Chapter 2
Although Catherine's reserved and icy demeanor put her on the outside with most people, she still had her share of detractors. Her peers resented her because they were envious of her academic success, and her icy demeanor didn't help matters. At first, Catherine ignored everyone who sought to befriend her. Not that she wasn't curious, but she did realize they were motivated by the prospect of rewards. They're all so downtrodden and pissed off that they've banded together to establish a secretive club and plan against her.
David Spade, who also happened to be the collegiate football team's captain, ran the organization. David felt an intense attraction to Catherine. Her modest sense of style belied her model good looks, stunning blue eyes, and fierce demeanor. Catherine, being Catherine, ignored David's repeated advances like he was a bug. He didn't give up and kept trying to make her happy, but when that failed, his unrequited affection turned vicious. David has a dual need to be the center of attention and exact revenge on her for being rude to him.
The combination of white and blue conveys serenity, cleanliness, and innocence. The unfortunate owner of such hues lacks these holy attributes. Maybe it's Eric. David snarled, ", and his henchmen burst out laughing. As usual, Catherine tuned it out. David and his posse made fun of her and made sarcastic comments, but when she didn't respond, he became furious.
David muttered under his breath as he seized the football from Eric's hands and hurled it at Catherine: "That's what you get for ignoring me, bitch." His behavior even shocked his close companions.
When Catherine batted the football away with her left hand, Ryan nearly lost his balance. David was temporarily blinded when a ball sailed directly for his face. He was catapulted backward and slammed against a wall in slow motion, just as in a movie. In the corridor, someone screamed so loudly that it reverberated. David sobbed as his back started to burn. The force of the collision was sufficient to potentially fracture his spine. Immediately, his friends flocked to provide assistance. Eric stared back at Catherine, who calmly gathered her supplies, locked her locker, and walked to class.
"How did she figure out that the ball was being thrown towards her?"
*****
Catherine entered the classroom and sat in the front row, like she always does. Unlike the other students, she didn't mind sitting in the front of the classroom. After setting her books on the desk, she sat back in her chair and pulled out her phone.
Let's check out what fresh app Ecstatic Technologies has come up with.
As she opened Chrome to learn more, her phone was violently taken from her. Catherine, her teeth chattering, glanced up to see a plastic doll come to life before her very eyes.
Aniston, Veronica.
The most popular and attractive student at the university When it came to her bullies, she ranked second.
"Hey there, dork." Veronica waved her phone around her face and grinned at something on it.
Catherine grinned and folded her arms across her chest, responding, "Good." "Annabele, how are you doing?"
Veronica lost it after hearing her response. Her face was red, and her amber eyes were glistening with anger.
What gall you have! The best makeup professionals in New York City do my makeup and hair. I've been invited to all of the annual fashion weeks and even given the title of Miss Fresher. Recently, my mother was selected to serve on the jury for Paris Fashion Week. She screamed, "Not only does she own a cosmetic brand, but I use makeup products that you can't even afford," while jabbing her chest with her long, manicured nails.
Catherine gave her a bored look and continued to stare. The girl told her story without being prompted to talk about her beauty routine.
Catherine looked at her and said, "That's a pity because your mom's name-brand cosmetics aren't good enough. Even after all those layers, I can still make out your dark circles under your eyes and blemishes. Annabelle, I think you need to get to work on those.
She tsked and expressed her disapproval. Veronica's face paled from horror. She quickly looked at herself in Catherine's phone mirror.
Just like you, your phone is worthless. Let me go to the bathroom and fix it right now," she said, setting aside her phone. When her phone flew, Catherine caught it in midair. She snorted as she watched Veronica's retreating form.
That guy is a "brainless jerk."
****
The Garlocks of New York, Inc.
"Exactly what is wrong with these dudes?"
Catherine mumbled to herself as she saw employees scurry around the building in a panic. She might as well have walked into a fish market, what with the continual ringing of cell phones, the clanking of heels and shoes against the floorboards, and the yells and blares coming from every direction.
It seems the CEO is running late. After finishing her sentence, Catherine placed her belongings on the table and slid into her chair. When she heard hasty footsteps behind her, she immediately looked up. Catherine whirled to her left and was greeted by a sweaty Sylvia carrying a stack of papers.
'Oh, Catherine. It's encouraging to see you're not late. As she frantically handed her the stack of papers, she urged her to finish them as soon as possible. There were maybe ten of them, but Catherine was unfazed.
After two years on the job with Catherine, Sylvia also had a solid grasp of the amazing abilities for which Catherine was known. When Catherine took the bundle from her hand and began reading them without throwing a fit, the girl's eyes glistened with anticipation, and a faint smile spread across her face.
Catherine's last class was at 5 p.m. Luckily, there were no evening lessons for her today. She changed into a plain white cotton shirt with long sleeves and black pants when she got home. She prefers sneakers for their convenience, but for this special occasion, she opted for a pair of black heels. A gorgeous Titan watch adorned her left wrist, and her silver hair was held back with a black scrunchie.
Catherine, who naturally possessed beautiful features, rarely touched up her appearance. Sylvia was also perplexed as to why the girl hadn't bothered with cosmetics for such an important occasion, given that every other woman in the office had gone to the salon before starting work. They didn't want to throw up their chance at wooing Garlock Corporation's millionaire CEO, who was said to be youthful and attractive. However, Catherine was not like the rest. It was surprising and odd that she didn't even inquire with Sylvia about his visit.
We'll let you go immediately.
Sylvia was rudely pulled back to earth by her response.
Sylvia had gotten used to Catherine's demeanor. She has no grounds for complaint, as she was once forced to perform all of her duties. However, Catherine wasn't exactly a sinner, either. She completed the assignment, but only after Sylvia added the overtime pay to her pay stub.
Sylvia said gently, "Yeah, sure," smiled at Catherine, and then departed.
After Catherine opened her laptop, she checked for updates and then got to work.
In front of Garlock Corporation, a black Mercedes Benz was towed, followed by a convoy of Range Rovers. A bunch of men in black suits with black sunglasses and Bluetooth earpieces got out of their cars and surrounded the Mercedes. A man pushed open the door, revealing a single black shoe, polished to perfection. A tall, stylish man in an Armani suit stepped out of the automobile, and the clicking and flashing of cameras rose dramatically.
The people's jaws dropped as they stared in astonishment at the Greek God. He had flawlessly styled jet-black hair. Even though the billionaire's gorgeous eyes were obscured by his Ray-Bans, his striking appearance nonetheless caused a flutter in their chests. All the ladies were swooning over his flawless features: his straight nose, exquisite jawline, knife-like pink lips, high cheekbones, and five o'clock shadow. The stunning guy buttoned up his suit and gave a stern salute to the media, who were going crazy over his Adonis features. His security detail swarmed around him, and they ushered him into the building.
While working on her laptop, Catherine heard yelling from the basement. She initially disregarded them, but their steadily increasing volume piqued her interest.
Her coworker Stacy hurried over to her and said, "Catherine, let's leave. She said, "The CEO has arrived!" before slamming her laptop shut. Catherine looked at her with disapproval in her narrowed eyes. Stacy, however, paid little attention to her fiery gaze as she entwined their hands and helped her to her feet.
I mean, really, Miss Workaholic? You can get to them whenever you like. With a mutter, she hauled Catherine out the door.
Stacy had treated her well up to this point. Stacy was the only person to befriend Catherine for no apparent reason other than to have a friend in common. Her warmth and generosity also softened her icy spirit. Catherine is patient with Stacy, but the latter's antics can wear on her patience at times.
The technical staff's office was located on the second floor. Catherine and Stacy joined their employees in the frantic effort to get a glimpse of the star. Catherine squeezed in and took a position next to the pillar. She grabbed Stacy and threw her arms over her to shield her from the angry mob. Catherine always took on the role of older sibling, even though Stacy was the youngest by four years. Stacy was so thrilled to see the CEO that she was clinging to Catherine like a child and spoke nonstop about her excitement.
At once, a horde of individuals flooded in through the door. When a little girl's scream reached Catherine's left ear, she shut her eyes tight. She stepped aside, but Stacy stepped on her left foot, causing her to hiss in pain.
"Wow!! Garlock Damien. What a hunk he is!
Stacy was standing on Catherine's foot to get a closer look at the heartthrob, and Catherine gave her a gentle shove. However, Stacy's irritation caused her to tighten her grip on her shirt.
The CEO of Garlock Corporation, Sophia Turner, came out to greet the business tycoon with a warm "Welcome, Mr. Garlock" and a firm handshake. When Catherine looked at his wrist, she noticed the rose gold Patek Philippe watch.
'He's a lefty,' she mumbled. Stacy's head nodded rapidly.
Yes, and he's a very good-looking man. She whimpered, "I can't see his face properly," as she crept carefully closer.
Why then do you call him handsome?" Yet, certainly, that guy is filthy rich, Catherine mused as she sized him up from head to toe. He wore nothing but name-brand apparel and accessories. His presence radiated wealth, power, and superiority. As he shook hands and accepted bouquets, Catherine watched in silence as his tense muscles twitched. There was no question that he was a dedicated gym rat.
Sylvia, who was attempting to approach the wealthy, became the target of her ocean orbs. Catherine gave a wry grin and shook her head.
My eyes are completely blurred. Stacy said, "Catherine, let's go downstairs," and she started dragging her, but Catherine slipped out of her grip.
You're on your own. "I have to get to work."
Catherine then began to leave, leaving Stacy staring after her in disbelief.
"Hey!! Grumbling, "Oh, she's such a spoilsport," she hurried downstairs.