"Why would you hide about the problems you were facing with the project to Mom?" Kathrine asked, her sharp gaze fixed on her father.
"I didn't want her to worry," Hugo replied, his tone deliberately casual. "Your mother already has her hands full with the charity work."
Kathrine studied him closely. His nonchalance didn't fool her. There was more he wasn't saying, but she let it slide for now.
"Anyway," Hugo continued, quickly changing the subject, "what about the meeting yesterday? Did Mark agree to the arrangement?"
When Kathrine had offered to help with the project, Hugo hadn't hesitated to accept. He knew his daughter's capabilities well and more importantly, he saw in her a chance to secure a successful business venture that could elevate their company's standing.
"He didn't object," Kathrine said. "Though he seemed… guarded when I first proposed the idea."
Hugo's lips curved into a faint smile as he leaned back in his chair.
