For the first time in his life, Shawn witnessed someone dash out with unwavering determination to stand protectively in front of him. Overwhelmed with emotions, he noticed that Katherineâs arm was injured. âAre you hurt?â he asked. âItâs nothing.â Shawn frowned and said, âIt needs to be treated.â Before he could finish his sentence, Katherine excitedly bypassed him, spreading her arms and running toward a tall man. âHi, Daniel!â She embraced the tall man, who looked at her with deep affection, seemingly oblivious to anyone else.
Suddenly, Shawn felt utterly out of place and quietly left with his assistant. Yet, he couldnât understand his own anger. He had always known that Katherine attracted many admirers. Back in college, he even helped deliver her love letters. As Katherine ventured into starting her business, her interactions with men only increased. He had never been bothered before, so why the distress now?
His assistant, still looking back, was oblivious to Shawnâs mood. âMr. Watson, is that Katherineâs new boyfriend?â Shawn clenched his fists in anger, his mouth nearly twisting. âI donât know!â âArenât you curious?â âIt has nothing to do with me! Iâm not interested!â Feeling his anger, the assistant didnât dare to say another word.
That evening, at the hotel, the assistant stood in front of Shawn. âDaniel is a chip engineer at a company and enjoys golf, diving, and mountain climbing. He met Katherine during a collaboration and has a good impression of her.â Shawn frowned. âWhat kind of nonsense did you find?â The assistant fidgeted. âI only had an afternoon to investigate, and you said you werenât interested.â
Shawn cleared his throat and sat up straight. âIâm just worried she might meet the wrong person. After all, sheâs like a sister to me. If she is going to date, she should find someone with no bad history. Iâm just afraid sheâll be cheated!â
The assistant shrugged and spread his hands. âMr. Watson, youâre only cheating yourself! You clearly care a great deal about her!â âDonât you have anything else to do?â Shawn concluded the topic in a serious tone. The assistant quickly adopted a serious demeanor as well, handing him a file. âThis is the list of candidates shortlisted by the HR department.â
Shawn was in the process of developing a new product that integrated artificial intelligence, which he saw as the direction for the future. For this project, he established three development departments, aiming to recruit top talent in the field. Thanks to the attractive compensation he offered, technical experts from around the globe were drawn to the opportunity.
Shawn opened the file, and the first resume he saw was Danielâs, complete with his photo. Well, wasnât that a coincidence? Maintaining fairness and objectivity, Shawn reviewed Danielâs resume thoroughly. âMarried?â The assistant had just noticed this detail as well. âWhat? Heâs married? Then Katherine must have been cheated!â
Losing interest in the other resumes, Shawn closed the folder with a stern look. âI want to meet him.â
On his third night in Bristania, as Shawn was preparing for bed, he unexpectedly received a call from Katherine. âShawn, Iâm at the bar downstairs. Want to come for a drink?â Shawn checked the time. âDrinking this late?â âCome on,â Katherine replied casually. âI just got dumped.â
Shawn felt a pang of guilt. âAnyone who leaves you isnât worth your time. Take it easy.â âAre you coming or not? If you donât join me, Iâll drink alone until dawn.â How could Shawn allow her to drink alone in such a foreign bar? âWait for me.â After saying this, Shawn quickly grabbed a jacket and made his way downstairs.
Katherine, who was casually leaning against the bar, already appeared a bit tipsy. Her figure seemed lonely and desolate. Shawn approached, and Katherine scrutinized him. Dressed casually without his suit, Shawn looked surprisingly young. His gray hoodie and black sweatpants gave him the appearance of a college student. âCome on, Shawn, join me!â She smelled strongly of alcohol as she looped her arm around Shawnâs neck to pour him a drink.
Shawn turned to look at her. âWhy did you think to ask me for a drink?â Katherineâs makeup was impeccably done, looking flawless up close in the enchanting glow of the bar, where even a demon could seem angelic. Katherine smiled wistfully, her long lashes fluttering. âBecause youâre the only one I know here!â
He asked, âWhereâs Daniel?â Katherine looked at him, puzzled. âHow do you know about Daniel?â Shawn responded calmly, âI heard you call him at the airport.â âOkay.â Katherineâs arm dropped from his neck, and she stared blankly at her drink. âHe told me heâs going back to his family. Thatâs odd; heâs been separated from his wife for five years.â
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