Purchased by the Billionaire

CATHERINE'S POV

When I was ten years old, my parents divorced, and the court ruled that I would live with my mother. After that, we moved frequently due to difficult circumstances, sometimes going without a decent meal for days. Six years later, my mother remarried Uncle Willam, and we moved to a small rural area, where we've been living ever since.

I transferred to a new school, where I met Liam Claude, whom I thought was the destiny of my life. I argued with my mother and uncle, eventually leaving home to wholeheartedly support Liam Claude's career.

I played the role of manager for the passionate young singer, supporting everything for my boyfriend... We've known each other for ten years, and I've never regretted my decision. I always thought I was the happiest girl, the only love of Liam Claude. But I was wrong; Claude cheated on me with a girl named Annie, who happened to be their neighbor. And she, the one whom Liam Claude always held dear in his heart.

The ideal image of my boyfriend, Claude, shattered within me. My heart ached so much that it felt constricted, a numbing sensation running through my petite body as I witnessed this scene. The stage lights sparkled, illuminating the man I loved kissing another woman.

***

"Liam Claude, I love you madly," cheers erupted beneath the stands, the atmosphere more lively than ever.

Under the glamorous stage lights, singer Liam Claude was ablaze with his new song, released just yesterday. Liam Claude's tour was scheduled to travel across the United States, and today it halted in a small suburban town in Oregon. Thousands of fans below were synced with the young singer's voice, especially as today's performance featured the famous model, Annie.

As the performance ended, Claude approached Annie in front of the crowd. His gaze stopped at her face, his eyes mesmerized, gently placing his hand on her chin and giving Annie a sweet kiss.

This seemingly heated up the entire stadium even more. Cheers and enthusiastic chants erupted in support. The audience said they were confirming their relationship in public. Previously, the two had been spotted dining together and embracing intimately. Despite the blurred images, fans still recognized Claude by the tattoo of wings on the back of his neck.

Amidst all the noise, Naomi Catherine felt her chest tremble, a sensation of shattering spreading throughout her petite body. Because the singer Liam Claude shining on stage up there was Catherine's boyfriend. In front of his girlfriend, he dared to publicly kiss another woman.

Catherine's heart shattered in that moment. She realized that everything had changed, and the bitter truth tore through her soul like a knife. Catherine rose abruptly, retreated, and ran out of the crowd, feeling her heart ache and shatter into pieces.

After the show ended, Catherine sighed heavily as she entered the dressing room, placing both hands on the makeup table, trying to suppress the overwhelming emotions.

Liam Claude stood by the door, his eyes showing concern and a desire to explain, but he didn't know where to start.

"Catherine... I... I don't want to hurt you," Liam Claude said, quietly approaching her. "It's just part of the song's script."

Catherine turned to look into his bright blue eyes. "But your emotions during that performance were real, weren't they?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Liam Claude closed his eyes, sensing Catherine's pain and desperation in her words. "Yes, but... You understand, right? We're still in love, in my heart, you're still the best, but Annie is just part of the show."

Catherine tried to pull Claude's hand down, her eyes sparkling as she questioned him: "Claude, I'm not naive. I'm not foolish. I gave up my dreams to support you from behind, and now what? What do I get in return? If not for love for you, Catherine today would be different."

She took a deep breath and continued, "I've loved you for almost ten years, but I'm not so foolish as to not recognize when my boyfriend betrays me."

Claude didn't have a chance to explain; he could only stare blankly as Catherine pulled out close-up photos of him and Annie dating from her purse and interrogated him.

"Catherine, when did you know? How did you get these photos?" Liam Claude grabbed these photos, tearing them apart frantically.

"Since you started cheating, I knew everything. Moreover, I know Annie is someone you secretly loved before you met me. Just because I love you so much, I turned a blind eye to all those rumors."

As she said this, Catherine collapsed. They had been in love for almost ten years; now she was twenty-eight. How much trust and pride she had for him was now gone.

It was exhausting. Liam Claude had told her they would get married; they would live together for a long time. And now? He was a liar.

"Sorry, Catherine, it's because you're too good. I don't want to hurt you, but if you know everything like this, then we should break up."

Naomi Catherine sat on the ground crying for a long time. Was it because she was so bad that she deserved this? Catherine never dreamed she would be abandoned by the person she loved the most.

Not long after, Liam Claude turned back, took out a bank card from his pocket, and handed it to Catherine, coldly saying, "Take as much as you like as compensation."

Claude, Liam Claude, even saying such cruel words, can you?

Hearing Claude's words, Catherine's anger flared to the bone, slapping Claude with all her might, her eyes filled with disgust and hatred. For love, she had to admit this lie; she found it unworthy.

"The love between a famous singer and a hot model is too strong, it's been over ten years, and I can't break it. The most regretful thing I've ever done is standing behind you absolutely. Liam Claude, you're terrible."

After the outburst of anger, Catherine was about to leave immediately, but she suddenly stopped and said, "Liam Claude, you've forgotten one thing. Your success today, all of it is because I helped you."

As Catherine thought about how many years she had been behind, doing everything for that terrible man, she thought about it even more. Did he cheat on her with anyone else besides Annie? Thinking about this, Catherine felt extremely disgusted.

Finally, Catherine, carefree and friendly as before, disappeared, and now Catherine was only the worst version of herself.

Money and glitter finally changed people.

Catherine left the stadium, not wanting to stay there for too long. Unexpectedly, she saw Annie waiting outside, she sarcastically said, "Catherine, are you okay?"

"Annie, I'm fine! As for your boyfriend, I'm not sure, you can go inside and help him feel more comfortable by having sex."

"Catherine, what did you say?" Annie changed her tone, her face very angry.

"Oh, don't you remember! You're a famous model because you want a position in the upcoming show... And you didn't hesitate to have sex with a sixty-year-old man."

Catherine mocked, Annie's face became increasingly unbearable. He said that was tantamount to torturing her. The more Catherine looked at Annie's discomfort, the more excited she felt.

Catherine raised her head arrogantly and said to Annie, "When you get married, remember to send me an invitation."

Annie couldn't believe that Catherine knew that secret, cursing incessantly, even wanting to rush up and hit Catherine.

"How ridiculous! My love, remember that I have supported Liam Claude for almost ten years. I have many relationships that can turn you from a famous model into a third party breaking someone else's family happiness. Do you want to try it?"

"Catherine, don't use that to threaten me. I'm sure you wouldn't dare to ruin Liam Claude's career." Seeing Annie's satisfied expression, Catherine couldn't help but laugh.

"You've forgotten... Liam Claude has everything today because I helped him. Without me, would Liam Claude still be a singer? You guess."

Naomi Catherine was like this, Liam Claude knew very well. Today, I can support you in achieving your goals and admire you beyond words.

But just betray me, even if you beg for forgiveness, even threaten me with death, I affirm that I will not turn back.

"Annie, don't you realize? Liam Claude has loved you for so many years, you don't move him so it's pitiful. Pity, I thought you were so infatuated with him that you broke my happiness."

***

Catherine staggered out of the stadium, her heart heavy with pain and disappointment. The bone-chilling cold of the night seemed to pierce her soul as she made her way to a nearby bar. She needed to numb the pain, to escape the reality that shattered her once happy dreams. Inside the dimly lit bar, she found solace in the embrace of alcohol. Downing one glass after another, she tried to wash away the wounds, but it only seemed to intensify them.

The man Naomi Catherine had spent her youth loving had betrayed her, cheating with his love. Liam Claude disregarded Naomi Catherine, the one who had supported, encouraged, and helped him rise to the peak of his career. For ten years, he hadn't given her a second glance.

Naomi Catherine had no idea what she had done wrong to deserve the humiliation she was experiencing today; she was in agony. Nevertheless, she was still a woman in need of someone to share her burdens, her sorrows.

Seeing Catherine's wildly intoxicated state, the bartender couldn't bear it any longer and had to call over a female staff member. The girl approached gently, her voice soft: "Ma'am, I think you've had enough to drink, we should stop."

"What, why not give me more, I don't want to be sober right now." Catherine didn't want to be sober, because she knew that if she woke up, the nightmare would continue.

As the night fell, the bartender's concern grew, but Catherine paid no attention to her surroundings. She clung to her glass, pouring out her heart to anyone who would listen.

"He... he betrayed me... I gave him everything... my heart, my support, my love... and he threw it all away..."

"My lover cheated on me, I deserve this, why doesn't he love me..." Catherine continued to sob, her appearance utterly miserable.

Suddenly, the bar manager stepped out from behind the counter, his expression serious, signaling that it was closing time. "Alright, everyone, it's time to close! Time to go home."

"I'm not ready to leave... I don't want to face the reality out there." Catherine was asked to settle her bill and leave by the female staff member, but she refused.

"I understand, but we need to close right now. Please gather your belongings." The manager signaled for the female staff to do their job properly.

"Fine, I'll pay." Catherine tried to sober up, fumbling through her wallet, trying to find her credit card to pay for the drinks she had consumed. The manager watched with empathy and concern as she struggled.

With trembling hands, Catherine handed him her credit card. The manager processed the payment, including the broken items in the bar, the Vodka, and a few other things. After completing the task, they bid farewell and closed the bar. "I hope you're okay. Take care."

Catherine stumbled out into the dark street, feeling her heart heavier than ever. The cold air sobered her up a bit, but her emotions still churned like a storm within her.

The sight of a drunken woman wandering the streets quickly caught the attention of a group of unsavory characters nearby, their faces twisted with malice. They looked around and, seeing no one else, began to approach.

"Hey there, where are you off to all alone on this chilly night?" one of them leered.

"Get lost." Catherine tried to stay sober, resisting the advances of one of the lechers.

Catherine observed them; there were four in total, all penniless wanderers looking for prey.

"Come here, come here to us. You're pretty, but too feisty, hot lady."

They deliberately pushed her to the ground, advancing to grope and tear at Catherine's shirt. Catherine's voluptuous figure made them unable to resist their rising primal urges.

Catherine slid along the dark street, her heart pounding with fear as the vagrants closed in. The dark shadows surrounded her, unfamiliar faces threatening and harassing her with lewd remarks and menacing gestures.

"Help me, someone help me!" Despite the small girl's desire to scream, they quickly covered her mouth.

In her most desperate moment, Catherine just wanted to die. Overwhelmed with panic and fear, a car swerved to a stop right in front of Catherine, its headlights reflecting off her face, giving her a fleeting sense of life once again.

The backseat window rolled down, and Catherine faintly saw the face of the man inside, stern and determined. His assistant got out of the car and swiftly dealt with all four of them. Feeling the danger had passed, Catherine sobbed helplessly. The stranger stepped out in front of her, took off his vest, and wrapped it around Catherine, then lifted her into the car, helping her escape her own fear.

Catherine sat in the car, trembling and breathless, while the man sat next to her, his voice cold as he reassured her, "It's all right, you're safe now."

She nodded faintly, unable to say a word. Her heart overflowed as she looked into the caring eyes of the man before her. He had appeared just in time, like a light in the darkness, rescuing her from imminent danger.

In the silence of the car, Catherine felt the warmth and safety around her. Her heart danced in her chest, like a bird finding its beloved nest.

"Sir, are we going back to the city?" The assistant broke the silence.

The man next to Catherine remained silent for a moment, as if trying to remember something.

"Naomi Catherine, the singer's assistant. I never thought we'd meet like this." The man glanced sideways, studying the girl's face carefully. Then he continued, "I helped her like that, do you think she will agree to my conditions?"

"Sir, are you referring to this young lady?" The assistant seemed a bit puzzled. Upon receiving a firm nod from his boss, he also fell silent and complied.

"Sir, if she doesn't agree, I can find another way. Or find someone else to help you," he tried to think of something before responding.

"No need, I just want her." The man's determination was evident in his eyes.

***

The next morning, Catherine groggily opened her eyes, not remembering how much beer she had drunk to have such a pounding headache. But she quickly realized she was in a completely unfamiliar place. The royal grandeur of the decor made Catherine aware that this was not a place for ordinary people. She felt fuzzy about everything after being chased and assaulted by the villains. At this moment, the door to the room opened, and a middle-aged woman appeared.

"Dear, you're awake. Wait a moment, I'll prepare some cold remedy for you," she said in a gentle voice.

Catherine tried to speak but found her throat dry, unable to make a sound. Then, she approached, neatly arranging the blankets, gently helping Catherine sit up and handing her a glass of water.

"I'm Windy, the housekeeper of this mansion. Last night, the young master brought you here in a drunken state, clothes torn."

"The young master?" Although her throat was sore, Catherine still managed to speak a bit.

"Thank you, Windy," Catherine said with a slight smile. She took the glass of water and drank slowly. "I can't remember much about what happened last night."

Windy sat down beside Catherine and looked into her eyes with warmth and empathy. "Don't worry, just keep quiet for a while. You've just woken up, your body needs time to recover," she emphasized.

Catherine felt sincere support from Windy and felt more at ease. "I'm really lucky to have met him, but I don't remember him clearly," she said. "I also don't know if I could have survived last night's situation."

Windy smiled gently and nodded. "Everything will be fine, you can rest assured."

As the two were chatting, the door suddenly opened, and Lucius appeared in the dim light. He walked into the room and saw Catherine sitting with Windy. Lucius's gaze became calm as he looked at the girl in front of him.

Windy quickly left, leaving Catherine and Lucius alone, but she couldn't help but feel uneasy in her mind when this man appeared.

Catherine hurriedly set the glass of water down and stared at the man. "Are you the young master she mentioned?" She asked, her voice becoming stern.

Lucius stepped closer and spoke gently, "If you're okay, then I'm relieved. Do you like the gift I sent?"

Catherine was slightly startled, not knowing what gift this man had sent to her. She hesitated for a moment, stuttering, "Are you the one who sent the photos of Liam Claude to me?"

"You're quite smart, little girl!" Lucius smiled warmly, approaching to sit beside the bed, gazing at Catherine intently. But involuntarily, she pushed him away, her eyes filled with suspicion. "Why? Are you targeting me, or him? Sir, I appreciate you saving me, but you need to be clear with me about everything."

Catherine became somewhat agitated when talking about the events of yesterday. She angrily grabbed a pillow and threw it towards Lucius, her eyes flashing with anger. Lucius held her back, his body suddenly leaning towards her, their eyes locked in a stare.

"Shit! Please back off a bit." Catherine kicked hard towards Lucius's "dangerous" area, but he dodged it.

"In short. Your stepfather is in debt and owes me a considerable amount of money. And he sold you to me."

Lucius regained his haughty demeanor, saying those words to Catherine. Catherine's brain suddenly stopped working, unable to comprehend such shocking news.

"Stop, do you even know what you're saying?"

"Catherine, let me remind you once again. Your stepfather owes me, and he sold you to me. My family is pressuring me to get married, so you are the perfect choice. I arranged everything with him beforehand."

He reached out and handed her an agreement, clearly stating the terms of their marriage.

And below, there were two fingerprints, Lucius Ravenwood, and Naomi Catherine.

Catherine looked at Lucius's paper with surprise. Her heart was pounding, and her mind was confused about what to do.

"An agreement? But we only met last night. I appreciate you saving me, but things are not like this," Catherine said, trying to keep her voice calm, but she felt unsettled, a growing sense of unease.

Lucius chuckled softly and approached Catherine, gently lifting her chin to speak, "It's okay, if you don't want to, we can negotiate compensation for breaking the contract. As for your stepfather, I'm not sure." His eyes began to shine now, a confident, assertive demeanor.

Catherine felt the pressure from Lucius's offer, but she didn't want to rush into an agreement. She couldn't let herself be threatened. Her heart was racing, anxiety spreading with each beat.

"This meaningless contract, I cannot agree to it. It's best you let me go." Catherine said firmly, her tone escalating into an inner battle.

Seeing Catherine's determined face, Lucius was not one to easily give in. He directly spoke, his eyes sharp, "Look behind the paper, it clearly states, whoever breaches the contract will compensate for damages of 10 million dollars." This statement sounded like a weapon, declaring his decision.

Catherine glanced at the paper, feeling uncomfortable. However, she still couldn't agree to Lucius's proposed terms. She tried to stand her ground and said firmly, "I can earn this amount and pay it to you. But I need time. Someone like me never likes such constraints."

Lucius looked straight at Catherine, his expression unpredictable. "Money can't buy love and respect, but it can ensure that we continue this path together transparently and fairly. Furthermore, I can ensure your safety, provide you with a comfortable life when Liam Claude and Annie start spreading evidence that you seduced him."

This surprise hit Catherine's psyche, leaving her somewhat dazed. Did Liam Claude really do such despicable things to her? But Catherine knew now wasn't the time to be weak.

"Forget it... How could you know about this? The relationship between me and Liam Claude," Catherine suspected.

"Why not? I have money, a lot of money. Moreover, your stepfather told me."

"Schemer!" Catherine's voice couldn't contain her surprise and anger.

Lucius looked directly at Catherine, the coldness on his face genuine. "Exactly. I'm not the smartest to catch such a small prey like you, but I'm not foolish to be manipulated. Now, you know everything. The decision is yours."

As Catherine was holding on to her determination, a strange feeling began to emerge within her. A faint suspicion about her stepfather began to rise. She recalled the strange signs from before, the times he mentioned the family's financial difficulties, and the discreet conversations she inadvertently overheard.

Catherine felt like she was drowning in a mess of misunderstanding and betrayal. But in her mind, a ray of hope still remained.

Lucius sipped his drink, his gaze slightly clouded, his voice cryptic: "I didn't say that to mock you, little girl. But unfortunately, there is clear evidence that there has been a negative impact on Liam Claude and your relationship. Let me tell you, his fans even want to kill you."

Catherine felt hurt, but she knew she couldn't avoid the truth: "I didn't know that, truly." She said, her gaze dropping to the glass of water. "But I've lost him and my career. I can't afford to lose anything more."

Lucius held the glass of wine in his hand and took a sip, showing empathy. "I understand how you feel. I don't want to force you into anything. I just want to make sure you know what's going on and have a free choice in the future."

"Naomi Catherine, at most, you have three days to give me an answer. If you dare to defy me, it won't just be the 10 million dollars from the contract. It will also be your stepfather's life."

After making his final offer, Lucius left the glass on the table and quickly left the room, but before he left, he looked back at Catherine with a cold gaze.

"Catherine, I don't want to become your adversary. But I hope you'll make a wise decision. The price of deception and compromise is never cheap, and sometimes, it can change your entire life."

Catherine felt like Lucius's words were a glaring red light, highlighting the danger of the situation. But at the same time, she also felt the limitation of freedom and the imposition of a decision she didn't want to face.

"Moreover, I can also help you get revenge."

***