388 Identity 1

Monday, November 12

The day came when Damien's company, Crown Resort Group, held a meeting with the project bidders from different companies. Katherine woke up alone in bed and after washing up, she went to join the rest in the kitchen. She had gotten used to seeing security in her penthouse as Damien had arranged a rotation of men to stay with them. Felix would mostly be with her if Damien wasn't around. 

"Have you seen Damien?" she asked while grabbing a mug to make herself some warm chocolate.

"He stepped out an hour ago to change. He said he'll be back soon," Amelia answered as she finished up her food at the breakfast bar. "Aren't you going out today too?"

"Yeah, I have to go to the company and see my boss." She scrunched up her nose, imagining what Michael Price would say to her when she would meet him later.

Just then, footsteps were heard from the side, catching their attention. Damien strolled in, clad in a business suit—a tailored three-piece suit in navy blue. He went straight to Katherine and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning."

She stopped wondering where he always disappeared to, in the morning, and coming back already dressed. He must have a secret mobile closet somewhere nearby where he hid stuff and could change his outfit anytime he wanted. Like Mojacko or something. Weird thought but Katherine hadn't eaten her breakfast yet so her mind wasn't at its best at the moment. "What time do you need to be in the office?" she asked—her voice was still hoarse at seven in the morning.

Damien glanced at his classic Patek Philippe watch while keeping his other arm rested around her waist. "In an hour. I still need to be at the regular Monday meeting. Are you joining the bidders meeting later?"

"I don't know yet. I have to ask if I should be there. What do you think?"

"It doesn't matter to me. I mean it would be nice if you would come of course. But if you don't feel like going, it's fine too. I just want to remind you that all of the bidders are going to be there. I'm sure they wouldn't do anything to you but there might be stares."

"What time did you say it starts?"

"At ten. Conference room three at the hotel." He took the mug of hot chocolate from Katherine's hand and took a sip. "Mine tastes better," he remarked as he gave the mug back to her.

"Yeah… I don't know how you do it. I need you to teach me." She nursed the mug in her hands, her lips pursed in a thin line as she stared at the chocolate liquid in her cup.

"Next time. I have to go. I'll see you later." Damien hooked his finger under her chin, tilting her head up and kissing her on the lips before letting her go. "Take care," he heard her say.

"Hold up, Damien…" Amelia caught up to her son and handed him a ceramic travel mug. "Here, I made you coffee. Good luck."

…

Almost two hours later, Katherine received a phone call just as she was getting ready to leave. Looking at the caller ID, she picked it up as soon as she saw Michael Price's name on the screen. "Mr. Price," she answered, combing her hair simultaneously. 

"President Young told me to pick you up on the way. You're coming with us to the meeting." The sound of car horn was heard from the background as Michael spoke.

"I am? Is that really okay?"

"Probably not the best choice but you're already part of this team. Whether our rivals like it or not, they would be seeing you from now on. It would be best to get used to it."

"I was going to ask my aunt about it… but okay. I'll go then."

"Good. I'll be out front in ten minutes. Bring your files."

"Yes, sir." 

When the call ended, Katherine hurriedly fixed her outfit. Wearing a navy blue suit over a sheer black top, she pulled the sleeves to her elbows and wore a pair of black stilettos. She looked edgy on her business casual look, not even realizing that she was matching Damien's clothes. 

She grabbed her purse and some folders before leaving the penthouse. Soon, she was in Michael Price's car with the team and they headed to Crown Hotel. There were five of them including her. The ride was quiet except for Price's last-minute reminders.

Once they arrived, they entered the hotel and made their way towards the meeting venue. Reaching the end of the hallway of the second floor where conference room three was located, Katherine turned to face her colleagues. "Before we go inside… I just want to apologize for the trouble I've caused. I'm sorry." She bowed to them.

"It's not your fault so there's no need to apologize," Michael Price said and the others chimed in response, agreeing with him. "Come on, the meeting is about to start." They moved towards the double doors and entered the room.

Feeling like she was carrying a huge boulder on her, Katherine squared her shoulders and raised her chin up. Just like what she expected, heads turned to her direction, and eyes were giving her stares as she walked towards their assigned seats. But that didn't faze her. She kept her head held high and ignored the unwanted looks that were thrown her way.

The only good thing there was in this situation was that these people were all professionals. So even if they bore hatred or disdain towards her, all they could really do was stare—probably give her dirty looks or quietly whisper but that's all. Nothing that could really harm her. Since everyone was looking, she might as well smile and stay pretty. That would annoy them more.

Damien was at the long table that was set up on stage sitting next to Caleb and a few other CRG employees. As soon as Katherine entered the double doors, he watched her until she sat down while keeping his poker face in place and suppressing the urge to smile at her cheekiness. Subtly, he sent her a text message.

[Baby Bear: You look beautiful.]

Katherine read the text from Damien and she had to bite her inner cheek. Without glancing at him, she sent her reply seconds later.

[Katherine: I know. And you look delectable. Don't smile. Lots of women here.]

Damien couldn't help himself—the corners of his mouth twitched a little.

[Baby Bear: I doubt anyone would dare make a move on me with you in the room. Especially not with you matching my outfit. You're so bold, Kitten.]

Reading the new text message, Katherine's eyes flitted to Damien—who nonchalantly avoided her gaze and kept his eyes on his phone—and then down to her clothes. That's when she realized that she had unknowingly chosen the same color. She was pretty sure that others noticed it too. Great. Just great.

She was about to compose her reply when she received another text message.

[Unknown: Watch your back.]

Katherine straightened in her seat upon reading the text. She whipped her head around but didn't see anyone suspicious. Just then, Caleb's voice came through the speakers as he opened the meeting, requesting everyone to keep their devices in silent mode and give their undivided attention.