Chapter 5

Catherine narrowed her eyes at the message, her long lashes concealing the emotions swirling in their depths.

This was clearly Olivia's declaration of war against her.

Catherine let out a cold laugh and quickly saved the photos and video.

These had fallen into her hands effortlessly—she really had to thank Olivia for that.

The bathroom door opened softly, releasing a cloud of steam that enveloped Philip. He walked out completely naked, water droplets trailing down his perfectly sculpted muscles, as if caressing a masterpiece.

Philip cast a cold glance at Catherine, who was leaning against the headboard. He bent down and picked up his clothes from the floor, his movements elegant and proper.

Catherine stared at him intently, her eyes filled with undisguised appreciation. She had forgotten about the cigarette between her fingers, the ash growing longer, threatening to fall at any moment.

Only when Philip pulled up his pants did she snap out of her trance, remembering something crucial.

Catherine extinguished her cigarette and extended her long, slender fingers, offering him her phone. Her voice turned sultry: "Mr. Foster, why don't you give me your contact information? So we can stay in touch, hmm?"

Philip zipped up his pants and fastened his belt, his voice deep and cold: "No need."

Catherine wasn't one to give up easily. She blinked her dewy eyes, looking innocent and confused. "We had such a good time together just now. Why are you being so distant?"

Philip regarded her expressionlessly, his gaze cold and appraising. "We're not familiar with each other."

From his perspective, she was clearly a virgin, yet despite having just met, she had eagerly given herself to him. She must have some ulterior motive.

Catherine watched as Philip buttoned his shirt. She raised her delicate foot and placed it directly on his firm abdomen, gently caressing the spot her teeth had marked earlier.

Philip's eyes darkened. His large hand grabbed her ankle, and he suddenly leaned forward, his masculine scent immediately enveloping her.

Catherine smoothly escaped his grip, her movements light and seductive as she draped her long, elegant leg over his broad shoulder.

"Not familiar?" Catherine gazed at Philip with innocent yet seductive eyes.

She lightly licked her lips. "When you held me and frantically kissed me here," she slowly raised her index finger, tapping gently on the full curves barely covered by the sheet, "weren't we very familiar then?"

Philip lowered his gaze to the clearly visible red marks on her smooth skin beneath the sheet, his expression growing darker.

He extended his large hand, firmly tilting her head backward.

Her face lifted toward him, their noses almost touching, their lips less than an inch apart.

The slightest movement would bring them together again, continuing what they had started earlier.

Catherine stared into Philip's deep eyes, breathing rapidly, her heart pounding wildly.

Her gaze grew more alluring, the corners of her eyes lifting slightly, filled with desire.

Philip looked at her, then suddenly let out a mocking laugh: "Do you think sleeping with me will get you something? Money? Status? Save it. I've seen too many women like you trying to seduce me for money. You're nothing but a plaything, barely better than a prostitute. I suggest you show some self-respect, or you'll just look cheap."

His voice was filled with contempt, draining the color from Catherine's previously flushed face.

She stared at Philip's disdainful smile, feeling her heart contract painfully.

She forced herself to smile, struggling to maintain her composure.

Catherine understood his meaning perfectly.

She knew that with her looks and figure, Philip was physically attracted to her, but nothing more.

A man of his status had no shortage of women; he wouldn't easily be captivated by just one.

Soon, Philip was fully dressed, once again exuding that imposing, cold demeanor, as if their passionate encounter had been merely an illusion.

As he turned to leave, Catherine suddenly spoke, her voice carrying a hint of languid sensuality. "What a coincidence."

Philip turned to look at Catherine as she smiled again, a playful gleam in her eyes. "For me, you're just a tool too—to get revenge on that womanizing nephew of yours."

She raised her chin defiantly, her tone casual and dismissive.

Philip halted, his expression darkening: "Catherine, don't provoke me, or else..."

"Or else what? You'll kill me?" Catherine rudely interrupted him, a mocking smile on her face.

Hearing this, Philip's face filled with intense disgust.

He coldly delivered a final remark: "You're too stupid."

Then he strode out, slamming the door behind him.

Catherine stood frozen, stunned for a long time before letting out a bitter laugh.

He was right—she was indeed too stupid.

Yet, even knowing the dangerous path ahead, she continued forward without hesitation, her heart filled with the desire for revenge!

The heavy door closed firmly behind him, shutting out the lingering intimacy in the room and Catherine's mocking smile.

Philip stood in the hallway, the temperature several degrees lower than the night air.

"A tool to get revenge on my nephew?"

In all these years, no one had dared to be so brazen with Philip.

Of course, no one had ever dared to use him as a tool.

He strode toward the elevator, his steps steady but clearly foretelling an approaching storm.

The elevator doors opened smoothly, the polished metal interior reflecting his cold expression and the undeniable darkness in his eyes.

The elevator reached the underground parking garage.

Philip silently got into his car, the interior immediately filling with tense atmosphere.

He leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they revealed a bottomless coldness.

He took out his phone and called his assistant, instructing him to investigate everything about Catherine, including her life over the past few years.

Alex had never seen Philip so interested in a woman.

Just as Alex thought the conversation was ending, Philip revealed a shocking final piece of information.

"Her previous name was Emily Winters."

Alex was absolutely shocked. Emily Winters?

The female heir to the Winters family from seven years ago?