Elvin's POV
She was in a rush, I wasn't sure why exactly, but she seemed desperate to prepare something.
Bam!
We collided. Or maybe she bumped into me. Either way, we ran into each other.
I nearly chuckled when I heard her mutter,
"Geez, why today of all days… bumping into a wall , I'm so clumsy."
Did she just voice her thoughts out loud? Or am I imagining things?
I helped her gather the paperwork that scattered across the floor from the impact. As I was collecting the sheets, I noticed they were documents for next month's presentation.
Why would she be rushing so frantically for paperwork that isn't due anytime soon?
She murmured a quick apology and darted off, her arms full.
---
Minutes later, I entered the boardroom and started the meeting. My tone was cold enough to frost the glass.
"Is this how you manage your team? Someone under your supervision is missing a major meeting and you just carry on?"
The manager offered an excuse but I wasn't buying it.
Nearly an hour into the meeting, the boardroom door handle shook like someone was struggling to get in.
Then she walked in, the same woman from earlier.
Late. Flustered. Her eyes are red from tears.
I should've been furious… but I remembered her paperwork, it wasn't even due.
Then I caught it: the sneer on one of the staff's faces, Sandra, I think she was called.
That smug look said it all: this was a setup. A scheme. Catherine didn't just "miss" the meeting… someone ensured she would.
As she exited the room quietly, I asked the manager,
"Who's she?"
"That's Catherine," he replied. "The one who's been slacking off."
Slacking off?
I turned to him, stone-faced.
"Then your salary will be deducted. If your staff's performance is falling apart because of miscommunication that's on you."
---
Later that day, just after work hours, fate decided to intervene again.
Catherine was running outside, clearly in a rush again.
We bumped into each other again.
She didn't even look up this time, just muttered a rushed,
"Ba… sorry…"
But I noticed something fall.
A necklace.
I bent and picked it up.
And froze.
It was... exquisite.
No beyond exquisite.
A masterpiece. The materials used? Rare. Almost mythical.
This wasn't a regular accessory, this was a treasure. If this necklace ever hit the market, it would be worth billions.
Yet... no one seemed to recognize its value.
It dawned on me:
This girl is no ordinary employee.
Could she come from money?
If so, why allow herself to be bullied?
Was she hiding her identity? Was she planted here… by someone?
Was she another pawn of my stepmother?
Who exactly is Catherine Mason?