The Key

Standing still in her place, what Jason said repeatedly echoed in Catherine's ears. She didn't say anything and at one point, it even surprised Jason Hayes.

Did he say something wrong?

He tried to speak up again but he saw Catherine smiling. This time, her smile didn't seem to be out of courtesy anymore but genuine.

"I'm so glad to hear that, Mr. Hayes," she remarked. "The media criticized me all the time for refusing to represent our nation at international competitions. Sometimes, it's quite troubling and it often makes me wonder if I should just quit judo and focus on business," she honestly said.

Jason Hayes wouldn't have an idea that she was sharing with him the thing that she didn't even tell her father who was the closest person to her. Being a strong woman, she rarely shared her concerns and struggles with others but... hearing how much the Vice-Chairman admired her skill, she just felt the urge to share it with him. It even surprised her as she never felt this way before.

"The media won't understand you, Miss Sage," Jason Hayes responded after thinking about it for a while. "So, don't let yourself be bothered by what they said. If you love judo, just continue playing as you do now. I'm sure that people will still love you and your talent."

"You have such a positive mindset, Mr. Hayes. It's impressive," Catherine Sage commented, making Jason chuckle.

"I think it's Emery's effect. She change a lot since the accident and she also influences me a lot." He laughed and added, "I feel like I have so much to learn from her these days."

Catherine Sage shifted her gaze to Emery who was busy chatting with her fiance. "When she suddenly approach me in the evening, I thought that she was very lovely. It would be great to have a younger sibling like her." She turned back to Jason Hayes and added, "You seem to be a caring brother, Mr. Hayes. I'm an only child but you two make me jealous."

Jason Hayes already heard the same comment from too many people - his friends, business partners, and even his employees at the company. However, hearing it from none other than Catherine Sage gave him a new sense of joy.

"I love Emery a lot," he frankly said. "I grew up looking after her and I can say that my whole world revolves around her."

"That means if anyone wishes to date you, they will have to be good to your sister as it seems like she's the key," Catherine Sage stated, taking Jason Hayes by surprise. Confused, he looked at the National Champion who was still looking at him with a bright smile.

"I was just saying what crossed my mind," she clarified with that smile still on her face. "You see, I can be quite frank at times."

While Jason wondered what Catherine meant by that, the latter said, "I think it will be great to see each other from time to time, Mr. Hayes. I have a feeling that we will understand each other well."

Jason's eyes went wide and he can't even utter a single word!

Who would be in their normal mind after hearing such a thing from the one whom they secretly adored for years?!

Just a few hours ago, he even found it hard to answer when Emery asked him if Catherine knows him. Now, the same Catherine said that they should meet from time to time!

Jason Hayes was scared that Catherine Sage would be suspicious but... nothing like that happened. Instead, Catherine simply smiled at his surprised face and continued with her cooking.

What a relief!

*

Patrick Hayes can't come home early and the Hayes siblings ended up having dinner with just Marcus and Catherine Sage. They had a lively dinner and after that, Catherine Sage even helped Jason with doing the dishes while Emery and Marcus simply spent their time bantering. Finally, it was time for Catherine Sage to go home.

"I'm really grateful for the dinner, Emery," Catherine said while gazing down at Emery who was sitting in the wheelchair. "I will try to visit you again and I hope that you recover soon."

Emery Hayes excitedly nodded. "I'm more grateful to have you here, Miss Sage." She briefly glanced at her brother who was standing beside her and added, "It's a dream come true." Just when Catherine tried to speak up, she quickly said, "Why don't you let my brother drive you home? It's late."

"I bring my car and it will be a hassle for Mr. Hayes to do that. I know he is busy," Catherine replied, looking at Jason Hayes with a friendly smile on her face.

"He said that he is not busy for the rest of the day," Emery Hayes insisted and looked up at her troubled brother once again. "Right, Jason?"

Showing his sister a warning gaze that didn't work, Jason Hayes inwardly sighed and shifted his gaze to Catherine. "It's late, Miss Sage. It would be rude of me to let you go home alone. Needless to say, if you're okay with it."

Catherine Sage looked at Emery's hopeful smile before she nodded at the Vice-Chairman. "Alright. Let me thank you in advance then, Mr. Hayes."

With that said, the two left the mansion with Jason driving Catherine's car while his driver followed them driving his car. Once they see them off, Marcus Pierre quickly turned to his fiancee.

"You have become more and more unpredictable, Emery Hayes," he pointed out. "Why are you doing that?"

Raising her brows, Emery Hayes looked at her fiance. "You don't know? Are you a fool not to see through it?" Her tone was quite playful and it made Marcus sigh.

"The fact that you invited the CEO of Sage Security for dinner is already confusing to me," he honestly stated. "I don't even know that you know her."

"Who said that I know her?" Emery said with a chuckle. "It's my first time seeing her today."

Marcus Pierre blinked at his fiancee's words. It's the first time yet she invited her for dinner?!

Had his fiancee gone crazy?!