Catherine fell into a heavy silence.

It was clear now—Shawn already knew about her father's situation.

Lowering her head, she asked softly, "Did Ryan tell you not to take my case?"

Shawn's reflection in the elevator's polished wall smirked faintly. "No," he replied. "I simply don't like mixing my personal life with my work."

Catherine immediately understood the subtext. If she was offering herself to him, Shawn would be more than willing to accept. But if she was here looking for professional help, she shouldn't bother.

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, turning a deep red.

Still, Shawn didn't push her or cross any lines. Though Catherine was undoubtedly beautiful, that wasn't enough for Shawn to compromise his own principles. And truthfully, he wasn't the type to indulge in casual flings during the middle of a workday.

The elevator soon came to a gentle stop on the twenty-eighth floor.

When the doors opened, Shawn's secretary was already waiting outside. Her gaze flickered briefly to Catherine, but after years of working for Shawn, she knew better than to ask questions. Instead, she addressed him professionally. "Mr. Reed, your client has arrived."

Shawn handed the paper bag containing his coat to the secretary with little ceremony. "Send this to the dry cleaners," he said curtly.

The secretary nodded and left without a word.

Shawn lowered his head, scrolling through his phone as if Catherine weren't even there. Without looking up, he made one final remark: "Find another lawyer. And next time, don't even think about selling your body for favors. It's a cheap move."

With that, he exited the elevator, leaving Catherine standing there as the doors closed behind him.

Her jaw clenched, and irritation bubbled up inside. *What a hypocrite!* she thought bitterly.

Back at home, Audrey was growing increasingly anxious. Her pacing and restless sighs only added to the tension Catherine was already feeling. The weight of the situation was pressing down hard on her, leaving her desperate for a solution. Finally, she decided to reach out to someone she hadn't seen in a while—her old college friend, Roxy Jones.

Roxy had married a wealthy businessman from Duefron shortly after graduation, and her husband was known for having an extensive network of connections. With no other leads, Catherine figured it was worth a shot to ask Roxy for help.

They arranged to meet at a cozy café. Catherine wasted no time, diving straight into the details of her predicament as soon as they sat down.

Roxy listened intently, her face growing redder with anger as Catherine recounted everything. When Catherine finished, Roxy immediately launched into a series of curses aimed at Ryan. "That scumbag!" she snapped. "How dare he pull something like this after everything you did for him!"

After venting her fury, Roxy calmed down slightly and fell silent, thinking. Then, with a curious look, she asked, "Wait… did you really end up in a hotel room with Shawn?"

Catherine's cheeks burned as she remembered the events of that night. Avoiding Roxy's gaze, she stirred her coffee awkwardly, her movements stiff and unnatural.

Roxy leaned in closer, lowering her voice as she teased, "Catherine, you've got some serious game! Do you know how many women would kill to get Shawn Reed's attention? Even celebrities can't get close to him. He's practically untouchable—there's almost no gossip about him because he's so… what's the word? 'Chaste.'"

Catherine let out a bitter smile,"Anyway, Roxy, I wouldn't have come to you if I had any other choice. I really need your help."