Chapter 244: Slander

As the room cleared, Katherine's frosty demeanor melted into a smile. "Bet you didn't see that coming?" "I've been transferred to King City. Looks like we're citymates now. Meeting up just got a whole lot easier," Katherine boasted, a smirk playing on her lips. Henry, trapped in the awkwardness of the moment, could only muster a bitter smile. "Katherine, let's get one thing straight—we're just friends. And I've told you before, I'm married. I can't be involved with another woman. So, you're really just wasting your time on me." "I even told your mom I'd hook you up with a decent guy if I bumped into one." "When did I ever suggest we were more than friends? Plus, my move to King City is all about the job—it's hardly about you. Don't kid yourself. And my personal life? That's for me to worry about, not you." "Uh..." "Fine, let's pretend I never said anything." Henry was exasperated, feeling the tension headache forming. "How can we just ignore what you said? Those words alone reveal a guilty conscience. To put it plainly, you must have feelings for me, too!" "I didn't!" Henry quickly waved his hands in denial. Truth be told, facing a beauty like Katherine, Henry found himself utterly at a loss and unable to resist. "Hmph, I don't care. Your nightmare starts now. A man eyed by me can't escape my grasp," she declared with a defiant air. "And since I'm on official duty, I'll spare you the chit-chat. Call you after work to invite me to dinner?" Katherine proposed, her tone leaving little room for refusal. "Dinner?" Henry looked incredulous. "Weren't you the one who promised?" Katherine countered. "You said if I ever came to King City, you'd treat me to a grand feast." "Alright, I did say that, and I promised. So, tonight, I'll even invite your parents, consider it a welcome celebration," Henry conceded. "Whatever, it's not like they can control me anyway," Katherine responded, her pride evident. Henry was left speechless. "Alright then, I won't keep you. I'll be on my way. Wait for my call," Katherine said, noticing Henry's dismayed expression, her heart filled with glee. With that, she turned and left the security room. "Hey, Katherine, didn't expect you to actually make it to King City," Zane greeted her as she exited. "Of course, who can resist what I want?" she boasted. "Now that I'm working in King City, Tiger of King City, better not let me catch you slipping." "Please, Katherine, don't say that. You're scaring me," Zane quickly replied, waving his hands in mock terror. "Alright, see you later. I'm heading back," Katherine said, and walked away. "Bro, who would've thought the proud ice queen would actually come to King City…" Zane and Daisy returned to the security room once Katherine had left. "Dammit, Zane, why'd you leave?" Henry exclaimed, looking utterly defeated. "Bro, if I hadn't left, wouldn't that have been even less tactful?" Zane retorted. "Just great, you know how much trouble Katherine being here in King City means for me?" Henry said, exasperated. "Ah... I really can't help you with this one, bro. You're on your own," Zane responded, shaking his head in sympathy. "What are you guys talking about?" Daisy asked, puzzled. "Henry, is this some kind of love debt you owe?" "Oh, come on... Really can't be bothered with you two anymore." As Henry spoke, he stood up, and just before leaving, he turned back to Daisy, "Pick a few apartments from our properties to keep. Zane will fill you in on the details. I have to go now." Meanwhile, it was business as usual for Sophie, who headed off to work at Mitchell Cosmetics Corporation, only to be immediately summoned to a meeting upon arrival. In the meeting room, besides The Mitchell's shareholders, there was an unfamiliar face seated between Joseph and Gabriel—none other than Axel. "Alright, now that we're all here, let's begin," Joseph announced as soon as Sophie sat down. "Let me introduce everyone to Mr. Axel, the head of an international investment firm. You may recognize him as the former king of Borealia who went abroad for personal reasons. He's now worth billions and has returned to contribute to our nation." Applause broke out as Joseph finished, with everyone except Sophie regarding Axel as a financial deity. "Thank you, everyone. I chose to invest in The Mitchell because I see tremendous potential here. I believe it can become a top enterprise in Borealia and even the whole country," Axel said with a smile. "Mr. Trelawney will be injecting thirty billion into our company initially. Of course, he has his conditions," Joseph said, beaming with respect. Gabriel, clearing his throat, proudly added, "Mr. Trelawney's condition for investing is that we immediately cease our collaborations with Royal Entertainment Media Group and Lumin Sky Group." "Why?" Sophie immediately questioned, her face full of skepticism. "It's simple," Gabriel replied coldly. "These partnerships have always had them leading us by the nose. It's not in the best interest of our company or family." "I disagree," Sophie stated firmly. "Our collaborations with both Royal Entertainment Media Group and Lumin Sky Group are flourishing. Terminating these contracts unilaterally would not only result in substantial penalties but also damage The Mitchell's reputation." Her statement sparked murmurs among the attendees, with a few nodding in agreement with Sophie. Seeing this, Gabriel coldly retorted, "Sophie, your objections seem more self-serving than in the family or company's interest." "What do you mean?" Sophie's expression chilled. "It's as clear as a glass of water. You're in charge of these projects. How much have you benefited from them? Don't think we're all in the dark!" "Gabriel, you're slandering me. I've always acted in the family's best interest and never taken a penny that wasn't mine," Sophie retorted, her face pale with anger. "Hmm, seems like you won't see reason until it's too late. I've heard you sent people to extort Royal Entertainment Media Group and Lumin Sky Group today!" "What? Unable to gain benefits, so you resort to such despicable acts? Was it your useless husband's idea?" "Gabriel, you're talking nonsense!" Sophie, trembling with rage, shot back, "You're trying to push me out of the company and the family using such baseless accusations. Do you believe I won't sue you for slander?"