跳过内容
Novel Catalog
Chapter 54
Catherine felt a strange sense of unease as she looked at Ethan, unsure of how to react to the unexpected meeting. He seemed to be constantly popping up in her life these days, but this encounter felt different. The luxurious villas surrounding them only amplified the tension, making the situation feel even more surreal.
She could tell from the way he was observing her that he was more intrigued by her presence here than just a coincidence. She also couldn’t ignore the fact that Ethan was in a world of his own—one of wealth, power, and influence—and that she was just a small part of the landscape for him. Yet, something about the way he looked at her made her feel like she didn’t belong in this world, no matter how much she tried to make herself fit in.
“Oh,” she replied, trying to mask her unease with a calm expression, “Well, I’m just here for a design consultation with Mr. Lyons. Nothing too exciting.” She paused before adding, “And you? How’s your uncle’s villa looking?”
Ethan’s gaze didn’t soften, but his lips curled into a sly smile as he took a step closer. “It needs some serious work. But, you know, Rebecca’s the expert in that field. She’s really pushing for this project. And you,” he paused, looking her up and down, “you’re still in the design business, I assume?”
Catherine kept her composure, not giving away how unnerved she was by the sudden intensity in his voice. “Yes, still designing. It’s what I do.” She then added, “But I didn’t realize Rebecca had such strong connections in this neighborhood.”
Ethan shrugged, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. “She’s getting herself involved in a lot of high-end projects. Can’t blame her, I suppose. But you seem like you’re doing well yourself,” he said, eyes glinting with something she couldn’t quite decipher.
She smiled tightly, choosing not to respond to the implied challenge in his words. Instead, she glanced at the villa she had just visited, hoping to steer the conversation away from herself. “I think the neighborhood suits you, though. Is your uncle’s villa nearby?”
“Not too far,” he replied, casting a glance at the massive villas around them, before turning his attention back to her. “Catherine, I hope you’re aware of who you’re dealing with in this world. These projects—especially with people like Mr. Lyons—are serious business. You should be careful.”
His words carried an edge of warning, and Catherine couldn’t help but wonder if Ethan was trying to hint at something. Was he trying to remind her of the complex, cutthroat world she was entering? Or was it something more personal?
“I can handle myself, Ethan,” she replied, her voice steady but firm. “I’ve been in this business long enough to know what I’m doing.”
Before he could respond, she gave him a polite nod and turned toward the exit, eager to leave the uncomfortable conversation behind. She needed some space, and Ethan’s presence was starting to feel stifling. As she walked away, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched—her every move scrutinized, whether by Ethan or someone else. It was exhausting, but she had no choice but to push forward.
As she reached her car, she glanced once more at the villa where she had just met Wesley Lyons. There was something calming about being in his presence—something genuine. But she couldn’t deny the confusion and tension building within her. With men like Ethan and Shaun hovering around her, she was starting to wonder whether she could truly navigate this world of power and wealth without getting caught in their web.
Still, there was one thing Catherine was certain of: she couldn’t afford to stop now.