Valerie's expression twisted in disbelief. "Wait, what's going on here!"

Dylan's reputation was notorious, and people usually avoided business trips with him. The person with the lowest performance rating—who was to be Dylan's travel buddy—was a man, so there were no issues there. How on earth did Katherine end up joining him?

Valerie had only been absent that weekend, and this happened.

"Valerie, it's my fault," the new girl said, still shaken from Isabel's attack. "I closed three car deals last month, but somehow my report got messed up. Mr. Hart chewed me out, saying it could have cost the company over $20,000."

Valerie muttered, "It's the finance department's job to check the report. Dylan can't boss you around."

The new girl was upset. "I wish you were there with me yesterday, Valerie. I didn't have the guts to stand up to Mr. Hart, but I really don't want to go on a trip with him. I heard he's creepy with women on trips Katherine said she took my place to protect me. She says she knows kickboxing, and Mr. Hart wouldn't dare touch her."

Valerie frowned. Katherine was always bold, but this was next-level. Even if she knew how to fight, what if things escalated? Dylan wasn't exactly known for respecting boundaries. If something happened, it could get messy.

Valerie hurriedly dialed Katherine's number, relieved when she finally answered. There was noise in the background.

"Katherine, where are you? Did Dylan do anything to you?" Valerie's voice was tense with concern.

"Valerie!" Katherine recognized her voice and laughed. "Relax, everything's fine. Dylan wouldn't dare mess with me, or I'll make sure he learns some manners."

Valerie finally let out a sigh of relief. "Katherine, why's it so loud over there?"

Katherine glanced around and explained, "Oh, a big-shot coal boss ordered a bunch of cars. He's throwing a group wedding for three couples of his employees, and they're short on help. They asked me to step in as a temporary bridesmaid. It's pretty lively here. I'll hang around until the banquet starts, then maybe grab a bite to eat."

Valerie felt better knowing there was a crowd around. With so many people, even if Dylan had any bad ideas, he wouldn't dare act on them.

Just as Valerie was about to say more, a sudden commotion erupted outside the lobby.

Katherine listened in confusion. "Valerie, what's going on over there?"

Not wanting to worry her, Valerie downplayed it. "Oh, just my coworkers messing around."

But the noise sounded serious. Katherine hesitated, debating whether to call Valerie back later, when suddenly Dylan, who had been mingling with the coal boss, appeared behind her.

"Why are you calling Valerie?" he asked.

Katherine jumped at his sudden voice. Seeing it was Dylan, she frowned and stayed quiet.

He kept pushing.

"Hey, hold up!" Dylan clinked his glass, stopping Katherine. "Did Valerie trash-talk me again? That girl's got a mouth on her."

Katherine grinned back, not buying it. "You don't need anyone to badmouth you. We all know who you are."

Dylan's face burned with anger. "You've got some sharp words for someone so young. Careful you don't end up alone!"

"Dylan, I'm just here to work. If you're not happy, just kick me out. But don't think I'm interested in you. Besides, I've got a sweet boyfriend. Even if I don't end up getting married, that's my problem, not yours!"

With that, Katherine strutted off as the wedding ceremony started, needing her as a bridesmaid. She took to the stage, throwing a bit of shade Dylan's way. "Must be bad luck having you here on such a happy occasion!"

Dylan was unable to come up with a comeback as he watched Katherine walk away.

His eyes wandered to Katherine's slim waist, her sharp words contrasting with her stunning figure. Thoughts of Valerie flashed through Dylan's mind, followed by Katherine's harsh remarks. His brow furrowed; a sinister grin spread across his face. He needed to figure out a way to get Katherine in her place.