Chapter 230
Linda leaned in, her voice low and persuasive. "Look, I know you're not hurting for cash, but who would ever think they have too much? Agree to this, and you'll pocket three million dollars. It's a no-brainer."
I frowned, feeling uneasy. "This sounds too good to be true. You don't just want me to chase after Ms. Bailey, do you? There's gotta be more to it."
"Of course," Linda smirked, pulling out a piece of paper and scribbling something down. I glanced at it and thought, 'Man, Linda's really playing dirty.'
She wanted me to get close to Katherine, snap some compromising photos, and send them to her. If I didn't know about Katherine and Steven, I might've considered it. But Linda wasn't just out to ruin Katherine; she was putting my neck on the line too.
"No way. This isn't right," I said firmly.
"What's not right? You get a ton of money and a beautiful woman. Even if you leave Skyliho Group Nexus, you'll be set for life," Linda said, smiling. "You should be jumping at this."
Absolutely not!
I took a deep breath. "Ms. Foster, this is a huge decision. I need some time to think it over."
Linda nodded. "Fine, but you only have two days. After that, don't bother begging."
"Understood, Ms. Foster."
She'd really put me in a bind. Should I tell Katherine? If I agreed, I'd have to talk to Steven soon.
Feeling the weight of it all, I headed back to the marketing department. My phone buzzed with a message from Lily: [Are you free tonight?]
I glanced at her across the room and replied: [What's up?]
Lily turned, her cheeks flushing. [I want to go to the opera house with you tonight.]
My heart skipped a beat. What a coincidence!
John: [Sevan City's Opera House?]
Lily: [Yes!]
Lily: [Are you coming?]
I was torn. Everything was happening at once.
John: [I have to drive Ms. Bailey tonight.]
Lily: [But I already bought the tickets.]
She sounded disappointed. [Since our last date, we haven't gone out again. Other couples are always on dates. You haven't really thought about me.]
She had a point, and I couldn't argue with it.
John: [I can't say no to Ms. Bailey.]
Lily shot me a frustrated look: [Didn't I tell you to stay away from her?]
John: [Please understand. I'm stuck here!]
Lily turned away, typing: [Forget it. If you're not going, I'm not going either!]
I knew I'd messed up. Lily inviting me to a concert was a big deal.
John: [Why don't you give me the tickets? If I can make it, I'll go.]
Lily: [No need. I'm not going.]
She tossed her phone aside, leaving me feeling helpless. It had taken forever to smooth things over yesterday, and now I'd upset her again.
Maybe we just weren't meant to be.
As the workday ended, Katherine texted: [Meet me in the underground garage.]
I headed down, noticing Steven's car was missing. Oddly, Lily's and Linda's cars were parked side by side.
Katherine soon appeared, looking stunning in black stockings. "Ms. Bailey," I greeted, opening the passenger door and starting the car. "Where to?"
"Take me home," she said coolly.
We drove in silence. "Ms. Bailey, I'll drop you off and come back later to pick you up."
"Come upstairs with me," she said, giving me a look before walking off, her hips swaying.
I followed her to her place, where she handed me a new suit. "Take a shower and change into this."
"Here?" I asked, surprised.
Katherine nodded.
I stared at the clothes, debating whether to refuse or go along with my boss's unexpected request.
"Together with you?" I asked, half-joking.
Katherine snorted, "If you're not afraid of losing something, then go ahead."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Just kidding," I said, trying to lighten the mood.
In the bathroom, I realized I couldn't get my foot wet, so I had to use a towel to clean myself up. As I wiped down, I thought of Rita. If it were her, she'd be here helping me, making sure I was taken care of.
After my makeshift shower, I slipped into the suit Katherine had given me. It fit perfectly, just like the other two Armani suits she'd gifted me.
Katherine was still in the shower, so I sat on the sofa, waiting. Nearly an hour later, she finally emerged from the bedroom.
But tonight, Katherine looked different. She wore a knee-length silk dress, her hair styled in loose waves, and her makeup was flawless. She had on earrings, a necklace, and an anklet, all perfectly coordinated. Her red high heels matched her painted toenails.
Katherine looked like a stunning red rose, beautiful and elegant.
"Am I seeing things, or is there a fairy standing here?" I teased.
"Cut the crap, let's go!" Katherine said, a small smile playing on her lips.
I boldly took her soft hand. She gave me a disdainful look but didn't pull away.
By 6:40 PM, we arrived at the Sevan City's Opera House. The place was packed with luxury cars, and the crowd was full of Sevan City's elite.
Having been to various high-society events, I recognized many faces. Everyone was accompanied by elegant women, and even the most unrefined person would act like a gentleman here.
Katherine naturally took my arm, and I could feel the envious glances from all around. It felt pretty good.
Our seats were close to the front, offering a great view. This was my first time in such a high-end venue, and I felt a bit nervous.
I scanned the crowd, looking for Linda, but didn't see her.
The lights dimmed, and the sound of a piano filled the room. A spotlight illuminated a woman in a black dress playing the piano. She was elegant and captivating.
It was Eloise, even more stunning in person than in photos!
But I've never been one for the arts, so I couldn't fully appreciate it. Katherine, on the other hand, was completely absorbed. My attention was on her.
Katherine's beauty was mesmerizing. I couldn't help but place my hand on her smooth thigh. She trembled slightly but didn't push my hand away or even look at me.
The music was intense, and everyone around us was engrossed. My hand began to move gently. Just then, Katherine adjusted her skirt to cover my hand.
I was stunned for a moment but quickly understood. This was her way of encouraging me, giving me a signal.
My heart raced with excitement.
Since Katherine had given her tacit approval, I took my time. I wasn't in a rush.
I was teasing her, not rushing to have sex.
After a while, Katherine suddenly turned to look at me, startling me. Had I gone too far?
But to my surprise, she shifted her position, pressing herself against me. I could feel the warmth from her, as if she was saying, no matter how good it is outside, it's not as warm as inside.
I swallowed hard, trying to understand Katherine.
This should mean she accepted me.
I looked into her eyes and saw a strong desire, but not much personal emotion.
Katherine was eager for sex, but the more she wanted it, the less I was willing to give in.