After finishing her conversation with the wealthy man, Naomi Catherine called a taxi and returned home alone. Initially, Catherine thought her situation with Liam Claude could end simply, but now it was proving to be far from easy.
As Catherine was unlocking her door, suddenly a group of reporters from various media outlets rushed toward her from behind, snapping photos, recording, and thrusting microphones for interviews. Catherine was caught off guard by the curiosity and relentless ambition of the journalists.
In an instant, Catherine knew it was Annie who had provided her address and summoned these reporters. Liam Claude knew Catherine's ultimate limit, so he wouldn't dare to stoop so low.
The people outside her door pushed and shoved, arguing to get a glimpse of Catherine's private life. They paid no attention to her well-being, only caring about sensational answers for headlines. Catherine felt like she was trapped in a frenzied crowd, being pulled into an inescapable chase.
"Why are you doing this, Catherine?" A reporter barged in, shoving a microphone in her face. "Are you really manipulating Liam Claude, threatening him to replace Annie?"
Catherine stood there, eyes burning with anger and frustration. She couldn't control the situation and was overwhelmed by the harassment of those around her.
"Did you cause Liam Claude to betray Annie? Are you the one responsible for all the trouble in his relationship with her?" Another journalist pressed forward, asking uncontrollable questions.
Catherine felt trapped in a nightmare, unable to escape. She stared blankly, trying to contain the emotions boiling inside her.
As the reporters jostled for better pictures, Catherine struggled to get into her house after being overwhelmed by the press mob. She took a deep, shaky breath and tried to steady herself before facing what awaited her inside.
But as she stepped in, the feeling of collapse was indescribable when she saw Liam Claude and Annie standing facing each other, Claude's strong arms wrapped around Annie's waist. They had been waiting for Catherine to return home, and that made her feel like she had fallen into a trap.
"Come here, Catherine!" Liam Claude's voice was cold and bitter.
"She's back as expected, Claude. Look, she's being pointed at like a troublemaker." Annie leaned against Liam Claude's chest, looking up at Catherine with a challenging smile.
Catherine breathed heavily, feeling a frantic whirlwind in her mind. She knew she couldn't avoid this confrontation. "Annie, you're good at this. You've managed the situation well," she uttered, trying to maintain her composure.
Liam Claude sneered, "Really? But it seems she's performed well too. And you, what's left for you now other than the title of relationship wrecker?"
Annie laughed loudly, sowing doubt in Catherine's soul. "Last night, hearing your threats, I was so scared... But Catherine, you're just an inferior assistant, while I'm a hot, famous model. Reporters have captured moments of Claude and me dating several times. Today it's my turn to ask you. Who do you think people will believe?"
"More accurately, for how many years apart from being an artist's assistant. You have absolutely no identity."
Desperate, Catherine tried to defend her dignity and love, "Enough! I once loved you, Liam Claude, but now I feel trapped in a never-ending battle. I've done everything for love, but now I realize I've been a pawn in your game. I give up, you've deceived me."
Liam Claude chuckled awkwardly, "Give up? What will you do after giving up? Remember, last night, you were the one forcing me. I'm just protecting myself with Annie."
