonder just how much longer she could keep this up—this farce of a marriage that seemed to exist more for show than anything real.
As the car pulled away from the scene, Catherine’s mind wandered. What exactly had Shaun meant by those words? And what was the real reason he’d stepped in to help her tonight?
A bitter sense of uncertainty settled in her chest, but she couldn’t help but feel that perhaps, just maybe, something had changed.