Chapter 7

Catherine pressed herself tightly against Philip, her heart leaping with excitement.

"I want it all, of course," she whispered, her voice laden with suggestion.

In that moment, she resembled a delicate white rose—seemingly pure, yet beneath those tender petals lurked calculating thorns.

Philip saw through her performance immediately. He was certain Catherine wasn't merely seeking revenge for James's infidelity.

He slowly raised his hand, placing it gently on her slender waist, lowering his head to study her exquisite face—features so perfect they seemed sculpted by a master's hand.

Catherine tilted her face up to meet his gaze, her breathing becoming rapid. Nervousness brought a flush to her cheeks, spreading even to her earlobes. Her cherry-red lips looked increasingly tempting.

"Philip." She deliberately called his name in a breathy voice, soft and seductive.

Just as Catherine eagerly anticipated Philip succumbing to her charms, he suddenly pushed her away forcefully!

To him, her behavior now seemed forced and clumsy, far less sincere than the raw, uninhibited seduction she had displayed that night.

Catherine cried out in surprise, stumbling backward several steps until her back slammed hard against the wall.

Philip calmly adjusted his expensive suit jacket and cuffs, as if what had just transpired was merely a trivial inconvenience.

His thin lips parted as he coldly delivered a cutting remark: "Your attempts to seduce me are utterly disgusting."

Before his words had fully registered, he turned and walked away, not sparing her another glance as he strode past her with purposeful steps.

Catherine gritted her teeth, glaring at Philip's retreating figure. She clenched her fists in anger and hissed, "Bastard. Just wait. Someday, I'll make you fall helplessly in love with me, completely at my command."

Catherine took a deep breath, quickly composed herself, then returned to the classroom.

She walked directly to James's side.

"Mr. Blair," Catherine greeted Emilio with a sweet voice and perfect politeness.

Emilio's eyes brightened at the sight of Catherine, and he enthusiastically introduced her to Philip. "Mr. Foster, allow me to introduce Catherine, my most accomplished student."

Emilio's face radiated pride, his eyes revealing genuine fondness for Catherine. "She holds a master's degree, with outstanding papers and clinical skills."

Philip glanced briefly at Catherine, skepticism evident on his face. "Is that so?"

Emilio, convinced of Catherine's talent, continued his enthusiastic praise: "Catherine's medical research papers presented innovative perspectives, many published in prestigious national journals—truly an extraordinary achievement. A student excelling in both clinical practice and academic research is destined for greatness."

Catherine's face bloomed with a modest smile as she prepared to respond, but James had already possessively wrapped his arm around her shoulders, proudly declaring, "Of course she's exceptional—she's my girlfriend, after all."

Emilio raised an eyebrow, looking between Catherine and James with interest. "Catherine, are you and Mr. West in a relationship?"

Catherine smiled brilliantly, responding with perfect composure: "Yes."

Emilio nodded knowingly, his expression meaningful. "Catherine, not only are your academics excellent, but your standards in choosing a partner are equally high."

At that moment, Philip's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile, accompanied by a soft, mocking laugh.

Emilio suddenly remembered his responsibilities and respectfully invited, "Mr. Foster, Mr. West, if you're not pressed for time, would you like me to show you around campus?"

"I'd be delighted," James eagerly replied, having long hoped for an opportunity to stroll hand-in-hand with Catherine through the campus, experiencing its romantic atmosphere.

Unfortunately, Catherine was always incredibly busy—either immersed in writing research papers or engaged in clinical work.

Philip cautiously glanced at Catherine, who happened to look up at the exact same moment, their gazes meeting.

In that brief exchange of looks, they seemed to reach an unspoken agreement to never again mention that passionate night they had shared.

James held Catherine's hand tightly, his thumb gently caressing her palm.

He leaned down slightly, lowering his voice to whisper in her ear: "Cassie, I really want to kiss you. Let's find somewhere private."

Catherine feigned shyness, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. "Stop it," she said softly. "Mr. Blair and your uncle are still here."

Just as James was about to continue persuading her, his phone rang inopportunely.

He frowned, glanced at the caller ID, and reluctantly answered. "I'm busy right now. Wasn't the meeting scheduled for three?" His expression suddenly changed. "What? You're at University of Medical Light now?"

James instinctively looked back and saw a woman in a blue suit approaching.

Every movement of the woman's curvaceous figure was filled with allure.

She stopped before the group, respectfully nodding to Philip. "Mr. Foster," she said softly.

Philip regarded her impassively, merely offering a simple nod in acknowledgment.

Then, the woman turned to James, addressing him with professional courtesy: "Mr. West, you're scheduled to have lunch with Mr. Wilson. It's time to leave."

This woman was Olivia Brown, James's secretary and his "kitten."

James frowned, clearly displeased. "Olivia, since when does a secretary take it upon herself to arrange my schedule?"

Olivia maintained her composure. "I wouldn't dare, Mr. West. I'm merely reminding you that Mr. Wilson is a very important client who shouldn't be kept waiting."

James clenched his jaw, looking quite unhappy.

"Fine. Wait for me at the entrance," he conceded.

Olivia respectfully nodded, but as she turned to leave, her eyes flashed a challenging look at Catherine.

Olivia thought to herself that Catherine, as the official girlfriend, certainly held less influence than she did as James's secretary.

James turned to Catherine, his face apologetic. "Cassie, I—"

"It's fine," Catherine interrupted him, her slender fingers gently and attentively adjusting his tie. "I know work comes first."

James nodded gratefully, quickly embraced Catherine, then strode away.

Catherine watched James's retreating figure, the smile instantly vanishing from her face, replaced by obvious disgust.

She brushed at the spot where James had embraced her, as if trying to remove something repulsive.

"If you know about his relationship with Olivia, why don't you break up with him?" Philip silently walked up beside her. Emilio had left, leaving the two of them alone.

Philip couldn't suppress his curiosity about Catherine's true intentions. He wanted to understand her calculations.

She clearly knew about James and Olivia's relationship, yet continued to tolerate it.

Even more incomprehensible was her willingness to use her body to revenge an unfaithful boyfriend, even offering her chastity to him.

The sacrifice seemed too great!

Catherine smiled faintly, her smile like a blooming poppy—beautiful yet carrying a deadly allure.

She tilted her head coquettishly, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Uncle Philip, you're becoming curious about me," she teased. "Be careful in the future."

She deliberately drew out the last syllable, her tone playful. "You know what they say—when a man becomes curious about a woman, perhaps love will spark."

Philip's expression immediately turned serious, returning to his customary stern demeanor.

He coldly corrected her: "Ms. Levin, you are not James's wife, so calling me uncle seems inappropriate. Please address me as Mr. Foster in the future."