Chapter 4 The One Who Treated Jayden

"Please, mind your words," the secretary said crisply. "Mr. Curtis made it clear that he won't hesitate to deal personally with anyone who dares to insult Miss Fowler."

A shiver ran through Justine's body, and she instinctively retreated a few paces.

Everyone knew that Kellan had a reputation for being merciless, but what was baffling was why Cathy had earned such fierce protection.

"You've got the wrong idea," Josh blurted out, forcing a flattering smile. "Cathy is my daughter too. Naturally, I care about her."

Josh, ever quick to read the room, knew better than to risk offending the Curtis family, so he turned sharply on Justine and scolded her with severity. "I've let you get away with too much. How could you speak to your sister in such a way? Apologize to her right now!"

"Dad..." Justine's voice trembled in disbelief.

But Josh remained unyielding, and the secretary was not one to be defied. Swallowing her anger, Justine clenched her teeth and muttered, "Cathy, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken like that."

Cathy folded her arms dismissively. "Forget it. I won't let a fool get to me."

Justine stood speechless, her chest tight with the overwhelming urge to tear Cathy part.

When had this bitch managed to worm her way into the Curtis family's good graces?

Once the secretary left, Josh plastered on a strained grin.

"Cathy, tell me - how did you meet Kellan?"

His excitement was poorly concealed; in truth, he was already calculating how to leverage the Curtis family connection for the Dawncrest Bay construction project.

"If you're curious, you can ask him yourself," Cathy replied flatly, ambling away without further explanation.

Josh stiffened. It dawned on him then that Cathy's compliant demeanor had been nothing more than an act.

Justine, seething, stamped her foot.

"Dad, she robbed me of my chance!"

"Then go to Marissa," Josh declared. "She's known as the Phantom Healer's apprentice. She should be able to secure you an introduction."

He was certain Kellan had been seeking a medical genius to handle the lingering nerve damage in his arm. As a renowned doctor, Marissa was bound to be invited to his event.

...

The following evening, Cathy arrived promptly at the grand banquet hall, immediately drawing the eyes of those around her.

"Which family is she from? She's breathtaking!"

Wearing a custom red gown, Cathy had her usually simple hair now tumbling in glossy waves over her shoulders. Paired with silver heels, her entire look radiated confidence and command - so different from the restrained image she'd carried during her years with the Thorpe family.

It was difficult to pinpoint exactly when Jayden's preferences had begun shaping Cathy's wardrobe, steering her toward more simple and understated outfits.

In truth, that style was Marissa's idea.

"I knew it! A fitted red dress is perfect for you," Demi exclaimed, tilting her head as she admired Cathy. "It's so much freer."

Cathy allowed a smile. "I think so too."

Before now, she had gone to great lengths to reshape herself in order to win Jayden's approval.

Now set on a divorce, she was finally living by her own choices.

Demi gave her a playful wink.

"The Curtis family didn't extend me an invitation, so Cathy, I'll wait outside. If any handsome men cross your path, make sure to grab the chance and have a little fun," she said teasingly.

But Cathy wasn't interested.

Tonight was about locating Lydia Curtis.

From her inquiries, she had discovered that the nurse who had assisted with her mother's delivery had last worked under Lydia.

Determined, Cathy stepped further inside the hall, only to see two familiar faces - Jayden and Marissa, the former holding the latter's waist.

"Marissa, you're the Phantom Healer's apprentice," Jayden said. "You treated me after my accident, and I trust your skills. You'll certainly leave an impression on Kellan."

He vaguely remembered a soft voice murmuring to him again and again while he lay unconscious.

And when he had finally regained consciousness, the first face he saw was Marissa's.

Marissa continued with her innocent act. "I love you," she muttered sweetly. "That's why I'm willing to do anything."

Cathy nearly laughed aloud.

Since when had she taken on an apprentice?

And more importantly, during Jayden's accident, it had been her who operated on him, not Marissa.