Chapter 5 Painful Memories

"Do you know each other?" Vincent sensed something was amiss. His gaze shifted from Kate's face to Katherine.

His eyes first locked onto Katherine's neck.

As expected, the marks he had deliberately left as a sign of their intimacy were now completely gone.

A flicker of anger flashed in his eyes.

As his gaze moved upward, he noticed Katherine's reddened eyes, a mix of shock and anger. The irritation in his heart quietly faded away, replaced by a sense of relief.

When he turned back, a subtle smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"No, we don't." In the midst of Kate's panicked gaze, Katherine lifted her chin slightly, revealing a smile tinged with sarcasm.

She walked to the desk and placed the folder containing the contract on it.

"Mr. Murphy, the esteemed head of the company, this is the cooperation contract with Evergreen Group."

The Resignation Letter, a bold move signaling her intent to leave the company, remained in her hand, unnoticed by Vincent.

However, Kate clearly saw the bold words 'Resignation Letter.'

She watched as Katherine crumpled the thin sheet of paper with one hand, feeling as if a giant hand was squeezing her heart, making it difficult to breathe.

As Katherine's hand dropped with the paper ball, Kate looked at Vincent and spoke softly, with a hint of manipulation," Vincent, I'd like to go to the restroom. Could I trouble this lady-"

Vincent interrupted," Katherine, my secretary."

After the introduction, Vincent slightly tilted his head towards Katherine, instructing," Miss Gill, please take Kate to the restroom."

Hearing the name 'Kate, ' Katherine momentarily froze.

Her mind flashed back to yesterday afternoon when Vincent intertwined his fingers with hers, pressing her down, whispering 'Kate' in her ear.

The scene shifted again, back to thirteen years ago.

Young Katherine spoke to the girl who had just transferred and was crying in a corner because she couldn't make friends," Isn't it funny? You're Kate, and I'm Katherine. Let's be friends!"

They attended classes together, chatted, and walked across the schoolyard together...

Until one day, three months later, Kate appeared at her home, hand in hand with a woman who seemed fragile.

That woman knelt before Katherine's mother, crying and apologizing, saying she truly loved Katherine's father, that she didn't want money or status, just to stay by his side.

Later, Katherine's parents had a fierce argument and decided to divorce.

Katherine and her brother were taken away from the Todd family by their mother, both crying.

Afterward, that woman picked up Katherine's brother from kindergarten, and he had a car accident because he 'didn't listen and ran off.'

"Miss Gill?" Vincent's dissatisfied voice called out.

Katherine blinked her unfocused eyes, quickly lowered her gaze, and suppressed the pain brought by her memories.

She resumed her composed demeanor, gesturing politely," Miss Todd, this way, please."

Katherine led the way to the restroom, drawing curious glances from onlookers.

Inside the restroom, Kate emerged from the stall and spent a long time fixing herself in front of the mirror.

Only when the last person besides her and Katherine left did she turn and approach Katherine, who was waiting nearby.

"Sister, where have you and Aunt Gill been all these years? Dad and I have missed you both."

She reached out to grab Katherine's arm, but Katherine sidestepped, avoiding her touch.

Kate's hand hung awkwardly in the air.

After a few seconds of silence, Kate spoke again, her voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of grievance," Sister, are you still angry with us?

It's been so many years, can't you let it go?"

"If you're willing, I can contact Dad right now and have him come take us home."

Katherine let out a cold laugh," Sure, have him come take me back, and return the position of the Todd family's eldest daughter to me. And this marriage with Vincent... "

Before she could finish, Kate's face turned extremely unpleasant.

Katherine's smile grew more mocking," What, can't bear to part with it?"

"Of course, you wouldn't want to give back something your mother acquired through deceitful means."