Chapter 7: The Woman Behind Mr. Hill

The morning after the dinner at the Lowe residence, Catherine woke up earlier than usual.

As she walked downstairs, she found the dining table already prepared.

Fresh coffee.

Warm toast.

Fruit salad.

Everything she liked.

"Good morning, Madam," one of the maids greeted respectfully.

"Mr. Hill left for the office an hour ago."

"He asked us to make sure you have breakfast before leaving."

Catherine smiled unconsciously.

She had never imagined that married life would begin so peacefully.

After breakfast, she decided to return to Jones Design Studio.

She had spent years building the company's reputation as one of its lead designers.

No matter what happened with her family, she refused to abandon the career she loved.

As soon as she entered the office, the lively atmosphere suddenly became silent.

Employees exchanged curious glances.

"Isn't that Miss Jones?"

"I heard she got dumped by Mr. Lowe."

"No... I heard she got married yesterday."

"Married? To who?"

Ignoring the whispers, Catherine walked directly toward her office.

Before she could sit down, Rebecca walked in with a bright smile.

"Good morning, Catherine."

"Or should I say... Mrs. Hill?"

"Congratulations."

"Thank you," Catherine replied calmly.

"I didn't expect you to come back to work today," Rebecca continued.

"I thought wealthy wives usually stayed home."

"I'm different," Catherine answered.

"I prefer earning my own success."

Rebecca's smile stiffened.

"Father wants to see both of us in the conference room."

A few minutes later, the senior management meeting began.

Mr. Jones stood at the front of the room.

"Everyone, I have an important announcement."

"Beginning today, Rebecca will officially become the Design Director of Jones Design Studio."

The room erupted into applause.

Catherine remained completely still.

She looked at her father in disbelief.

"Design Director?"

"Rebecca has only been back for three months."

"She has never even worked here."

Mr. Jones frowned.

"Your sister studied overseas."

"She has outstanding qualifications."

"Besides, this decision has already been finalized."

"What about the Riverside Villa project?" Catherine asked.

"I've spent six months preparing it."

"Rebecca will take over."

The words hit Catherine like ice water.

"You're giving her my project too?"

"It's better for the company's future," Mr. Jones replied coldly.

"Or perhaps... it's better for Rebecca," Catherine answered.

The room fell silent.

Rebecca lowered her head, pretending to feel guilty.

"Catherine, if you're unhappy, I can refuse the promotion."

"No," Catherine said with a bitter smile.

"You never refuse anything that's mine."

"Why start now?"

Without another word, she picked up the project files and walked out.

Back inside her office, Catherine tried to calm herself.

Years of hard work...

Gone in a single meeting.

Just then, her phone rang.

"How's your day?" Shaun's deep voice came through the speaker.

"Terrible," Catherine admitted honestly.

"Tell me."

For the next several minutes, she explained everything that had happened.

Shaun listened quietly without interrupting.

When she finally finished, he asked only one question.

"Do you want to keep working there?"

Catherine hesitated.

"It's the company I've devoted years to."

"But they clearly don't value me anymore."

"Then leave."

"Leave?"

"Yes."

"Someone who doesn't recognize your worth doesn't deserve your talent."

"Come work for me instead."

Catherine laughed softly.

"Mr. Hill, are you trying to recruit your own wife?"

"I'm trying to protect a gifted designer from incompetent management."

She couldn't help smiling.

"Let me think about it."

"Take your time," Shaun replied.

"But remember one thing."

"You're no longer fighting alone."

"Whatever decision you make... I'll support you."

Those simple words gave Catherine strength she didn't know she needed.

After ending the call, she looked around the office she had worked in for years.

For the first time...

It no longer felt like home.

Meanwhile, in the chairman's office of Hill Corporation, Hadley placed a file in front of Shaun.

"Mr. Hill, we've completed the investigation into Jones Design Studio."

"Their financial reports don't look good."

"And the Riverside Villa project they're so proud of..."

"What about it?" Shaun asked.

"It's one of our company's upcoming investment projects."

Shaun slowly closed the file.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Interesting."

"Then perhaps it's time they learned..."

"Exactly who they chose to offend."