Chapter 9: A Husband's Protection

News of what happened at Jones Design Studio spread throughout the business circle before the afternoon was over.

Everyone was talking about the same thing.

"Shaun Hill publicly defended his wife."

"Hill Corporation almost canceled its partnership with Jones Design Studio."

"Rebecca Jones copied Catherine's design."

The Jones family suddenly became the laughingstock of the industry.

Inside the chairman's office, Mr. Jones slammed the documents onto his desk.

"Rebecca! Explain yourself!"

Rebecca stood with her head lowered, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Dad... I only wanted the company to succeed."

"I never thought Mr. Hill would investigate everything."

"You never thought?" Mr. Jones roared.

"Because of you, we've offended Hill Corporation!"

"Do you know what that means?"

Mrs. Jones immediately stepped forward.

"She's already admitted her mistake."

"Stop blaming Rebecca."

"Besides, Catherine could have explained things privately."

"She deliberately embarrassed her own family."

Mr. Jones sighed heavily.

"This family has become a complete mess."

Meanwhile, Catherine and Shaun were enjoying lunch at a quiet restaurant overlooking the harbor.

"I'm sorry," Catherine said softly.

"Because of me, you had to get involved with my family's problems."

Shaun calmly placed a piece of steak onto her plate.

"You're my wife."

"Your problems are my problems."

"You don't need to apologize for that."

She looked at him with surprise.

"You always say things so naturally."

"Because I mean them."

For a moment, Catherine couldn't find the right words.

She had spent years begging Ethan to stand beside her.

Yet Shaun did it without being asked.

After lunch, Shaun drove her back to the mansion instead of the office.

"Shouldn't I return to work?" Catherine asked.

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I've already accepted your resignation."

She stared at him in confusion.

"Accepted my resignation?"

"I never resigned."

"Not yet."

"But you were going to."

"Wasn't I right?"

Catherine laughed helplessly.

"Sometimes I think you can read my mind."

"No."

"I simply know you well enough."

When they arrived home, Hadley was already waiting inside the study.

"Mr. Hill," he said respectfully.

"The legal department has completed the paperwork."

"Good."

"Bring it in."

Several assistants entered carrying neatly organized folders.

Shaun pushed one toward Catherine.

"Open it."

Curious, she did.

The first page made her eyes widen.

"Hill Interior Design Company?"

"What's this?"

"Your company," Shaun answered calmly.

"Mine?"

"Starting today, you're the president."

Catherine almost dropped the file.

"You're joking."

"I'm not."

"The company has already been registered."

"Office building, employees, funding... everything is ready."

"Why would you do this?"

Shaun looked directly into her eyes.

"Because talented people deserve opportunities."

"Not limitations."

"I don't want you working somewhere your abilities aren't appreciated."

"I'd rather help you build something of your own."

Tears slowly gathered in Catherine's eyes.

"No one has ever believed in me this much."

"Then they're blind," Shaun replied.

"I've seen your work."

"You're far more capable than you realize."

She smiled through her tears.

"Thank you... Shaun."

"Don't thank me yet."

"Your company officially opens next Monday."

"You'll be very busy."

"I'll survive."

"I know you will."

At that moment, Shaun's phone rang.

Hadley answered before quietly handing it over.

"It's Mr. Ethan Lowe."

Shaun accepted the call.

"What is it?"

Ethan's voice sounded unusually serious.

"Mr. Hill... I'd like to meet you."

"About Catherine."

"There's nothing to discuss."

"There is."

"Please."

Shaun glanced at Catherine, who was organizing the company documents with excitement.

"Tomorrow."

"Ten o'clock."

"My office."

He ended the call.

"Was that Ethan?" Catherine asked.

"Yes."

"What does he want?"

"I imagine he finally realized what he lost."

The next morning...

Ethan arrived at Hill Corporation's headquarters.

Standing before the towering glass building, he suddenly felt insignificant.

For years, he had believed he came from one of the city's wealthiest families.

Only now did he realize...

Compared to Shaun Hill...

The Lowe family was merely standing in the shadow of a giant.