Channing was furious, but Bert had already risen calmly, clearly intending to leave. In that moment, it was as if Channing himself had given up the chance to be supported.
In truth, supporting Channing would have been effortless for Bert. He could even have allowed him to continue living the same luxurious, comfortable life as before. But Channing's stubborn refusal to hand Channing Group over to Catherine had completely enraged him.
Bert felt heartache for Catherine—heartache and deep injustice on her behalf.
Channing had already been driven into a corner, yet he still refused to let Catherine gain anything. And Catherine would not have been receiving it for free. Bert had spent his own money to acquire the company and save Channing Group from collapse. What belonged to him belonged to Catherine as well. In every sense, it was Catherine who had rescued the company. Yet even so, Channing would not let her have it.
Did he not understand?
