Breaking Free, Loving Again -The Flash Marriage with Mr. CEO novel Chapter 382

Beca didn't need to ask to know that Catrin was behind it all.

Her words came firm and confident, as if Catrin's acceptance to confirm her assumption was unnecessary.

Yes —assumption.

Zenith didn't know it all. All she knew was that recently, Catrin Quinn has been calling Ryan a lot, many times than necessary.

And that was all Beca needed to know to understand the whole picture she had been suspecting.

After all, as Catrin said, they hadn't known each other for a day or two. Their friendship goes more than three decades back. Although there were a few things she didn't know about Catrin, there were also many things she knew about Catrin.

And one of such things about her was …

Her stubbornness.

Catrin was too stubborn —so much so that she would rather destroy everything she had built, everything she loved, than let go of her pride.

"Beca, what are you talking about?" Catrin spoke as if she couldn't understand what her friend was talking about. "What manipulation? And why would I manipulate Ryan?"

Beca stared at her like she could see through her pretense easily. "Catrin, you know well what I am talking about. There is no need to act like you can't understand what I am talking about."

Under the table, Catrin's fists clenched, but she didn't let it show on her face.

Hurt and disappointment flashed on her face as she slowly asked, "You are doubting me, Beca. Ryan might be the son you birthed, but I never took him any less than Arwen. Or you can say that I treated him better than Arwen. How can you even think that I would do something that will put him at a disadvantage?"

"I don't doubt that you treated Ryan any less than Arwen, Catrin," Beca admitted. "But I surely doubt that you treated Arwen even slightest good."

Catrin frowned. "What do you mean?"

Beca didn't want to go back to the old lane. Arwen and Catrin's relationship were theirs to care for, she wouldn't intervene or teach Catrin how to treat one's own kid. That wasn't her job, nor did she had come there for that.

Hence taking a deep breath, she simply got down to business she was there for. "I don't want to explain anything at the moment, Catrin. I just asked you here today to tell you to stop manipulating Ryan. Arwen and Ryan no longer have a future together. So, it would be only good if he realizes it sooner."

With that, she was ready to put an end to the topic, but it was like Catrin wasn't satisfied at all.

In the end, Beca could only sigh. "I am not going to lecture you, Catrin, for I know it would be of no use." She exhaled deeply, continuing, "I would just leave you today saying that Ryan and Arwen aren't suitable for each other. Arwen has found her happiness. If you can't accept it, at least don't try to destroy it. You are her mother, not her enemy —realize it before it's too late."

With that, she stood up to leave. "And one thing more," she paused and turned back to add, "I was serious when I asked you to stop manipulating Ryan from here on. I don't know what you did to make him believe there is still a chance for him, nor will I ask you. But I will warn you. Don't make me sever something that I hold precious."

Friendships are not a joke.

Not one that spanned decades.

But every friendship had limits.

Catrin's lips parted slightly. "Are you now threatening me with our friendship now?" She hadn't expected it from Beca.

Beca let out a small smile before shaking her head. "I am not threatening you, Catrin," her voice softened a little. "I am stating what I am feeling like recently."

And after that, she didn't stay. Turning, she left, leaving Catrin alone in the room.