Novel Palace
Chapter 58
Catrina arrived at Pratt Enterprises with an air of superiority, not bothering to greet anyone. She stood in front of the president’s secretary and stated:
“I have an appointment with Mr. Kyle. Can you let him know I’m here?”
Rebeca rolled her eyes upon seeing her and, without wasting time, called her boss. After receiving confirmation, she said:
“Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Kyle will see you. You may go in.”
Catrina entered the room with elegance and approached the large desk, sitting in front of the man who was looking at his computer screen.
“Dear Kyle, still as handsome as ever,” her voice was sensual and enticing to any man.
Upon hearing her speak, Kyle narrowed his eyes in annoyance. This woman was trouble. He spoke with a harsh tone:
“Speak! What have you come for?”
“Kyle, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m here for business. Our companies in collaboration can dominate the global market.”
Kyle raised his gaze with a warning look.
“I’m not interested in being part of your business. If you have nothing else to say, you can leave my office.”
“You know, in the world of fashion, it’s better to have allies than enemies. Besides, what happened between us is in the past. I come in peace,” Catrina sought a way to enter Kyle’s life, but it seemed he wasn’t going to make it easy.
Kyle burst into a hearty laugh. He found it amusing that this woman had the audacity to come into his office and even try to make threats.
“Do you think I’m interested in forming alliances with you? Well, I’m not! I told you once, and I won’t repeat it. I want you far away from my sight. Now, leave my office.”
Catrina was indignant at how he was treating her. She had speculated that, with her power in the world of luxury fashion marketing and some shares in well-known fashion houses, she would be treated better. She calmly took out a business card from her purse and placed it on his desk.
“Watch your words, darling. You’re not talking to just anyone. I’ll leave you my contact information. Think about it; it’s in your best interest to be on my side. We’ll be seeing each other, Kyle,” she stood up with grace and left his office like a goddess, without acknowledging anyone. A couple of bodyguards were already waiting to escort her.
Kyle tried to calm his anxiety, contemplating the visit of that woman. “This doesn’t bode well. I have to keep my eyes wide open and warn Lin.”
Catrina left the building, and a black car was waiting for her.
“Ma’am, how did it go with Mr. Kyle?” her assistant asked.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
“He refused to listen to me or even look at me, that arrogant fool. It’s going to be harder to get close to him. But soon, he’ll know about me in a way he won’t like. Now, take me to the meeting with my second target.”
Catrina arrived at Maximiliano’s office, entered with coquetry, swaying her hips seductively as she walked to the chair in front of his desk, where she sat.
Maximiliano glanced at every step Catrina took. The day before, his assistant had requested a private meeting with him. Seeing her enter in such a vain manner made him imagine what her trick might be. ‘She thinks I’m stupid enough to fall into her web again.’
“Straight to the point. What have you come for?”
“Love, you don’t have to be defensive. Remember, we have a son together. Tomorrow is the custody hearing for Max. After much thought and for the well-being of our son, I’ve come to propose a deal.”
“First, I’m not your love. I’d appreciate it if you addressed me by my name. Second, I’m not interested in anything that comes from you. My son doesn’t deserve a mother who used him for her own benefit,” he declared with confidence, his displeasure evident in his gaze toward the woman.
“Maximiliano, I don’t deserve to be treated like this. I have changed. Since you took my son away, I’ve suffered for him. I didn’t come back earlier because I was afraid I couldn’t provide the comfort he has with you. But now, I have the means to give him the life he deserves,” she articulated with melancholy. Despite her life of resentment and dominance, in her heart, she longs to have her son. She wants him by her side at any cost.
“My son doesn’t need comfort; he needs a mother’s love, and he won’t find that in you.”
“What do you know about love? You haven’t been the best father in the world. Max needs to grow up in a family. I’m proposing that we get married for the emotional well-being of our son.”
Maximiliano burst into laughter, leaving her surprised.
“Do you really think I’d fall for such stupidity? There’s no way I’m getting entangled with you again.”
“You think a judge will grant custody of a child to a womanizer who has rarely been with him since he was born? He’s practically been raised by a nanny. I have the upper hand. Remember, dear, you stripped me of my motherhood rights under threat.”
“There’s a detail you missed, Catrina. I can’t marry you because I’m already married, and my son has a mother who has raised him since he came into our lives.”
“What? That can’t be,” she stood up furiously. “You’re not taking my son away. Who is that woman?” She was on high alert now. She married an old man for power, and one of her goals was to reclaim her son. She planned to marry Maximiliano to use him in her aspirations.
“Who is she? It’s not your concern. I can only tell you that she’s a noble woman with a better heart than yours. She has loved Max since she first held him, and my son is happy with her.”
“Don’t tell me it’s that stupid girl who works as a nanny. How could you make such an insignificant woman the mother of my son?”
“You sound ridiculous. I wouldn’t let a woman without feelings stay with Max. This conversation isn’t leading us anywhere. It’s better if you leave.”
“This won’t end here. I want my son, and he’ll be with me,” she shouted, full of anger, as she turned her back.
“We’ll see about that,” he exclaimed, watching her disappear through the door.
Catrina stormed out of the office like a wild beast. Now, she would lose the battle in court, but she wants her son no matter what. She’s going to find a way to have him by her side, whether it’s by peaceful means or forceful ones.