Catherine’s heart pounded in her chest as she entered the house, her thoughts still spinning from the events of the past few hours. The media circus, the whispers, the flash of cameras, all of it felt like a nightmare that wouldn’t end. The reporters had swarmed her the moment she arrived home, demanding answers, thrusting microphones in her face, and capturing every moment of her discomfort. She had never felt more exposed, more alone.

She had hoped the worst was over when she stepped inside the safety of her own home, but as she shut the door behind her, the reality hit her even harder. Liam and Annie. There they were, standing in the center of her living room, a twisted reminder of everything that had been taken from her.

Liam’s arms were wrapped around Annie’s waist, and she was leaning into him, her smile smug and self-assured. They looked like a couple. A real couple. It was like Catherine didn’t even exist anymore.

The air in the room thickened, the tension unbearable. Catherine stood frozen, her breath catching in her throat. She had always known that Liam would move on, but to see it this blatantly, to see him with her in her own home, was more than she could bear.

Liam’s eyes met hers, and for a moment, there was a flicker of recognition, but it was gone just as quickly as it appeared. “Come here, Catherine,” he said, his voice cold and uninviting, a far cry from the warmth he used to speak with.

Catherine’s body stiffened. The anger, the betrayal, everything she had been holding back, came rushing to the surface. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but instead, she took a deep breath and forced herself to stay calm. She wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of seeing her break down in front of him.

Annie leaned against Liam, her gaze sweeping over Catherine with an air of superiority. “She’s back, Claude,” Annie said, her voice dripping with mockery. “Look at her, all dragged through the mud by the press. She’s the troublemaker now.”

Catherine wanted to slap the smug smile off Annie’s face. The audacity of her, standing there as if she had every right to be in Liam’s arms. Catherine swallowed the bile that rose in her throat, trying to keep her composure. “You’re really proud of yourself, aren’t you?” she said, her voice low but sharp.

Liam chuckled, a hollow sound. “Really? Seems like you’ve played your part well too. And now, what’s left for you, Catherine? Just the title of relationship wrecker?”

Catherine’s fists clenched at her sides, the anger boiling inside her. How dare he? After everything she had done for him, after everything she had sacrificed, he stood there with her? And Annie, of all people?

Annie’s laugh was loud and condescending. “Oh, last night, hearing you beg for his attention... I was so scared. But look at you now. You’re just an inferior assistant, while I’m a hot, famous model. They’ve seen Liam and me together countless times. Who do you think the public will believe?”

Catherine’s heart twisted at the words. “How long did you stay by his side, pretending to be a loving assistant?” Annie taunted. “You have nothing, Catherine.”

Catherine could feel the walls closing in on her. She had spent years supporting Liam, helping him achieve his dream, but now it was clear: she had been nothing more than a stepping stone. Nothing more than a tool for his success. She had given him everything, but in return, she had received nothing but lies.

Her voice broke as she spoke, though she tried to keep it steady. “Enough,” she said, taking a step forward. “I loved you, Liam. I gave everything for you, but now I see it. I was just a pawn in your game.”

Liam’s expression shifted slightly, but it wasn’t out of remorse—it was annoyance. “Give up? What will you do after you give up? You were the one forcing me, Catherine. I’m just protecting myself now. With Annie.”

Annie’s face twisted with frustration, and she lunged toward Catherine, her hand swinging through the air. But Liam stopped her, grabbing her arm. “Enough, Annie! She’s not worth our time or anger,” he snapped.

Catherine stood there, her chest tightening with every word, every look they exchanged. She had been a fool to think there was any chance for them, to believe that her love had meant anything to him. She had sacrificed herself for him, but it hadn’t been enough.

“Annie, you’re really good at this, aren’t you?” Catherine said, her voice trembling with restrained fury. “You’ve managed to turn everything around. Now, the whole world thinks I’m the villain.”

Liam let out a bitter laugh. “It’s all over, Catherine. Don’t fool yourself.”

Catherine didn’t know if she wanted to scream, cry, or throw something. But she was done. She had no more tears left to shed for him. Her heart had been broken, but it wasn’t going to break again.

“I don’t need your lies anymore,” Catherine shot back, her voice filled with conviction. “I can’t trust a word you say.”

Annie’s voice rang out from inside, her tone venomous. “Enough. You should leave. Everyone’s been waiting for you to fall. It’s your turn now.”

Catherine ignored the venom in Annie’s words. She turned toward the door, her back straight, and walked out without another word.

As she stepped outside, the reporters were still waiting, hounding her with more questions. Catherine felt a cold dread settle over her. The world was watching her every move, waiting for her to crumble. But this time, she wasn’t going to give in. She refused to let them dictate her story.

“Catherine, you’ve been fired, haven’t you?” one reporter asked, thrusting a microphone into her face.

“Do you have any apologies for Claude and Annie?” another chimed in.

Catherine didn’t respond. She simply walked away, ignoring their attempts to pull her back into their drama. But just as she reached a nearby park, the weight of everything hit her. She broke down, collapsing onto a bench, her body shaking with exhaustion and emotion.

After a while, she fumbled in her pocket, pulling out a crumpled piece of paper with a phone number scribbled on it—Lucius’s number. She stared at it for a long time, then pressed the call button.

Lucius answered quickly. “Catherine, are you okay?”

Her voice was steady, but filled with something darker. “If I agree with your plans, will you help me get revenge on them?”

A tall figure in a dark vest approached her, blocking half of the sunlight. It was Lucius.

“Very pleased, Mrs. Ravenswood Catherine,” he said with a smirk.

Catherine’s heart skipped a beat, the weight of his presence grounding her. She hadn't expected him to be the one to come for her now. But in that moment, it felt like maybe—just maybe—she had someone on her side.

Lucius lifted Catherine's face, their eyes meeting. His voice was firm. "I'd rather see you cry over a pile of money than cry over that garbage, my lady."

***