Demoted!

"Is this the time for a joke?" Katherine asked, pulling her hands away from his before walking out on him.

She went straight to her father's office and without waiting for his permission, she opened the door and walked in.

Before he could speak, she was quick to say hers. "Father, what is this about? Why am I demoted for no reason?"

Mr. Maxwell sighed before replying, "The decision was made by the board of directors. You know that I can't do anything about it because I am in no position to."

Seeing his attempt to act concerned, she chuckled. His acting had definitely improved!

"The board of directors? That is not possible! A decision can't be made without my presence since I am also a member of the board of directors!"

"Katherine–"

"You don't have to try helping me, after all you are in no position to," she cut him off. "I will make sure I don't get demoted. If they still insist, I will only agree to their decision if they give me a valid reason that the shareholders will accept," she informed him, sounding as if she was up for a challenge.

Mr. Maxwell was surprised by her newfound bravery and attitude. This was not the Katherine that he used to know– a lady, who would accept any decision made by him or the company as if she had no choice.

"Ahem, I forgot to ask, what is the reason for my demotion?" About to leave his office, she inquired with a faint smile on her face.

Mr. Maxwell, who had been silent, replied with a pale expression. "According to the board of directors, they said you won't be able to carry out your duty as the vice-chairwoman since you are married."

Just as she thought, another lame excuse to put her aside. This time, she will no longer be the timid lady that endured all things thrown at her. She will fight back even though she knew she might never get a chance to win.

"Oh, I see," she said and left.

On her way out of Mr. Maxwell's office, Annabella stopped her.

"Katherine, what are you going to do about your demotion?" Annabella asked mockingly.

"Shouldn't it be, will I allow you to take what is rightfully mine?" Katherine corrected her.

Katherine did not wait for Annabella to give her a response before she walked away.

She headed into her office, only to meet Eric there. He was going through the piles of documents on her desk.

"What is the meaning of this? Why are you invading my privacy?" She asked angrily.

Eric chuckled at her reaction before he turned to face her. "I am just helping my wife."

"Did I ask for your help?"

"You didn't and that is why I am helping you," Eric, who understood Mr. Maxwell intention, replied calmly.

He would have her frustrate him rather than being frustrated by anything or people around her. He continued going through the files until he found something!

"Bingo!"

"What is it?" She asked, curious about his excitement.

Eric raised his gaze to stare at her before giving her a document, which she went through immediately.

Confused about what this document was about, she asked, "What is this document about? What business does Crawford group have with Dayton group?"

"I can't think of anything aside from your father's ambition. He will do anything to get into the UBG, including collaborating with Crawford," Eric explained calmly.

"Collaboration? Didn't your family promise to help the Dayton group enter the UBG?" She asked, seeking further clarification.

Eric hesitated before replying, "I don't think that might be possible as my grandfather is on his sick bed, almost like he is going to die soon. Without my grandfather's order, the UBG president won't allow any company entrance."

Wow! She didn't see this coming. How far will Mr. Maxwell go just to satisfy his selfish interest? Marry her off? Make her work like a slave? Or push her into an impossible deal with the Crawford group?

'They still see me as that naive lady that had always stayed quiet. This time, I will show them I no longer am,' she muttered to herself.

She turned to Eric. "Honey," she called out.

"Yes?"

"Thank you for helping me out," her lips parted, almost as if those words were going to tear her lips apart.

He chuckled at the way she thanked him shyly. He knew her pride wouldn't allow her to apologize or show appreciation easily.

"Just thank you?" His brow knotted as he asked, expecting her to understand what he meant.

"Uh? What else should I say?"

Hoping Katherine's resentment wouldn't overshadow the help he just rendered her, he suggested, "Let's go on a date. I would take it as you are appreciating me, so don't turn me down this time."

"Since we're not busy and I am also hungry, why not go now?" She suggested.

He gasped softly at her words and quickly rearranged the documents.

After he was done, he replied, "Sure. Let's get going."

Meanwhile, Annabella and Mr. Maxwell were engaged in a heated argument.

"Uncle, don't tell me you are going to let her keep her position just because she said a few words? When will you stop acting soft on that damn girl?" Annabella asked angrily, pacing the office.

Mr. Maxwell let go of the last document he was going through before he turned to face Annabella.

"I have told you countless times, be patient and allow me to do this!"

"Be patient? How can I when Katherine clearly has the upper hand? I even heard she was here with Eric and wants to collaborate with Crawford!" She said, rubbing her temple.

She felt frustrated just by the thought of Eric following Katherine around as if he was her bodyguard.

"Collaborate with Crawford? That can't happen. His uncle would rather give out his money to charity rather than collaborate with her."

Confused at what her uncle meant, she walked closer to him, wanting to hear more.

"Uncle, what do you mean?"

Mr. Maxwell, who knew it was only a matter of time before Annabella finds out, replied, "Katherine is not from a poor family. Years ago, her uncle asked me to swap her with a dead body. He owes me a debt and I am sure he will gladly pay me by getting rid of Katherine!"