Ch. 241..250

Chapter 241 Branden’s Cooking Skill

Initially, Catherine thought that Branden would be a terrible cook like Audrey. After all, considering the Duncans’ reputation, Branden probably didn’t even know the location of the kitchen of the Duncans’ since he was a child.

However, to Catherine’s surprise, not long after, a rich aroma wafted from the kitchen. It instantly aroused Catherine’s appetite.

She didn’t feel hungry before. Now, she caught a whiff of that aroma and immediately found herself struggling to suppress her hunger.

Though Catherine’s footsteps were barely audible, Branden still sensed them. He instinctively turned around and saw Catherine standing behind him.

Branden’s handsome face instantly softened, and his deep voice became more attractive as he asked, “What’s up?”

Catherine didn’t hesitate and bluntly stated her purpose. She said, “I’m hungry.”

He smiled and gently stared at Catherine with his dark eyes. “It’ll be ready in a moment. Go wait outside. It’s pretty smoky in here.”

Catherine considered offering to help, but now it seemed she wasn’t needed at all. Branden was true to his word. Catherine returned to her seat and messaged Ronin. She was preparing to play a game while waiting. Branden soon emerged with a plate of food.

“Come over and eat.”

Catherine approached the table with curiosity. There were meat and vegetarian dishes and a clear soup. The food emitted a rich aroma and looked very inviting.

Branden handed a fork to Catherine and raised an eyebrow in a gesture for her to dig in. Catherine didn’t hesitate and took a bite of the meat. The taste wasn’t mind -blowing, but it was definitely delicious.

It was a simple home-cooked meal that gave a warm feeling. After trying all the dishes, Catherine gave a high compliment. “Not bad.”

She then asked with curiosity, “Did you learn to cook?”

Noticing her curiosity, Branden replied, “I spent some time in a special training camp when I was a kid. I learned a little of everything there.”

His tone was casual, but Catherine, who had a similar experience, knew the hardships involved. At the age of thirteen, she had also been thrown into the most famous special training camp in Decrine by Vicente. It was practically a living hell.

Before entering, there were rigorous screenings, and it wasn’t easy to get in. They selected elites from all over the world, and the number of those who could enter didn’t exceed more than ten.

Moreover, no more than three people graduated each year from the special training camp. If one didn’t make it in five years, he would be advised to leave.

For the elites who managed to enter the special training camp, being advised to leave was the greatest shame. Moreover, it took at least two to three years to graduate.

Catherine was the only female graduate of the special training camp, and she held the record for the youngest graduate. She had officially graduated from the camp in just one year.

Even someone like Catherine couldn’t help but shiver when she thought of her days in the special training camp. It was truly a living hell, where life and death were trivial. Only the strongest people could walk out of there.

It was unexpected that Branden had also been to a special training camp. Typically, a prestigious family like the Duncans wouldn’t send their only heir to such a twisted place.

Losing an arm, breaking a leg, or going blind were common occurrences in there. It seemed that the patriarch of the Duncans was quite ruthless. He was willing to send Branden to such a place.

Catherine ate quickly. It was a habit she had developed through rigorous training. Soon, she finished the meal Branden had served her and declined his invitation for seconds.

Branden didn’t insist. Considering how cleanly Catherine had finished her plate, she had given Branden quite a compliment already.

Branden pointed toward the direction of the couch and looked at Catherine. He said, “You can sit there and relax.. I’ll get you some fruit.”

Catherine suspected that Branden really treated her like a pig. He made her rest right after eating and decided to offer her fruit.

Catherine expressed her disdain verbally. But in her heart, she appreciated Branden deeply. Catherine couldn’t deny that Branden did seem to understand her.

She leisurely walked over to the sofa. Then she sank her entire body into the soft leather sofa. As she waited for Branden to bring her some sliced fruit, she let her mind wander.

Early the next morning, Catherine opened her eyes groggily. Her brain started functioning normally after a brief moment of blankness.

She found herself in an unfamiliar room with a distinct decorating style. Then she instantly recognized where she was. She rolled out of bed and walked out of the room.

The living room was filled with a faint scent of milk, and she could hear the bubbling water coming from the kitchen. Watching the tall figure in the kitchen, Catherine leaned against the wall quietly. Her gaze was fixed on the scene.

Branden poured the boiled milk into a cup. As he turned around, he saw Catherine standing nearby. Her face was still swollen from sleep. Her eyes were bleary, which made her lack the usual coldness and indifference.

The golden sun streamed through the window. It illuminated the spacious and bright room and made Catherine appear dreamlike. She was quite attractive. Branden smiled warmly and stared at Catherine with his deep eyes.

“Good morning.”

Catherine instinctively nodded in response and then listened to his suggestion. “It will be a while before breakfast is ready. How about you get ready in the next room?”

“Okay.”

Catherine accepted his suggestion and walked to the adjacent room. Then she pressed the doorbell. The door opened quickly. A face that showed signs of staying up late appeared in front of Catherine.

Catherine frowned at Audrey’s tired appearance. “Did you stay up all night last night?”

“Not exactly,” Audrey replied. In truth, it was pretty close to staying up all night. She had barely slept at all last night. After saying that, Audrey pulled Catherine back into the room. With a thud, she slammed the door shut.

Then, the two of them sat face to face on the sofa. Audrey sat up straight. She stared at Catherine with a serious expression. Catherine slumped on the sofa. She looked relaxed and carefree. And she waited for Audrey to speak.

Seeing Audrey struggling and appearing as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t, Catherine grew tired of waiting and took the initiative to prompt her.

“If you have something to ask, go ahead.”

As soon as she got the permission she needed, Audrey felt as if a burden had been lifted from her heart.

“Kathy, how did you end up sleeping at Branden’s place? When I came back last night and tried to call you, I heard the phone ringing from across the hall, and then the door of his house swung open.

Audrey felt that even if she had ten more years, she wouldn’t forget the scene from last night. When the door opened, Branden’s tall and elegant figure suddenly appeared before her.

At that moment, Audrey was torn inside. She didn’t know how to ask. Branden was brilliant. He had seen through her thoughts in an instant. Then Branden explained the situation simply.

“Kathy forgot her keys, so she’s resting in the guest room now.”

It was then that Audrey realized that Catherine had called her earlier because she had forgotten her keys. However, knowing that Audrey was working and not wanting to disturb her, Catherine hadn’t informed her.

The call had been made four or five hours ago. As Audrey thought about it, her heart softened. She muttered softly, “Kathy is really careful.”

She was worried about Catherine. She felt that Catherine cared too much about others.

Chapter 242 Ronin’s Absence

After Audrey realized the situation, she expressed her gratitude to Branden. Audrey learned from Branden that Catherine had already gone to sleep in the guest room. Although Audrey wasn’t as clever as Catherine, she could discern Branden’s intentions from his words.

It seemed he had no intention of letting her take Catherine away. To put Audrey at ease, Branden had even generously invited her inside to check on her sister.

Audrey cast a quick glance at the sleeping Catherine from afar to ensure her safety. Then she returned to her own room. However, after that, Audrey’s heart was still unsettled. She didn’t have the courage to disturb Branden.

After all, Branden had done nothing wrong. He had kindly taken in her sister and provided her with a guest room. It would be ungrateful for Audrey to appear overly suspicious. She had a sense of ingratitude.

Then Audrey struggled the entire night, being half-awake, half-asleep. She held out until Catherine finally rang the doorbell.

The sound of the doorbell startled Audrey awake. After she rushed to open the door, she was relieved to see Catherine safe and sound. “Kathy, were you okay last night?”

Catherine didn’t quite understand Audrey’s meaning. “Why wouldn’t I be?

Audrey carefully observed Catherine’s condition, which seemed perfectly fine. Realizing that this topic might not be friendly to Catherine, who was still a student, Audrey didn’t press further.

She awkwardly smiled and waved her hand. “It’s nothing. I’m just asking casually. It’s getting late. You should change clothes quickly. I’ll make you some breakfast, and you have class later.”

Catherine stood up and walked toward her room without looking back. “No need to make breakfast. Branden already prepared it.”

The sound of the bedroom door closing made Audrey instantly alert. She realized that Branden made breakfast for her sister. Branden had personally cooked despite being the head of the Duncans.

Audrey was surprised. After living with Catherine, she seemed to receive an endless series of heart-stopping surprises. Audrey was shocked from time to time.

After breakfast, Branden personally drove Catherine to school. Audrey carefully stood by the window and watched their every move. Seeing Branden help Catherine into the car, Audrey had a strange feeling.

Even though they were just neighbors across the hall, they seemed like a newlywed couple. They went in and out together every day. No wonder Triston and the others had misunderstood and thought they were living together.

At school, Branden accompanied Catherine out of the car and was attentive toward her all the way.

“Go inside for your classes, and I’ll pick you up in the evening,” he said. Catherine responded with a nonchalant acknowledgment. Then she turned to walk toward the school’s entrance.

Branden didn’t immediately get back into the car. Instead, he stood in place and watched her leave for a moment.

Paxton, who was standing nearby, couldn’t help but feel a pang in his heart. He thought Branden was becoming increasingly indulgent toward Catherine. Once Catherine arrived in her classroom, she settled into her seat with her backpack.

Ronin’s usual seat next to her was empty. There was some business at the base. Catherine asked him to go back and handle it for three days. He had already taken a leave of absence from school. In Ronin’s absence, Bryan had taken on the responsibility of looking after Catherine.

“Boss, would you like some breakfast? I’ve prepared ham sandwiches and rose liqueur.”

Before Ronin left last night, he told Bryan that Catherine liked to drink rose liqueur and let Bryan prepare it in advance.

Catherine curtly declined. She replied, ” No. Thanks.” Then she adjusted herself into a comfortable position. Seeing that Catherine wanted to rest, Bryan didn’t dare to disturb her. He quietly sat beside her.

Catherine didn’t actually intend to rest. With one hand supporting her face, she used her long fingers to twirl a pen as she was deep in thought.

It was the first time she had slept so peacefully in someone else’s private space, and she hadn’t even known when Audrey had visited yesterday.

What impressed her the most was Branden, who had managed to create such a strong sense of security in her. By the time Catherine had come to her senses, she was already ensnared in his sphere and found it difficult to break free.

“Boss, it’s time for class.”

Bryan reminded Catherine. Catherine still had her feet up and looked rather casual. She replied, ” Alright.”

She continued to ponder the unresolved issues in her mind. Being in such a comfortable environment made her a bit sluggish.

Branden had masterfully catered to her personality and habits. He created a comfortable and tranquil environment for her, which made her unwittingly sink deeper into it. Branden was quite formidable. Even Catherine couldn’t help but want to praise him.

He was a master of psychology. The time for relaxation passed swiftly. By the time Bryan spoke again, the school bell had already rung, which signaled the end of class.

“Boss, class is over. Would you like something to eat? I can go get it for you, Bryan asked. Loyalty Academy was unlike other schools. It was a prestigious institution with a large supermarket and a five- star restaurant right on campus to cater to students’ needs.

Ronin used to handle this. Now that he was on leave, Bryan naturally took over. After hearing what Bryan said, Catherine replied calmly, “No. Thanks.”

After she spoke, George exclaimed in a loud voice.

“Bryan, there’s someone waiting at the entrance for you.”

Catherine turned her head to look at Bryan and said, “Go ahead.”

Having received Catherine’s permission, Bryan stood up and walked out. To his surprise, Yesenia was standing at the entrance. Bryan frowned and looked at her. ” What are you doing here?”

Yesenia smiled and stared at Bryan with excitement. “Never mind that. Tell me. Is Catherine in this class?”

Hearing that, Bryan instantly understood her intent. Having Ronin around was already enough, and now having Yesenia around too would be more than Bryan could handle. So, no matter what, Bryan couldn’t let Yesenia get close to Catherine.

“She’s not here. Go back and study. Otherwise, I’ll call Branden, and he’ll have his people come and take you away.”

Hearing Bryan mention Branden, Yesenia felt a bit apprehensive. The fearless Yesenia from the Duncans was only afraid of Branden.

She reluctantly glanced at Bryan and said with disdain, “Fine. I won’t ask. Your attitude is so terrible. Next time, I’ll go tell Grandpa about you.”

Bryan playfully reached out as if to smack her, which scared Yesenia off. After Yesenia had completely left, Bryan turned around. As he saw George at the entrance, he said, “From now on, if that girl comes to our class looking for someone, just tell her that the person is not here, especially when she is looking for Catherine.”

After Catherine’s rise to fame during the school celebration gala, her classmates in Class 8 admired her greatly. There were also many fans from their school chasing after her and essentially making her a star.

After all, Catherine had both exceptional abilities and good looks, not to mention her connections with many top-tier celebrities. George nodded in understanding.” Don’t worry, Bryan. I’ve got this.

“I promise that no one will disturb Catherine.”

Chapter 243 Jessica Was Humiliated

Bryan thought he had arranged things. properly. Unexpectedly, the accident happened. At noon time, Catherine went with Bryan and the others to the school’s cafeteria for lunch.

The cafeteria chefs in the school were all very good chefs, and the executive chef was a senior chef.

If one went there once in a while, one would feel that the food there tasted good.

As soon as Catherine entered the cafeteria, she saw a group of girls gathered not far away. The reason why her attention was directed at them was because she knew several of the girls.

The one sitting was Yesenia, the one standing next to her with a big smile on her face was Jessica, and the one on the other side was Liana. Noticing Catherine’s pause, Bryan followed her gaze and spotted Yesenia as well.

He frowned slightly and made the suggestion immediately. “Boss, how about we go to a restaurant outside for lunch?”

“No need.”

Catherine responded casually before striding toward the food. The group of girls was too insignificant to make her change her decision.

The girls were talking and laughing. If someone got close and overheard their conversation, they would find these girls flattering Yesenia, especially Jessica.

The Freemans had recently had business dealings with the branch of the Duncans, which was managed by Yesenia’s father.

It was impossible for the Freemans to get close to Branden, but it was a great thing to do business with the Duncans. So Jessica began to work hard to please Yesenia.

“Do you guys know that? Yesenia is a real princess growing up in a wealthy family. She is the only girl in the younger generation of the Duncans. She’s a treasure that everyone in the Duncans holds in their palms. It’s really enviable.”

After saying that, Jessica put her hand on Yesenia’s shoulder intentionally, giving others a feeling that she and Yesenia were very close to each other.

The surrounding girls, except Liana, all cast envious gazes toward Jessica. She was of the same kind as Jessica. She knew Jessica’s purpose at the moment better than Jessica herself.

In Casier, there was no one who didn’t know the Duncans, and there was no one who didn’t want to establish a relationship with the Duncans.

Although Yesenia was not a descendant of the main branch of the Duncans, as Jessica said, she was the only girl in the younger generation of the Duncans.

Unlike ordinary wealthy families who prioritized sons over daughters, the Duncans were already strong enough to completely disregard the view of prioritizing sons over daughters.

When a thing was scarce, it was precious. Since Yesenia was the only girl in the younger generation of the Duncans, she was naturally loved by the Duncans.

Everyone treated her as the pearl of the Duncans. All the other girls were also thinking of building a relationship with Yesenia.

“Jessica, you’re so close to Ms. Duncan!

“Ms. Duncan, are you suddenly transferring to our school just to find your friend Jessica?”

Faced with a barrage of questions, Yesenia was annoyed to death. She didn’t expect her unintentional action to cause herself so much trouble.

She had approached Bryan at first, wanting him to lead her to Super Catherine, but Bryan simply ignored her and threatened her. In anger, she thought of Jessica.

Jessica was the follower who stuck to Loraine every day. Yesenia remembered that Loraine was also in this school. Unexpectedly, as soon as Jessica heard. that Yesenia transferred here after they met, Jessica greeted her warmly and said she could take her around the school.

Originally, Yesenia thought she could stroll around for a while since it was not yet time for classes to end.

She didn’t expect that she had actually become a tool for Jessica to show off. Yesenia couldn’t help but roll her eyes for a moment.

In her heart, she secretly thought, ” Why is Jessica so stupid? No wonder Bryan and the others don’t like her. “I was so blind to think she was nice.

“She is a world apart from Super Catherine.”

Just as Yesenia was glancing around in boredom, she suddenly saw a familiar figure. Her eyes lit up in an instant and she became excited.

She stood up without hesitation and rushed toward the figure. Sensing someone running toward her, Catherine sidestepped subconsciously. Catherine’s sudden movement made Yesenia unable to react in time and almost fell to the floor.

Fortunately, Catherine, who was behind her, suddenly reached out and grabbed her collar with one hand. She pulled her back forcefully.

Yesenia turned back toward Catherine after she stabilized herself, her eyes filled with tears of excitement. “Oh my goodness, Super Catherine. You saved me again.”

Her pious look would make those who didn’t know the situation think that she owed Catherine a big life-saving favor! Catherine frowned at the happy Yesenia in front of her. “Aren’t you in Women’s College?”

Yesenia was overjoyed to see that Catherine was willing to talk to her. If anyone else had mentioned Women’s College to her, she would have gotten angry. But Catherine was different.

In Yesenia’s mind, Super Catherine was concerned of her. Yesenia smiled. Her bright eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at Catherine excitedly.

“Super Catherine, I went back last night, begged my Grandpa all night, and promised to enter the top ten list this semester. Only then did Grandpa help me persuade Uncle Branden to agree to transfer me to this school.”

The Duncans treated girls quite differently than boys. They doted on girls very much. That was why Yesenia didn’t do well in school. Seeing that she dared to make such a promise and begged all night, Karl promised her.

What Yesenia didn’t know was that Branden’s promise to transfer her to this school was not becasue he was moved by her promise, but because he saw her admiration for Catherine. Letting her go to this school wouldn’t cause trouble for Catherine, so he nodded and made it happen.

“Super Catherine, I did the transfer paperwork overnight and I came early in the morning. Do you think I’m a good student?”

Yesenia’s big watery eyes looked straight at Catherine, with a look that begged for praise.

After understanding the course of events, Catherine said expressionlessly, “Mmm.” After that, she turned her head to continue ordering food, not paying any attention to Yesenia at all.

Jessica and the girls came hurriedly. When Yesenia suddenly stood up and ran away just now, none of them reacted. They were surprised that Yesenia actually came to this school for Catherine!

Seeing Catherine’s attitude toward Yesenia, Jessica couldn’t help but spit out, “She’s so arrogant. How dare she be so mean to Ms. Duncan and show such disgust? Does she really consider herself a god and think that everyone has to praise her?”

After saying that, she immediately said to Yesenia warmly, “Yesenia, let’s ignore this jinx. Seeing her makes me sick. Let’s go over there and enjoy our lunch!”

Without waiting for Catherine to make a move, Yesenia flung Jessica away. Jessica lost her balance. If it weren’t for Liana helping her, she would have fallen to the floor.

She looked at Yesenia in surprise. Unexpectedly, Yesenia’s attitude was even more aggressive than hers. Yesenia glared at her and cursed, ” Watch your words! Don’t you know how to speak properly?

“You’re the one who makes me sick. Look at your sycophantic behavior. You should get a mirror and see what you look like!”

Jessica clenched her hands into fists and looked at Yesenia with shock on her face. She didn’t expect Yesenia to treat her like this.

Being humiliated in front of everyone,, Jessica was so furious that she struggled to prepare for a counterattack.

Yesenia, who was unruly and capricious, wasn’t inferior to Ronin when it came to fighting. Once again, she verbally assaulted Jessica, leaving her have no way to fight back.

In the end, Yesenia emphasized righteously, “Remember, I’m not friends with you. I transferred here for Super Catherine. Beware of me if I ever hear you denigrate my Super Catherine again.

“Don’t forget that your family is still relying on my dad to get rich!”

Hearing these words, Jessica’s face turned pale with fear. Her thoughts of retorting were completely stifled. Yesenia was right. The Freemans were still counting on the Duncans to get rich. Jessica couldn’t afford to offend the Duncans.

Chapter 244 Being a Follower of Catherine

For the first time, Bryan felt that Yesenia’s unruly and capricious character was still somewhat useful. Jessica was unable to say a word because of Yesenia’s verbal aggression and was about to cry.

Seeing Jessica’s expression that was on the verge of crying, Yesenia became angrier. She swept a disgusted glance at Jessica. “What are you waiting for? Get out of my face!”

Jessica didn’t dare to offend Yesenia. She covered her face and ran away angrily.

The other girls were worried about being publicly insulted and disdained by Yesenia, so they hid themselves far away from her obediently and didn’t come forward.

If it were someone else who made such verbal attacks in public, they would have been humiliated by the people present long ago.

But Yesenia was different. When Jessica flattered her just now, the crowd already knew her identity. No one dared to offend the young lady of the Duncans!

Even in everyone’s hearts, they secretly felt that Jessica deserved to be humiliated. She flattered Yesenia doggedly and shamelessly, acting like she was close to Yesenia! So, she deserved it.

After cleaning up the annoying people, Yesenia turned around to look at Catherine, wearing a smile on her face and with a look of asking for praise. Super Catherine, I drove away all those annoying people for you. I’m still a little capable, right?”

Catherine gave her an expressionless look. Although she didn’t say anything, that look in her eyes was the greatest affirmation for Yesenia.

Yesenia, who had watched a lot of soap operas, had already imagined a bunch of old-fashioned plots in her mind at the moment. She looked at Catherine with a sincere expression and said, Super Catherine, you don’t need to say those bad and humiliating words. From now on, you will only be responsible for being high and mighty. I’m responsible for charging into battle for you and cursing those shameless little bitches to death!”

Hearing these old-fashioned words, Catherine frowned tightly as she took a severe look at Yesenia.

She thought to herself, “Is this girl’s brain okay?”

Seeing that Yesenia was still deep in her hallucination, Catherine turned back to order her food, ignoring her.

Yesenia came back to her senses and followed to order her food. “What kind of food did Super Catherine just order? I want the exact same food as her.”

Faced with such Yesenia, even Bryan, who was standing behind her, couldn’t help but roll his eyes. He thought his cousin might have been possessed. She was too obsessed with Catherine and was already beyond redemption.

Liana, who was standing not far away and had not yet left, was so angry that she almost crushed her fork in her hand. She knew Yesenia, but Yesenia did not know her.

Yesenia was the noble lady from the Duncans and had always been high and mighty. But she actually liked Catherine, a jinx from the countryside, and was obedient to her. What a joke.

Liana was angry!

She was furious!

Because in her mind, these shouldn’t be things that Catherine could have. Catherine didn’t deserve all this!

One day, she would let everyone know how despicable Catherine was. Carrying the food she had just received from the cafeteria waiter, Yesenia walked over to the seat across from Catherine and sat down. She grinned like a fool as she looked at Catherine.

Bryan shook his head helplessly when he saw her in this state. In his mind, he thought that Yesenia was lucky. If it weren’t for Ronin’s leave of absence, she wouldn’t be able to sit here so peacefully.

If Ronin were here, she would have been defeated by his verbal attacks. Catherine didn’t have a problem with Yesenia sitting across from her. The cafeteria was a public place, and the seat across from her was for anyone.

So, she didn’t have any right to drive Yesenia away. Catherine’s silence was a big surprise to Yesenia. In her mind, she thought Super Catherine accepted her and was willing to let her follow her.

Yesenia opened the food box excitedly and was ready to have lunch. But the moment she saw the food inside the food box, she was dumbfounded.

She almost screamed out in shock, but luckily, she covered her mouth in time. Her reaction was so violent that she attracted Bryan’s attention.

Originally, Bryan planned to ignore her, but after seeing the food inside her food box, he couldn’t help but laugh.

He took the opportunity to trick Yesenia. He turned to her and said in an unusually serious manner, “Since you ordered this food, you have to finish it. No wasting food. Otherwise, don’t cry if Boss dislikes you later!”

Yesenia quietly glanced at Catherine. Seeing that Catherine had an expressionless face without refuting Bryan, Yesenia believed it to be true that Catherine really hated people wasting food.

Although it was very hard and she was on the verge of crying, Yesenia still ate the food one bite at a time. Upon hearing the continuous sound of breaths coming from ahead, Catherine finally paid attention to Yesenia.

She didn’t need to ask the reason. Only a casual glance could make her understand the reason behind it. Yesenia couldn’t eat spicy food, but Catherine loved it very much. So, every dish Catherine ordered was spicy.

Yesenia ordered the dishes as Catherine ordered, which was torture for Yesenia, who couldn’t eat spicy food. As Yesenia breathed and stuffed the food into her mouth with a spoon, her sparkling tears occasionally fell down.

Catherine couldn’t bear to watch anymore.

“Okay, stop eating it!”

Yesenia looked up in confusion, looking at Catherine in somewhat panic. She mistakenly thought that Catherine didn’t like her and thought she was wasting food. She explained nervously, “Super Catherine, I didn’t mean to waste it. I’m…”

Without waiting for her to finish her words, Catherine reached out to snatch the spoon out of her hand directly and dominantly. And then, Catherine shoved a bottle of water into her hand.

“Don’t eat it if you can’t. It’s not a waste of food!”

Yesenia opened the cap of the bottle and drank the water hurriedly to ease the spicy feeling, with her big black eyes staring straight at Catherine.

Bryan, sitting on the side, was amused by her silly look and couldn’t help but laugh out loud. As a result, he saw Catherine roll her eyes at him.

Catherine glanced at him coldly and said in disgust, “As her cousin, is this how you treat her?”

Realizing he had made Catherine angry by teasing Yesenia, Bryan apologized hurriedly, “Boss, I’m wrong. I won’t do it again!”

Watching her cousin Bryan, who had always been fearless, being so obedient in front of Catherine, Yesenia was really worshipping Catherine more and more.

And Catherine scolded Bryan for her sake. Catherine’s domineering gesture of protecting her made her so excited that she couldn’t help but applaud.

In the game, Super Catherine also protected her like that. Surprisingly, Super Catherine did the same in reality.

Catherine was worthy of being Super Catherine. Her appearance in real life was the same as her appearance in games, which was irresistibly pleasing. Yesenia now felt that it was worthwhile for her to transfer to this school at all costs.

Thinking that she could become Catherine’s junior sister and see Catherine every day, Yesenia couldn’t help but get excited.

Catherine was stared at by Yesenia to the point that her skin prickled. The way Yesenia looked at her looked like she was going to swallow her in one gulp.

Yesenia’s gaze on her was even hotter than that of Ronin back then. Over the years, Ronin had matured and didn’t look at her day and night like he did before. At that time, Ronin even wanted to put his eyes on her.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Catherine got rid of Ronin’s sizzling gaze, Yesenia’s sizzling gaze came. Thinking of this, Catherine couldn’t help but frown.

Yesenia was watching Catherine’s every move the whole time. Seeing Catherine frowning, she immediately asked in a loud voice, “Super Catherine, what’s wrong with you? Did someone upset you? Tell me who is it and I’ll go scold her to death!”

Catherine shook her head with a serious face. “I’m fine!”

After saying that, Catherine stood up and left the cafeteria. Yesenia immediately left her things behind to follow Catherine.

From this moment onward, there was another follower behind Catherine, and that was Yesenia.

Chapter 245 Plan to Kill Her

Just as the school bell rang, Catherine stood up and prepared to leave. However, the cell phone inside her pocket rang. After glancing at the caller ID, Catherine walked to the window to answer the call.

Watching her walk to the window, Bryan winked at his followers on the side. They formed a simple circle to separate Catherine from the rest of the class, leaving no one within 6 feet of her surroundings.

Seeing Catherine answering the phone, Liana was originally prepared to step forward and eavesdrop. After seeing the circle Bryan’s followers formed in front of her, Liana could only stomp her feet angrily and leave.

Connecting the phone call, Catherine then heard a gentle voice coming from the receiver.

“Miss Swann, is school over?” The caller was clearly calling at the last minute, and he was asking knowingly. Catherine replied in a low voice,” Mmm.”

Leonel’s shallow laughter came from the other end of the phone. “Hahaha, that’s great. I was worried about interrupting your class. I’m calling to tell you some good news. Our collaborative project with Mr. David has passed the first phase of trials.

“As long as this good news is spread, the market will definitely have great confidence in the Swann Corporation’s business. As long as the market has confidence in the Swann Corporation, the stockholders will have confidence, and then the stock price will definitely soar.

“We try harder when the time comes so that the agreement you made with your father on the bet may be fulfilled!”

In Leonel’s tone, there was an indescribable excitement. He was truly surprised that Catherine was able to achieve such results in a short period of time.

This was simply magic. Catherine was too powerful. No wonder Vicente wanted to push aside public opinion and let her take over the management of the Swann Corporation.

With her, there was hope for the Swann Corporation. He believed that Catherine would become the next legendary figure of the Swann Corporation.

Catherine’s bet with her father was not like it might be fulfilled, but it would definitely be fulfilled! And it would undoubtedly be overfulfilled!

“Leonel, get Linda to make the arrangements for me. I’ll hold a shareholder meeting next week.”

“Okay, don’t worry. I’ll make the arrangements with Linda for you!”

After getting Leonel’s response, Catherine casually hung up the phone. Looking at the black screen of her cell phone, a cold light flashed in her cold eyes.

She didn’t even need to try any harder. Next week, all of this would settle. In the office of the General Manager of the Swann Corporation, Korbin massaged the bridge of his nose tiredly. During this period of time, he had been arranging internal adjustments in the company. He replaced the top leaders in each important position with his trusted employees, and he was exhausted.

When he was just about to lean down and rest for a while, he heard a knock at the door.

“Come in!”

Korbin’s assistant pushed the door open and rushed to the front of the desk, looking flustered.

“Mr. Swann, we have a situation!”

This assistant had followed Korbin for many years. He had been placed by Vicente at Korbin’s side from a young age and was a trusted confidant of Korbin. He was highly valued by Korbin.

He had been in the workplace for many years, and if it weren’t for a big change, he wouldn’t have been so nervous. Korbin became nervous all of a sudden. He sat up straight and looked at his assistant. “What exactly has happened?

The assistant handed the document in his hand to Korbin. “Mr. Swann, the first phase of the chip research and development project with Mr. David’s company has been successful.

“Mr. David’s company also took the initiative to contact the government and did tests that also passed. I received news that the government intends to promote this project to benefit more electronic devices.”

Hearing the news, Korbin was completely unable to sit still. He hadn’t even read the document. Just by listening to what his assistant said, he knew how serious this matter was

The success of this project’s test alone was already a piece of unfavorable news. As soon as this news was released into the market, the Swann Corporation’s stock price would definitely soar.

If the government endorsed this project, then this project would definitely be profitable. Under the government’s protection, this project would definitely be able to proceed smoothly.

As long as this piece of news was spread, in less than three days, the share price of the Swann Corporation would surely double!

For the Swann Corporation, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow. It had been very difficult for the Swann Corporation to further its development.

Every step was taken with caution, and if it weren’t for the extremely stable project, the Swann Corporation would not go too far.

The project with Mr. David was an excellent opportunity for the Swann Corporation to move up to the next level. As long as the Swann Corporation could seize the opportunity, it would be able to further its development…

But for Korbin, this opportunity was a fatal blow. If the share price of the Swann Corporation doubled, that meant Catherine, the jinx, had succeeded.

Then, she would be able to sit in the chairperson position of the Swann Corporation and take over the Swann Corporation successfully. At that time, all of Korbin’s hard work during this period of time would go down the drain. How could he not panic?

He raised his head up to look at his assistant with a ferocious cold look in his eyes. “How many people know about this news?”

The assistant didn’t dare to hesitate and answered immediately, “At present, it should only be known to Leonel and me. He was the first person notified by the experimental group.”

If they hadn’t been delicate in their work and arranged their own people within the experimental group in the first place, they wouldn’t have received the news so quickly.

If they only received the news when it spread out, that would be the real end of them. Although this project was a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for the Swann Corporation, in Korbin’s opinion, the Swann Corporation could only be his.

He was absolutely not going to give Catherine a chance to get it. Although this project was a rare one for the Swann Corporation, Korbin thought he would still get such a chance for it in the future.

If the Swann Corporation was not in his hands, he really lost everything. Even if he gave up this project, he wouldn’t let Catherine succeed.

“Go get Baldy for me!”

A chill ran down the back of the assistant’s neck. He knew that Korbin would only use his trump card when it was necessary to use force against difficult targets. Baldy was the name of the leader of an elite unit raised by the Swanns.

Three years ago, when Vicente’s condition was in doubt, Korbin had quietly taken this elite unit under his wing as a precautionary measure. It seemed that Korbin had made a killing decision this time.

“Mr. Swann, I’m going to inform Baldy right now!”

Korbin raised his head and looked at the office door that was gradually closing. His face looked grim, and a murderous intent flashed in his eyes. No one could stand in the way of his chances! Not even his own daughter.

He had been hoping and waiting for so many years. He finally waited until Vicente passed away, but he didn’t expect Vicente to do such a thing before his death. Korbin thought in his heart, “Does he think this will knock me down?

“No way! It’s an idiot’s daydream!

“It’s ridiculous.

“I’ll make everyone know who is the true heir of the Swanns.

“As for Catherine, if she behaves herself, I’ll keep her alive.

“I’ll send her to the countryside to find an ordinary man. That way, she can live a quiet life with her family.”

If she wasn’t grateful and tried to challenge him, he would definitely do whatever it took to make her completely disappear from this world. He would do as he said!

Chapter 246 An Accident Happened

Catherine was taken to dinner by Branden and then sent back to the apartment. She returned to her apartment to rest while Branden rushed back to the Duncan Corporation to continue working.

As the head of the Duncans, the job that Branden needed to do was not an easy one. Although there were a large number of brain trusts present, many important decisions still required Branden to personally make the call.

When Catherine returned to the apartment, she found out that Audrey was home, which was rare. Hearing the door open, Audrey looked up with a facial mask on her face.

When she saw that Catherine was back, she immediately jumped up and rushed up to hug Catherine recklessly. The scene was not difficult to imagine!

In a dimly lit room, someone with a face as if painted suddenly rushed toward Catherine. A normal person would be scared out of their wits even if they were not scared to pass out.

Catherine was probably the only one who was bold enough that she didn’t get scared. She dodged on her side with agility.

After she did so, Audrey was tragic. She almost couldn’t stop and crashed into the wall. But Catherine reached out in time and pulled her back. Audrey didn’t react until she stabilized herself. She was so happy that she forgot Catherine’s inhibitions and almost caused an accident.

After reacting, Audrey looked at Catherine silently. She looked like she was a child who made a mistake and was standing in front of her elders to wait to be punished.

“Kathy, don’t be angry. I didn’t do it on purpose. I’m just too happy!”

Catherine crossed her arms around her chest and glanced at her with a cold gaze.

“Too happy?”

Hearing that her words were a question, Audrey answered her quickly. “Kathy, do you know why I can apply a facial mask at home and do skincare so leisurely today?”

Catherine looked at her expressionlessly. She showed no interest in Audrey’s question at all. She wasn’t Audrey, and she didn’t follow Audrey to work. How could she possibly know what happened to her today?

Although Catherine didn’t look interested, her attitude couldn’t affect Audrey’s high spirits. She looked at Catherine with an excited face and recounted all the events of her day. Audrey had gotten used to Catherine’s indifferent look a long time ago anyway.

“Kathy, you don’t even know how good that new assistant is. She planned my time well. She even took the initiative to communicate with the director while I was waiting to shoot to put together all the scenes that could be filmed together. She helped me get everything ready, and even the director praised me for being well prepared.”

Catherine couldn’t understand. Wasn’t all this what an assistant was supposed to do? From what she knew, Audrey was now the number one female lead in the cast.

Not only that, Audrey was currently in the ascendancy, with the original one- month work schedule being abruptly changed to three months by the director’s team.

Because of the case of the former female lead’s accident, Audrey was considered to come to the rescue. The director’s team should naturally give her some preferential treatment over those actors who put on airs.

Audrey’s assistant only rationalized the filming time and provided her with more rest time, which was a very common thing in the first place.

Catherine didn’t understand why Audrey was so excited over such a small matter. Seeing Catherine’s expressionless face, Audrey was still immersed in her own happiness. She kept expressing her joy to Catherine.

“Kathy, where on earth did you find such a professional assistant for me? She is simply amazing!”

Facing Audrey’s question, Catherine responded very coldly. “Your company is stingy and doesn’t arrange assistants for you. I asked Grayson to introduce one to you!”

It seemed that the assistant Grayson introduced was quite reliable. Otherwise, Audrey wouldn’t be happy like this.

Catherine didn’t know how difficult Audrey had been these past few years. She didn’t rely on the background of the Swanns and fought her way through showbiz on her own, without accepting the hidden rules.

Her fame skyrocketed all of a sudden, and the plays she was contracted for kept increasing. She was happy but extremely tired at the same time.

Now that Catherine had arranged for such a professional assistant to lead her work and help her get her work in order, she was experiencing joy like never before.

“So, she’s the one Peerless Grayson arranged. No wonder she’s so professional. Kathy, I really owe it all to you this time. I’ve always said that you’re my little lucky star, and it’s true. With you around, I’ll have endless good luck!”

Looking at her giggling demeanor, the look on Catherine’s face involuntarily softened a bit. Her sister was really easy to satisfy!

According to Audrey’s current position, it was necessary to have an assistant. Even some cyber stars with little fame would go to events with one or two assistants.

Not to mention that Audrey was now considered a bit of a celebrity in showbiz, with some fame. Once she had her own work to support her, she would be able to establish herself in showbiz firmly.

There were many things that were not convenient for celebrities to handle on their own, and they could not always trouble their agents.

Things like communicating props and rehearsal time with the stage managers should be done by their assistants. So, assistants were not only the life nannies of celebrities but also the staff who helped them handle some docking tasks.

Audrey was just too nice. She had been bullied by Liana and Johnathan since she was a child, causing her to have a non-aggressive nature.

Audrey was still chattering excitedly about what had happened during the day. The cell phone inside Catherine’s pocket suddenly rang. She glanced at it and realized that the caller was Linda.

She connected the phone and put it to her ear. Watching Catherine answer the phone, Audrey finally stopped. She planned to wait for Catherine to finish answering the phone and then continue chatting with her.

Unexpectedly, Catherine’s face became obviously serious after receiving the call. Noticing this reaction, Audrey immediately felt that something was wrong. After Catherine hung up the phone, she immediately asked, “Kathy, what’s wrong? Is something wrong?”

Catherine nodded slightly, then said in a cold tone, “Leonel was hospitalized in a car accident. I’m going to the hospital to check it out!”

“What…”

Audrey shrieked. By the time she regained her senses, Catherine was already rushing out. She threw the mask on her face recklessly and rushed out together after Catherine.

“Kathy, wait for me. I’m coming with you!”

They both got into Audrey’s car. Originally, Audrey was going to drive herself, but before she could get into the driver’s seat, Catherine got in before her.

Audrey pulled open the passenger door immediately to follow. She was worried about Catherine. “Kathy, can you drive? How about let me drive?”

Catherine said calmly, “No!”

She refused Audrey while instructing her to buckle up.

“Snap!”

After the sound of the seatbelt locking sounded, Catherine pressed the accelerator pedal to the bottom. The original forty-minute drive was completed by Catherine in fifteen minutes. Audrey could only use one word to describe this journey, and that was thrilling!

After the car stopped, Catherine opened the door and got out. Audrey really wanted to keep up, but she was now weak in the knees. For the first time in her life, she had just experienced the feeling of adrenaline rising.

The speed of the car just now was so fast that she wanted to throw up. Her legs were still trembling even now. Catherine was driving too fast. Her driving skills were too excellent!

It was not too much to say that she was a super driver inside a movie!

Chapter 247 It Wasn’t an Accident

In the hospital, Linda was in a state of disarray. She sat with the police to take statements. Her professional outfit was still stained with a lot of blood. Her hair, which had always been arranged meticulously, looked a bit messy at the moment.

However, her strong professionalism allowed her to cooperate under such circumstances calmly. It was really surprising. After the police had finished taking statements, Catherine went straight up and walked to Linda’s side.

Linda was about to speak when she saw Catherine, but the expression on her face immediately changed when she saw Audrey behind Catherine.

Catherine could tell what Linda meant right away. She turned her head to Audrey and looked at her with an expressionless face.

“I’m thirsty.”

As soon as she heard Catherine say she was thirsty, Audrey immediately said anxiously, “I’ll go buy you water then. You ran in such a hurry just now. It’s normal that you get thirsty. You just wait for me here!”

After saying that, Audrey ran away in a hurry. Catherine turned back to look at Linda. Before she said something, Linda took the initiative to introduce the basic situations, displaying the competence of a professional secretary to the fullest.

“Miss Swann, Leonel is seriously injured, but his life isn’t in danger. His leg bone is broken. The doctors are still examining his other injuries.”

Catherine breathed a soft sigh of relief, but her face continued to show a calm demeanor. Her cold gaze went over Linda’s body carefully.

“Are you all right?”

“Miss Swann, thanks for your concern. I’m fine. Leonel and I discussed the project about an hour ago. It wasn’t long after we left the company that there was a car accident.”

Linda looked at Catherine with a strange look for a moment after she finished speaking. It didn’t take a guess for Catherine to realize that there was something in her words. “Just tell me!”

Linda nodded and lowered her voice, whispering, “Miss Swann, I suspect that this is not an accidental car accident but a deliberate murder. The other party drove toward us with no intention of slowing down at all.”

Fortunately, Leonel had a quick reaction and turned the direction of the car at a fast speed to minimize the damage while shielding Linda at the same time.

Otherwise, Linda would be the one lying in the hospital bed right now. Thinking of these things, Linda couldn’t help but want to tear the other party apart. Catherine’s calm eyes instantly became cold.

“This is not an accidental car accident but a deliberate murder…”

These chilling words kept coming to Catherine’s mind. She exuded a terrifying aura all over her body. Leonel had always served the Swann Corporation and was the chief lawyer of the Swann Corporation legal team. He hadn’t offended anyone over the years.

Now that he suddenly had an accident, Catherine seriously suspected that this matter had something to do with her.

Linda looked at Catherine with some concern. The reason why she didn’t dare to say these words in front of Audrey was that she was worried that this matter would be leaked out.

Lowering her voice, she came close to Catherine’s side and gave her a reminder. “Miss Swann, I suspect that this matter has something to do with the cooperation project we signed with Mr. David. Now that Leonel and I are in trouble at the same time, you’d better be careful too.’

Catherine narrowed her eyes slightly at Linda. A chilling light appeared in her eyes, and her voice was cold to the bone.

“You mean, it was Korbin?”

Linda didn’t dare to nod her head, but her eyes were looking straight at Catherine. Linda wasn’t fully certain who did it, but at the moment, Korbin was the most suspicious. Korbin was Catherine’s father, so Linda couldn’t say it bluntly.

Linda looked at Catherine carefully after she finished speaking.

She originally thought Catherine would be unable to control her emotions. After all, Catherine was just a little girl. Even if she was a bit smarter than an average person, it was normal for her to be unable to remain calm in the face of such a crucial matter of life and death.

But to her surprise, Catherine’s expression remained unchanged after learning that the object of suspicion was her father.

The only thing Linda could sense was that Catherine’s aura was constantly strengthening, and the surrounding air pressure became cold due to her powerful aura.

Just when she was hesitating whether to say something or not, Catherine opened her mouth to say something.

Catherine’s gaze was clear and cold as she looked at Linda. The end of her beautiful eyes was slightly upturned, carrying an appalling domineering aura.

“I’ll arrange for someone to look into this matter. I’ll also arrange for someone to protect you and Leonel. Leave the rest to me!”

Leonel and Linda were the people who worked for her, so they were her people. Since those people dared to touch her people, they would have to pay a corresponding price. For some reason, Catherine’s words made Linda feel inexplicably secure.

Catherine was born with leadership abilities and convincing abilities. If it were someone else who had said something like that, Linda would have mocked them in her heart for their self- importance.

But Catherine made her believe it, and she was silently relieved. There was a sound of footsteps coming. It was Audrey who rushed back after buying water. Audrey handed Catherine a bottle of water in her hand. “Kathy, here you go!

Audrey reacted only after Catherine took the water. She reached out, planning to get the water bottle back.” Catherine, I’ll open it for you!”

At the moment she spoke, Catherine had already unscrewed the bottle cap. She handed Audrey the bottle of water that had been opened. After that, she took the unopened bottle in Audrey’s hand and opened it to drink. Watching the interaction between the two from the sidelines, Linda was a little shocked inside.

Looking at Catherine’s attitude toward the Swanns, Linda had originally thought that Catherine was carrying a great deal of hatred toward the Swanns inside.

After all, Catherine had been labeled as “jinx” since she was a child. She was sent to the countryside and suffered a lot.

Linda thought that this experience, which was difficult for normal people to experience, was highly likely to make Catherine become cold, indifferent, and even hate everything.

However, based on the relationship between Catherine and Audrey, Linda realized that her previous subjective judgment was wrong. Catherine didn’t hate everything, and she was clear about what to love and what to hate.

There was no disdain in Audrey’s eyes when she looked at Catherine, and she treated Catherine with warmth and friendship. Catherine treated Audrey with the same attitude, giving her the greatest care.

Johnathan had always despised Catherine, and in return, Catherine had given him a severe whipping. So, Linda figured that if she was loyal to Catherine, Catherine would definitely be nice to her.

Audrey looked at Catherine and Linda. Only when she saw that both of them were quite calm did she dare to inquire,

“Is Leonel all right?”

Catherine glanced at Audrey and spoke in a cold voice, “He’s fine. He just broke a leg and a rib or two!”

Hearing her say such horrible words in such an extremely calm manner, Audrey almost fainted.

He just broke a leg?

And a rib or two?

This was called he was fine?

Audrey could feel the pain by hearing those words, but Catherine was able to say it with such a calm face. Catherine was really impressive.

After half an hour, the doctor came out and told them that the patient had woken up. Considering all the safety issues, the hospital only allowed one family member or friend to enter the ward to visit.

Linda asked Catherine to visit Leonel without even thinking about it. “Miss Swann, you go. Maybe Leonel wants to talk to you.”

“Okay!” Catherine gave a grunt and nodded in agreement. She understood what Linda meant.

Chapter 248 Branden’s Top Priority

Inside the hospital room, Catherine saw Leonel lying in a hospital bed. He was wrapped in a lot of bandages. He had just woken up from a coma and still looked a little weak.

Hearing footsteps, he opened his eyes. After discovering that the person coming was Catherine, his expression was clearly a bit excited.

“Miss Swann, you need to be careful lately. After Korbin attacked me, his next target must be you!” Facing Leonel’s reminder, Catherine looked at him with an expressionless face and issued a question strangely.

“Why are you so sure it was Korbin?”

Leonel thought Catherine was too young to understand the sinister nature of human beings in the world.

He reminded her again, “Miss Swann, people can do anything for money. Many people can even kill their siblings for money. Humans are the most sinister.

“And the reason I’m so sure is because I’m well aware that Vicente had an elite unit cultivated secretly during his lifetime. Later, this elite unit was pocketed by Korbin. The person just attacked me happened to be someone I once met in the unit.” who

Leonel was Vicente’s most trusted person during his lifetime. He had been involved in many internal affairs within the Swanns and had a good understanding of the Swanns.

Catherine didn’t know that her grandfather actually had an elite unit. It seemed that her grandfather was really hiding a lot of things from her.

However, this could save her time. She could check fewer things and focus on arranging the next layout. Was Korbin desperate and starting to use his trump card?

He was worried that she would win the bet and take the Swann Corporation into her hands, so he couldn’t wait to kill her?

Her father was really ruthless and had learned fully of Vicente’s ruthless side. She had promised Vicente back then that she would never kill anyone of the Swanns. But she didn’t say she wouldn’t fight back!

Since Korbin wanted to bring her to her death regardless of their family affection, why should she be merciful to Korbin?

She pressed her lips together and curled them up slightly, showing a seductive and evil smile. At first glance, her smile was very charming, but upon closer inspection, it could make people’s blood freeze.

“Have a good rest. I’ll take my leave first!”

Catherine walked out of the hospital ward after saying that to Leonel. Just as she walked out, Audrey stepped forward, looking at her with a concerned face. “Kathy, is Leonel okay?

“He’s fine!” Catherine responded coldly. Audrey breathed a sigh of relief silently and then emphasized, “Leonel is Grandpa’s most capable assistant and has been with Grandpa for so many years. We can’t let anything happen to him, or else I’ll feel guilty!”

Catherine narrowed her eyes slightly and sized up Audrey with the corner of her eyes. It was a seemingly careless look, but if one looked at her closely, one would find that she was sizing Audrey up very carefully.

She could tell that Audrey had great respect for Vicente. When Audrey was expelled from the Swanns, although Vicente did not personally do it, as the head of the family, Vicente did not come out to stop it. It could be said that Vicente allowed all of this to happen tacitly.

It was interesting that Audrey still respected Vicente so much after all that.

“You are so loyal to Grandpa. You even show a little more respect for the people he valued during his lifetime.”

Catherine’s voice was soft, even with a hint of teasing. Hearing this, Audrey froze for a moment. After a few seconds, she reacted. But instead of getting angry, she turned to Catherine and comforted her.

In her opinion, the fact that Catherine would make such a teasing comment was a sign of her dissatisfaction with their grandfather for sending her to the countryside back then.

“Kathy, don’t be angry with Grandpa. We have such a big family. We don’t know how many things were waiting for Grandpa to handle every day. There was too much pressure on him. He still loved us. After all, we are his own granddaughters. Do you think I’m right?”

Catherine gave Audrey an expressionless look and said to her with a lazy attitude, “As long as you’re happy!”

No one knew Vicente better than Catherine. He wasn’t a responsible grandfather, but he was indeed a good head of the family.

He was a great businessman. He had the situation well in hand and controlled everything, taking the Swann Corporation to create one glory after another. For the sake of the Swanns, he could compromise everything.

For example, she was obviously sent to the countryside by the Swanns when she was a child. But after she revealed her amazing talent, Vicente could condescend to personally come to accompany her, tutor her, and even do everything to make her get the Swann Corporation.

All of this was for a better Swann Corporation. This was Vicente, a complete businessman. After making sure Leonel was okay, Catherine was ready to go home. She still had a series of things to arrange.

Since Linda wasn’t hurt, Catherine left everything at the hospital to her for the time being. Catherine left the hospital with Audrey.

Audrey couldn’t understand why Catherine came to the hospital in a hurry just now but left after taking a simple glance.

“Kathy, don’t we need to stay a little longer and help Linda?”

Hearing her words, Catherine turned back to glance at her with her hands in her pockets and her head down.

“So, what do you think you can do to help Linda here?”

Audrey wanted to refute her, but she couldn’t find any words to refute her after she racked her brains. The fact was just like what Catherine said. Tough Linda didn’t need their help at all.

If Audrey stayed, she might even cause trouble for Linda. After seeing through the fact, Audrey left the hospital with Catherine obediently.

Inside the building of the Duncan Corporation, Paxton immediately rushed into the door of the president’s office after receiving the news.

Since Catherine appeared, anything related to her had been considered a level-one task and must be reported in the shortest possible time.

Now Paxton understood that even if it was not Catherine who was in trouble, but someone close to her, it was still considered an urgent matter. And he had to report it to Branden as soon as possible.

Hearing the knock on the door, Branden lifted his head slowly from the bookcase, revealing his handsome and stunning face. Upon seeing Paxton standing in the doorway, he said, “Come in!”

His deep and low voice echoed throughout the office. Paxton dared not hesitate and walked to Branden’s desk with the document, reporting the latest situation.

“Mr. Duncan, Leonel was attacked. He is in the hospital and is not in danger of his life for the time being.”

Branden stopped his movements and looked at Paxton. A chilling cold light flashed in his obsidian-like eyes, giving out a terrifying domineering aura. Paxton lowered his head. Branden’s powerful aura made Paxton not dare to look at him.

“Mr. Duncan, Miss Swann is fine. She has already visited Leonel at the hospital.”

Just after saying that, Paxton felt the pressure inside the office gradually disappearing. He breathed a slow sigh of relief and secretly congratulated himself on surviving.

Paxton thought in his heart secretly, ” It seems that Mr. Duncan values Catherine far more than I’ve imagined and deeper than my understanding.”

Catherine’s position in Branden’s heart was unparalleled by ordinary people.

Chapter 249 Blocked in the Alley

Paxton always felt that the atmosphere in the office was particularly depressing today, keeping him on his toes and making him very when reporting things. cautious He was afraid that any careless action would offend Branden and bring trouble to himself.

“Sir, after checking it out, it should be Korbin’s secret guard team’s doing!”

Branden’s icy cold eyes instantly darkened, and boundless gloom seeped from the bottom of his eyes. “Arrange someone to protect Catherine!” Paxton immediately replied without any hesitation, “Will do!”

He was well aware of the position of Catherine in Branden’s heart. Any injury to Catherine, or even the loss of a single hair, would cause a storm of bloodshed in Casier.

At the most famous golf course on the outskirts of Casier, a caddie carried a huge work bag and walked straight toward Korbin, who was playing.

He slowly stopped beside Korbin, bowed his head, and said in a lowered voice, “Mr. Swann, the man isn’t dead, but his leg is broken!”

No one would have thought that the most elite bodyguard by Korbin’s side would actually disguise himself as a caddie to report the situation to him.

Hearing the latest news, Korbin narrowed his eyes and gazed at the boundless green grass before him. A touch of gloom penetrated the bottom of his eyes, and his face was terrifyingly grim.

“This thing isn’t done beautifully, is it? His tone, obviously, was calm and gentle, but his words seemed to cause the temperature around him to plummet, sending a chill down the spine of the person standing beside him.

The caddie’s back visibly stiffened. He knew this matter was not done perfectly enough, and now that he had alerted the other party, it might spoil Korbin’s plan.

This time, he had to take the blame for being careless and making an error in judgment, but he had never expected a weak lawyer to have this kind of skill.

A murderous intent flashed within Baldy’s lowered eyes. He lowered his voice and said, “It’s all my fault for being careless. How about I sneak inside the hospital tonight and directly kill him?”

“Humph!” Korbin snorted, his words dripping with great dissatisfaction. Baldy, I warned you a long time ago not to be overconfident. Leonel has been highly valued by the old man for many years. Do you really think he’s easy to deal with?”

Vicente was a ruthless man who had made his way out of Casier’s bloodshed back then, and the person who could stay by his side for so many years was definitely not simple.

For this reason, Korbin assigned Baldy to the task, but he never thought that this idiot would be so cocky that he would almost ruin his plan.

It was no longer realistic to have someone go to the hospital to kill Leonel again. For one thing, Korbin didn’t want to attract any unwanted attention by making it a big deal. If the other party got serious and found out about his involvement, it would cause more problems than it was worth.

For another, he was afraid that the other side had already realized something wrong and might be waiting for him to step into their encirclement.

Baldy had been a bit too rushed just now, wanting to make up for his mistake, but now that he reacted, he knew that it wasn’t going to be an easy thing to do. “Mr. Swann, since it didn’t work on Leonel’s side, why don’t I try it on Catherine?”

Korbin didn’t give a direct reply, and the scene fell into silence, leaving only the rustling sound of the wind occasionally blowing through the leaves. After a good while, Korbin finally spoke, “Let’s arrange for someone to try it out first!”

Baldy froze for a moment, then responded, “Okay!”

Staring at Baldy’s departing back, Korbin fell into deep thought. From what Liana had said, Branden seemed to have really taken a liking to Catherine and had often gone out of his way to defend her. Since Baldy had already made a fuss, he’d better have Baldy probe the situation again.

If Branden really cared about Catherine’s affairs, then this matter would be much more troublesome, and Korbin would have to consider alternative approaches to take a long- term view of the situation.

The next day, Catherine walked out from inside the school as soon as the school bell rang as usual. The difference was that she was meeting up with Bryan and the others tonight to go to a barbecue.

Bryan had invited her to join him to try out a new barbecue restaurant that had just opened in town and was very popular. Realizing that she hadn’t had a barbecue in a week, she agreed.

Just as she stepped out of the school gate, Catherine received a phone message from Ronin. It was about the development of the game. The project with the Duncan Corporation had already reached the second phase.

Catherine stopped her footsteps and took a look at the document. After memorizing the content, she put her cell phone in her pocket and prepared to leave.

Just as she looked up, Catherine felt a few unnatural lines of sight focusing on her. She glanced up askance and noticed a few sneaky men, all locking eyes on her.

Bryan, seeing that Catherine was standing still, stepped forward to her side and inquired softly and respectfully, “What’s going on, Boss?”

Catherine had her hands in her pockets and acted casual, her eyes darting over Bryan’s body. “Something came up for me at the moment. I won’t be going to the barbecue. You guys go by yourselves!”

Bryan froze and sized up Catherine carefully for a few moments. Seeing her indifferent and cold face, he then reacted. “Okay, Boss. We’ll make another appointment then.”

Behind them, David and the others were still a bit confused. “Didn’t we agree to go to a barbecue? Why do you change your mind? Bryan, you should try to persuade Catherine!”

Just as David finished his words, Bryan grabbed him by the collar and dragged him to leave. After they left, Catherine walked home alone. Just as she walked into a secluded alley, the sound of hurried footsteps came from behind her.

Catherine continued to walk forward with a calm face, and when she reached the middle of the alley, she stopped in her tracks.

She looked sideways to see two men wearing black jackets with somewhat lewd looks standing at the entrance of the alley, staring intently at her. On Catherine’s expressionless face, the corner of her mouth hooked up into a very light sneer.

With her hands in her pockets and one foot out against a wall opposite, her entire body leaned lethargically against the wall behind her. She didn’t take these two men seriously at all. At the other end of the alley, two more men, also wearing black jackets, appeared.

Catherine took a glance and said inwardly, “Not bad. They look quite professional. At least their clothes are still uniform and pleasant to look at.”

The four men sandwiched Catherine in the middle. They reached out and touched their ears, looking like they should be receiving orders.

And by the time they lowered their hands, their eyes on Catherine became a bit harsh, and they kept moving closer toward Catherine.

They didn’t rush forward because the feeling Catherine gave them was just too strange. They had been in the field for so many years, but it was the first time that they had seen someone still acting so calmly under such a scene.

More importantly, Catherine was still a young girl. It was the strangest thing. Although Catherine’s background was unknown to them, her aura gave off a sense that she was not to be trifled with. The four men exchanged glances and slowly encircled Catherine.

They were four, and the other party was just a young girl, so they definitely had a chance to win. After analyzing the situation, they decided to take direct action to complete the task set by the higher-ups.

The person in the lead shouted, ” Attack!”

Chapter 250 Fighting

Before the few men in black jackets. could make a move on Catherine, a rush of footsteps sounded around them. The four men stopped and turned back to look.

At the front end of the alley, Bryan arrogantly walked in with two men while David and his men surrounded the back end.

Now, the four men finally understood why Catherine was able to be so calm. They had originally thought of encircling Catherine, but they didn’t expect to be set up by Catherine.

However, the four of them were not afraid. These people were students, and how could the well-trained fighters still be frightened of a group of students? It was impossible!

David and the others finally realized why Catherine suddenly changed her mind. It turned out to be these few scumbags who came to make trouble. They thought, “You guys are really bold and actually dare to come to our place to cause trouble! Do you have a death wish?”

Both sides of the people were ready to fight, but Bryan looked straight at Catherine, waiting for instructions.

“Boss, I haven’t fought for a long time. “He stared at Catherine with sincere eyes. These people dared to find trouble with Catherine. They were just courting death.

Catherine was fine with it. Since Bryan and the others wanted to fight, she would give them an opportunity.

She let out a hmm in agreement and fished out a candy Branden had given her from her pockets. Her long, fair fingers deftly unwrapped the candy and stuffed the candy into her mouth..

After Bryan received the signal, a wicked smile appeared on his handsome face as he gestured towards the others. David and the others understood tacitly and made their move at the same time.

The next second, miserable screams echoed in the alley, accompanied by the sound of bones cracking and shattering. The four black-jacketed men had never thought these few students could be so strong in combat.

Bryan and David cooperated well with the others. Coupled with familiarity with the area, there was a natural advantage on their side.

Soon, the battle came to a win. Bryan and the others took an overwhelming advantage and subdued the four men.

The four men came to their place to provoke them, which made a few of the boys explode with anger. Every one of them fought to the fullest, not giving the other party a chance to catch their breath and directly bringing them down to the ground.

After making sure that the other party completely had no power to fight back, the boys stopped at Bryan’s order.

David and the others hadn’t fully vented their anger yet. They shook their shoulders and said unwillingly, ” Come on, Bryan. Why did you stop so soon? We haven’t fought enough. It’s been a long time since we’ve fought like this. Let’s do it today!”

When the four men on the ground heard this, their hearts inexplicably trembled. “Are all the students nowadays so strong in combat? We’ve been trained professionally, but we can’t even beat a few students?” they thought to themselves.

Bryan grabbed the collar of the black- jacketed man in the lead, narrowed his eyes, and looked at him with a dark expression on his face. “You’re lucky to have bumped into us!”

They wouldn’t have survived so easily if Catherine had made a move. Perhaps these few people would have been completely disabled for the rest of their lives.

The person in the lead failed to understand Bryan’s meaning and thought that he was intentionally scaring them with his harsh words.

Bryan threw the person violently, causing his head to hit the ground hard. Without waiting for the man to wake up from his dizziness, Bryan stomped on his back again and looked at him with a gloomy gaze.

“Say, who the hell sent you here?”

Although the opposing party had lost in fighting against Bryan and his men, they maintained professionalism and knew what was appropriate to say. They all bowed their heads and kept silent.

This scene angered Bryan and David, and they wanted to beat the other party again. Catherine, who had been watching from the sidelines, suddenly made a move. She retracted her foot and slowly walked towards them.

Seeing Catherine coming over, Bryan and the others took the initiative to separate into two lines, allowing Catherine to come forward. Her aura was that of a big shot.

When the four people looked up, they saw Catherine standing in front with her hands in her pockets, arrogant and domineering. Bryan and the others stood behind her respectfully, with a submissive look on their faces.

This made the four of them feel very strange, but at the same time, a strong sense of fear for Catherine overwhelmed them. All of these boys were not bad in strength, especially Bryan, who was in the lead. They could be said to be very skilled fighters.

However, these boys were all very submissive to Catherine. The four men could not help but wonder how powerful Catherine was.

Catherine raised the chin of the leader with her toes in a rather domineering gesture. There was no need to be polite to an enemy. The man looked at Catherine in horror, maintaining his last stubbornness and resisting exposing the person behind the scene.

But out of his expectation, Catherine only stared at him and sneered, “You don’t have to say it. Just bring a message when you go back!”

The man was somewhat at a loss for words. He didn’t understand what exactly Catherine was going to do, but a sense of crisis inexplicably rose within him at this moment, making him feel particularly panicked.

Catherine stared at the man and said, Tell the person behind you to come to me in spite of anything. I’ll be waiting here!” With that, Catherine’s toes exerted a fierce force and lifted upwards.

The man’s jaw had already been dislocated by Catherine before he could cry out. Covering his mouth, he collapsed on the ground with a painful look on his face. Catherine then arrogantly tilted her head to the upper left side. “Still not coming out?”

At her words, the crowd all looked in the direction of the upper left corner. Yesenia popped her head out, smiling awkwardly as she greeted the crowd. ” Hi, everyone!”

Bryan furiously glared over at Yesenia. ” Get down there! You’re a girl! How can you climb up the wall? Where are your manners?”

Seeing Bryan angry, Yesenia obediently came down and came in front of them. Bryan wanted to teach her a lesson, but she was so focused on Catherine that she didn’t care about Bryan at all, leaving Bryan with no place to vent his anger.

Anyway, Bryan couldn’t really beat her up. If he did hit her, she would go back to the old man and complain to him, and Bryan would still be the one to suffer in the end.

Sensing that the atmosphere was not right, David took the initiative to come up to soften the awkwardness.

“Boss Catherine, we’ve cleaned up all these people, so why don’t we continue going to barbecue? I’m hungry after the fighting. It will be great to eat barbecue!

Bryan originally wanted to teach David a lesson. All he knew was to eat. What a dumbass! But he didn’t expect Catherine to agree. “Good idea!”

Yesenia immediately said, “I’ll join you!

After saying that, she realized that something was wrong. She cautiously looked at Catherine and seriously asked, “Catherine, will you let me go? I want to join you!”

Catherine raised an eyebrow and looked at Yesenia. Then, she asked sincerely, “Beef brisket with spicy sauce?”

Yesenia shuddered and paled visibly at these words. After hesitating for a few seconds, she immediately made a decision. “Okay, spicy ones are fine!” With that look, those who didn’t know would have thought that she was going to die heroically!

Catherine nodded her head in agreement. Yesenia was so excited that she was about to jump up, saying, ” Thank you, Catherine!”

They walked out of the alley together, and as they were near the entrance, Catherine suddenly paused in her pace and glanced to her right. But after only a single glance, she continued walking forward.