Under the Heiress' Facade

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No matter which incident it was, whatever the Chime family was involved in was never a good thing. "I've already told you my end of the deal. The rest is up to you." Hera stroked Tiramisu and shrugged. Augustus didn't give a clear answer. "I'll go back and check first."

He needed to see if the documents were still there.

"Goodbye," Hera bid coldly.

Augustus turned to Catherine. "Can we talk?"

The next patient hadn't arrived yet. Catherine looked at Hera. Seeing that Hera didn't object, she went outside with Augustus.

The driver quickly opened the door when Augustus and Catherine stepped out. Augustus wanted to invite Catherine into the car to sit down and talk, but she declined.

"I have more patients later, so I can't stay for long. Whatever you need to say, just do it here," Catherine said as if she were speaking to a stranger. Augustus felt a pang of disappointment. "Catherine, it's been so long. You've changed, yet somehow, you haven't changed at all. I'm happy to see you have your own clinic. Congratulations on achieving your dream.

"I still remember when you told me you wanted to open an alternative medicine clinic of your own. Back then, we—"

"I'm sorry, but my next patient is about to arrive, and I don't have time to talk about the past. If there's nothing urgent, I'll be heading back in," Catherine interrupted, not wanting to hear more. She turned to leave.

Augustus quickly grabbed her arm. "I'm sorry, Catherine."

Catherine paused.

Years ago, they parted on bad terms. She had waited for him to come back and apologize so that she could forgive him. She was prepared to be with him no matter what his family said. But in the end, what she got was news of his marriage to Priscilla.

Now, decades later, hearing those words stirred emotions within her. She turned to look at him.

Augustus wanted to say more, but

he found himself saying, "I heard that Priscilla caused you trouble recently. I'm sorry about that. Please don't take it to heart. You know how she is... strong-willed and fierce, but she doesn't mean any harm..."

Catherine had thought he was going to explain himself, but his words only left her disappointed.

She shook off Augustus' hand. "I don't know what her intention was. But if the Chime family wants a fight, come after me. Just leave Hera out of it."

Augustus could see how much

Catherine cared for Hera and

apologized again, "I'm truly sorry.

promise keep the Chime family in

check and make sure they don't

cause any more harm to you or your

family.

S

"We're both old now, with one foot in the grave. Each time we meet might be one of the last. Whether it's for peace or collaboration, can we at least be friends again?"

Catherine was moved. "Can you promise the Chime family won't trouble Hera again?"

"I promise!" Augustus swore.

Catherine nodded. "Alright."

Augustus smiled.

But they didn't know a paparazzo had captured their interaction and sent the photos to Priscilla.