Chapter 5: Returning as Ethan's Aunt

The following afternoon, Shaun adjusted the cuffs of his black suit before looking at Catherine.

"Are you ready?"

She took a deep breath.

"Not really."

"But I've come too far to back out now."

"Good."

"Confidence suits you better than hesitation."

A chauffeur opened the door of the Rolls-Royce.

The destination was the Lowe family's villa.

Tonight, both the Jones and Lowe families had gathered to discuss Ethan and Rebecca's engagement ceremony.

No one knew Catherine was coming.

And certainly no one expected her to arrive as a married woman.

During the drive, Catherine nervously twisted the ring on her finger.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why did you agree to marry me?"

Shaun looked out of the window before answering.

"Because I dislike seeing capable people underestimate themselves."

"You needed someone to stand beside you."

"I happened to be available."

Catherine laughed softly.

"That's probably the least romantic answer anyone has ever given."

"Would you prefer a romantic lie?"

"No."

"Then the truth is enough."

Half an hour later, the Rolls-Royce slowly stopped outside the Lowe family's mansion.

Luxury cars already filled the driveway.

"We're here," Shaun said calmly.

Catherine nodded.

"Let's give them a surprise they'll never forget."

The moment they entered the villa, the lively conversation inside came to an abrupt stop.

Every pair of eyes turned toward the entrance.

"Catherine?"

Mrs. Jones frowned immediately.

"Why are you here?"

"Didn't you leave yesterday?"

Rebecca instinctively tightened her grip around Ethan's arm.

She hadn't expected Catherine to return so soon.

Ethan frowned.

"Cathy..."

"I think we already finished talking yesterday."

Catherine smiled politely.

"You're right."

"I'm not here to talk to you."

Only then did everyone notice the tall man standing beside her.

His commanding presence instantly silenced the room.

Zachary Lowe's face changed dramatically.

"Mr... Mr. Hill?"

He immediately stood up.

"What an unexpected honor."

The other guests quickly followed.

Even the elders who had remained seated moments ago hurriedly got to their feet.

Ethan looked confused.

"Dad... who is he?"

"Watch your manners!" Zachary whispered sharply.

"This is Mr. Shaun Hill."

"Chairman of Hill Corporation."

"The largest investment group in the country."

A wave of shock spread through the room.

Hill Corporation...

Its influence extended across real estate, finance, technology, and international trade.

Very few people had ever met its mysterious chairman.

Rebecca stared at Shaun in disbelief.

She had assumed he was merely another wealthy businessman.

She never imagined he was this powerful.

Shaun ignored everyone's astonished expressions.

Instead, he gently reached for Catherine's hand.

"Allow me to introduce someone."

He intertwined their fingers naturally.

"This is my wife, Catherine Hill."

The room fell into complete silence.

"Your... wife?"

Mrs. Jones nearly lost her balance.

"Impossible!"

"You got married?"

Rebecca's smile instantly disappeared.

Ethan stared at Catherine's wedding ring.

"Cathy..."

"When did this happen?"

"Yesterday," Catherine answered calmly.

"Yesterday?"

He looked as though the ground had disappeared beneath his feet.

"You married someone one day after leaving me?"

"Correction," Catherine replied with a smile.

"I married someone who actually chose me."

Those words struck Ethan harder than any slap.

Mrs. Jones hurried toward Catherine.

"Have you gone crazy?"

"Marriage isn't a game!"

"How could you marry a stranger?"

"A stranger?" Catherine asked quietly.

"Interesting."

"Yesterday you told me Ethan was no longer my concern."

"Today my marriage suddenly concerns you?"

Mrs. Jones couldn't answer.

Shaun stepped forward slightly.

"Mrs. Jones."

"From this moment onward, Catherine is my wife."

"I hope everyone here treats her with the respect she deserves."

His calm voice carried an undeniable authority.

No one dared interrupt him.

Even Zachary remained silent.

Rebecca forced herself to smile.

"Congratulations, Catherine."

"I'm happy for you."

Catherine looked directly into her eyes.

"Thank you."

"I sincerely hope your engagement goes as smoothly as my wedding did."

Rebecca's expression stiffened.

She could hear the hidden meaning behind those words.

Ethan suddenly stepped toward Catherine.

"Can we talk?"

"There's nothing left to discuss," Catherine answered.

"Please."

"Just five minutes."

Before Catherine could reply, Shaun calmly placed an arm around her waist.

"Mr. Lowe."

"I don't believe it's appropriate to ask another man's wife for a private conversation."

Ethan clenched his fists.

"This is between Cathy and me."

"No," Shaun replied evenly.

"Anything involving my wife is now my business too."

The atmosphere instantly became tense.

No one dared breathe.

Rebecca quietly bit her lip.

For the first time since returning home...

She realized something terrifying.

The sister she had looked down upon...

Had just become the wife of the most powerful man in the room.