The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 1045

At seven-thirty, the two headed downstairs to the hotel's third-floor buffet for breakfast.

Katrina spotted her boss, senior partner Silas Halloway.

She had already texted him on WhatsApp to give him a heads-up, so she led Naylor straight over to his table.

When her colleague saw them approaching together, her face lit up with a knowing, eager look.

Mr. Halloway, a highly respected forty-something powerhouse in the legal world, stood up immediately upon seeing Naylor approach and extended his hand warmly.

Naylor had been doing business since his college days, dealing with people from all walks of life. Thanks to his parents' elite social standing, he had grown up rubbing shoulders with heavyweights. So, the moment he locked eyes with Mr. Halloway, his instincts told him this deal was a lock.

And realistically, the final cost would likely be even lower than he initially projected.

After Naylor took his seat, Katrina asked softly, "What would you like to eat? I'll go grab it for you."

"Whatever you're having is fine."

"Okay."

As Katrina stood up, her female colleague practically leaped out of her chair to follow her to the buffet stations.

"Katrina, I am dying of jealousy. Where on earth did you find a husband like that? Tell me so I can go try my luck!"

Katrina smiled as she plated some eggs. "My best friend set us up. So, the first step is making sure you have a really good best friend."

"What? Your best friend introduced you two? That's amazing, talk about sharing the wealth!"

"Yeah, something like that."

After grabbing their food, Katrina set Naylor's plate down in front of him before sitting at a neighboring table with her colleague to eat.

She didn't use her status as his wife to boldly sit right next to Naylor during a business negotiation.

The colleague glanced over at the two men, who were deep in serious conversation, and asked curiously, "What is your husband talking to Mr. Halloway about? Do they know each other?"

"They just met. They're discussing business. My husband's company is looking to put a law firm on retainer."

"What?" Her colleague gasped, her gaze turning even more envious. "Does that mean you're going to be one of the firm's biggest cash cows?"

After all, a massive corporate client coming straight to their door wasn't something the firm would ever turn down.

It was essentially handing them free money.

Blushing at her colleague's praise, Katrina offered a humble smile. "I'm just a junior associate. I'm still learning the ropes."

"You're too modest..."

Just as her colleague had said, a massive contract practically dropping into their laps was a godsend for the firm.

"They won't. Just do your job like you always do. Mr. Halloway is going to give you more responsibilities. With your talent, a good mentor will open the door, but the rest is up to you—and I believe in you."

Those words were exactly what Katrina needed to hear. Her anxiety melted into a radiant smile, and she decided to stop overthinking it.

The couple grabbed their luggage and headed out of the hotel.

Just as they stepped beneath the awning, the Porsche Naylor had rented pulled up perfectly on cue.

If they were going to explore the coast, having a car was a necessity.

Katrina was starting to get used to enjoying this luxurious, spontaneous lifestyle with him. They hopped into the car in high spirits, heading to a local five-star resort to drop off their bags before hitting the town.

Even in winter, the coastal city of Southport remained beautifully warm.

Over the next three days, they visited every major scenic spot in the area.

Katrina hadn't felt this relaxed, carefree, and liberated in years. Walking down the streets, even the ocean breeze felt sweet against her skin.

And Naylor was undeniably the ultimate travel partner.

Unlike most men who somehow managed to make their gorgeous girlfriends look short and awkward in photos, his eye was impeccable. His photography skills were genuinely professional.

No matter what outfit Katrina wore, whether she was makeup-free or caught off-guard, he always found the perfect angle. The photos he snapped were stunningly high fashion and undeniably beautiful.