When she stepped out of the bathroom, her mother was sitting on the sofa. Noticing the faint smell of alcohol on her, her mother frowned slightly.

"Catherine, have you been drinking?"

Catherine tried her best to appear composed.

"Mom, I couldn't avoid having a couple of drinks with clients at dinner. Why aren't you resting yet?"

Her mother let out a sigh. "I don't know why, but I've been feeling so anxious tonight. I couldn't relax until I saw you home safe."

"Catherine, try to drink less in the future, and don't stay out so late. Your father is still in the hospital, and I only have you by my side. If anything happens to you.."Her mother's voice trailed off, heavy with worry.

Catherine's mother wiped away her tears.

The company had gone bankrupt and was acquired by her brother-in-law's family. Her husband was hospitalized, leaving them with a mountain of debt. Even her daughter had been dragged into the mess, forced to abandon her studies. The weight of these troubles had built up over the past three years, and not a single night had passed where she could sleep peacefully.

But her daughter had already suffered enough. She couldn't add to her burden.

"Drinking on an empty stomach isn't good for you. Let me make you some honey tea, " her mother said softly before leaving the room.

Catherine sat on the sofa, her thoughts a tangled mess.

Since coming home, she had considered quitting her current job.

But then she saw her mother like this and thought of her father, still waiting for treatment in the hospital.

With only a high school diploma, finding a decent job was nearly impossible. Until she found a new job, she had no choice but to keep going as she was.

After finishing the honey tea, Catherine returned to her room and turned on her laptop.

Besides her main job, she had been submitting resumes online and taking on freelance gigs wherever she could, doing everything possible to make money.

Once she sent off the proposal the client had requested, she rubbed her temples, exhaustion washing over her. Unable to fight it any longer, she fell asleep at her desk.

---

After the incident at the Nightshade Lounge, Mr. Lin felt uneasy. Although Jerrold hadn't said anything directly, word of the event had spread. Many were now speculating about the situation between him and Jerrold, which had indirectly affected negotiations between the Lindsey Group and several of their partners.

Because of this, Mr. Lin arranged another meeting with Jerrold to sincerely apologize.

This time, he had come fully prepared.

Over the years, Jerrold was known for keeping his personal life private, never seen with a woman on his arm. Yet, that one time, he had stepped in to protect Catherine. It was clear that she was different in his eyes.

Thinking of this, Mr. Lin glanced at the man beside him, who gave him a confirming nod.

"Don't worry, Mr. Lin. Everything has been arranged. There won't be any mistakes this time."