Ch. 281..290

Chapter 281 Catherine Was Really Ruthless

Inside a mountain villa on the remote outskirts of Casier, Paxton walked into the living room lightly with a food box. After placing the food gently on the desk, he said, “Mr. Duncan, you haven’t eaten today. You should have some food now!”

Branden didn’t even have any food today because of Catherine’s matter. Having just finished a phone call, Branden was in a good mood. After putting down his phone, he picked up the food Paxton brought, taking a bite every now and then.

During Branden’s mealtime, Paxton reported the most urgent matter at hand to him.

“Mr. Duncan, there is news from the hospital that the guy is currently experiencing massive bleeding in his abdominal cavity, with almost all his ribs broken. He has fractured both leg bones and a comminuted fracture of his right arm. A certain amount of accumulated blood in his brain must be cleared before we can know how much he can recover!”

Listening to Paxton’s report, Branden’s expression remained expressionless. His deep and dark gaze became increasingly severe as he chewed the food in his mouth. He lowered his eyes. His body seemed to be permeated with a strong and terrifying hostility.

Branden parted his thin lips lightly and said coldly, “Ask the hospital not to treat him for now but keep him alive and let him suffer the pain for a week.” His voice was as gloomy and terrifying as if transmitted from hell.

Paxton, who received the response, trembled silently and thought to himself, “Not treat him and make him suffer the pain for a week?”

Branden was so ruthless! That guy probably was having a life worse than death right now. If one offended Catherine or Branden, one would better just kill himself directly.

After intercepting the news of Catherine’s accident, Paxton reported to Branden immediately. He didn’t expect Branden to pay so much attention to it and personally brought someone to the scene.

However, when they arrived at the scene, they found that the location was far from what they had imagined. The car accident had already happened when they arrived, and even the ambulance was on standby.

However, the injured person was not Catherine but the unlucky one preparing to take action against Catherine. That was a nifty trick for Catherine to deal with that guy at his own game.

Paxton never expected that Catherine, who looked so slim and quiet, would be so ruthless in her actions. It was an amazing move!

He felt that he would have to stay a little further away from Catherine in the future to not accidentally provoke her and cause himself a more painful outcome than death. Catherine’s face looked calm, with a hint of dominance in her lazy posture.

On her stunning face, there was a mischievous and fierce expression in her beautiful eyes, which were as sharp as an eagle’s eyes. She stared coldly at Adrien ahead.

Every time Adrien saw the girl, Catherine, he was a little surprised. She always exuded an aura that made him inscrutable.

Facing Catherine’s inquiry, Adrien laughed softly. “Hehe, it seems you didn’t keep the business card I left for you last time.”

Did it matter if she kept it or not?

Besides, Catherine didn’t feel like she needed Adrien’s help in any way. Catherine stared at him without saying anything. A fierce look was hidden in her seemingly calm gaze, and even Adrien was a bit overwhelmed.

Initially, he didn’t receive an invitation, but Enzo called to discuss something and mentioned that Rachael and her family were coming tonight.

When he heard that Catherine would also be there, he wanted to see the girl again and drove over immediately.

“Why are you standing outside? Not going inside?”

Adrien tried to lower his voice as much as possible. He was usually tough and managed to train in the army by shouting, so he was afraid to scare Catherine. Catherine, the jinx, was repulsive in the eyes of others but a treasure in Adrien’s eyes.

Catherine put her hands in her pockets and lowered her eyes to give him a light glance. Her casual posture fully demonstrated that she was not at all afraid of her Uncle Adrien, whom everyone feared in front of her.

“Get in there now!”

After saying that, Catherine took a step over Adrien and walked toward the room. Adrien lowered his head, curled his lips, and smiled as he followed Catherine in.

The room was initially filled with laughter, but as soon as Catherine entered the door, there was an instant silence. Everyone’s gaze fell on Catherine with curiosity, disdain, and even hatred… All kinds of gazes intertwined, forming a particularly strange atmosphere in the room.

Only Audrey sat quietly in the corner, her eyes filled with worry as she looked at Catherine.

Adrien, who followed closely behind, stepped into the door, and his solid and loud voice echoed throughout the room. “Oh, why are you quiet as soon as I come? Am I so terrifying? Did my arrival scare you?”

No one expected Adrien to appear suddenly. After he entered the army, he seldom returned to the Langs because of his busy military duties.

Enzo and Donna would notify everyone with excitement every time he came back, but such a sudden appearance was extremely rare.

Even Enzo and Donna looked surprised this time. Donna looked at him in surprise and asked, “Adrien, why did you suddenly come back? Is there something wrong?”

A faint smile appeared on Adrien’s serious face, reducing his sense of authority. “Mom, isn’t this my own home? Do I have to ask for permission when I come back?”

Donna didn’t know what to answer and looked a bit embarrassed. Fortunately, Adrien spoke up in time to ease Donna’s embarrassment, “Mom, I’m joking with you. Why are you so serious? Dad called me this afternoon and said there was a family gathering in the evening. It just so happens that I don’t have many things to do in Casier today, so I stopped by to see you and gather with my brothers as well.”

Donna glanced sideways toward Enzo. After seeing him nod his head to confirm this, a smile immediately appeared on her face as she looked kindly toward Adrien.

“You’re really a good boy. You even come back to see us when you’re busy with work. You must be tired, right? Come have a seat and have dinner with us.”

After saying that, she asked the maid to add a set of dishware and pulled Adrien to sit beside her. Audrey pulled Catherine to sit down. Just after Catherine sat down, Audrey talked to Catherine in a low voice.

“Kathy, you’re lucky to have met Uncle Adrien back today. Whenever he comes back, grandparents will have a friendly face to anyone.”

Audrey’s words could be considered as she had already shown respect to Enzo and Donna. In fact, Enzo and Donna always liked to pretend to be kind in front of Adrien to please him.

Upon hearing Audrey’s words, Catherine glanced in Adrien’s direction. Staying in the military for year-round training gave Adrien a sense of dignity and justice.

Catherine always felt that there was something strange about Adrien. People like him were the least approachable. But Catherine could feel clearly that Adrien intended to approach her.

As for the reason, Catherine would only know after checking.

Chapter 282 Don’t Compare Me to Others

Because of Adrien’s arrival, the original dreary Langs had become cheerful and laughing again, and everyone was talking and discussing enthusiastically.

Returning to her senses, Rachael looked at Catherine with increasing disdain. She squinted at her elder sister -in-law, Alyssa Lang.

Alyssa had always followed Rachael’s lead. When she married into the Langs, Rachael had not yet married into the wealthy family, the Swanns.

At that time, the Langs could only be regarded as well-off. Since Rachael married into the Swanns, the Langs had radically changed. Alyssa was deeply cognizant of Rachael’s position in the Langs, so she had always obeyed Rachael.

With one look from Rachael, she knew what Rachael meant and immediately turned on Catherine.

“Catherine, I heard that you’re also talented in music, and you won an award at the last celebration gala, right?”

Just after she said that, the crowd once again dropped their gazes onto Catherine and looked at her in various ways.

Audrey originally wanted to have a quiet meal with Catherine, but Alyssa suddenly mentioned this. Audrey felt that Alyssa didn’t have a good intention for some reason.

“Aunt Alyssa, the celebration gala was just a literary and artistic evening, just for fun. Catherine was…”

“Did I ask you?” Alyssa’s face was slightly darkened, and her eyes were very sharp as she glanced at Audrey.

She continued with a tone filled with dissatisfaction, “You’ve only been working for a while, and you’ve been so unruly. How dare you interrupt your elders’ conversation!”

Audrey’s face froze, and she was embarrassed. Alyssa had always been kind and affectionate toward Liana, but in front of Audrey, she appeared as a serious elder, full of airs.

Audrey had been treated differently since she was a little girl and had gotten used to it. She hadn’t tried resistance before, but it hadn’t worked at all. Her mother would only feel that it was her fault.

Alyssa was a bit proud to see Audrey being too scared to speak. She didn’t believe that Catherine, who had just returned from the countryside, could be even more difficult to deal with than Audrey.

She could deal with Audrey, let alone Catherine. Catherine curled her lips and chuckled lightly. Her piercing and deep eyes emanated with an icy expression without the slightest concealment.

She asked lightly, “So what?”

She was talented in music and won an award, so what?

Seeing her indifferent attitude, Alyssa’s face became even darker and more severe. There was a perfunctory smile on her face just now, but now there was only cold mockery.

“Since you like music, then work hard. You have a good relationship with Audrey, and she can take you into the showbiz. It may be difficult to become famous if you don’t work hard, but it’s still possible to make a living and let us elders worry less!”

Catherine looked at Alyssa with a calm gaze, the end of her eyes slightly raised, with a hint of evil smile in her eyes.

“Didn’t Liana also win a second prize at the celebration gala? Aunt Alyssa, why don’t you care about her and ask her to enter the showbiz to make a living in the future?”

Alyssa didn’t expect Catherine to mention Liana suddenly, and for a moment, she lost her words and didn’t know how to counterattack.

The most gloomy person in the room was Liana, who didn’t expect Catherine to mention herself suddenly and specifically mention that she had come in second place.

She had been outstanding for so many years, and she never stopped taking the first place. This time, she won second place and lost to Catherine, the jinx. She felt very unlucky.

Catherine was really annoying. Liana was embarrassed and didn’t want to talk. She didn’t want anyone to bring up the topic.

Seeing that no one spoke, Donna came out to help. She said to Catherine, Liana is different from you. A famous teacher has taught her since childhood and followed the path of an artist. She’s also a good student in school, and in the future, she will at least be an outstanding graduate of a prestigious university. With a little effort, she may add another honor to the Swanns and the Langs.”

Donna’s words were all disparaging to Catherine, and she didn’t show affection to Catherine.

After she finished speaking, Liana immediately chimed in with a gentle voice and the graceful demeanor of a wealthy lady, “Grandma is right. Catherine, if you really want to take the path of art, I can have my music teacher teach you. With the guidance of a famous teacher, your music will definitely go up to the next level.

“The only trouble is that my music teacher is too famous, and she doesn’t accept students with average qualifications. I don’t know if Catherine can pass the interview.”

Liana pretended to be embarrassed and looked at everyone, her eyes full of innocence.

“Hmph!” Alyssa snorted coldly, with a disdainful expression on her face.” Does she need an interview? She can’t possibly pass the interview. Catherine grows up in the countryside and has some talent, only relying on the excellent genes of the Swanns. Maybe she doesn’t even know the pentatonic scale. Liana, you don’t need to worry about her. It’s just a waste of time!”

Catherine originally didn’t intend to pay any attention to them, but she didn’t expect Alyssa to get more and more aggressive.

“Hehe!” she sneered coldly. Upon hearing that, Alyssa frowned and glared at Catherine in dissatisfaction, the anger in her eyes growing stronger.

“Don’t you know how to behave yourself? What do you mean by that smile?”

Catherine looked up at her, her sharp eyes slowly sizing up Alyssa.

“My aunt complimented me. Shouldn’t I be happy?”

“Complimented you?” Alyssa’s face was full of confusion, and she thought to herself, “Is Catherine crazy?

“I was so straightforward already, but she thought I complimented her?”

“I grew up in the countryside and didn’t have the opportunity to learn. Relying on the excellent genes of the Swanns, I was able to win over a future artist like Liana, who was carefully trained from a young age. Aunt Alyssa, isn’t that a compliment?”

Alyssa only heard that Catherine attended the celebration gala and fooled around with a group of boys in a band. Still, she didn’t know that Catherine actually beat Liana and won first place.

Liana initially thought that Catherine would not say these things, but she didn’t expect Catherine to say she won her in public. In an instant, Liana’s face turned deathly gray.

Just now, she was so happy and full of satisfaction that she was ready to watch Catherine make a fool of herself, but now she looked unhappy. Liana looked bad, and Rachael also felt dishonored.

After all, Liana was the bargaining chip she constantly used to show off, and now the daughter she had carefully nurtured was losing to Catherine, who had been thrown to the countryside. How could she not feel humiliated?

Alyssa dared not say anything more when she realized Rachael’s face looked terrible. She had realized that she had messed things up. She never expected Catherine to be so eloquent.

Watching both her daughter and daughter-in-law lose, Donna, who had initially planned to watch the show on the side, couldn’t help but refute Catherine and say, “You’ve been so proud just after you performed well once? Humph…”

She squinted at Catherine with a face full of mockery. “I watched Liana grow up. She has won awards many times already, but I haven’t seen her be so proud.

“Girls should know how to restrain themselves. It’s true that one will like whoever educates him, and the one who has no one to educate will be wild!”

Chapter 283 They Fell Out

Donna didn’t show any mercy at all. Everyone from the Langs sat aside, watching Catherine as if they were watching a good show.

They all didn’t like Catherine. With Rachael’s marriage to the top- class family, the Swanns, she led to the prosperity of the entire Langs.

Catherine, who was recognized as a jinx, was thrown into the countryside from a young age. And she was suddenly called back to inherit the entire assets of the Swanns, which made the Langs dislike her, whether out of hostility to the rich or consideration for their own interests.

They despised Catherine for growing up in the countryside and looked down on her. Watching Catherine being educated, everyone gloated and held back their laughter. Catherine originally had no intention of paying attention, but she didn’t expect the Langs to go too far.

She casually put down the fork in her hand and looked at Donna indifferently. Her pure brown eyes exuded a cold aura, which made her look as fierce as a raging beast and sharp as an eagle.

“Grandma has a point. I have no one to educate me, and my nature is wild. The Langs is a literary family. You and Grandpa are professors and great scholars, teaching and educating for so many years, but the daughter you gave birth to is superstitious and threw away her own daughter.

“Grandma, do you think this is considered a failure in your educational milestone?”

Although everyone knew why Catherine was sent away from her childhood, no one ever mentioned it openly.

As Catherine said, as a descendant of a literary family, Rachael was superstitious and even sent her daughter to the countryside.

If this matter were made public, it would be a disgrace. No one expected Catherine to open up this matter in front of so many people.

Not only did it humiliate Rachael, but it also showed no respect to Donna and Enzo. Everyone was shocked. No one in the Langs dared to disrespect Donna and Enzo.

No one had ever dared to talk to them like that in the Langs, and Catherine was the first person who had ever dared to speak to them in such a tone.

Audrey sat aside, her eyes widening in shock. Although she agreed that Catherine’s words were disrespectful, they sounded pleasant to her. Catherine was amazing!

Donna was so angry that she gasped for breath. She reached out and patted the table, scolding Catherine angrily, You… You unruly girl, how dare you talk to me like that?”

Rachael hurriedly calmed her mother, smoothing her breath while glaring angrily at Catherine with her sharp eyes.

She gritted her teeth and angrily pointed at Catherine, shouting directly at her, “Catherine, I order you to apologize to your grandma right now. Do it right now!”

It had been many years since those present had seen Rachael, who had always appeared as a gentle noblewoman, get so angry.

It could be seen how angry Rachael was this time. Everyone also began to blame Catherine as if she were a murderer or an arsonist. Catherine didn’t say anything. She raised her head slowly, looking around with her cold eyes with a powerful aura.

The crowd was then instantly silenced. They had to be silent because Catherine’s aura was too powerful, and those who were glanced at by her would subconsciously panic and not dare to speak.

Only after the scene quieted down did Catherine speak unhurriedly, “If you guys don’t want to have a relationship with me, you can just say it! If you want me to sit here, then show your sincerity.

“I didn’t come here to sit and listen to a lecture.

“If you guys still want to have business dealings with the Swanns, then don’t put on such airs against me. Don’t forget who the chairperson of the Swann Corporation is now!”

She said those words lightly but it made everyone change their expressions. The people of the Langs, who were originally arrogant, now looked depressed.

Faced with the silence of the crowd, Catherine arrogantly curled up her lips and gave her final advice with a cold smile.

“Remember, you’re not qualified to meddle in my affairs!”

After saying that, she stood up with her hands in her pockets. She looked at Donna and Enzo with an arrogant attitude.

“I’m full, so I won’t be here to affect your appetites, lest you all can’t eat!”

After saying that, Catherine turned around and left. Before leaving, she picked up Audrey by the collar with one hand. She took the still-dazed Audrey with her forcibly!

She was worried that if she didn’t take Audrey away, Audrey would be bullied by the Langs. Only after the two figures completely disappeared did the Langs come back to their senses. Enzo was the first one to speak at that time. He slapped the table angrily to vent his anger.

“It’s the first time I’ve been pointed at and humiliated like this in my life. And the person who humiliated me is a junior in my family. I’ve lived my life in vain!”

As soon as Enzo said that, the others echoed.

“Catherine is just too much of a badass. She’s a junior but she dares to threaten her elders. We should really teach her a lesson.”

The one who said this was Alyssa, who was shocked by Catherine just now. Now that she had come back to her senses, she couldn’t wait to kill Catherine. Faced with the constant accusation of Catherine from the people around her, Liana was the happiest one.

She appeared obedient to comfort Donna. “Grandma, don’t be so angry. Catherine grew up in the countryside, and she doesn’t know how to behave herself!”

As soon as she said that, Alyssa chimed in sarcastically. “She doesn’t know how to behave herself? I think she knows it too well. She was threatening us with the Swann Corporation? Who the hell does she think she is? Does she think she is in charge of the Swann Corporation?”

“Alyssa, Catherine is indeed in charge of the Swann Corporation!” Adrien’s sudden words drew everyone’s attention. Donna and Enzo’s gazes were all focused on Adrien, with a hint of exploration and confusion in their eyes.

Adrien didn’t care about the attention of the crowd. After all, he had already understood the intention of what they had just said.

He stared at Catherine all the time just now without saying a word because he wanted to see how much Catherine could endure and whether she would seek help from him.

He didn’t expect this girl to be really tough, directly letting the whole family feel embarrassed. He appreciated Catherine’s tough nature.

Alyssa didn’t understand Adrien’s meaning, so she took the initiative to ask, “Adrien, what do you mean by that? Could it be that Swann Corporation really wanted Catherine, a little girl, to be the leader?”

Adrien nodded slightly, agreeing with Alyssa’s words.

“That’s right, the one who is in charge of the Swann Corporation now is Catherine. As far as I know, Catherine has the most shares, and she has also passed the board of directors’ selection and has successfully been elected as the chairperson of the board of directors of the Swann Corporation.

“As the chairperson of the board, Catherine has the right to decide on the future development direction and cooperation partners of the Swann Corporation!”

To put it bluntly, Catherine held the power of life and death of the Swann Corporation. With the power in her hands, she could cooperate with whomever she wanted.

If she didn’t want to cooperate with someone, she could just stop the cooperation directly.

Chapter 284 Girlfriend Exclusive

The news brought by Adrien left the Langs in shock. They had no idea about the specifics of what was happening within the Swanns.

In their eyes, Catherine was just a little girl who was harmless and non- threatening. Enzo reacted first and looked toward Adrien.

“Adrien, are you sure about what you’re saying?”

After hearing that, Adrien smiled. He had spent years in rigorous training, which had left his skin darker than usual. It made his bright white teeth stand out even more. “Dad, do I have any reason to lie?”

“Adrien, you misunderstand. It’s just that it’s strange for you to bring up Catherine suddenly. You’ve never been interested in these matters before. How did you suddenly become aware of the Swanns’ internal affairs?”

What puzzled Enzo the most was this point. Adrien had never cared about the Langs’ interactions or business dealings.

This had been the case since he was a child. However, ever since Catherine appeared, Enzo felt that Adrien’s attention to her far exceeded his interest in anyone else. Facing Enzo’s questioning, Adrien replied calmly.

“Dad, the Swann Corporation will announce a multinational chip collaboration next month. It’s not just major companies paying attention. The government is also highly interested. Dad, that’s all I can say.”

After hearing that, Enzo instantly understood. Many of Adrien’s work matters couldn’t be disclosed to the outside world, not even to family.

“I understand, Adrien. Be careful. As your family, we will fully support you. Irreversible mistakes must not be made!”

The Langs would not let go of Adrien. Enzo realized that Adrien must know something significant, or Adrien wouldn’t be so confident. Enzo turned his head to look at Rachael and asked in a low voice, “What’s really going on?”

Rachael lowered her head slightly and remained silent. Enzo always knew Rachael’s thoughts. He quickly realized that Adrien must be aware of the truth.

Enzo was somewhat angry at Rachael’s concealment. Moreover, he was concerned about the Langs’ future. The ties between the Langs and the Swanns ran deep. Rachael was not close to the Langs and even harbored some grievances. If Rachael controlled the Swanns, it would be very unfavorable for the Langs.

At this moment, with so many people around, it wasn’t the right time to discuss further. Enzo stood up and said, “Alright. That’s enough for today. You can leave now.”

No one dared to defy Enzo. They could tell his mood wasn’t good, so they left quietly. However, Adrien’s confirmation influenced the thoughts of the Langs.

Their attitudes toward Catherine had shifted significantly. Liana followed Rachael out of the Langs ‘. As soon as they got into the car, Liana couldn’t help but ask Rachael.

“Mommy, is Catherine as powerful as Uncle said?”

Rachael was still furious. She had thought that today, she could completely get rid of Catherine, but instead of eliminating her, it had brought a lot of trouble. She was infuriated.

“Enough. Just be quiet. Instead of asking about these things, you should focus on yourself. “I’ve put so much effort into nurturing you. I have hired top tutors for you since your childhood. Yet you can’t even defeat a country bumpkin girl who never had an education. Do you have the audacity to say anything here?”

Liana couldn’t lift her head under the scolding, and her cheeks burned with embarrassment. She used to be Rachael’s pride, but now she had become a stain that people used to mock Rachael.

Not to mention Rachael, even Liana couldn’t forgive herself. Liana thought all of this was because of Catherine. She thought inwardly, “Catherine is a jinx. Why does she still live in this world?”

At the same time, Branden personally drove to the Langs’ to pick up Catherine. Audrey was surprised when she saw him driving alone.

The Duncans’ wealth was beyond measure, and they certainly could afford a driver. The only plausible explanation was Branden deliberately chose to drive himself to display his affection for Catherine.

As a tycoon, Branden chose to be the chauffeur himself. It was a clear sign of his deep regard for Catherine. Audrey obediently opened the car door and got in. Before Catherine could join her, Audrey closed the door.

Catherine looked a bit puzzled and frowned slightly. After being scrutinized by Catherine, Audrey felt a sudden chill down her spine. Catherine’s aura seemed inexplicably formidable, and her gaze was terrifying.

Audrey forced an awkward smile. ” Kathy, why don’t you take the front seat? I’ll sit in the back for some extra space. I want to rest a bit.”

In Branden’s top-tier luxury car, there was never a shortage of space in the back. The two of them could practically lie down comfortably. Audrey used a flimsy excuse. Catherine didn’t make a fuss. She thought inwardly, “If that’s what she wants, so be it.”

Catherine reached over and opened the front passenger door. Then she took her place there. As they drove for a while, Audrey couldn’t bear the deafening silence in the car any longer.

She began to wonder if Branden was doing this intentionally. He didn’t even play any music. To avoid feeling suffocated, Audrey cautiously started a conversation.

“Do you guys use short videos? They’re all talking about how the front passenger seat is the exclusive seat for the girlfriend. Once a girlfriend sits there, no one else can sit there again. Some even put a ‘Girlfriend Exclusive’ sticker on it.”

Audrey finished her words and chuckled. When she realized there was no response, she felt incredibly awkward. Upon reflection, she acknowledged that her topic choice was indeed rather peculiar.

After glancing at Catherine, who was expressionless, Audrey was about to laugh it off and break the silence. To her surprise, Branden suddenly chimed in.

He said, “Sure.”

“What?” Audrey was shocked. She didn’t understand what Branden meant. In the next moment, Branden kindly provided an explanation. “I’ll ask Paxton to put a ‘Girlfriend Exclusive’ label on the front passenger seat later.”

Audrey was genuinely stunned by the dignified response from Branden. She couldn’t believe that her casual topic had been taken so seriously. Catherine shifted her gaze to the man driving attentively beside her. Her tone was nonchalant with a hint of mockery.

“Do you follow these trends, too?” she asked. Branden gently glanced at Catherine with his deep eyes. He smiled warmly.

“I make sure you have everything others do,” he replied. He made sure Catherine received all the treatment that a girlfriend should have.

It was not just that. Branden would give Catherine the best treatment possible. In Branden’s view, Catherine deserved the very best.

Catherine didn’t respond. She casually played with her phone. However, on her delicate face, a faint smile flashed across her rosy lips. It revealed her inner thoughts. Audrey sat quietly in the backseat and endured their public display of affection.

As they said, it was the most lethal when a big shot got serious. Audrey regretted that she had gotten into this car in the first place. She was utterly overwhelmed by their public display of affection.

Moreover, she regretted having brought up this topic for no reason. Now, she had to face the consequences.

Chapter 285 Ronin’s Grievance

Audrey got out of the car halfway. She just couldn’t bear the intense romantic atmosphere inside. Actually, both Catherine and Branden remained silent. They were occupied with their own things.

But that feeling was something else. Branden drove the car while Catherine played games on her phone the whole time.

As the car stopped at a red light, Branden reached over and adjusted the button to recline Catherine’s seat. Catherine, who had been engrossed in her game, suddenly leaned back. She shifted her gaze from her phone to Branden.

She coldly stared at Branden with a hint of confusion. Branden gently looked at her with his sparkling eyes.

“Kathy, give your eyes a break, and I’ll wake you up when we’re there.”

Playing on the phone in the car could seriously strain the eyes. Although Branden was driving, he noticed that Catherine had been on her phone for at least half an hour.

So he asked her to take a break and rest her eyes. After understanding his intention, Catherine obediently turned off her phone and leaned back. She was completely unconcerned about the fate of her in-game characters.

“Wake me up when we’re there.”

“Okay.” Branden’s voice was incredibly tender. The car was moving unusually slowly, which was quite unexpected given its exceptional performance.

As Catherine woke up, the car had just reached the entrance of the residential complex. It was just heading to the underground garage. The moment Catherine woke up, Branden noticed and glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

Catherine leaned her hand against the window and tilted her head. She casually observed Branden without saying a word.

Branden had been driving attentively. Suddenly, he remembered a video Triston had shared in their WhatsApp group earlier in the afternoon. It was a small group with him, Triston, Aidan, and a few other friends they often hung out with.

After posting the video, Triston even mentioned everyone in the group. He just wanted to ensure everyone could see his one-handed steering wheel skills. He claimed that being able to drive with one hand was the latest trend. It was really impressive.

Branden had initially thought it was a boring stunt and it was something only Triston would take seriously. But to his surprise, everyone in the group agreed with Triston.

After Catherine woke up, Branden quietly switched to one-handed driving. Catherine propped her chin up and idly looked around. She paused as she looked at Branden’s fingers, which rested on the steering wheel.

Once the car stopped and the door automatically opened, Catherine finally diverted her gaze. As she got out of the car, she suddenly said to Branden, “Your fingers are quite good-looking.”

Branden was momentarily taken aback. Then he smiled slightly. He deliberately lowered his voice and leaned in slightly. Then he asked, “Do you like them?”

Without hesitation, Catherine gave a simple and assertive reply.

“Yes.” Then she walked away confidently. Watching Catherine leave, Branden smiled brightly.

Some of Triston’s tricks and antics seemed to have their uses sometimes. At the same time, Korbin was in the Swanns’ study.

Korbin returned home unusually early today. His posture remained almost unchanged from the moment he walked in until now. When he heard a knock on the door, he slowly extinguished the cigar in his hand.

“Come in.”

After Korbin’s personal secretary received the command, he gently pushed the door open and entered the room.

“Mr. Swann, there’s something new.”

Korbin furrowed his brow and coldly uttered a word. He said, “Speak!”

Just half an hour ago, Korbin received a call from Rachael. She informed him that Catherine appeared unharmed at the Langs’ and gave the Langs a good scolding.

Catherine even used her position as the chairperson of the Swann Corporation to threaten the Langs. Korbin never expected that his meticulously planned scheme would have a loophole.

He immediately dispatched someone to investigate. He wanted to find out what kind of force was behind Catherine. She escaped successfully under his design. The secretary lowered his head. His expression showed clearly how troubled he was at the moment.

Korbin urged him impatiently, which caused the secretary to shiver. “Mr. Swann, we’ve located Jacky. He is at the Hopkin Hospital in Casier. He’s injured quite seriously. Luckily, a passerby found him and rushed him to the hospital or he might be dead now!!

“Is this what you were investigating?” Korbin’s face darkened, and he looked at his secretary with sharp eyes.

“Mr. Swann, we find no connection between Jacky’s accident and Catherine. The car indeed had a problem on the way, and Catherine got off at that time. Later, Jacky encountered his enemies. His own enemies injured him, and it has nothing to do with Catherine.”

After briefly explaining the situation, the secretary lowered his head again. And his hands began to tremble involuntarily. In the next moment, Korbin erupted in anger.

“You fools! I’m keeping you to get things done, not to cause trouble for me. Stop making me clean up your mess day in and day out. Do you understand?”

The secretary was so scared that he trembled all over and struggled to speak clearly. He replied, “I understand, Mr. Swann. We understand.”

After a brief outburst, Korbin regained his composure and began planning the next steps.

“We can’t use Jacky now.” Although Korbin didn’t explicitly say it, the secretary understood his meaning and nodded obediently.

“Mr. Swann, rest assured. I will handle it personally.”

To redeem himself, the secretary volunteered and said, “Mr. Swann, should I arrange another group of people to deal with Catherine?”

Korbin waved his hand and replied, ” Not for now. I’ll consider it carefully before making a decision. You can go now.

“Yes, Mr. Swann.”

After the secretary left, Korbin returned to his original position and relit his cigar. He never imagined that Catherine would be so lucky. She escaped like this. He thought inwardly, “She is really a jinx.”

Korbin’s dark eyes flickered with a sinister and eerie intensity. He decided to find a suitable opportunity to deal with Catherine once and for all.

Catherine had just entered the room and sat down when she heard her phone vibrating. She casually picked it up. On the other end was Ronin’s voice.

“Hey, Boss. It’s me.”

“Yeah. Go ahead,” Catherine replied softly. “Boss, the people arranged by Korbin found nothing. They thought it was Jacky’s enemies seeking revenge, and it allowed you to escape unharmed.

“As for Jacky lying in the hospital, he’s probably in danger. After this incident, Korbin won’t spare him.”

After Catherine heard Ronin’s report, a chilling look flashed in her eyes. Her voice grew done!” y colder as she said, “Well

“Boss, it wasn’t me who did it,” Ronin said with a hint of grievance in his tone. Someone dared to target Catherine. It made Ronin want nothing more than to take those troublemakers down.

But these individuals took measures so quickly and didn’t give him a chance. He felt so wronged and innocent.

Chapter 286 Alyssa’s Idea

Ronin’s response caused Catherine to furrow her brow. She lowered her voice and asked, “Did you find out who it was?”

Ronin was even more helpless when Catherine asked this. Despite his claim of being an intelligence guru, he couldn’t even dig up this bit of information.

“No.” Ronin’s tone was filled with frustration. “Boss, those people are acting mysteriously, and their whereabouts are well-hidden. I had the base’s people look into it, but we haven’t received any feedback yet. However, they don’t seem like they’re against us. It looks more like they want to help us.”

Catherine spoke up lazily after a brief silence on the other end of the phone.

“Since they’re not against us, let it be,” she said. Her meaning was clear. If those people were not enemies, they would leave them be. Ronin thought this approach was somewhat risky. After all, they didn’t know where these people came from.

However, Ronin couldn’t help but feel that Catherine had a point. After all, this group had appeared a few times. These people always supported them and never opposed them. Ronin thought inwardly, “Could they be from one of Boss’s many branches?”

Catherine had too many aliases, and sometimes Ronin wasn’t quite sure. Since Catherine said to leave it alone, Ronin would let it be for now and make a decision once there were other results.

“Find out who was responsible for Jonathan’s car accident,” Catherine said. After she gave Ronin the last task, she hung up the phone. Before Ronin could respond to Catherine, he heard the phone hanging up.

When Branden walked out of the kitchen with a plate of freshly cut fruits, Catherine was lounging on the living room couch and engrossed in a video game.

The couch was a recliner that Branden specially asked Paxton to pick out. It was incredibly comfortable, allowing one to sink into it completely. Branden placed the fruit platter on the small coffee table to the left of Catherine.

After he just set it down, Catherine instinctively reached for a piece of fruit and popped it into her mouth. Catherine still looked at the smartphone screen. Her movements were skilled and practiced, as if she had done this a thousand times before.

Catherine couldn’t help but think Branden treated her like a daughter. His methods were incredibly clever. He never forced her to do anything and respected her decisions.

However, he subtly changed something over time. For instance, after every meal, Branden would prepare a fruit platter for her.

Branden knew that Catherine didn’t have a sweet tooth. He used fruits to provide her with the necessary sugars and always chose those with high sweetness.

Catherine had a penchant for spicy food. Branden never tried to convince her to quit spicy dishes. Instead, whenever he cooked, he would deliberately include a non-spicy dish. He would gradually increase the proportion of non-spicy dishes.

He was slowly influencing Catherine’s eating habits. Catherine was well aware of all this and even started to accept some of his ways. The reason was simple. She found Branden interesting.

Moreover, Branden had a remarkable knack for balance in their relationship. It was easy to get along with him. So Catherine liked to go along with it.

The cantaloupe was cut into perfectly sized pieces. Catherine took a bite, and the sweet, fragrant juice filled her mouth. Catherine couldn’t help but praise it. She said, “This cantaloupe tastes great!

After she spoke, Branden immediately picked up his phone and called Paxton. Then he ordered a whole carload of cantaloupes. Catherine glanced at the label on the cantaloupe. This cantaloupe was from Treland, Janikon.

This variety of cantaloupe was as precious as a Hermès brand bag. On average, one of these cantaloupes could cost three to four thousand dollars. Branden ordered a whole carload of cantaloupes. In an instant, a string of numbers flashed through Catherine’s mind. Indeed, Branden was not short of money.

“Are you planning to go somewhere for the upcoming holiday?” Branden brought the fruit platter closer to Catherine, making it easier for her to eat while gaming. They had a three-day holiday starting next week due to the national law.

Catherine paused her game for a moment and looked up at Branden. She said casually, “I’m not really planning to go anywhere. I have to rehearse for a day because the National Literary and Art League starts right after the holiday.

Her homeroom teacher had been urging her repeatedly about this, so she had scheduled a day for rehearsal during the holiday.

“Is there something going on?” Catherine raised an eyebrow as she scrutinized Branden.

“Can we schedule the rehearsal for the first day?” he asked. “Sure,” Catherine replied. Since it was just a one-day rehearsal, it didn’t matter which day it fell on.

“Good!” Branden nodded earnestly. Triston bought a small island near Casier a while ago. How about I take you there for a few days during the holiday?”

Since it was a holiday, it should be a time to relax. If someone was offering food, drinks, and entertainment, there was no reason to refuse, especially when it wasn’t someone she disliked. Catherine agreed and said, “Sounds good. Just let me know in advance.”

At the same time, Alyssa was at the Langs’, Once Rachael and the others had all left, the Langs were in disarray. Alyssa was the first to become restless since her family now relied heavily on the Langs.

The Langs’ financial interests were in the hands of the Swanns. If what Catherine had said was true, then Catherine currently held the power within the Swann Corporation. In that case, they would be cutting off their own financial lifeline by antagonizing Catherine.

Alyssa couldn’t think of a solution and turned to the matriarch and the patriarch of the Langs. She said, ‘ Mom, Dad, you should decide on this matter.”

As Donna looked at her impatient daughter-in-law, she was somewhat displeased. She gave Alyssa a cold glare.

“What’s all the fuss about? It’s just a girl. Can she turn the world upside down?”

Alyssa felt somewhat aggrieved after being scolded by Donna. She was just concerned. Alyssa reached out and discreetly tugged on her husband’s sleeve to ask him to come up with a plan.

Malik initially didn’t want to get involved in this matter. But now that Adrien had mentioned it, Malik had to take it more seriously. His wife’s insistence made Malik decide to discuss the matter with his parents.

“Dad, I’m afraid this matter may not be so simple. I know Korbin’s personality. He wouldn’t allow Catherine to act so recklessly unless there’s some hidden agenda. Adrien’s words are cryptic for a reason.”

As a family member, Adrien would certainly explain everything clearly if he could. However, the hesitancy in his speech indicated that he knew something, but he couldn’t reveal it due to official duties.

After hearing Malik’s analysis, Enzo nodded in agreement, with melancholy in his expression. As Malik pointed out, Korbin was not one to willingly suffer losses.

While Korbin might not have the same business acumen as Vicente, Korbin had grown up with Vicente and absorbed much business knowledge. If there were a way, it would be impossible for Korbin to let Catherine act so recklessly.

“I recall Rachael mentioning that Catherine is just a puppet and there may be other forces behind her. This matter of the Swanns may not be so simple.”

After hearing that, Alyssa suddenly had an idea.

“Why should we care about their situation? Let’s play both sides. We’re all Catherine’s relatives. Does she want to disown her grandparents, uncle, and aunt, too?”

Chapter 287 Visiting Johnathan

Catherine hadn’t even entered the classroom when Liana blocked her at the door. Liana seemed to be waiting for her here deliberately. Catherine arched her eyebrows and cast a cold, curious gaze upon Liana.

“Is there any problem?” she asked. Liana stared at Catherine with a strong hint of dissatisfaction and resentment in her eyes. “Catherine, how could you speak to our grandparents like that yesterday? Do you not have any respect for your elders?”

“Humph!” Catherine sneered, her clear and bright eyes filled with a hint of mockery as she looked at Liana. “So you are here to accuse me?”

“You treated your elders this way. Can’t I even ask about it?” Liana justified her argument fiercely. After returning home yesterday, she felt uneasy all night and came to school early this morning to confront Catherine.

Facing Liana’s arrogance, Catherine approached her slowly with a slight smirk and responded in a low voice.

“Have you thought this through? Are you sure it’s not because I exposed that you came in second at the school celebration gala in front of everyone?”

Liana never expected that Catherine would see through her inner thoughts. She took a step back, widened her eyes, and looked at Catherine in astonishment. In those big eyes, there was also a hint of fear besides anger.

Liana was unexpectedly taken aback by Catherine’s accurate grasp of her psychology. She was left speechless and stunned in place.

Seeing her action, Catherine bypassed her and went straight into the classroom. After Catherine disappeared, Liana finally realized it and stomped her foot angrily. She didn’t understand why she would lose to Catherine every time.

Her eyes flashed a hint of viciousness. ” I’m not just going to let it go. I’ve got other ways to deal with Catherine,” said she inwardly. After entering the classroom, Catherine sat down and walked directly to her seat.

In the next second, Ronin immediately stepped forward and said, “Boss, why did your phony sister suddenly come to you? Does she want to cause trouble again? Should I teach her a lesson?”

In the opinion of Ronin, his boss’s sister, Liana, was a classic phony. “There was inconsistency between her words and deeds, and she constantly schemed behind Catherine’s back.

“If it were not for her blood relation with Boss, I would have already dealt with this deceitful woman who is always up to something evil,” thought he.

“No need!” Catherine didn’t consider Liana a threat at all, so naturally, she wouldn’t care about Liana, nor would she bother having Ronin make an effort to deal with Liana.

“Are we all set for the rehearsal?” Catherine asked.

“Boss, don’t worry! I’ve got the rehearsal venue and props ready for tomorrow. We have two days off. Why don’t we go back to base!”

It had been a while since Catherine came out. Everyone was missing her. If Branden had not spoken first, perhaps Catherine would have consented to Ronin’s request.

“I can’t. I still have something to do!”

Ronin originally wanted to ask Catherine what she was up to. However, knowing her temperament, Ronin realized that he couldn’t casually inquire about her whereabouts, so he remained silent.

It was just a casual conversation, but one listener took it to heart. Bryan was sitting on the side, listening attentively to the conversation between the two.

Taking advantage of Catherine going to the restroom, Bryan beckoned Ronin, who was standing next to him with a careless and playful posture, to come closer. Ronin had never gotten along with Bryan and always had to clap back whenever Bryan talked.

“Why should I listen to you? Just because you tell me to come over, have to do it? Who do you think you are?

Bryan couldn’t be bothered to communicate with the fool. He rolled his eyes and said disdainfully, Whatever, but don’t come to beg me later!”

However, his attitude had caused some doubts in Ronin’s mind.

“Is there really something going on?” he wondered. Feeling uneasy, Ronin stepped forward and asked, “What is going on? Tell me quickly.”

Just now it was Bryan who took the initiative to approach him. Now, it was his turn to beg Bryan. Bryan put on an aloof air, ignoring Ronin. As a result, Ronin’s curiosity was piqued when he was subjected to such treatment.

“If you’re a man, then speak up, Bryan! ” said Ronin. Bryan looked at Ronin sideways and asked, “Does it matter if I am a man or not? What’s the deal with these two things?”

“You were just about to say it yourself, and now you’re not saying anything? That’s so unmanly!”

Ronin said with a confident and righteous expression. However, Bryan completely ignored him, giving him a sidelong glance and casually saying, “I’m a little thirsty!”

Ronin immediately got it. Even though annoyed, he still fetched a cup of hot coffee that he had prepared for Catherine and handed it to Bryan.

“Sir, please have some coffee.”

After Bryan finished his coffee, he satisfactorily briefed Ronin on the situation. Finishing listening, Ronin looked at Bryan with a face full of astonishment.

“Is what you said for real?”

“You think my info can be fake?” Bryan was looking pretty confident. If it weren’t for that joker Triston constantly showing off, Bryan wouldn’t even know that this dude bought an entire island.

“As if afraid that others wouldn’t know it, he talked about it everywhere,” thought Bryan.

With a meaningful glance at Bryan, Ronin said, “Since you seem well- informed, I shall entrust this matter to you. Remember, you must leave a spot for me.”

Bryan wanted to punch this idiot unconscious. “I had initially thought of working together with both families to find a solution, but this idiot pushed all the responsibility onto me!

“This is too much!” thought he. Liana hurried to the hospital as soon as classes were over at noon. She arrived at the entrance of the hospital soon. The caregiver greeted Liana with a respectful and cheerful demeanor as she saw Liana.

“Miss Swann, you really care about your brother. You are visiting him so frequently!”

Korbin and Rachael were both busy. They hardly showed up after arranging the top-notch caregiver for their son. On the contrary, Liana, the older sister, had been quite proactive in visiting him. With a slight smile, Liana elegantly looked at the caregiver.

“Let me chat with my brother. You can take a break. Why don’t you go for a stroll downstairs for a bit?” asked she.

The caregiver would kill for an opportunity like this. If it weren’t for the high salary this family offered, she would never want to serve that hot- tempered Johnathan Swann. It was truly an agonizing experience.

Hearing the commotion outside the door, Johnathan thought the caregiver was returning and started cursing instantly, “Where the hell have you been slacking off? Taking so long to come back, do you still want your job?”

“What a temper! Mr. Johnathan!” Liana’s voice was cool and full of sarcasm. Jonathan scrambled up and saw that the comer was Liana. He rolled his eyes and flopped back down.

“What brings you here? You didn’t come all the way just to entertain yourself, did you?” He didn’t believe Liana would be so kind as to visit him. Others might not understand Liana, but he did.

“Liana has always been more cunning than others since she was little. “If I were not a boy, I might have also been isolated like my eldest sister,” thought he. Facing Johnathan’s bad temper, Liana didn’t indulge him and directly retorted back.

“What’s the point of getting angry at me? It’s not like I’ve done anything to harm you. If you have the guts, direct your anger at Catherine!”

Upon hearing this, Johnathan was about to retort. However, as the words were about to leave his mouth, he realized that there was something off about Liana’s statement.

His gaze fixed on Liana as he asked, ” What exactly do you mean by that?”

Chapter 288 Phony

Liana wore an expression that clearly showed her reluctance to engage in conversation with Johnathan. Her gaze purposely avoided meeting his. “Forget it. There’s no way to explain this situation clearly. Just chill and take care of yourself!”

Jonathan knew in his heart that Liana was up to no good. But he couldn’t resist his curiosity, so he grabbed Liana by the wrist and wouldn’t let her leave.

“Explain the situation clearly to me. What is going on?” he asked. “If you want to leave, you must make everything clear. Otherwise, don’t even think about stepping out of the door,” said he inwardly.

Liana had a hesitant expression as she said, “Forget it. Just consider it as me being impulsive for a moment. Mommy instructed me not to let you know it because you tend to be impetuous, and it could cause a lot of trouble if you found out.”

“What’s the trouble? Are you thinking I would kill Catherine or something?” Johnathan exclaimed with a hint of agitation.

“I was afraid you were gonna do something stupid!” said Liana casually. She might have said something without any hidden intention, but Johnathan interpreted it differently due to his own motives.

He immediately caught on, staring at Liana with a fierce gaze. “What do you mean by that? Are you saying that I got hurt because of Catherine?”

Liana sighed helplessly. “Since you already know, I won’t hide it anymore. But I’m also not sure about this matter. Father discovered it. He said that your car accident was not an accident, and he suspected it was the doing of Catherine.”

Liana specifically emphasized it once again. “Father was just suspecting it.”

“Bullshit!” cursed Johnathan. “I know it. With my excellent driving skills, how could I have had an accident while turning the corner?

“Turns out someone has tampered with it! “That Catherine is such a jinx, causing me so much suffering in the hospital. I won’t let her get away with it, no way,” said he inwardly.

Johnathan was so sure about it because he knew his father well. He knew how cautious his father was in doing things. Something like a suspect was just an excuse.

“It must be that Catherine is jealous of me being the only boy in the Swanns and wants to harm me so that no one else could compete for the Swanns’ wealth with her.

“Unexpectedly, I survived the car accident. I promise that I will make her suffer greatly,” thought he.

Liana consoled him with pretending sincerity, “Take care of yourself. Don’t worry about these matters. Father will take care of everything for us, so please don’t take action on your own!”

“If Father can handle it, would I be lying here now?

“I finally see through it. Father couldn’t handle this matter effectively. “He is way too cautious and scared to lay a hand on Catherine because he’s worried about the powerful force behind that girl.

“He is absolutely foolish! “What is there to be afraid of? Those people are just acting arrogantly because of the will left by Grandpa.

“Without that will, they would be nothing. “Since Catherine dared to make a move against me, don’t expect me to care about the sibling relationship. I have to get rid of her.

“As long as I get rid of Catherine, those people won’t have any more reasons to fight against Father. “My father is old and indecisive. If this matter had been handed to me, it would have been finished long ago,” thought Johnathan.

Seeing that Liana was still standing there, he impatiently waved his hand toward her.

“Hurry up and leave. Don’t be a nuisance here. I get annoyed just seeing you!” Before being driven away by Johnathan, Liana offered him some advice helplessly.

“Johnathan, you better remember, don’t do anything stupid. You’re no match for Catherine, and Mommy won’t forgive me if something goes wrong!”

“Okay, okay, I got it!” Jonathan put on a look like he was about to get angry before finally driving Liana away.

He thought that Liana was one of those girls with long hair but not much brains. “Before, I prioritized the relationship between siblings and always treated Catherine with kindness.

“If I were to really take action, would Catherine be my match?

“That is absolutely impossible!

“Now that she dared to attack me, I will surely retaliate against her and make her completely disappear.

“My leg has been hurting for so many days.

“If I don’t teach her a lesson, I’ll really end up being stepped on and humiliated by Catherine in the future,” said he inwardly.

Liana’s worried expression changed the moment she walked out of the ward. She slowly curled her lips, revealing a hint of a cold smirk. Her goal had been achieved. “Now, I’ll just wait and see how Johnathan deals with that jinx, Catherine.

“If Johnathan could just get rid of her directly, that would be the best scenario. But if that’s not possible, causing trouble for her would also be a great accomplishment.

“No matter what, since Catherine dares to treat me this way, she shouldn’t be surprised if I retaliated against her with no mercy,” said Liana inwardly.

The three-day holiday just started. Catherine got a message from Ronin early in the morning telling her to be on time for rehearsal.

When she was leaving, Catherine happened to run into Audrey coming back. Audrey had been leaving early and coming back late these few days. It was rare to see her home. Judging from her appearance, Catherine guessed she pulled another all-nighter last night.

“Your arm had just recovered. What’s the rush to work?” Catherine furrowed her brows as she looked at Audrey.

Audrey understood what Catherine meant. She didn’t want to be so tired either and could only sigh helplessly. What can I do? The injury has delayed the progress of the crew. I have to rush the progress since my injury has recovered. I can’t make the whole crew wait for me, right?”

The expenses of the crew were huge every day. Even though Audrey was the leading actress with a high status, it was impossible to delay everyone’s efforts just for her alone.

Delaying more would only cause substantial financial losses. The production team wouldn’t have been so accommodating if it weren’t for Audrey getting injured on set.

They might even make Audrey act with a broken arm. After resting for so many days, Audrey was already pretty satisfied.

“We worked all night and finally finished shooting. I can finally have a good rest today. By the way, Kathy, why did you get up so early this morning? Where are you going?”

“Rehearsal!” Catherine responded briefly, instantly remembering something else. “How many days are you resting after the final shoot?”

Upon hearing this topic, Audrey was delighted. With a weary face, she looked at Catherine and smiled sweetly. “Haha, Kim said I worked while sick, which was extremely exhausting. So, he showed mercy and canceled one of my job offers and gave me three days off!”

“Perfect timing!” thought Catherine.

“Branden and I will take a two-day vacation on a small island tomorrow. Would you like to come along?” she asked. Audrey smiled slyly and asked Catherine, “Wouldn’t I disturb your intimate moment?”

Catherine replied in a cold tone, “You wouldn’t!” “Well, in that case, I’ll go. After all, the island is so vast, and at worst, I’ll simply keep a safe distance and enjoy myself alone!”

How could Audrey miss the opportunity to tag along with the big shot, enjoy free food and drinks, and take a trip to a private island?

Most importantly, she didn’t have to worry about paparazzi taking photos of her on a private island. During this period, she had been exhausted from hiding from the paparazzi.

“Whoever doesn’t join it is a fool!” thought she.

“Great!” Catherine curled her lips slightly with a hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth, showing a touch of indulgence toward Audrey.

“Kathy, you’re really awesome. Go for the rehearsal quickly. I’m going to have a good beauty sleep now!”

Catherine kindly closed the door for her and strode out. The agreed-upon rehearsal time was drawing near. Leaving now would be perfect. She didn’t allow anyone to be late and didn’t like being late herself..

Chapter 289 An Uninvited Guest

During vacation time, no one was using the music room at school. Plus, Ronin had applied in advance and had everything prepared.

The rehearsal in the morning went surprisingly smoothly. Both Bryan and Ronin felt like they did a good job, but they noticed that their boss didn’t seem to be in a great mood.

Bryan glanced at Ronin, signaling him to ask Catherine. Ronin responded with a wry face, indicating Bryan silently why he didn’t do it himself. After a bit of fussing around, they decided to ask Catherine together.

However, at the last moment, Bryan played a little trick by tripping Ronin’s foot, causing Ronin to be one step faster than him to reach Catherine.

Ronin was so angry he wanted to turn around and beat the scheming Bryan, but for now, he could only grit his teeth and seek advice from Catherine.

“Boss, why do you seem a bit unsatisfied? Was there something wrong with our performance just now?”

Ronin asked cautiously, but he didn’t really think there was a problem with their performance. Both his and Bryan’s intonation and pitch were pretty accurate. The several rehearsals they had just done were perfect.

Although Bryan was a beginner, he was very intelligent and had good musical talent. It was indeed not easy for him to achieve such a good result quickly.

Ronin looked down on him on the surface, but deep down, he really admired Bryan’s talent. He couldn’t figure out the problem and could only wait for Catherine to answer.

Because of Ronin’s questioning, Catherine was now looking at him. Actually, there weren’t too many problems with the performance just now. Whether it was in terms of pitch or completeness, it could be considered excellent.

The two of them performed very well, and their previous collaboration had already formed a tacit understanding within this team. With such a performance, there should be no problem advancing to the National Literary and Art League.

However, this was a national competition with numerous experts, so it might be challenging to aim for the championship.

The biggest problem of today’s rehearsal was they were too stable. They were so stable that one couldn’t find flaws or standout features. Catherine was feeling tired today and couldn’t come up with any solutions at the moment. But it was their first rehearsal. There was no need to rush.

“That’s it for today. I’ll go back and revise the melody a bit, then send it to you guys later.”

Catherine felt like it was her song that was causing the problem. She had made several modifications earlier to accommodate the newbie, Bryan, which made the melody particularly stable.

When the music style was too stable, there were few standout moments. She needed to make some changes.

“Let’s call it a day.”

After she finished speaking, Catherine stood up and left directly. Seeing her about to leave, Ronin was getting anxious. He glanced at Bryan on the side, giving him a warning look.

Bryan knew that he had tricked Ronin before, and Ronin had definitely born a grudge against him. Given no other choice, Bryan had to speak up to stop Catherine.

“Boss…”

Upon hearing the call, Catherine came to a halt and lowered her hand that had been resting on the brim of her hat. She turned around to face Bryan.

Against the light, she stood there with one hand in her pocket. Sunlight streamed through the window, enveloping Catherine’s body.

She stood in the center with one hand in her pocket, glowing with a golden halo. The sunlight accentuated every feature of her strongly defined face, creating a beautiful and ethereal illusion.

Catherine raised her eyebrows and looked at Bryan, indicating him to speak. Seeing this scene, Bryan silently swallowed and repeated it in his heart many times, “She’s the big boss, my uncle’s wife, and an unattainable goddess!”

After a moment, Bryan finally regained his senses and slowly said in a hoarse voice, “Boss, we wanted to ask if you want to hang out in the next two days. Triston said he bought a private island and wants us to go together!”

After chatting with Ronin, Bryan decided to take the initiative to invite Catherine.

“Regardless of whether the boss will be going to the small island the next two days or not, it is always safe to invite her this way,” thought they.

Catherine’s expression remained unchanged. Her face was cold and devoid of any warmth.

“I’ve got plans.”

Finishing, she left directly. After she went afar, Ronin slowly approached Bryan. With a perplexed expression, he asked disappointedly, ‘ What exactly does Boss mean?”

Bryan turned around, crossed his arms, and looked sidelong at Ronin. “Are you asking me?”

Ronin was somewhat timid. Despite his claim to be Catherine’s thoughtful little caretaker, It was truly embarrassing

that he couldn’t even understand his Boss’ intentions now. However, he would never show his embarrassment to others. He decided to change the topic and ask Bryan, “Are you going or not tomorrow?

“I’m going.”

Bryan turned around and left. He didn’t want to be around Ronin for too long, afraid that he would end up slapping this fool.

After finishing the rehearsal, Catherine went straight back to Audrey’s apartment. But she didn’t expect that there was an uninvited guest in the apartment.

Audrey sat on the sofa, her head slightly lowered, looking somewhat nervous. Her hands were anxiously clasped together above her knees, and even her back subconsciously straightened.

Sitting across from her was the well- dressed and elegant Alyssa Lang. Alyssa came from a humble background, but thanks to the continuous growth of the Langs, she finally had the opportunity to participate in high society activities.

However, those wealthy ladies did not look highly upon her. Everyone was secretly mocking Alyssa behind her back, saying she was like those ignorant young ladies who benefitted from their families to enter high society, and she was just a country bumpkin, a rural girl.

To fend off all the gossip, Alyssa kept dressing herself up. The most straightforward way was to dress herself with designer brands so she could look extra wealthy and fancy. Hearing the commotion, the two looked up at the same time.

Audrey looked panicked and lost in her eyes. She thought Catherine wouldn’t come back so early and she would have enough time to send her aunt away. But unexpectedly, Catherine came back so early.

It caught her off guard and left her unsure of how to react. She kept giving Catherine looks, hoping Catherine would leave quickly or come up with an excuse to leave the apartment directly.

However, Catherine walked straight toward Audrey and sat down in a composed manner, completely ignoring the hints she had received.

Upon seeing Catherine’s arrival, Alyssa was about to assume a formal stance and say a few words. However, when Catherine casually glanced at her briefly, Alyssa felt a sudden rush of adrenaline that caused her whole body to shrink back. The next moment, her momentum that was just built up collapsed instantly.

Thinking about the reason why she came today, Alyssa changed her attitude. She still had a proud attitude, but at least there was a hint of a smile.

After waiting for a while but still not hearing Catherine’s greet, she got angry. “You are running around during a vacation. That’s so bold of you!”

After speaking, she looked at Catherine with a sidelong glance, hoping to make Catherine bow her head.

Faced with the accusation of her elder, Audrey was much more nervous than Catherine. She immediately stepped forward to defend Catherine and politely looked at Alyssa. “Aunt, Kathy had something to attend to at school this morning. She went to school, not to play.”

Alyssa had been accustomed to being impolite to Audrey. Hearing Audrey’s interrupt, she retorted rudely, “Did I allow you to speak?”

Chapter 290 Bank Cards

Alyssa’s scolding subconsciously froze Audrey. Catherine sat on the side with a slight frown on her face. She raised her head and looked in the direction of Alyssa, her cold eyes shutting Alyssa’s mouth as she panicked.

Thinking about the task she was put here for today, Alyssa immediately turned her attention to Catherine. The way she treated Catherine was also different from that of Audrey. very

“Catherine, your grandparents asked me to come here today, mainly to visit you!” Alyssa assumed a high stance, deliberately mentioning Catherine’s grandparents from the Langs. But out of her expectations, Catherine didn’t buy it. All of Alyssa’s words were nonsense to her.

“Now that you’ve seen me, can you go now?” said Catherine. Alyssa froze at Catherine’s words. She didn’t expect this girl’s attitude to be so cold and direct. If she hadn’t come here with a mission, she would have already taught a lesson to this girl.

Thinking of her husband’s instructions, Alyssa carried over the handbag on the side, fished out one of the cards, and put it in front of Catherine.

“This is from your uncle. There are 50 thousand dollars in it. Your uncle is soft -hearted and dotes on kids. He said it wasn’t easy for you to grow up alone in the countryside, so he gave you more money to keep your use. You can see how good your uncle is to you.”

With that, she added, “This is 50 thousand dollars, you know. You have to remember your uncle’s kindness!”

Alyssa kept emphasizing the amount of money, thinking that Catherine, a girl. who had just returned from the countryside, had never seen so much money. However, she didn’t expect Catherine to be so calm. There wasn’t the slightest change in her expression.

Alyssa pondered for a short while and felt that it would not do. Then she again fished out another card from inside her bag and placed it on the table.

“This is from me. I feel sorry for you every time I look at you. There are 100 thousand dollars in here, and you can secretly keep it. Don’t be a spendthrift, okay?

“Your uncle and I, you know, are different from your parents. To us, all nieces are the same. As long as you can remember our goodness, we will dote on you as our own daughter.”

Audrey, sitting at the side, watched this scene in shock. It was the first time Alyssa had been here since the apartment was purchased.

She initially thought that Alyssa was here to make a complaint. After all, Catherine had offended the Langs that night. But right now, Alyssa’s series of doing completely puzzled her.

Alyssa was notoriously stingy. No one could get anything out of her. But today, she was so generous and took the initiative to give Catherine such a large amount of money. It was simply unbelievable.

Alyssa frowned. Seeing Catherine still untouched, she could not help but feel uneasy. She didn’t know what Catherine meant, but it didn’t feel right.

Just as she was planning to probe again, Catherine, who was originally lazily leaning back on the sofa, suddenly made a move. She slightly sat up straight, turned her gaze to Alyssa, and coldly said, “Thank you.”

A satisfied smile appeared on Alyssa’s face. “We’re family, so there’s no need for thanks. As long as you can remember our goodness, we haven’t spent all this money for nothing!”

After saying that, she kept winking at Catherine and signaling her. Catherine grunted just as a phone call came to Alyssa. She answered the phone, and it was a few rich ladies calling to ask her to play poker.

She had come early in the morning just to block Catherine, but she did not expect the girl to be out of the house. And that was why she had been delayed for so long. Since her mission was accomplished, she had no intention of staying here anymore and was about to leave.

“I still have things to do and won’t chitchat much with you two.” After saying that, Alyssa hurriedly stood up and wanted to leave.

Malik had given her 300 thousand dollars, and she had accomplished her task so nicely with 150 thousand dollars. It made her happy just to think about it. Initially, she only wanted to use 50 thousand dollars, but who knew that Catherine was so greedy?

Although half of it was used, it was not bad to be able to keep half of it. Before leaving, Alyssa still didn’t forget to give Catherine another reminder, telling her to remember Malik and her goodness. She was dedicated to her mission.

The sound of the door closing with a thud brought Audrey back to her senses. She looked at Catherine with an incredulous face. “Kathy, did you cast a spell on your aunt?”

Otherwise, how could Alyssa, who had always been arrogant and stingy, suddenly become generous? How could she take special care of Catherine, who was the least likely to be noticed among the entire family?

Catherine looked askance at Audrey with an oppressive aura of devouring everything in her evil and reckless eyes. She picked up the two cards on the table and shoved them into Audrey’s hands. “For you!”

Audrey looked down at the two bank cards in her hands and was lost in thought for a long time. Although 150 thousand dollars wasn’t much, it still caught Audrey off guard when she suddenly received such a large sum of money from Alyssa’s hands.

Catherine, however, had already walked in the direction of the room. I’m going to take a break. Don’t call me until the dinner time!”

Although Audrey was still in shock, she subconsciously replied to Catherine’s request without thinking, “Okay, I’ll let you know when I’m done ordering.”

On Catherine’s stunning face, her two thin lips slightly curled into a half- smile. Audrey’s behavior at times was indeed very adorable, she thought.

Inside the hospital, Johnathan was able to get out of bed on crutches. With his leg just a little bit better, he couldn’t wait to carry out his plan of revenge. He summoned a few of his friends to the hospital, all of whom were his closest buddies, and only listened to him.

“Mr. Johnathan, what happened to you? Some days ago, when your father was there, I did not dare to come to see you!”

The one who spoke was called Dayton Barret. He was the one who hung out with Johnathan most often and was also a rich kid, but his family was not as wealthy as the Swanns.

Johnathan impatiently swept a glance at him. “Cut the crap. I’m calling you guys here for something important. Someone injured my leg. As my friends, shouldn’t you avenge me?”

Dayton and the others froze for a moment at Johnathan’s words. They hadn’t expected that Johnathan’s leg injury wasn’t accidental but caused by someone else.

“Mr. Johnathan, does your father not know about such a big thing? No way! If he knows, why do we need to make a move? Given your father’s power, can’t he manage it?”

A killing intent permeated Johnathan’s eyes when he heard this. He gritted his teeth and said coldly, “Do you know who the person that hurt me is?”

Looking at Johnathan’s expression, Dayton secretly felt something wasn’t right. They all envied Johnathan. An only son like him didn’t have to worry about the fights for power in the family.

In the future, everything in the Swanns would be Johnathan’s, and he was much luckier than them. But Dayton always felt something was not quite right, judging from Johnathan’s behavior.

He tentatively asked, “Mr. Johnathan, could it be that the one who hurt a Swann?” you is

This sentence seemed to poke Johnathan’s sore spot. He was instantly enraged and glared at Dayton, as terrifying as if he were about to eat someone.

“How can that jinx be considered one of the Swanns? She doesn’t deserve it!”