CHAPTER 74: CHAPTER 74- HE LOVED

Riley felt disappointed. She had finally found a man who was outstanding in every way for Catherine, only to have it turn out like this...

But the next second, Riley perked up, got off the bed, and hugged Catherine,

"It’s okay, I’ll just introduce you another great guy."

"I’m telling you, we have plenty of men in the modeling industry with great bodies like Bert, and they’re even younger――"

Riley went on and on, leaving Catherine no chance to interject.

When Riley finally finished venting, Catherine said,

"I just want to focus on my work right now."

Riley was dissatisfied with her attitude,

"You can focus on work while keeping love too. Isn’t having both love and career great?"

Catherine sighed,

"Why don’t you show me what having both looks like first? We’re the same age; maybe it’s time for you to settle down too."

Talking about this made Riley sigh,

"Don’t even mention it. With my height, most men can’t handle me. Walking with them, I’d probably look more like a guy."

Riley was about 5’ 9" tall. Even standing next to a man who was 5’ 11", she didn’t look delicate. Coupled with her forthright personality, she seemed even more like a tomboy.

"Then find a male model. You always talk about bodies being great—surely their height will match yours perfectly."

Catherine said this to Riley. Riley frowned again,

"But I don’t want to date someone in the same industry. It would be so boring."

After saying this, she nodded seriously,

"Looks like I’m destined to stay single."

Catherine couldn’t help but laugh,

"You’re so unmotivated in love, yet you worry about me. Truly the best of friends."

"Of course," Riley laughed,

"I always feel that if you’re happy, I’m happy too."

Catherine laughed as well. In her heart, it was the same—she would feel content just seeing Riley happy, even if she herself remained single forever.

After a while, Riley left for home, saying she had to fly tomorrow. Catherine was used to Riley’s hectic lifestyle, but she thought being busy and fulfilled wasn’t a bad thing.

Catherine remembered reading somewhere that young women should focus on becoming independent rather than finding a partner.

She thought it made sense—when you become increasingly excellent, outstanding men will naturally match with you.

So at her and Riley’s age, Catherine felt there was no need to worry about settling down; focusing on her work was the key.

For dinner, only Bert attended the banquet. Karl, along with Lilian Morrison, addressed Bert respectfully,

"Brother Washington, why are you alone?"

Karl had heard from Morrison about Bert and Catherine. He had hoped to meet Miss Channing today. To them, Bert had always been a figure both respectable and dangerous. Karl was curious what kind of girl could keep Bert in check.

Bert smiled lightly as he took his seat,

"She has other matters to attend to. I’ll convey your ideas and requirements to her."

Karl no longer focused on Catherine and ordered his meal. While eating, he shared his love story with Marylin and explained his expectations for the dress and ring.

He didn’t want them too flashy. Marylin was already stunning, and overly ornate designs would make her look heavy.

Karl wanted both the dress and ring to be simple, letting Marylin’s beauty and temperament stand out. Yet even with simplicity, they should be thoughtful and withstand the test of time.

These requirements were actually quite challenging to meet.

Simple yet thought-provoking—these two concepts were inherently opposing. Integrating them together was indeed difficult, but Bert didn’t say much. He understood Karl’s intentions; everyone wanted to give their beloved the best of everything.

So he calmly replied to Karl,

"Tomorrow we’ll work overtime to design the drawings. If you approve them after seeing, we’ll quickly proceed to production, trying not to delay your proposal."

"Thank you."

Karl expressed his gratitude. The idea of a proposal had come to him suddenly, and he knew it would be very tight to design the ring and dress in such a short time. Yet Bert’s calm and composed demeanor put his mind at ease.

Some people simply have that kind of aura—it makes others feel that as long as the matter is entrusted to them, it will be handled well. No matter how difficult or urgent, they won’t be defeated.

Bert was that kind of person, able to give a strong sense of security.

On Saturday morning, Catherine got up as usual. The night before, she had told Renata that she would be working overtime, and Renata didn’t object. She felt that since Catherine had just started working, she might as well put in more effort.

However, Catherine didn’t tell Renata she would be working overtime with the boss—she only mentioned a colleague. She had never shared any details about Bert with Renata.

Just as she finished getting ready to leave, Catherine received a call from Bert, saying he was downstairs.

She was a bit surprised,

"I can just take the car to the office myself, right?"

Catherine assumed they were going to the office for overtime, but Bert said,

"We’re not going to the office."

Catherine was completely confused.

"Then where are we going?"

Shouldn’t working overtime mean going to the company?

Bert didn’t answer directly, only said calmly,

"Come down."

Then he hung up. Catherine had no choice. Although she felt a bit awkward, he was already downstairs; she couldn’t just ignore him.

Bert’s car was parked in a relatively secluded area. Once Catherine got in, the first thing she asked was,

"I thought we were going to work on designing the dress and ring today. Why aren’t we going to the office?"

Bert glanced at her. There seemed to be a faint smile in his eyes, but he ultimately said,

"Seatbelt."

Catherine quietly fastened it. As soon as it was done, the car started moving, and she still hadn’t received an answer.

Yet she stubbornly asked again,

"Where exactly are we going?"

Sometimes Catherine thought she was quite persistent. This time, the smile on his face deepened slightly,

"Afraid I’ll sell you out?"

Catherine pursed her lips. She wasn’t really worried he would sell her out—if he had such intentions, he would have acted long ago.

What bothered her was that he already had someone he loved. With his status, Catherine felt she could only accept professional interactions at the company. Any private contact outside of work, she resisted and rejected.

Bert, driving, continued,

"Since we’re designing, we need a quiet environment. That’s the easiest way to find inspiration."

As he said this, the car was heading onto a highway leading toward the suburbs.

Catherine was already in his car; her movements were completely out of her control. She couldn’t very well jump out of the car.

Perhaps it was her imagination, but Catherine felt that his mood seemed unusually good today. A clear smile could be seen on his face. In previous interactions, Catherine had rarely seen him smile.

He had always hidden his emotions so well that it was impossible to discern joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness. But today, to Catherine, his joy was obvious at a glance.

The car sped along the highway, and after about half an hour, they arrived at their destination.