Breaking Free, Loving Again -The Flash Marriage with Mr. CEO novel Chapter 481

The hall froze.

Everyone halted to listen intently, as if trying their best not to miss even a single detail.

"She is our leader," Philip continued, "who has not just guided our company but us with precision and vision for the last five years, choosing to remain behind the scenes until now. Tonight, she stands here not just as a name … but as the strength behind Davies Internationals."

If anyone had doubts before, they were all shattered now.

With just a few words, Philip had confirmed Arwen's identity to everyone, leaving no room for speculation.

The room erupted in quiet gasps, murmurs, applause —and disbelief.

But more than anyone, Catrin was the most shaken. Her ears rang, her thoughts tangled into a mess of disbelief and anger.

Five years?

Arwen had been working at Davies Internationals for five years?

How was that even possible?

She hadn't known which only meant —Arwen had done all of this … behind her back.

How dare she?

"Mrs. Quinn!"

A soft voice snapped her out of her daze. Catrin turned to see a woman approaching, elegantly dressed, her expression glowing with admiration.

"You must be really proud today," the woman said, her smile warm as her gaze shifted to Arwen at a distance, talking to notable figures of their society with a practiced ease. "Your daughter is so capable. Not only is she beautiful, but she has achieved the kind of success most men only dream of. You must have raised her well."

Catrin's fingers clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms. She forced herself to smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Proud? Heh!

She wanted to scoff.

She would have been proud —if Arwen had walked the path, she had so carefully prepared for her.

She would have been proud if her daughter had been obedient. Respectful. Grateful.

She would have been proud if Arwen hadn't gone behind her back, overstepped her bounds, and rebelled.

Like the day she ended her engagement with Ryan without her consent.

Like the day she walked out of the family —severing ties without looking back.

And now today —standing in the very place she never belonged, wearing the power like it was made for her.

Why?

Why was Arwen so intent on defying her?

Catrin's jaw tightened without realizing, her fury simmering just beneath the surface.

"Mrs. Quinn?" the woman asked again, concern lacing her voice now.

Catrin Quinn. _{ƒгeewёbnovel.com}