Chapter 6

Philip hung up the phone and tossed it aside, barely containing his frustration.

"Seven years, Emily. What game are you playing, coming back with that carefully crafted face, so boldly sleeping with him?" he thought to himself.

He needed to figure out what she had experienced over these years that transformed her into such a shameless person.

A few days later, at the University of Medical Light.

Catherine received a text from James: [Hey baby, at school?]

She glanced at her phone screen and replied:[Yes]

After sending it, she felt the response was too curt. After a moment's consideration, she added a flirtatious emoji.

James immediately responded with a playful smiley face:[Got a surprise for you.]

As Catherine was puzzling over what trick James was up to this time, she looked up to see two impeccably dressed men in tailored suits striding purposefully toward the stage.

Today's guest lecturers were none other than Philip Foster, CEO of Nova Pharmaceuticals, and James West, Executive Director of the West Group.

Catherine instinctively fixed her gaze on Philip's commanding presence on the elevated platform, his aristocratic demeanor exuding a cold dignity.

Her thoughts drifted to that night when passion had ignited between them, only for him to walk away without hesitation, utterly ruthless.

Philip seemed to sense Catherine's burning gaze. He narrowed his eyes slightly and immediately located her position in the audience.

Feeling his gaze, Catherine neither retreated nor looked away. Instead, she deliberately placed her slender index finger on her full red lips, then blew him a provocative kiss.

Philip noticed her brazen gesture but maintained his composure, shifting his attention to the university brochures on the table, as if she were a complete stranger.

Catherine silently cursed, "This bastard, after sleeping with me, he treats me like I don't exist!"

University President Emilio Blair stepped forward to introduce Philip and James to the students.

James was the first to address the audience.

He confidently held the microphone, standing on stage and eagerly scanning the crowd.

When James spotted Catherine, his face instantly lit up with a brilliant smile.

He straightened his posture and skillfully began reciting his prepared speech: "Good afternoon, everyone. I'm James West, Executive Director of the West Group. It's a great honor to be here today..."

Nova Pharmaceuticals had extensive holdings, owning medical companies and private hospitals worldwide. With cutting-edge medical technology and talent resources, they held a near-monopolistic position in the industry.

The West Group had originally been an obscure enterprise, but after the West family's marriage alliance with the Foster family, it had developed into a powerful company by leveraging the Foster family's substantial resources.

"That concludes my presentation. Thank you all!" James finished his speech and stepped down from the podium.

After taking his seat, he continued searching for Catherine in the crowd.

He saw Catherine applauding enthusiastically, her face showing pure admiration.

Next, it was Philip's turn to speak.

He radiated effortless confidence. "An outstanding surgeon must possess compassion, courage, and the drive for continuous improvement..."

Philip's speech was powerful and impressive, drawing admiration from numerous students.

As he concluded, Philip bowed gracefully and humbly.

Despite being a billionaire CEO, his modest and polite demeanor instantly won everyone's heart.

Thunderous applause echoed throughout the auditorium.

Seeing the enthusiastic response, Emilio smiled and stepped forward. "Since everyone is so captivated by Mr. Foster, perhaps we could ask him to answer three questions from our students. What do you think?"

Catherine expected him to refuse, but instead heard his deep voice. "Certainly."

With his agreement, female students became excited and eagerly raised their hands.

Emilio selected a female student who stood up and immediately asked, "Mr. Foster, are you married?"

This question transformed the previously serious guest lecture into a casual chat, with curiosity filling the air.

Emilio appeared somewhat anxious, concerned this might infringe on Philip's privacy.

He thought Philip would decline to answer and was considering how to defuse the situation when Philip calmly replied, "No, I'm not married."

"Mr. Foster, do you have a girlfriend?" another bold voice called out.

Philip maintained an expressionless face and answered concisely, "Yes, but we recently broke up."

Learning about Philip's relationship status in such a public setting genuinely surprised Catherine.

Although it was normal for someone of Philip's age to have had relationships, this news still made her feel a twinge of sadness.

The female students' curiosity intensified, prompting another question: "Mr. Foster, are you looking for a new girlfriend?"

Catherine held her breath, her heartbeat uncontrollable.

Philip's voice was steady and composed, resonating clearly throughout the auditorium. "No, I'm not. Seven years of love isn't something you can easily set aside."

Catherine's smile instantly froze, a bitterness welling up inside her.

Seven years of love?

Did he have such deep feelings for his ex-girlfriend?

After James's Q&A session, Philip left the auditorium.

Catherine naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity and followed him out.

Just as she entered the hallway, she encountered Philip.

Philip also saw Catherine but showed no intention of speaking to her, instead walking straight ahead.

Catherine refused to let him go and quickly stepped forward, blocking his path.

Philip was forced to stop, his cold gaze falling on her face. "Do you need something?"

Far from being intimidated by his coldness, Catherine boldly approached him, suddenly pushing him into a nearby stairwell. Her voice was soft and alluring. "Nothing. I just missed you a little."

Philip's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't push her away. Instead, he extended his long fingers to tilt her delicate chin upward. "Do you truly have no shame?"

Philip's tall, imposing figure made Catherine appear much shorter standing before him.

When he looked down at her, his eyes held only coldness.

Catherine thought that if Philip didn't speak, with that face alone, he would be an irresistibly charming ice prince.

But when he opened his mouth, his tone carried a hint of nonchalance. This strong contrast held a fatal attraction for her.

No wonder she had been so captivated by him seven years ago.

"Mr. Foster, I really missed you," she adjusted her breathing, deliberately making her voice sound more innocent and vulnerable.

Philip smirked, his fingers slowly sliding down from her chin.

His fingertips moved like electric currents, methodically tracing her neck and collarbone.

Finally, they paused at the edge of her full breasts, deliberately applying pressure, cruelly pressing against her sensitive peaks. His gaze darkened. "Miss me, or miss sleeping with me?"