Chapter 158 - Judgemental Eyes

"Nana… Happy birthday," Katherine said in a soft tone, her voice sounded so angelic that Nana's heart fluttered upon hearing it.

"Oh, you sweet child." Nana patted Katherine's back before pulling away.

Damien arrived and pulled Nana in for a hug, giving her a genuine smile as he greeted, "Happy birthday, Nana." He kissed his grandmother's cheek.

"Look at you together. Your father would be so proud to see you happy and with a beautiful woman like Katherine. Will I be expecting any great-grandchildren soon?" Nana asked without hesitation. 

Her question might seem quite ordinary for most people would think it was quite natural for a grandmother to ask for great-grandchildren, just like how parents would ask for grandchildren. However, hearing this question from the Madame of the Park Family held a lot of weight. The guests who heard her question began to think highly of Katherine.

For Madame Park to request this, not only was she giving her blessing to Katherine but she was openly welcoming her into the Park Family. This woman whom Damien brought was not to be trifled with. If anything, the guests thought they should start praising her. They'll do anything to get on Damien's good side.

Katherine's eyes widened upon hearing Nana's sudden question. Why would she ask that now and here of all places? She could feel her scalp burning from all the stares that everyone else was giving her.

Sensing her discomfort, Damien placed a hand on the small of her back and was about to respond to his grandmother when Frederick Park appeared as if right on cue. 

"Mother, how could you ask that of them? This Miss is Damien's secretary, she's just here to accompany him to the party," he answered in a monotonous voice, unafraid of what people might think. He had noticed everyone's expression and he wanted to put a stop to whatever they had in mind. "You look beautiful, Mother." Frederick Park gave his mother a kiss on the cheek.

Somewhere in the crowd, Lexi chuckled and happily took a sip from her wine as she watched how everyone was now glaring disapprovingly at Katherine. Did this lowly secretary think that she could get inside the Park Family very easily?

Hearing what the current head of the Park Family said, the guests' opinions about Katherine suddenly took a sharp turn. From the admiration that they had towards her earlier, most of the guests now thought that it was such a scandalous affair, immediately thinking that Katherine was only in it for the money.

Women who were after rich bachelor's money was not something new to them — after all, Damien Park was a billionaire with huge influence and almost everyone in the room was there not only to celebrate Nana's birthday but to try and get close to him. This was a fact that Damien knew but because he loves his grandmother very much, he was willing to go through the night in a room filled with leeches.

He was pissed with his uncle for his sudden interruption and the condescending manner in which he announced to everyone about Katherine's position in his company. Almost instantly, Damien clarified in a stern voice, "Indeed, Katherine is currently my secretary. But I have known her for years before she even started working in my company." His hand slid to her waist and pulled her closer to him as though he was showing how protective he was of her. 

"She is here as my girlfriend," he said briefly but his voice punctuated his every purpose.

Because Damien had unabashedly claimed Katherine in front of many people, the guests' opinions about her wavered again. They looked at Damien and saw an accomplished man. When their gaze landed on Katherine, they studied her and saw how she stood next to him – she stood tall and not feebly, proud and not quivering, and most notable of all, there was an air of elegance around her that was evident even when they learned of her 'role' in the Crown Resort Group. 

In an instant, Damien and Katherine looked like a formidable couple. It was strange yet somewhat natural-looking as though they didn't even have to try.

Realizing her son Frederick's dislike towards Damien's girlfriend, Nana couldn't help but sigh silently before she added, "I personally invited Katherine tonight. She and I are friends and I am happy that she accepted my invitation and is here."

The butler came and whispered something to Nana. Then, she walked towards the middle of the room and announced with a gentle smile on her face, "Well, as the young ones say these days – Let's get this party started!" 

As soon as she said that, the jazz band started playing music and servers came inside the spacious living room with trays and trays of drinks and food. The guests' attention steered away from Damien and Katherine as they enjoyed the night's party.

"Well that was… eventful," Katherine took a long swig of champagne. She could feel her feet getting all sweaty from what just happened.

Damien trailed his fingers down her arm before gripping her waist and drawing his lips above her ear, his hot breath brushing against her skin as he spoke in a low and raspy-whispery voice, "Honey, I love you... but I'm not a fan when you're drunk. So, ease up on the alcohol." He kissed her temple.

Katherine instantly blushed and gulped because of their sudden proximity. His voice, his touch, and intoxicating smell shot jolts of electricity through her abdomen and down her core. She swore by all unholy spirits that Damien just made her underwear wet. How was it possible that he had this much effect on her even after they had rolled over the bed plenty of times?

She cleared her throat and slightly pulled away to make some gap. "I didn't know you could get drunk with champagne."

"Believe me, this sparkling wine can get you drunk faster," he chuckled. "Though… I'm kind of interested in the effect that it would have on you when you're slightly buzzed…" he raised a brow paired with a sexy smirk dancing on his lips.

Feeling playful, Katherine turned to face him. "Tell me, Mr. Park… Are you actually looking forward to it?"

The darkness of his eyes bored into Katherine, making her feel the heat creeping up on her nape. He leaned forward and whispered to her ear so that only the two of them could hear, "Trust me, my love… Once this party is over and I get you home, I need you to be sober for the things that I want to do to you."

As though Katherine was mesmerized, she blurted in a breathy voice, "Yeah? And what are those?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" he teased. "Drink moderately and I will reward you well… I can tell you one thing though– It involves you without clothes on," he said just before he pulled away and excused himself to get them some cocktail food.

As soon as Damien was gone, Alianna appeared by her side. "Ooh girl, you're going to get it tonight, aren't you?" she wiggled her brows.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Katherine took another sip of her champagne in an attempt to shake off the obvious thirst that might be on her face.

"Heh— You can't fool me, Kath. I've never seen Damien act like that in a room full of people like this. He just couldn't keep his hands off you and I'm saying this because I know my cousin. And Damien Park doesn't do PDA." Alianna put a Zucchini bite in her mouth.

"You're saying it like it's a good thing… is it?" Katherine wondered if public displays of affection were okay.

"Are you kidding? Of course. Especially if you're dating my cousin. You need to show everyone you and Damien are really in love. I know at least half of the people in this room who are ought to get him or have their daughters marry into the family."

"Doesn't that leave a bad taste though? I mean… for some, it may be inappropriate…"

"Babe, it's the modern world. You need to stake your claim or someone will think you're not capable and worthy to stand next to Damien." Alianna nodded to a group of women in their twenties across the room who were giving Katherine a deadly glare.