Sidney looked at Zhan Mohan, who still seemed unconvinced, and became noticeably anxious. "Mr. Zhan, the reason I am here now is precisely to establish a good partnership with your company. If this deal falls through, even if I return home, I won't be able to explain myself. Therefore, I have no reason to harm you."
Zhan Mohan took a deep breath. "But that's not enough. How will you prove your sincerity?"
Since Sidney had proactively brought up the part he was most worried about, it was clear that Zhan Mohan had leverage over him.
The partnership was Sidney's leverage. As long as it was on the table, Zhan Mohan had ample right to set conditions for Sidney. Moreover, Catherine's relationship with him was not simple; perhaps useful information could be obtained through Sidney.
"I..." Sidney lowered his head, seemingly contemplating what he should do. "Mr. Zhan, please just tell me your demands. As long as I can fulfill them, I will do my utmost."
"I want you to make public everything you just told me."
Zhan Mohan stated his intention directly. This was undoubtedly the fastest way to resolve the current situation.
"No, I can't," Sidney pleaded with Zhan Mohan. "Mr. Zhan, I can do anything else, but this I cannot do. Although I know that Linlin's actions have caused you great trouble, I still cannot bring myself to accuse her. She is the one I love."
Zhan Mohan stroked his chin. Indeed, for Sidney, such an action would be too cruel. It might even shatter his relationship with Catherine.
Sidney, like Kai, seemed devoted to Catherine. Even if they knew everything, they wouldn't testify against her.
However, it wasn't as if there were no other options.
"Then I want you to give me some proof that you are dating Catherine."
As long as it was proven that Sidney was Catherine's boyfriend, this matter could be resolved.
This time, Sidney didn't refuse. He opened his phone. "This is easy. I have many photos of us together on my phone. Is this enough?"
Zhan Mohan nodded. "It is."
Upon hearing this, Sidney quickly selected some representative photos and sent them to Zhan Mohan, appearing as though he hadn't even considered what Zhan Mohan wanted the photos for.
"Then, Mr. Zhan, will our cooperation continue?"
Sidney indeed seemed very anxious about the partnership.
Zhan Mohan finally extended his hand to Sidney. "Of course. I have accepted your apology, and naturally, I won't let these personal matters affect our business."
Sidney let out a sigh of relief. "I thought I had really messed this up this time."
They then discussed the details of their cooperation for a while before Sidney left.
Zhan Mohan looked at the photos in his hand. Although he had these, they wouldn't have decisive impact in front of the media.
However, these photos could serve as leverage. He believed there was someone Catherine least wanted to know that she had a boyfriend like Sidney.
Catherine looked at Zhan Mohan before her, sensing an ill omen. This was the first time Zhan Mohan had sought her out face-to-face since their scandal broke.
"What? Mr. Zhan, you have time to meet me? Aren't you afraid the reporters will see us and write something absurd again?"
Zhan Mohan merely let out a disdainful laugh. "That won't happen because you will soon retract all your fabricated stories."
Catherine felt that this man, Zhan Mohan, was perhaps too overconfident. How could she possibly stop? No matter what mistakes occurred now, she could no longer turn back.
Catherine smiled smugly and even deliberately leaned closer to Zhan Mohan. "Mr. Zhan, you might be a bit too arrogant. I believed you could control everything with a single hand, but you are now deeply embroiled in this. How could the media possibly believe you anymore? They only want sensational topics like wealthy family feuds; they see nothing else."
"You're right. My personal explanation might not be effective, but yours certainly will be."
Zhan Mohan sneered. "Are you so confident that I have no leverage over you at all?"
"Mr. Zhan, don't try to scare me with that. Some tricks are used too often to be effective..."
Before Catherine could finish speaking, she saw Zhan Mohan holding his phone out to her.
"What do you think Kai will do if he sees these photos?" Zhan Mohan said calmly. "Are you planning to continue using your pregnancy as a threat against him? Do you think he will believe you this time?"
Catherine's eyes widened, completely taken aback that Zhan Mohan had these photos. "Where did you find them?"
"It wasn't difficult to find these photos, was it? What's more important now is your attitude."
Catherine clenched her fists. She had thought she had prepared everything thoroughly and that Zhan Mohan would have no leverage against her. Yet, she hadn't accounted for the most crucial detail.
If Zhan Mohan were to give these photos to Kai, it would further solidify Catherine's manipulation. Even if Kai protected her, he couldn't accept that Catherine had another boyfriend.
In his rage, Kai might reveal everything to the police, and all her efforts would be ruined.
"What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to personally explain everything to the media and prove that there is nothing between us."
Catherine didn't panic upon hearing this. At this point, Zhan Mohan had revealed his objective. While Zhan Mohan held leverage over her, she also held leverage over Zhan Mohan.
That leverage was that Zhan Mohan seemed very eager to end the current farce.
If she refused, it would also be troublesome for Zhan Mohan. She could even find ways to escalate the situation, pulling Zhan Mohan deeper into it.
"Then, I refuse," Catherine stated. "The current situation is quite good for me. In fact, so many people are pitying me. Perhaps one day my parents will see this and take my side."
Zhan Mohan raised an eyebrow slightly. He knew Catherine wouldn't agree to an exchange so easily.
He took out his phone and made a call. "Fang Xun, where are you?"
"Mr. Zhan, I'm already at the entrance of the detention center."
"Good. I'll send you the photos shortly. You can give them to Kai for me," Zhan Mohan said coldly, without looking at Catherine, as if she were now a completely insignificant person.
Catherine's heart pounded, but she couldn't afford to lose. "Mr. Zhan, you need to think carefully! If you give that to Kai, you'll be branded as a cheater for life."