Chapter 2

Her voice was husky and magnetic, like a feather lightly teasing his nerves.

Philip's fingers tightened imperceptibly, but his face remained impassive.

Catherine keenly noticed Philip's subtle reaction and smiled faintly.

She didn't press further, as if her flirtation had been merely a passing whim, and casually began playing with her phone.

For the remainder of the flight, Catherine seemed like a completely different person—docile and well-behaved, with none of her previous flirtatious behavior.

She watched a movie for a while, then closed her eyes for a nap.

She made no further attempt to disturb Philip.

Philip, who had remained wary of her, stayed mentally alert, unable to sleep.

He appeared to be engrossed in his book, but was actually closely monitoring Catherine's every move.

Only when he heard her steady, rhythmic breathing did he turn slightly to observe her quietly.

Her features were exquisite, breathtakingly beautiful even in sleep.

Her thick, curled lashes rested delicately, concealing those captivating cat-like eyes. Her nose was well-defined, her cherry-colored thin lips full and soft.

The air conditioning on the plane was strong, and she wore a light jacket.

Beneath her loose clothing, her body outlined curves that quickened the pulse.

In this moment, she was as quiet as a pure angel.

But Philip knew that once awake, she would instantly transform back into that dangerous, alluring siren.

There was something fatally attractive about her, like the song of the Sirens, tempting him closer despite his rational mind desperately trying to stop him.

When Catherine awoke from her dream, the plane had already landed smoothly.

She glanced at the page Philip was reading. ["Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."]

Philip instinctively looked up at her when he heard her recite what he had just been reading.

Her face was filled with pain, her eyes no longer showing her previous passionate exuberance, but rather a certain melancholy.

Perhaps because he was still immersed in the emotions from the book, when Philip looked at Catherine now, he sensed a faint sadness emanating from her.

Before he could speak, Catherine leaned in close and slipped a business card into his suit pocket. "If you still want to throw it away, let your assistant do it. It has my lipstick mark on it—I wouldn't want to soil your hands."

Philip's gaze unconsciously drifted to her lips, red and tempting like a blooming rose.

Catherine let out a soft laugh, grasped his tie, and slowly brought it to her lips, gently pressing a kiss mark onto it.

"If you find this offensive too," she released her grip, her eyes holding a hint of challenge, "then throw it away as well." With that, she rose decisively and left her seat with determined steps.

Watching her retreating figure, Alex held his breath and nervously extended his hand. "Sir, let me take care of that for you."

Philip looked down at the obvious red mark on his tie, remained silent for a moment, but didn't remove his tie. Instead, he pulled out the business card from his pocket.

Before handing the card to Alex, he glanced at it, his attention caught by the name: Catherine Levin.

At the gala, the crystal chandeliers' light reflected off the guests' formal attire and jewelry.

"Catherine, I'd like to introduce you to someone very important," James said with a beaming smile, tightly holding Catherine's hand as they moved through the crowd.

Catherine raised an eyebrow curiously. "Who? How mysterious."

James smiled without answering, merely quickening his pace toward a massive observation deck.

From above, the city stretched out below them, its lights twinkling against the deep night sky like a sea of stars.

Philip stood alone by the railing, his figure tall and solitary, emanating an unapproachable distance and authority.

James led Catherine to the man, affectionately holding her waist. "Uncle Philip, let me introduce you."

He looked down at Catherine with admiration: "Catherine Levin, my girlfriend."

Hearing James's voice, Philip turned around unhurriedly.

His sharp gaze passed over James and landed coldly on Catherine.

James smiled broadly at Catherine and said, "Catherine, this is my uncle—Philip Foster."

Catherine displayed a perfect smile: "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Foster."

Her voice was gentle and sweet, as if this truly were their first meeting.

Indeed, she had met him here, just as she had planned!

Philip glanced at her, then looked mockingly at James: "You have a fiancée, yet you're dating another woman?"

James's face flashed with embarrassment. "Catherine knows about this. Charlotte and I have no real feelings for each other. My heart belongs only to Catherine."

Then he looked at Catherine.

Catherine dutifully nodded, "As long as James has me in his heart, I don't care about titles or status."

She bowed her head slightly, revealing the elegant curve of her swan-like neck, her submissive posture highlighting her vulnerable charm.

James gazed at her with genuine emotion.

Philip observed this seemingly affectionate couple, a hint of mockery playing at his lips.

Just then, James's phone suddenly rang.

He apologized to Catherine, then took out his phone.

Catherine casually glanced at the screen—the contact read "Kitty."

She laughed inwardly but maintained a gentle smile outwardly.

She knew exactly who this "Kitty" was—his secretary, Olivia Brown.

James calmly walked aside to answer the call, exchanging a few words.

Afterward, he looked at Catherine with a guilty expression, "Catherine, I'm so sorry, but there's an urgent matter at the company that needs my immediate attention."

Catherine knew perfectly well that this "urgent matter" was actually a date with that "Kitty."

But she still showed understanding and concern. "Working so late? Take care of yourself, okay?"

"Go ahead and exhaust yourself in that Kitty's bed," she thought.

James hesitated, looking toward Philip: "Uncle Philip, it's getting late, and I don't feel comfortable letting Catherine go home alone. Would you mind taking her home?"

James was actually somewhat afraid of Philip, knowing his uncle disliked being disturbed. As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them, thinking perhaps he should withdraw the request.

Surprisingly, Philip agreed. Catherine's eyes flashed momentarily with a victorious smile.

The black Bentley stood majestically outside the hotel, attracting the gaze of many passersby.

Catherine got into the car, sitting in the back seat with Philip.

Silence filled the car as Philip closed his eyes to rest, while Catherine secretly observed him.

Through the car window, Philip's profile in the flowing light and shadow became increasingly handsome, making her heart itch the longer she looked, even feeling an urge to bite him.

However, this dreamlike silence didn't last long.

About fifteen minutes later, the car slowly stopped in front of Catherine's modest apartment building.

Philip suddenly opened his eyes, his deep gaze firmly locked on Catherine.

His voice was low and cold, filled with pressure, "Ms. Levin."

Catherine's heart jolted sharply, but she maintained her smile. "Yes, Mr. Foster?"

"I don't care what your purpose is in approaching James, nor am I concerned about what you hope to gain by approaching me."

He slowly turned his head, his gaze so sharp it seemed to pierce through her soul, "Give up those unrealistic ideas while you still can."

He leaned slightly forward, his powerful presence momentarily making Catherine feel suffocated.

He stared at her, each word clear and cruel. "The last woman who dared to scheme against me ended very badly. I made her disappear completely. You would do well to take this as a warning."