CHAPTER 47: CHAPTER 47- SHE OWED HIM AGAIN

Since they had met, Karl had always taken the dominant role—initiating gestures, speaking sweet words, and making every effort to win her over.

Marylin’s personality was naturally reserved. Their temperaments were like fire and ice—Karl warm and proactive, Marylin cooler and more restrained. So even though they had gotten together and moved in together, Marylin had hardly ever spoken sweet words to him.

Now, hearing herself softly uttering such heartfelt words, Karl’s heart melted instantly. A wide, bright smile spread across his face.

"Really?"

Marylin nodded.

"Really."

In truth, the words she had just said weren’t intended to make Karl happy—they had slipped out unconsciously. And at that moment, she finally understood why he spoke so many loving words to her every day: when one’s feelings for someone run truly deep, those words spill out without thought.

He had felt a burning intensity for her from the start. She had been slower to warm up, but now her feelings for him had caught fire as well.

Yet, she believed it was not too late.

Compared to couples who had taken years to find each other, they were incredibly fortunate to recognize their hearts’ truths so quickly. And of course, much of that was thanks to him.

If he had not relentlessly pursued her with such passion, how could she have fallen so quickly and so deeply for him?

Without his persistence back then, how could there be this sweetness and happiness she felt now?

Thinking of all this, her heart swelled. She looped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his, reigniting the warmth that had just cooled.

Every love has its own form. For others, it might take years to blossom. But for them, it was fast, fervent, and consuming—and that intensity in no way diminished the quality of their love.

On the eve of Renata’s discharge, Catherine returned to Bert Design for a second round of interviews. Six candidates were taking part, and in the end, only three would be selected. Among the six were newcomers like Catherine with no work experience, as well as seasoned designers who had been in the industry for many years.

Without exception, they all came to Bert Design—a company recently gaining much attention—to showcase their skills.

The six candidates waited in the reception room next to the conference room before being called in one by one for the final interview. They had been informed that the company’s big boss would be present for this ultimate round, so everyone was nervous. For a newcomer like Catherine, the pressure was even greater, though even the experienced designers seemed tense.

Among the candidates, Catherine recognized a familiar face: a senior jewelry designer from Channing’s company, surnamed Carry, in his forties, who had worked with Channing for many years. Normally, Catherine would have addressed him as "Uncle Carry."

During the preliminary interview, they hadn’t crossed paths, but now in the final round, they did. It was clear that the designer Carry looked slightly embarrassed upon seeing her.

Outsiders might not understand the tense and estranged relationship between Catherine and her mother with Channing. From the outside, it could appear that Catherine and Channing were on good terms, especially since Catherine had previously attended his birthdays and other events, giving the impression of a close relationship.

Catherine understood the source of his discomfort. He was likely worried that she might tell Channing he was seeking a new opportunity elsewhere.

Even if she had been on good terms with Channing, Catherine wouldn’t have told him—everyone has the right to seek better opportunities, and it’s only natural for people to pursue growth.

After a short while, she caught Carry’s glance signaling her to step outside. Catherine got up, feeling it necessary to reassure him that she wouldn’t say anything that might make him uneasy during the interview.

At the end of the corridor, Carry greeted her awkwardly:

"Cici, you’re here for the final interview too?"

"Yeah," Catherine replied naturally.

Carry sighed.

"Um... could you not tell your dad that I’m here for this interview today?"

"Your dad’s company hasn’t been doing well in the past few years, and sometimes salaries are delayed. I really can’t stay there anymore, so..."

Catherine smiled lightly.

"I understand, Uncle Carry. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything."

"Water flows downward, people move upward, right?"

Catherine’s words comforted him, and Carry was touched by her thoughtfulness. Seeing that she was also in the final interview, he couldn’t help but sigh.

"If only your dad had such a talented assistant like you... that Lucca—"

Mentioning Lucca, Carry shook his head helplessly and muttered,

"Completely useless!"

Catherine smiled faintly and didn’t respond to the comment about Lucca. Instead, she said,

"Uncle Carry, just relax during the interview. Don’t let this affect your performance."

"Thank you..."

Carry expressed his gratitude sincerely. Before they could continue talking, the sound of approaching footsteps and faint voices reached them. Carry quickly said,

"The interviewers must be here. Let’s head back."

Catherine followed him back to the reception room.

As she turned to close the door, she saw Bert approaching, surrounded by several company executives. He walked in the center at the front, with an assistant by his side. A manager from HR, who had interviewed her before, followed closely, quietly reporting something to him.

Bert’s tall, firm posture and composed demeanor immediately drew Catherine’s attention. A perfectly tailored black suit accentuated his slender figure, exuding a quiet confidence, maturity, and charm.

Catherine froze, forgetting to close the door for a moment.

So he really was the true behind-the-scenes boss of Bert Design.

During her first interview, she had doubted the name and wondered if it could really be him, but she never knew the exact spelling and thought it unlikely, so she didn’t pay much attention.

But now...

As Catherine was still processing her shock, the group moved closer—the final interview room was right next to their reception area.

Snapping back to reality, Catherine quickly closed the door and hurried back to her seat, completely unaware that Bert’s gaze had subtly swept over her slender figure disappearing behind the door.

Sitting down, Catherine felt her heart flutter. The reason for her unsettled mood was clear: since Bert was the big boss of Bert Design, could it be... that he had been behind her getting this interview?

She sat there, frowning, thinking carefully about whether she had ever submitted a resume to Bert Design herself.

After pondering, the answer was no—she hadn’t. This indirectly confirmed that it really was Bert behind the scenes, helping her secure the interview. Otherwise, with her level of experience as a newcomer, she wouldn’t even have qualified for a chance at a company like Bert Design, which was currently thriving in the industry.

Realizing this, Catherine’s emotions grew even more tangled.

Previously, when she had asked him why he had helped her, he hadn’t given her a clear answer.

She had originally planned to stop bothering him after the Renata situation, and she had already designed a ring for him as a token of thanks.

But now... she owed him again.