Ch. 11..20
Chapter 11 Look at That Jinx
At the Swanns’.
It was rare for the Swanns to get up so early. Even Johnathan was awakened by Rachael and was now sitting on the living room sofa with drowsiness.
Korbin was also there. He scanned the room and did not see Catherine, so he asked a maid to get Catherine out.
Liana was confused and looked at her father with dissatisfaction.
“Daddy, we can go to Mr. David’s party without her. Why should we take that jinx with us?”
Ordinarily, Liana and Johnathan could not be patched up and argued with each other for all time. But today was different.
With a common enemy, Jonathan could not agree more with Liana’s opinion.
“Dad, Liana is right. That jinx comes from a country place and doesn’t know the rules. Didn’t you say Mr. David is of great importance to us? What if we take Catherine with us, and she ruins Mr. David’s party? If so, our efforts will be in vain!”
Mr. David they were talking about was born in Casier and settled down in Mistel with his family when he was young.
Years after, he became a technology tycoon in Mistel and returned to settle in Casier. Now there was news that he had mastered the latest chip technology.
It was the era of intelligence. Chips were as critical as the human heart. Mastering the chip technology was equivalent to holding a machine that could generate cash unlimitedly.
Now, no one in Casier did not keen to cooperate with Mr. David to obtain the most cutting-edge technology in his hands, and the Swanns were no exception.
Korbin learned that Mr. David placed a high value on whether his partner’s family was harmonious. Mr. David thought an amicable family was the most solid backing, so Korbin gathered his family members in the early morning.
Korbin thought his son and daughter’s persuasion made sense, but he had his consideration.
“Listen, you both. You can only say that to me at home. Once we set off to Mr. David’s place, restrain yourselves. Do you understand?”
Jonathan and Liana saw Korbin’s serious look and did not dare to persuade him more.
Rachael sat aside and did not say a word. She thought farther than her children. She knew Korbin disliked Catherine as they did, but nothing they could do in such a situation. Almost the whole of Casier knew that Catherine had returned to the family. What would other people think if the Swanns did not bring Catherine to Mr. David’s party?
More importantly, what would Mr. David think of them?
They could not afford to lose the forest for a tree.
Catherine came into the living room from the corridor and happened to hear the discussion between the Swanns.
However, she remained aloof, as if she was not the topic the Swanns were discussing. She entered the living room indifferently.
Liana was the first to spot her, and she yelled aloud with an exaggerated look.
“Dad! Look at that jinx!”
Liana’s yelling attracted the other family members, and they all turned their eyes at Catherine.
Catherine also noticed Liana’s weird reaction. She looked up slightly and cast a sharp glance at Liana.
The knot in Liana’s stomach tightened. She had wanted to ask Korbin to drive Catherine away, but then she changed her mind.
“Catherine, do you do this on purpose? Haven’t the maid told you we are about to attend an important party today? Why are you looking so shabby?”
The maid who asked Catherine to the living room heard the blame and hurriedly explained in a fluster and helplessness.
“Miss Liana, I’ve told Miss Catherine about that already, but she wouldn’t listen.”
Catherine looked down to check her clothes. A white shirt and a pair of jeans. She felt comfortable and relaxed.
Why would they think there’s any problem?
She raised her head to look around, only to see everyone looking at her in disgust, including Korbin.
Chapter 12 Center of the Gossip
Korbin frowned, and his eyes fell on Catherine with displeasure.
He thought, “Indeed, this kid doesn’t know how to behave herself. She doesn’t deserve my love.”
Catherine, you’d better change into formal dresses. We are not the only family that attends Mr. David’s party, and there will be other top and famous families in Casier. I don’t want them to point and laugh at you.
Catherine was more like a detached observer than the person Korbin was educating.
“The mouths belong to them. If they want to laugh, they can laugh. I don’t care.”
Korbin was irritated. At his age, apart from Vicente, who had passed away, no one dared to talk to him like that.
He was about to get shirty with Catherine, but Catherine spoke first, “If I can’t wear this, I won’t go to the party.”
Korbin was blindsided.
As Catherine was turning away, Korbin shouted, “Wait!”
Catherine whirled around and stared detachedly at him like staring at a stranger.
Korbin furrowed his brows and waved at her with resignation.
“Dress whatever you like. I don’t care. It’s about time. We should get going now.”
Since Korbin said so, even Rachael did not have the guts to question him, let alone his children.
The whole family went to Mr. David’s house. As Korbin mentioned, many other wealthy families in Casier attended the party too.
They also seemed to learn that Mr. David valued family and went to the party with their whole family.
The party was held in the residence where Mr. David had been born and lived during his childhood. Now that Mr. David returned home, he redecorated the house.
It was a manor passed down from the nineteenth century, which was incredibly exquisite and splendid.
Mr. David’s ancestors were well-known figures in Casier, and they had left a lot of property.
When the Swanns arrived at the manor, they became the center of attention.
With so many things happening among the Swanns recently, everyone was gagging for a good show.
They all noticed Catherine walking at the back at a glance because she was really out of tune with other well-dressed family members, even dressing more poorly than the servants.
The wealthy ladies had plenty of spare time and loved gathering and talking about other affluent families. Since they had a great topic, they began to chitchat.
One woman said, “Do you see that? The girl at the back of the Swanns is the jinx who has just returned and has inherited all the family properties.”
A woman next to her echoed, “I know her! I saw her at the funeral. Why does she wear shabby clothes? The Swanns are outrageous. She’s the biological daughter of their family. Why don’t they prepare a decent dress for her? What’s the use of giving all properties to her in that case? She still looks so poor.”
Another woman wore a mysterious look and snuggled up to them like an insider.
“Let me tell you something. It’s said that she would bring disasters to the Swanns. Her grandmother died because of the bad luck that the jinx brought. Who would want her around? I wonder what Vicente Swann was up to. It’s quite unaccountable.”
…
The crowd had a heated discussion about Catherine while the center of their gossip sat aside with boredom.
Catherine had excellent hearing and took in all their words about her. But just like what she had said to Korbin, the mouths belonged to the others, and they had the right to talk freely.
There was nothing she could do about it, and Catherine did not bother to care about the gossip. She let it be.
Suddenly, there was a flurry of excitement not far away, which threw off Catherine’s rhythm and caught her attention.
She tilted her head sideways to look afar, wanting to see what was happening.
Chapter 13 An Unruly Girl
What Catherine saw was a grey-haired elder. He showed up in the garden and was surrounded by people.
The other people who caught a glimpse of him would dash forward to him with bright eyes.
Even Liana, sitting next to Catherine, was thrilled.
“Dad, look! Mr. David is here!”
Korbin already noticed that. He glanced back at his family members and demanded, “Cheer up, all of you! Come with me. We need to greet Mr. David. Pay attention to your words and behaviors. Be humble.”
Liana was glowing with pride. She smiled widely and promised, “Dad, don’t worry about us. Jonathan and I have been around you since we were kids, and we’ve attended such parties millions of times. We won’t make mistakes. But someone needs to pay more attention to her words and deeds.”
Everyone knew Liana said so on purpose, and her target was Catherine.
However, they did not think Liana’s words were inappropriate. They agreed with Liana.
Catherine was a girl who returned from the country place not long ago. She was unruly and prone to cause trouble.
Liana and Johnathan grew up with Korbin and were descendants of the rich. Although arrogant and overbearing, they would be dignified and decent on significant occasions.
Since childhood, they learned and mastered the social etiquette of the upper class, which was superior to Catherine.
Korbin also realized what Liana was implying. Catherine attended the party, and that was enough.
He looked down at Catherine, who was sitting aside quietly and was standoffish as if nothing could affect her.
“Catherine, I know you don’t like to socialize. Just sit here and rest. I’ll take your brother and sister with me. You don’t have to come with us.”
Catherine did not respond to Korbin’s demand. She sat there like an outsider, and people who did not know them might think Korbin was not talking to her.
Rachael was displeased as she looked at Catherine’s poker face. She tightened her grip on Korbin’s arm and said, “We should go. We can’t keep Mr. David waiting.”
“Of course.”
Korbin nodded and walked forward with Rachael beside him. Jonathan was on the other side of him.
Liana was following her parents at the back. She raised her brow in pride at Catherine and grinned smugly. “Did you see this, Catherine? This is your position in our family. You’re something disgraceful to us. You were born in our family, so what? Our fates are doomed to be different. Do you understand?”
Catherine raised her head slowly and rested her cold gaze on Liana. She opened her mouth slightly and said only three words, “Is that so?”
Liana was expecting to see Catherine lose her temper. If she were Catherine and someone else talked to her like that, Liana would boil with anger already.
As for Catherine, Liana’s words were like punching at cotton, which did not affect Catherine at all.
Catherine’s gaze seemed indifferent, but the longer Liana looked at it, the more terrified she became. Liana had to avert her eyes.
Liana’s legs felt weak as water, and she did not understand why that would happen.
She feigned a calm she did not feel and spoke to Catherine again, but she dared not look into Catherine’s eyes.
“Stay there as you wish. I don’t have time to waste on you anymore. I have to greet Mr. David with Dad.”
With that, Liana picked up the hem of her dress and chased after her parents.
Catherine withdrew her gaze on Liana’s retreating figure as Liana ran away.
She agreed with one sentence that Liana told her. They were born into the same family, but their fates were doomed to be different.
She could never have the same fate as Liana.
Catherine put on a faint smile as she thought of it. She took the cup of flower tea on the table and sipped at it, but then she frowned.
The top flower tea made of roses from abroad and transported by air was less tasty than the one Ronin made for her with the roses he picked in the garden.
Catherine put down the cup in dislike, but a great force hit her from behind. She did not know if someone had done it by chance.
The cup she had placed on the table swayed and dropped to the floor.
The flower tea spilled out and splattered onto a nearby woman’s dress.
The woman’s shriek rang out, “Oh my gosh! My dress!”
Chapter 14 Kneel and Apologize
Catherine knew she should be responsible for knocking down the teacup, so she got up from the chair and prepared to apologize.
However, the woman glared at Catherine. Before Catherine could say something, she bombarded Catherine with curses, “Are you blind? Or is your arm broken? How come you can’t even hold a teacup still? Do you know how costly my dress is?”
The woman noticed that Catherine dressed more poorly than a maid and thought she was a cleaner here, so she pushed further.
“You need to get on your knees and apologize to me. Otherwise, I’ll tell the owner here to fire you, and I’ll make sure you don’t get another job in Casier for the rest of your life.”
Some people around them recognized Catherine, but none of them reminded that woman of who Catherine was.
It would be a good show, and who would want to miss it?
Besides, they were all competitors today. It would be great if they could have one less powerful rival.
Being watched by a crowd of people, the woman whose dress was tainted with tea did not feel embarrassed but instead superior and became even more bossy.
“Did you hear what I said? I asked you to kneel and wipe my dress clean. Are you deaf or what?”
Catherine sneered.
She thought, “You want me to kneel before you?
“Are you daydreaming?
“Let’s see if you can take it if I kneel.”
Seeing that Catherine stayed motionless, the woman could not hold back her rage and reached out to drag Catherine.
Suddenly…
“Stop it! No one can touch her!”
A cold and old voice sounded, which drew the crowd’s attention.
The crowd turned around and saw the man who spoke was Mr. David, the host of today’s party. They automatically split up and made way for him, being extremely respectful.
Mr. David had a stick in his hand and strode toward them slowly.
He examined Catherine and the woman with a penetrating gaze. When he stood before them, he pointed at the woman with his finger while displeasure and anger flashed across his solemn face. “Did you ask her to kneel before you?”
The woman wanted to retort when a middle-aged man dashed over to her and pulled her aside. He looked daggers at her.
The man turned to face Mr. David and said apologetically, “I’m so sorry, Mr. David. My wife didn’t mean to offend you. Please forgive her for disturbing your party. I’ll ask her to apologize to you right now.”
The middle-aged man was the woman’s husband, the boss of a newly started hi-tech company and a famous member of the nouveau riche.
Having plenty of money to squander, the woman was always overbearing and scolded the others. She thought it no big deal to teach a cleaner a lesson, but she did not expect to offend Mr. David.
That was why her husband had to stand up to smooth things over. They could not afford to displease the big shot.
Mr. David glanced at the couple up and down and said icily with sarcasm and scorn, “I don’t need her apology, but your wife should apologize to her!”
His finger pointed at Catherine, who stood calmly at the side.
The woman had been arrogant. After hearing what Mr. David said, she asked with a hint of astonishment, “You want me to apologize to a cleaner?”
“A cleaner?” Mr. David said in shock. He looked as if he had heard something astounding. “You said she’s a cleaner? That’s ridiculous! You and your husband should be the ones who kneel and beg for her forgiveness, not simply apologize to her orally. What an ignorant and stupid woman!”
Mr. David’s merciless words were like a bucket of ice water poured down from the couple’s heads and embarrassed them.
On the other hand, Catherine was still like an outsider and only observed aside. She did not speak a word since she stood up, but the person who accused her became especially shameful.
Having no response from the couple, Mr. David turned his finger at the hi-tech company boss in a rage and threatened him, “You ruined my party and denigrated my most distinguished guest. I’ve returned to Casier for not long, but I won’t allow you to humiliate me. I’ll fight you to the end.”
Everyone with a brain could tell how harsh Mr. David’s words were.
But Catherine?
The girl who came from a country place. Was she the most distinguished guest of Mr. David?
Everyone there was stunned and wondered what was going on.
The Swanns, who got the news and came back quickly, were full of disbelief on their faces.
Liana’s face was as horrible as if she was eating mud. She had just laughed at Catherine for being a disgrace, but now, Catherine was the most distinguished guest of this party.
It was a slap in Liana’s face that humiliated her in public.
A cadaverous look appeared on the boss of the hi-tech company. He dragged his wife forward and ordered her to apologize to Catherine, begging for forgiveness.
Catherine was the most distinguished guest of Mr. David!
Mr. David said that himself, but the woman saw Catherine as merely a cleaner. Her face was as white as a sheet, and she was ashamed. Never had she thought that a distinguished guest would dress so casually.
The thing was getting out of hand, and the woman was scared. She approached Catherine hesitantly and whispered, “I’m sorry, my lady. I didn’t mean to offend you just now. Could you please forgive me?”
All eyes were focused on Catherine. People were wondering what she would do.
Chapter 15 Watch the Juicy Stuff!
Catherine was much taller than that woman, so she looked down at the woman stonily.
“Since you love to make people kneel, how about you apologize to me in the way you like?”
Catherine spilled out the words calmly, but everyone else could not believe their ears.
The crowd thought, “This country girl of the Swanns is too arrogant! Even Korbin, her father, cannot ask another person to kneel!”
As they saw it, Mr. David stuck up for Catherine because she was also his guest.
Now that Catherine had put forward such an outrageous request, the other people were all waiting to see Catherine making herself a joke. They thought Catherine did not know how to mind her place.
The look on Mr. David’s face turned even darker, as the crowd had expected.
He walked to Catherine with a grim face, and the others were looking forward to a good show.
Little did they know that when Mr. David stood by Catherine’s side, he did not rebuke Catherine. Instead, he bellowed at the woman before Catherine, “Did you not hear her? Apologize to her in your favorite way, and don’t waste our time anymore!”
Mr. David cast a warning look at the woman’s husband, and the dangerous aura on him frightened that man.
Thinking of the result of displeasing Mr. David, the man did not dare to delay one more second. He pressed his wife down on the ground, making her kneel before Catherine.
Catherine looked down at the woman while her expression remained unchanged, which was still cold.
“That’s boring,” said Catherine.
Mr. David echoed her words immediately. The way he acted was like he was sucking up to Catherine.
“You’re right, Miss Swann. These people are rude and boring. This way, please.”
Mr. David bowed and made a gesture of invitation, suggesting Catherine follow him.
Catherine was the first to take a step forward. The rest of the crowd wanted to follow up, but Mr. David stopped them.
He asked his assistant out and instructed him, “Entertain my guests for me. I have some important things to talk to Miss Swann.”
With that, Mr. David stormed after Catherine, worrying he might snub her.
The rest of the guests were confused, especially the Swanns.
Liana watched as Catherine and Mr. David walked away and stamped her foot in fury. She could not help but complain to her father, “Dad, what the hell is going on? Why does Catherine have a chance to be in the spotlight again?”
Liana put on her best dress today and planned to impress Mr. David. She hoped to help her father win Mr. David over so the world would know what she could do and wash away the humiliation she’d suffered at the funeral.
Yet, the one in the limelight was still Catherine.
Liana clenched her fists tight out of rage. No one had ever insulted her like this, and she determined to make Catherine pay the price.
Even Korbin did not understand what was going on, let alone Liana.
It seemed that Catherine had long known Mr. David. He would have taken Catherine to greet Mr. David if he had known it earlier. Now, it was a massive loss.
No one noticed that a person was watching the drama not far away with his phone in his hand.
Triston came to the party only to be part of the spectacle, and the drama was beyond his expectations. He recorded the whole incident and sent it to Branden.
[Mr. Duncan, watch the juicy stuff!]
Branden was having an international video meeting in an office on the top floor of the Duncan Corporation. He heard his phone vibrate and picked it up to check on it.
He was not interested in the text Triston sent him. What triggered him was the pretty face on the screen, and he tapped on the video.
Branden had been playing the video in mute, but he turned the sound on when Catherine started speaking.
The abrupt female voice surprised the leaders in the camera. They looked at each other in awe because it never happened before that their president’s office had a woman in it.
It was well known that Branden was not used to being around women. There was no female mosquito in the office area on the top floor of the Duncan Corporation, let alone women.
The sudden voice naturally aroused the interest of the other people.
After watching the video, Branden put his phone aside and ignored the peeking eyes on the screen.
The girl who had just returned to the Swanns was more interesting than he had thought. Branden’s lips moved up unnoticeably, and he raised his index finger and waved a little.
Paxton noticed and bent down, saying with great respect, “Mr. Duncan, what can I do for you?”
Chapter 16 She’s Incomprehensible
Catherine followed Mr. David into an inner chamber, where the decoration was elegant, and no one would bother them.
Catherine walked to a chair and sat down. Mr. David stood by her side, bowing and wearing a respectful look.
Catherine looked around the room before resting her eyes on David.
“Why don’t you have a seat?”
David did not even raise his head. He replied to Catherine with his head low, “Miss Swann, I don’t need to sit. You can order me anything you want. I haven’t received the news that you will be here today, and I didn’t go out to greet you. What’s more, you encountered such a displeasing thing here. It’s all my fault.”
Catherine beamed. She did not know that had worried David.
She pointed at the seat opposite her and said, “It’s fine. People out there had no idea about my situation. This is your place. You’re the host, and I’m your guest. Have a seat.”
Mr. David knew her character well. He knew Catherine would not offer twice, so he did not dare to disobey her order and sat down.
However, as an elder, he kept his back straighter than the younger people.
Mr. David asked the servants to bring the rose tea he had collected and treasured. It was made of the petals of the top rose type.
The roses were priceless and rare, each valued at millions of dollars. And the masters who could make such flower tea were only in the last shop in the world.
One servant brought the tea to the door and informed David, and the latter took it in person and served it to Catherine.
“Miss Swann, please have a taste.”
Catherine took it and had a sip. It still could not hold a candle to the one Ronin made for her, but it was much better than that she had tasted in the garden not long ago.
David’s aged face wore a satisfied smile when he saw Catherine taste his tea. It was a great honor for him that his valued guest tried the tea he served.
After finishing the tea, Catherine put the teacup down. There was still not much expression on her delicate face other than indifference. She turned her gaze on David.
“Have you decided on the cooperative partner for the chip in your hand now?”
David’s heart skipped a beat. He was uncertain of what Catherine meant and was fearful that if he said something wrong, he would bring disaster to his family.
He pondered briefly before saying carefully, “Not yet, but I’ve chosen several potential candidates.”
“Okay,” Catherine responded casually.
Such a word sent a chill down David’s spine. He was covered in cold sweat and froze because of fear.
Catherine, however, did not think much about it. She always did things at her will. She had free rein in anything that would make her happy.
“David, how about you cooperate with me?”
Hearing her suggestion, David raised his head abruptly with surprise in his eyes. He seemed not to understand what Catherine meant.
Catherine stood up slowly and left him with one sentence before leaving the room.
“I will talk about the cooperation details with you in three days. Wait for me.”
David watched Catherine’s retreating figure with esteem and a hint of confusion.
He wondered why Catherine had to take a detour of deciding on the partner of the chip. She was the actual owner of the chip, and she could choose the partner as she pleased.
However, Catherine was always incomprehensible to ordinary people like him. She must mean something else, and he better not to guess. He did not want to cause any trouble.
The people he invited to his party today flattered him, saying he was mighty.
They called him a tech tycoon, a powerful man who returned home.
He would probably believe the praises if Catherine had not shown up. But with Catherine around, those praises of him became humiliation.
The true tycoon was this mysterious Miss Swann, code-named Sugar!
David was one of the few who knew about Catherine’s true identity. That was his honor and the grandest pride of his life.
Chapter 17 Her Background?
After Catherine left, Mr. David abruptly stopped the banquet, saying it was canceled due to health concerns.
No one knew what had happened. It was a big mystery. People were already curious about Catherine, who had a reputation as a “troublemaker.” Now, with this unexpected event, their curiosity grew even stronger.
Everyone was curious and eager for the Swanns to hold a gathering and address their questions and doubts directly.
Liana joined Rachael and the others in the car. One moment, she welcomed people with a smile, but her expression turned serious as soon as the car door closed.
“Mommy, we made a big impression today. They say we have someone extraordinary in our family. There are even rumors that Mr. David’s order is exclusively for us. Mommy, aren’t we amazing? Thanks to Catherine, we’re in the spotlight!”
Liana smirked and looked at Rachael with a mocking expression. Her sarcastic remarks and tone annoyed everyone around.
Catherine sat in the RV’s back corner.
With her face covered by a hat, it was hard to see her current expression. She rested her head sideways as if Liana’s complaints had nothing to do with her.
Liana, seeing Catherine’s indifferent attitude, became even more enraged. She stomped her foot in frustration and shot a sharp glance at Catherine.
Liana was seething with anger. Not only had Catherine stolen her spotlight, but now she had to endure the embarrassment caused by her.
Liana gave Johnathan a piercing look, signaling him to speak up.
Their sibling relationship, usually strained, had changed. They now shared a common enemy: Catherine.
As Liana’s gaze met Johnathan’s, his face twisted with disdain. He then turned to Catherine and spoke,
“Taking the spotlight? It’s so embarrassing. If we don’t get Mr. David’s chip, everyone will laugh at us. She always seems to have bad luck!”
Rachael remained silent as her children accused Catherine. She felt deeply embarrassed herself.
No matter how nicely Rachael dressed for an event, the talk always revolved around Catherine.
Undoubtedly, Catherine was like a disaster. Since her arrival, the Swanns had experienced nothing but turmoil. Rachael genuinely wanted to send her back to the countryside.
After hearing words like “troublemaker” and “jinx,” Catherine slowly removed her hat, revealing her stunningly beautiful face.
Her pale face had dark, bright eyes that slowly turned towards Johnathan.
Just a moment ago, Johnathan was furious, but when he looked into Catherine’s eyes, he felt a jolt in his heart. He quickly hid behind Liana.
Liana looked at Johnathan’s reaction scornfully, then glanced up at Catherine with a sneering smile.
Mockingly, she taunted, “What’s wrong, Catherine? Can’t handle a little family joke? And let’s be honest, Johnathan didn’t say anything wrong. If Mr. David chooses someone else, it’ll bring shame upon us!”
Catherine calmly responded to their remarks, maintaining a composed expression. She retorted, “If that’s the case, then what about the restroom incident?”
Liana’s complexion instantly turned unpleasant, her face growing even paler. She seemed panicked and at a loss for words.
Liana was caught off guard by Catherine’s knowledge of the incident. Concerned about the potential exposure, even among family members, she desperately hoped that Catherine would keep it a secret.
Their attempts to harm Catherine proved futile. With just a single look and a simple remark, she left them speechless. The contrast between their actions and Catherine’s response was remarkable, showcasing her impressive skills and capabilities.
Previously, Liana went as far as giving money to a waiter and even followed Mr. David to the restroom. However, her actions ended up getting her kicked out in the end.
And yet, Catherine somehow found out about it.
Initially, Catherine found the whole incident amusing, but Liana’s desperate behavior became increasingly irritating. She decided to give Liana a warning.
Korbin also noticed the tension between the three. Catherine effortlessly silenced both Liana and Johnathan. Was this girl truly so powerful?
Korbin’s gaze shifted to Catherine, who stood in the corner. She had a strong-willed personality, and not only did she seem to have a good relationship with Mr. David, but she also intrigued him.
If there was a possibility…
Korbin’s eyes lit up with a hint of excitement as he delved into deep contemplation.
As the car pulled up to the Swanns’ residence, Catherine, without prompting, roused from her sleep and became fully awake.
She stood up, got off the car, and as she passed by the Swanns, she didn’t even glance at them, her expression unchanged.
Liana’s fury intensified, and she vented her anger by forcefully stomping her foot on the ground. “Mom, Dad, just look at her!” she exclaimed, drawing her parents’ attention.
Rachael’s expression soured. She held the same view about Catherine, finding her impolite and disrespectful. Rachael believed Catherine lacked consideration for others, which she found completely unacceptable.
If Korbin wasn’t present, Rachael genuinely wished to teach Catherine a lesson.
In the face of the collective discontentment, Korbin consciously decided to step forward and break the lingering silence.
Just as Catherine was on the verge of stepping through the doorway, he called her, catching her attention just in time.
“Catherine, hold on!”
Chapter 18 Unfamiliarity with Him
When Catherine heard Korbin’s voice, she halted and pivoted to face him.
Her eyes met Korbin’s with an icy detachment devoid of warmth or interest.
Korbin was puzzled by the situation, but when Catherine glanced at him, a strange feeling stirred in his chest.
He only experienced this feeling when dealing with angry Vicente.
Catherine looked at Korbin, who stayed quiet for a while. Her eyebrows came together, showing her concern.
She spoke quietly and coldly, “What’s wrong?”
Her voice seemed to have a magic power that brought Korbin’s attention back.
Korbin looked up at Catherine, trying to look serious. He asked with a serious face, “Do you know Mr. David? Why haven’t you mentioned it before?”
Before Korbin could complete his question, Catherine swiftly responded concisely.
“No, I don’t know him!”
The truth was Catherine and David didn’t know each other well. They were just acquaintances.
Korbin found himself unable to express what he had initially intended to say, prompting him to adapt his approach.
“Why did it seem like you two were having a good conversation today?” Korbin asked.
Seeing Korbin’s unwavering curiosity, Catherine decided to give him a straightforward explanation to prevent any potential problems. “He knows Vicente and has been to our hometown,” she replied coldly.
Now, Korbin understood and grasped the situation at hand.
Vicente’s secretive nature regarding his business dealings made it unsurprising that he had acquaintances like Mr. David, considering his vast network and connections.
Korbin had numerous questions to ask, but to his dismay, Catherine had already turned and left, depriving him of the chance to stop her and continue their conversation.
Unfazed, he decided to follow her anyway. And as he thought, Catherine turned out to be a regular girl from the countryside, without any special qualities or importance.
…
After returning to her room, Catherine received a call from Ronin and promptly answered it.
When she answered the call, she heard Ronin’s voice on the other end.
Ronin, who was younger than Catherine, deliberately deepened his voice when he spoke.
“Boss, Joseph has appeared!”
“Where is he?” Catherine asked, her brows slightly furrowed.
Joseph was a traitor within their group. Seizing the opportunity of a team member’s failure, he covertly snatched a valuable chip.
The chip held crucial information that might not be personally important to Catherine. However, if Joseph sold it to unethical people, it would cause a big issue.
That was why it was necessary to apprehend Joseph and retrieve the chip.
The sound of Ronin typing on the keyboard came through the earpiece. After a few seconds, Ronin spoke again.
“Boss, it’s confirmed. Joseph will be at Charm Bar in Casier tonight. I’ll send someone there, and we’ll catch him tonight!”
“No need,” Catherine calmly responded, catching Ronin off guard with her next words.
“I’ll go by myself.”
Ronin, on the other end of the phone, was shocked. “Boss, are you serious?”
Catherine didn’t give Ronin a chance to ask more questions. She hung up the phone right away.
Ronin seemed used to this kind of situation. He held onto the phone, feeling excited.
His boss, Catherine, planned to capture Joseph personally!
It had been a while since Catherine had personally engaged in such affairs. He was excited and eager to see her abilities firsthand.
But Ronin had to do the surveillance alone, which was a bit disappointing. He could only rely on the bar’s hacked cameras to keep an eye on things.
Chapter 19 Elite VIP
Charm Bar
Charm Bar, the most thriving entertainment venue in Casier.
It wasn’t about the number of visitors, but rather the wealth and influence of those who frequented the place.
One couldn’t get into the Charm Bar without a membership card. They had a membership system, so it was completely impossible.
At 10 PM, Catherine appeared at the entrance of the bar.
She was still dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, but now she wore a black baseball cap almost completely covered her face.
Upon reaching the entrance, Catherine was stopped by the security guard.
The security guard glanced at Catherine, his astonishment evident. Were all female students nowadays so alluring?
Regardless of her allure, rules had to be followed.
“Miss, this place operates on a membership system. Without a card, you cannot enter, sorry.”
Card?
Catherine furrowed her brows, remembering something Ronin had sent her via drone just an hour ago.
She checked her pocket and found the black and gold-tinged card. She then handed it to the security guard.
The card recognition device at the entrance beeped automatically.
“Welcome, elite VIP!”
Catherine confidently walked inside as the entrance barrier lifted, without requiring the security guard’s assistance.
The security guard slowly recovered from his earlier shock only after she left.
He hadn’t been mistaken. That girl had been holding an elite VIP card.
This club was the most exclusive in Casier, operating on a membership system and having different membership levels.
He had been a security guard at the club’s entrance for three years, but he had never seen that card before. Since the club opened, only three of those black and gold cards had been given out.
Unexpectedly, this young girl turned out to be a top-tier member. Such a card was only possessed by influential individuals with great power.
After entering, Catherine found a seat casually.
Her only goal tonight was to find the traitor Joseph and retrieve the chip.
Based on Ronin’s information, Joseph would be arriving soon, and all Catherine had to do was wait patiently.
While the dance floor was filled with vibrant and captivating outfits, Catherine’s plain attire made her stand out even more.
Even when she sat quietly in a corner, people still took notice of her.
Occasionally, when she inadvertently lifted her head, her exquisite beauty had the power to captivate anyone.
Catherine knew that people were constantly evaluating her, but she didn’t pay any attention to it.
She seemed to be accustomed to such attention.
Catherine didn’t drink alcohol. She only asked for a glass of soda water.
A few minutes later, Catherine saw a familiar figure flashing by in the corridor ahead.
Catherine immediately caught sight of it and stood up, walking towards it.
Meanwhile, the onlookers shifted their gaze as well, keeping a watchful eye on Catherine.
As Catherine walked past, she happened to be within the line of sight of the second-floor VIP area.
Unlike the bustling atmosphere on the first floor, the second floor was a reserved space exclusively for the elite clientele.
Triston spotted Catherine and immediately became intrigued. He glanced at the man on the sofa behind him, who exuded a relaxed and playful aura with an enigmatic charm. Excitedly, he exclaimed, “Mr. Duncan, doesn’t she resemble your new fiancée?”
Branden remained unfazed, his eyes devoid of interest as he kept his gaze fixed on Catherine. He didn’t even spare a glance at Triston.
“Mr. Duncan, did you hear what I said?” Triston persisted.
Paxton, standing nearby, couldn’t help but roll his eyes at Triston. Even he recognized Catherine, so how could Mr. Duncan fail to recognize her? Was Triston simply a fool?
Catherine followed Joseph into a curved hallway and found multiple rooms inside, but he had already vanished.
Finding Joseph would take time, but the person following her caught up from behind. A vulgar voice from behind made her feel disgusted.
“Hey there, little beauty.”
Chapter 20 Is She Human?
Catherine suddenly halted, slowly turning her body with an icy expression on her face.
The men chasing after her felt a sense of unease, but they were even more astonished by Catherine’s stunning beauty.
Unlike the heavily adorned faces around, Catherine’s exquisite and pure appearance was a rare sight.
The man in front, catching a glimpse of Catherine’s face under her hat, got really excited.
“Oh my! You look amazing!”
His creepy demeanor and unsettling grin annoyed Catherine, causing her to furrow her brow.
Annoyed by losing sight of Joseph, these bothersome men conveniently appeared.
“Hey, why don’t you join us and have some fun, little girl?” one of them sneered. “We’ll make it worth your while. You name your reward, and we’ll give it to you.”
The leading man, still wearing his sleazy smile, approached Catherine slowly, attempting to grab her.
In an instant, a mysterious figure swiftly intervened, causing the man to scream and collapse to the ground.
“My arm… it’s broken! My arm!”
Meanwhile, Catherine quickly composed herself, showing no signs of being bothered by the situation. She confidently took a step forward.
With determination, she mercilessly pressed her foot onto the man’s face.
She despised that smile he had shown!
Since she disliked it, she would teach him a lesson, ensuring he would never dare to be so audacious again.
The man writhed in pain on the ground, wanting to scream, but Catherine’s foot kept him from doing so, causing him only agony.
Despite the struggle, Catherine’s strength was overwhelming, leaving him unable to escape.
Witnessing their companion’s suffering, the others quickly assessed the situation. One of them rallied the group, shouting, “Alright, let’s go! Let’s teach her what true humiliation is!”
As they charged forward, the first person who reached Catherine was swiftly sent flying with a powerful kick.
The six-foot-tall man was sent flying by Catherine’s kick, crashing hard onto the ground. Unable to get up, he cried out in pain.
The other individuals were shocked by this scene.
No one expected Catherine, a petite and delicate girl, to possess such explosive power.
They weren’t trained fighters, so rushing in would mean certain death, right?
They exchanged glances, assessed their choices, and readied themselves to flee.
Catherine had already sensed their intentions and was determined not to give them any opportunity.
With her incredible strength, Catherine forcefully collided the two of them together, causing their heads to slam together with a resounding thud.
Releasing her grip on them, Catherine swiftly punched each of them, sending them crashing to the ground.
Seeing his companions fall, the last remaining man fell to his knees and begged for mercy.
“Miss, I messed up. We were stupid to bother you. Please forgive me. I promise I won’t do it again. I’ll leave right now!”
“Hmph!” Catherine scoffed dismissively. When she acted, there was no room for hesitation or mercy.
Catherine decisively lifted her knee and delivered a strong kick, causing the kneeling man to instantly lose consciousness and collapse unconscious to the ground.
In a matter of minutes, the once rowdy men were now sprawled on the ground, groaning in agony.
Most of them suffered from broken ribs or concussions, while the man who dared to lay a hand on Catherine had his arm rendered completely useless.
Having dealt with the men, Catherine calmly turned around and walked away, effortlessly stepping over their fallen bodies.
Branden and the others on the second floor witnessed this scene unfold before their eyes.
“Oh, my God!” Triston exclaimed, utterly astonished and in disbelief.
For the first time, he experienced fear from someone other than Branden. “Is she even human?”
How on earth could she fight like that?
Catherine’s fighting skills seemed much better, like she had reached a whole new level. It made Triston wonder if even Paxton, who was famous for his skills, could compete with her.
What if Catherine faced off against Branden in a fight? Who would come out on top?
Just as Triston was about to turn and talk to Branden, he was taken aback when he shifted his gaze and saw a graceful figure effortlessly leaping over the railing from the second floor.
Triston couldn’t even comprehend what had happened, and Branden had already disappeared.
He was eager to catch up and be part of the excitement.
However, Paxton grabbed him by the collar, rendering him immobile.
Frustrated, Triston glared at Paxton and exclaimed, “Paxton, why are you holding me? Let go! We need to go after Mr. Duncan before we lose him!”
Paxton held Triston firmly, his expression still icy cold, and he coldly replied, “Mr. Duncan doesn’t like people following him!”
Well, Triston knew that he wouldn’t be able to join in on the fun this time.
As long as Branden gave the command, Paxton would never let him go.
But he really wanted to see what Branden would do, chasing after Catherine. What should he do?