Ch. 591..600
Chapter 591 The Bodyguard in Black
Catherine came out of the laboratory. When she arrived at the dormitory building, she saw several men in black standing under the dormitory building.
They stood straight, with a solemn expression and upright posture. It was clear at a glance that they were all bodyguards.
Amelia was not aware of the situation and was joking with Catherine.
“Catherine, look. Are these people like the bodyguards of a certain princess who come specifically to catch the escaped princess?”
Catherine glanced at her, her cold eyes slowly sweeping over Amelia’s body.
At that moment, Amelia felt so cold that as if a violent storm had hit her, her heart trembled.
She hurriedly explained, “Super Catherine, I’m just kidding. Don’t be nervous!”
Catherine looked at her with a serious face. “Go away. Stay away from me!”
Amelia thought in a secret surprise, ” Have I offended Super Catherine?”
She had originally planned to defend herself, but as Catherine’s face grew colder, she backed away silently.
Catherine immediately stepped forward after Amelia backed away.
As soon as Catherine appeared, the group of men in black surrounded her.
Amelia was too far away to hear what they were saying.
But she could sense that Catherine was fairly calm.
It turned out that these men were not there to capture the princess, but to find Catherine. Watching Catherine leave with them, Amelia instinctively reacted.
Catherine asked her to go away just now not because she was angry with her, but to protect her.
The more Amelia thought about it, the more she thought it was possible. Worried that Catherine was in danger, she thought of contacting Catherine’s boyfriend first.
But she did not have Branden’s contact information at all.
In a hurry, Amelia thought of Ronin. She hurriedly took out her cell phone and called Ronin, explaining the situation.
On the other end of the phone, Ronin asked her to return to the dormitory and assured her that Catherine would be fine. After that, Amelia hung up the phone.
Catherine followed the bodyguards in black into the car. Their attitude was very respectful.
“Miss Swann, please!”
Catherine calmly sat down in the back row. After getting into the car, she took out her phone from her pocket and started playing games.
She remained silent all the way, not even changing her expression!
Troy Facer, the leader of those bodyguards, who was sitting in the passenger seat, quietly observed Catherine through the rearview mirror.
Before he left the house, Conor had asked him to treat Catherine politely and invite her to the Facers’ with a friendly attitude.
He was still curious that Catherine was just a little girl from university, was she worth Conor’s attention?
But when he received Catherine, he knew that Conor had not made a mistake.
He even felt that it was inevitable that Jada would be defeated by Catherine.
At Catherine’s age, being able to maintain this composure in the face of such a situation was not something that ordinary people could do.
Catherine was calm, but Troy could not help himself.
He took the initiative and asked, “Miss Swann, aren’t you curious about where we are taking you?”
“Hehe!” Catherine snorted coldly and put down her cell phone to raise her eyes at Troy.
“If it weren’t for Mr. Facer’s age, he should be the one to see me this time!”
Catherine showed her respect to the elders. Seeing as Conor was old and inconvenienced in his legs, she got in the car.
Otherwise, if she was unwilling, who could force her?
In Loxton, the Facers would not allow anyone other than Catherine to make such an arrogant remark to them.
Right now the Facers were trapped by her, Troy could do nothing about Catherine’s arrogant remarks and could only show a smile as a response. He dared not to question anything more!
Chapter 592 Head of the Five Families
At the Facers, Catherine once again met the once-dominant Conor.
Conor, who had just celebrated his birthday, was in high spirits as he sat in the garden pavilion leisurely drinking coffee.
When he heard footsteps coming, he did not turn around. He said majestically, “Miss Swann, hi! Please have a seat!”
Troy accompanied Catherine all the way. Hearing Conor’s command, he took the initiative to help Catherine pull out the chair and asked Catherine to take a seat.
Catherine bent down and sat down. She acted very naturally. Conor poured out the coffee he had brewed in his hand and made a new one for Catherine.
“Miss Swann, I’m curious if you know how to make coffee. Drip coffee needs to be brewed for a longer period of time so that it can have a purer flavor. There’s no rush!”
If one was familiar with Conor, one would definitely know that there was something in his words.
Catherine naturally knew what he meant. But she did not have to pay attention to him.
So, Conor was saying what he wanted to say, while Catherine played her own game. They did not interfere with each other.
Seeing her in this natural and unpretentious look, Conor laughed out loud. “Haha, your grandfather and I knew each other in our youth as well. You really do have a bit of his early style.
“Here, have some coffee!”
After slightly curling her fingers and tapping on the tabletop, Catherine lifted her coffee cup and took a sip. After putting down the coffee cup, she slowly spoke up.
“Is that so? My grandpa never said I looked like him. He said I was an anomaly in the Swanns.”
Hearing this, Conor burst out laughing.
Troy had been waiting on the side. He had no idea what Conor was thinking about.
The company’s affairs were urgent. He wondered how Conor was still in the mood to chat with Catherine so leisurely.
When Conor did not speak, Catherine did not continue the conversation and just spent time on her cell phone.
Conor let out a long sigh after he sized up Catherine enough. He said in a deep voice, “Vicente is so lucky. Although his son is ordinary, his granddaughter is amazing!”
Among the next generation of these people who were on par back then, few could surpass them.
The same went for Conor. His two sons were quite mediocre.
He was not as lucky as Vicente and Karl, whose sons were not competitive, but their grandchildren were top-notch.
Catherine was quiet and did not say anything as she waited for Conor to continue. Conor took back his drifting thoughts.
His expression was calm and his gaze at Catherine suddenly became more serious.
“Tell me your conditions!” Conor said coldly.
He finally got to the point.
Catherine put down her crossed legs. Straightening herself slightly, she looked up at Conor.
“Mr. Facer, it wasn’t me who wanted to trouble the Grelin Group and the Facers. It was your granddaughter who hand-delivered something to me, forcing me to accept it!”
Although Catherine’s words were infuriating, Conor had to admit that Catherine was telling the truth.
It was indeed his granddaughter Jada who was too stupid to send the company’s interests to Catherine’s hands, and it would make Catherine appear stupid if she did not take it.
Catherine wanted to propose her conditions without hesitation. After all, she did not need to be soft when dealing with outsiders.
“I heard that the Facers bought an island up north two years ago!”
Conor calmly nodded and said, “We’ll give the island to you!”
Catherine curled her lips gently and as she raised her eyebrows. A strange smile appeared in her eyes. “There’s no rush. I’m curious if you have the final say in Grelin Group’s project in Casier.”
“We’ll give it to you, too!”
As Conor said this, his sigh was obviously longer.
Both for the Facers and the Grelin Group, the losses this time were heavy.
“Here is the third condition. You can take a look!”
Catherine placed her phone on the desktop, and the phone’s micro projection device projected a contract on the screen.
After seeing the contract Catherine showed, Conor’s eyes widened instantly. Then he suddenly looked up, looking at Catherine as if he was about to swallow her.
“You’re so young, but you’re very greedy!”
“Hmph!” Catherine snorted coldly. ” Mr. Facer, it’s said that don’t underestimate young people. I’m thin but I have a greedy stomach.”
Conor had a calm face and his eyes narrowed slightly. There was a dangerous aura in his cold eyes, and the chill lingering around him made people shudder.
“Girl, don’t forget. You’re in my house.
“Coming in here is easy, but going out can be difficult!”
“Phew…” Catherine let out a leisurely breath. She lazily stretched herself, completely ignoring Conor’s threat.
A hint of doubt arose in Conor’s heart. He carefully looked at Catherine and asked, “Aren’t you really afraid?”
“Mr. Facer, you can give it a try!”
On Catherine’s beautiful and delicate face, her slightly raised eyes exude an emperor-like dominance. It made people dare not underestimate her.
She picked up the phone on the table and shook it in front of Conor.
Two minutes later, Troy hurriedly came in front of Conor and leaned down to whisper a few words in Conor’s ear.
The moment he finished speaking, there was an immediate change on Conor’s face.
From the expression on his face, it could be seen that he was both unbelievable and somewhat frightened.
He looked at Catherine seriously and questioned once again, “What is your relationship with the Breens?”
Many people believed that the world’s richest family was the family of the computer-savvy tycoon, but few people know that the world’s richest family who was exposed was fake.
Because its transparent assets were ranked first.
The truly wealthy families were not superficial wealthy families like his. They were just the tip of the iceberg, and the world’s top five mysterious families hidden beneath them were the real wealthiest families in the world.
These five mysterious families not only control eighty percent of the world’s wealth but more importantly, they also control the decision-making power of many countries. They could even manipulate the election of presidents to make those decision-makers serve their families.
The most mysterious and wealthy of the five families was the Breens.
This ancient and mysterious big family controlled almost half of the world’s wealth.
All the rich businessmen and celebrities were nobody in front of the Breens.
The spokesperson of the Breens sent an official notice to the Facers just now that if they dared to hurt Catherine, the Breens would make the entire Facers disappear from the world.
This was not an alarmist talk. As long as the Breens wanted to do it, they could easily make the Facers disappear.
As for the entire Facers and interests, Connor naturally understood which was more important.
Watching Catherine’s calm and composed demeanor, he knew he had lost miserably.
In an instant, this once dominant old man seemed to age in an instant, aging a lot.
He sighed deeply. He closed his eyes and said with a helpless face, “This is my misfortune. I accept it. I’ll sign this contract!”s
Chapter 593 Korbin Was Dying
After Conor finished signing the contract, Catherine casually put her cell phone away. She turned around, ready to leave.
Troy glanced subconsciously at Conor. Conor waved his hand to signal Troy to let Catherine leave.
After Catherine’s figure disappeared, Troy could not help but ask Conor, “We have agreed to all the conditions put forward by Catherine, but we have not made any demands on her yet. Is it okay to let her go just like that?”
Conor sighed helplessly and glanced deeply in the direction of Catherine’s departure.
“So what if it’s not okay? If she wants to make a move against the Facers, we can do nothing about it!”
Having the spokesperson of the Breens personally send an email warning them showed that Catherine’s position in the Breens was not simple.
Such a character was not someone that the Facers could offend!
The Facers could only blame themselves for not recognizing Catherine’s strength and attempting to make a move against her.
Upon hearing Conor’s tone, Troy was startled.
He thought, “Catherine is so powerful at such a young age. It’s too scary!”
Watching Catherine walk out, Jada immediately followed.
“Catherine, wait!”
Although Jada did not know what exactly her grandfather had promised Catherine, from the person who had told her the situation, she knew that Catherine had asked a lot from the Facers.
Hearing the voice coming from behind her, Catherine stopped in her tracks and gazed at Jada with a cool gaze.
Jada narrowed her eyes slightly. A dangerous light released from within her eyes as she watched Catherine.
“You must be very proud now that you have obtained so much from us. Aren’t you afraid of being punished by God for being too greedy?”
“Haha!” Catherine snorted coldly.
Jada’s brows instantly furrowed as she glared at Catherine angrily. “What are you laughing at?”
“I’m laughing at you for being so stupid!” Catherine was blunt and undisguised.
“Catherine, don’t go too far!” Jada shouted angrily.
“I go too far? If I hadn’t been merciful, do you think the Facers would still exist? An asset that is huge in your eyes is not even enough to be a tip in mine!”
It was true that she had benefited a lot from the Facers this time, but she was going to invest that money in the Arbotte Laboratory as startup funds for her experiments.
The money from the Facers might just be enough to finish the first phase of an experiment.
A huge asset in the eyes of others was not enough for her to use two or three times.
“Jada, I would have learned to be wiser if I had gone through this.
“People should not be afraid of falling.
But you keep moving forward even if you know you’ll fall. Don’t you think you are stupid?”
Catherine turned around and left straight after saying that to Jada.
She had no time to continue arguing with Jada, the stupid person.
Jada was so angry that she stomped her feet. She wanted to take this opportunity to teach Catherine a good lesson.
Now that Catherine was in her territory, was she still afraid of her?
Before she could do anything, she heard a familiar voice from behind her.
“Jada!”
Jada stiffened. She turned her head back slowly, and the hostile aura on her body gradually dissipated. She obediently greeted her grandfather, ” Grandpa!”
Looking at her grandfather’s stooping figure, Jada suddenly felt a little sad.
“Grandpa, I heard that you promised Catherine many unequal treaties. Is this true?
“Catherine is now alone in our territory. Why should we be so afraid of her?”
Seeing that Jada was still unclear about Catherine’s strength, Conor sighed helplessly, “That’s right, Catherine is here alone. But do you know how powerful and amazing the force behind her is?
“If you make another mistake, you’ll drag the entire Facers into the abyss. Do you understand?
“At that time, it won’t be a matter of whether I save you or not, but a matter of our entire family will be in trouble. Understand?”
Jada looked at her grandfather in fear. In her mind, her grandfather had always been mighty.
She never imagined that one day, her grandfather would say such words in such a humble manner.
Moreover, the person her grandfather was bragging about was still Catherine.
“Grandpa, are you sure you’re not joking?”
“I also want this to be a joke. If it were a joke, I wouldn’t have to lose half of the Facers’ assets!”
Conor finished helplessly and turned away with his hands behind his back. Jada fell and sat on the ground. The words of her grandfather warning her echoed in her mind.
She could care less about herself but could not implicate the entire family.
Coming out of the Facers’, Catherine saw the familiar black Bentley parked in front of her.
Branden leaned on the side of the car and looked down at the phone in his hand.
At the moment Catherine approached, Branden suddenly looked up. Their eyes met, and Catherine quickened her pace.
Branden reached out and grabbed her hand, asking softly, “Are you okay?”
Catherine raised her eyebrows and looked at him. She said jokingly, “If I’m not okay, are you still able to stand here?”
It was rare to see Catherine’s mischievous side, and Branden responded with a smile.
“You’re right.”
Paxton, sitting in the car, breathed a sigh of relief. He took out his phone and notified the people deployed around to retreat.
They thought a big war was inevitable. Now that Catherine came out unharmed, this war naturally ended before it began.
However, if the Facers dared to take action against Catherine today, they would no longer have a foothold in the territory of Loxton.
Paxton remembered when Branden gave the order; he said that if the Facers dared to put their hands on Catherine, they would directly destroy the Facers.
Branden’s tone at the time was very mighty and domineering, which shocked people’s hearts.
The breeze came and messed up Catherine’s hair. After Branden helped tidy her hair, he pulled her into the car.
“Get in the car. It’s windy outside!”
Catherine got into the car with Branden. Just as she sat down, she received a call from Audrey.
“Kathy, come back quickly. Dad is dying!”
Branden noticed the slight change in Catherine’s expression. After she hung up the phone, Branden immediately asked, “Something wrong?”
Catherine nodded slightly. “Take me to Casier. Korbin is dying!”
After Paxton, who was in the driver’s seat, heard it, he immediately stepped on the accelerator and accelerated the car’s speed to the fastest without waiting for Branden’s command.
The car then changed direction and rushed toward the airport.
At the Yanio Airport in Loxton, the Duncans had specially rented a piece of parking apron that allowed private planes to start at any time.
Seeing Catherine’s face calm and without any change in her expression, Branden gently grabbed her hand and slowly placed it in his palm.
His body temperature was transmitted to Catherine’s body through his palm.
“Don’t worry. I’ll go back with you!”
Two hours later, the Duncans’ private airplane landed on Casier’s personal apron.
The car, which had been waiting for a long time, immediately came forward.
With steady steps, Branden took Catherine’s hand, got into the car, and headed toward the hospital.
Surprisingly, the entrance to the hospital was overcrowded and surrounded by people.
These people held various cameras, and there were constant flashes around. It was unknown which celebrity was on the scene.
Paxton was very sensitive and immediately discovered the person being trapped.
He reported the situation immediately, “It’s Miss Audrey!”
Catherine’s face then darkened as she casually pushed open the car door and stepped out.
Chapter 594 Who Dare Offend the Swanns
Audrey came out from the set temporarily after receiving Rachael’s call. Because she was in a hurry, she did not pay attention to the reporters around her.
Seeing her suddenly leave the set, some reporters immediately followed and caught up with her.
When Audrey arrived at the hospital, she realized that some reporters had followed her. At that time, she could not get rid of them even if she wanted to.
Because Audrey was worried that the reporters would disturb her father, she dared not even step inside the hospital gate.
Those reporters saw Audrey wearing a hat and lowering her head without saying a word.
They were actually bold enough to reach out and remove Audrey’s hat. The reporters would do anything for the gossip news.
After Audrey’s hat was removed, she glared at the reporter, who removed her hat with anger on her face.
The reporter was trying to record the scene of Audrey glaring at him with anger on her face. For the sake of gossip news, these reporters asked very sharp questions.
“Audrey, did you suddenly stop working to come to the hospital because of a health problem, or is the recent rumor that you are pregnant true?”
A few days ago, Audrey took two extra bites and did not tuck in her stomach in time when she appeared on camera.
After being captured by a netizen with bad intentions, her stomach, which was not tucked in in time, caused a huge uproar online.
Rumors were circulating that Audrey was pregnant. They even have well- founded rumors about the identity of the child’s father.
Facing the reporter’s sharp questions, Audrey, who was in a state of impatience, shouted impatiently, “Cut the crap. Get out of the way!”
Seeing Audrey’s uncooperative attitude, the gossip reporters became even more arrogant.
Someone even directly questioned Audrey, “Are you putting on airs?”
Those reporters’ microphones were almost rubbing onto Audrey’s face. Seeing Audrey bow her head and not respond, someone even reached out to grab her hand.
But the person’s hand was grabbed by someone before it even touched Audrey.
“Who is it?” The reporter turned around in extreme anger. When he was about to curse angrily, he saw that the person who grabbed him was a pretty girl.
Seeing the girl look similar to Audrey, everyone immediately recognized that the girl was Audrey’s sister.
After the reporter, whom Catherine grabbed, realized that the girl was Audrey’s sister, he forced the question arrogantly. “Do you think you can do anything you want to me because you’re the sister of a celebrity?”
“Hmph!” Catherine snorted coldly. She grabbed the reporter by the wrist and swung him straight out.
Bang!
The reporter fell heavily to the ground, and the people around him were dumbfounded.
After reacting, they frantically pressed the shutter to record this scene.
Catherine faced the crowd fearlessly, her cold gaze falling on the reporter who had been thrown to the ground by her.
“If you dare to hurt her, I’ll make you completely disappear from Casier!”
Her domineering words made the surrounding people widen their eyes in shock.
Those reporters who had excitedly pressed the shutters just a moment ago now had their hands shaking slightly.
The reporter who fell to the ground was so scared that his heart skipped a beat. His face instantly turned pale.
It was mainly because Catherine’s gaze was too terrifying. Being stared at by her would give people a creepy feeling.
Catherine looked up at the crowd and scanned every reporter present individually.
“You guys can record. The cameras are in your hands, and you can film whatever you want. But whenever any remarks against the Swanns and the members of the Swanns come out, I declare as the person in charge of the Swanns that I will pursue the matter to the end!”
Catherine’s cold voice echoed in the hearts of the crowd, inexplicably making people’s hearts miss a beat for a while.
When Catherine did not say these words, everyone seemed to be on the verge of forgetting that this little girl, who was less than 20, was now in charge of the entire Swann Corporation.
As one of the Four Noble Families in Casier, the Swanns were not the one that ordinary people could mess with.
Just as Catherine finished saying those words, Branden stepped forward and stood behind her.
“Catherine is my fiancée and the future mistress of the Duncans. Her decision is also the decision of the Duncans!”
The moment Branden said those words, the reporters on the scene consciously began deleting the photos and videos inside their cameras.
Although Branden did not show up often, everyone working in Casier’s press knew him and did not dare to offend him.
Branden was the man in charge of the Duncans, the head of Casier’s business empire.
No one would dare offend both the Swanns and the Duncans.
Seeing that everything had been handled there, Catherine took Audrey’s hand and turned toward the hospital.
Branden, with one hand in his pocket, followed behind. He was really a big shot who liked to dote on his woman.
There were still reporters holding on to the idea of taking a few pictures, but Paxton, who had stayed in place, had already seen through their minds.
Glancing at the reporter who was just about to pick up the camera, Paxton whispered, “It’s been a while since the Duncan Corporation’s legal team has filed a lawsuit!”
Hearing this, that reporter responded with a smile. He then smashed the camera in his hand right in front of Paxton.
“Mr. Paxton, this camera doesn’t work well. I smashed it!”
Watching the shattered camera, Paxton’s cold smile slowly faded from his face. He turned and left with satisfaction.
In the hallway of the hospital, Rachael and Liana sat quietly on the bench, their faces solemn.
Last night, Korbin accidentally pressed down his oxygen tube.
Because the caregivers who took care of him did not realize it in a timely manner, it caused Korbin to experience hypoxia in his brain. He was now in emergency treatment in the operating room, and he might lose his life at any time.
The hospital had already issued two critical notices, so there was almost no hope for Korbin’s survival.
Seeing Catherine appear, Rachael’s eyes widened as if she wanted to swallow Catherine alive. She pounced directly on Catherine.
Branden wanted to step forward to protect Catherine immediately. When Catherine realized it, she reached out to him and gestured. Branden stopped in his tracks.
Catherine looked up and glared at Rachael with a cold gaze.
Her simple gaze made Rachael restrain a lot.
Rachael did not dare to pounce on her. All she could do was stand still, watching Catherine and speaking harsh words.
“It’s all because of you, you jinx. If it weren’t for the disaster you brought, how could our family have fallen to this point? Your father wouldn’t have gotten into trouble either. It’s all your fault!”
Jinx?
Catherine snorted with disdain coldly. ” Was Korbin’s condition really caused by me?”
Her cold gaze fixed on Rachael, causing Rachael’s heartbeat to suddenly stop for a moment.
“What do you mean by that? Wasn’t it you who caused this? If it weren’t for you robbing the assets of the Swanns, your father wouldn’t have been angry and hospitalized, and he wouldn’t have ended up like this.
“You even stripped us of all our property. If there were more caregivers to take care of your father, would such a thing happen?”
Facing Rachael’s questioning, Catherine coldly replied, “More caregivers? Are you not clear if it’s because I don’t hire enough caregivers or if you’ve been doing something secretly?”
Catherine’s inquiry caused Rachael to avert her eyes.
Noticing that something was wrong, Audrey stepped forward to inquire hurriedly.
“Kathy, what the hell is going on? What do you mean by that?”
Chapter 595 Their “Good” Mother
Before Catherine could say anything, Rachael snapped, “What else does it mean? Can’t you see she’s quibbling? She’s a disaster and tries to put the blame on someone else all day long!”
Liana knew how difficult Catherine was to deal with. Noticing that Catherine’s expression had changed a little, Liana reached out and took her mother’s hand hastily.
“Mom, stop it!”
Rachael angrily shrugged off Liana’s hand and angrily scolded her, “Why are you afraid of her? What could she do to me?”
Watching Rachael’s unrepentant appearance, Catherine glanced at Paxton on the side.
Paxton then appeared in front of the crowd with a woman. The woman obediently lowered her head and dared not speak.
Rachael, however, gasped at the sight of the woman. Although she had been trying to pretend to be calm, everyone around her felt her nervousness.
The more nervous she became, the more anxious she became, and the more she wanted to cover up her wrongdoing.
“What do you mean by this? Finding someone like her to set me up?”
Catherine looked coldly at Rachael, who remained unrepentant. Catherine was somewhat impressed by Rachael’s attitude of denying the evidence.
“She is the person I found? Isn’t she the caregiver you found for Korbin? If it weren’t for you changing the caregivers without permission and using an inferior caregiver as a substitute, could today’s situation have happened?”
Audrey became more and more confused as she listened to their conversation. How could this even involve the caregiver?
“Catherine, what the hell is going on?”
Catherine told Audrey the truth of the matter. No one expected Rachael to change caregivers without permission.
Ever since Catherine took control of the entire Swanns, Rachael’s life had become increasingly difficult. She was used to being extravagant and wasteful, so how could she stand it?
In addition to getting some money from her parents, Rachael tried to get money in any way she could.
Catherine arranged three top-notch caregivers to take care of Korbin in shifts. These caregivers were all professional senior caregivers, and none were underpaid.
It was precisely because they were not underpaid that Rachael had done something to get money by using them.
She had hired a random caregiver at the hospital after pocketing the money for the three caregivers.
Because the caregiver Rachael hired took on another part-time job, her salary was underpaid.
Due to the lack of dedicated caregivers and inadequate care, Korbin accidentally pressed his oxygen tube, but no one noticed, and ultimately, a tragedy occurred.
After listening to Catherine’s argument, Audrey looked at Rachael incredulously.
Rachael did not expect Catherine to expose all the things she did in public.
Catherine really showed no respect for her at all. She looked at Catherine angrily, her sharp eyes piercing her.
“You disaster…”
Without waiting for Rachael to finish, Audrey snapped straight away. She yelled out with almost all her might, Mom!” 11
Audrey’s roar startled Rachael. She froze in place and looked at Audrey in panic.
Audrey could not hold back any longer as she started blaming her mother. “So far, you’re still blaming Catherine. You even withhold this money. You are really inhuman!”
Liana did not expect what Rachael did to be so extreme, either. She had been neglecting Korbin and Rachael since she started college.
Rachael asked her for money several times, but she refused. Faced with Audrey’s anger, Rachael showed no remorse. She even put the blame on Audrey.
“I’m inhuman. You’re human. We raised you and gave you the best life, but you don’t have the most basic filial affection. If you gave me money, why would I withhold your dad’s caregiver’s money? I had no choice but to do that.”
Although Audrey said she did not want to care about Rachael, every time Rachael asked her for money, she would give her more or less.
Because no matter what, Rachael was her mother, the woman who gave birth to her and raised her.
Looking at Rachael’s unrepentant appearance, Audrey suddenly realized how wrong she had been.
She used to think that Catherine was too cold-blooded to treat their parents that way. Now, she realized that someone like Rachael did not deserve to be a mother.
Audrey glared angrily at Rachael, giving her final warning.
“Don’t worry. No matter why you come to me next, I won’t give you a dime. If you want to go to the press to accuse me, just do it. Do you think anyone will sympathize with a woman who can leave her young daughter behind due to superstition and almost kill her husband for money?”
Rachael’s face turned pale in an instant. She did not expect Audrey to say such things to her.
“You… you bastard!”
Audrey averted her face, not looking at Rachael anymore.
She decided that she would pretend that she did not have such a mother in her life.
Seeing Audrey ignoring her, Rachael immediately went to Liana.
Liana was her only hope right now. She did not believe that Liana would ignore her.
Facing Rachael, Liana was also distressed.
“Mom, Dad is still in there being resuscitated. Could you please stop for a while? Let’s talk about it after Dad comes out, okay?”
Rachael looked at Liana with red eyes and reached out to curse at her, “You’re all ungrateful and vicious daughters. If Johnny were here, no one could bully me!”
Liana rolled her eyes helplessly. Even if her useless brother had been there, he would only have caused more trouble.
No one paid any more attention to Rachael. Everyone’s attention was focused on the operating room.
After a while, the director came out of the operating room. His medical gloves were still stained with blood!
Korbin had a special status, so the director personally performed the surgery.
He took the initiative to walk up to Catherine. “Miss Swann, it’s very dangerous this time. We don’t have much certainty!”
What he said was actually quite conservative. Korbin’s illness was very dangerous, and their hospital’s capabilities were indeed limited.
“What should we do, Kathy?” Audrey tightly grabbed Catherine’s arm with both hands. At some point, she had taken Catherine as her support and belief.
Compared to Audrey’s disorientation, Catherine appeared to be much more calm.
Catherine had no feelings for Korbin, and she only saved him for the sake of Vicente and Audrey.
She had once promised Vicente that she would try her best to help if something happened to a descendant of the Swanns one day.
Vicente only had one son. Catherine could kick Korbin out of the Swanns and take away everything from him, but she could not see him die.
“You don’t have much certainty. What if Mr. Theo were to lead the surgery?
Will the probability of success increase slightly?”
Hearing Catherine’s words, the director suddenly regained his composure. He looked at Catherine with a surprised expression on his face.
“Are you talking about Dr. Miracle? If it were really him, Mr. Swann could be saved!”
“Okay!” Catherine nodded and turned to walk out.
Chapter 596 Sweet Karl
Branden found Catherine in the hospital stairwell just after she had finished a call and was about to return.
“Have you found Mr. Theo?” the man inquired. Catherine nodded. “Got him on the phone. He’s in Oceanvile. I’m planning to go there!”
Branden casually rejected Catherine’s decision and said, “No need. I’ve arranged for Paxton to fetch him, bringing him back as quickly as possible.”
He hadn’t forgotten about the watchful young guy in Oceanvile. He wasn’t willing to let Catherine go there.
Catherine was well aware of Paxton’s capabilities. Since Branden had it all sorted out, she had no objections. ”
Alright, I’ll go with your plan.”
Seeing her agreement, a hint of joy appeared in the man’s eyes. He gently took her hand, holding it securely.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything. You’ve rushed all the way here; rest for a while.”
By the time Catherine returned to the corridor of the hospital ward, Rachael and Liana were nowhere to be seen.
Audrey, seeing Catherine’s appearance, took the initiative to explain. She said, ” Mom said she had a headache, so Liana went with her to Grandma’s house to rest.”
Whether it was a genuine headache or just avoidance, only Rachael knew. Catherine didn’t care whether Rachael was present or not. For her, spending time on irrelevant people was the most foolish thing in the world.
Branden answered a call and left, leaving only Catherine and Audrey in the corridor. After a long silence, Audrey couldn’t hold back any longer. ” Catherine, do you think Dad will die?”
Although Korbin had done many wrong things, he was still Audrey’s father.
Unlike Catherine, who had been abandoned since childhood and naturally had no feelings for the Swanns, Audrey had grown up in the Swanns and had been doted on by Korbin when there was only one daughter in the Swanns.
She couldn’t stand idly by and watch her father die in front of her despite his many wrongdoings.
With a nonchalant attitude but firm gaze, Catherine said in a light and convincing tone, “He won’t.”
Audrey didn’t know if Catherine’s words were true or just comforting. But after hearing Catherine say this, her heart settled, and she was all relieved.” Kathy, you’re right. Father will be fine. We must have faith!”
Catherine made no response, standing up. “He’s in surgery; staying here won’t help. If you want to stay, do so. I’ll come over when Mr. Theo arrives.”
Audrey looked at Catherine, who seemed tired, with concern. Her sister had just rushed over from Loxton and hadn’t even had a drink of water.
With everything arranged but Mr. Theo, it was time for Catherine to rest for a while. “Alright, you quickly let Mr. Duncan take you back to rest. I’ll stay in the hospital, and if there’s anything, I’ll notify everyone.”
Catherine knew Audrey’s personality well; she would choose to stay. So, from the beginning, Catherine had no intention of bringing her away.
“I’m leaving!” After waving to Audrey, Catherine turned around and left the hospital.
Branden had just finished his work and came out. Seeing her leaving quickly, he hastened his steps to catch up. ” Ready to go back and rest?” he asked.
“Yeah.” Catherine nodded slightly.
Branden suggested, “Let’s go to the Duncans’ old mansion. You can rest first, and we’ll have dinner with Grandpa tonight.”
Since learning of their return to Loxton, Karl had called dozens of times, wanting them to visit the old mansion.
Branden didn’t immediately agree. Now that Catherine was planning to rest, he tentatively asked her.
Catherine didn’t mind; with Branden around, no one dared to trouble her. ”
Okay,” she said.
After Catherine agreed, Branden led her back to the old mansion.
While upstairs, Karl heard the news from the servants that Branden’s car had arrived at the door.
“Just him? Is Catherine here?” Karl immediately thought of Catherine.
The servant happily replied, “Yes, she’s here. Both of them came together and are downstairs!”
Karl immediately got up, eager to greet them. His granddaughter-in-law was coming, and he naturally wanted to see her.
Simon followed behind. Seeing Karl rushing downstairs, he couldn’t help but smile.
Only when Branden and Catherine came did Karl attach such importance.
Even when his son came back, there were times when Karl refused to meet him, let alone others.
When Catherine entered, she saw Karl hurrying downstairs. She politely greeted him. Karl’s heart melted when he heard that.
His granddaughter-in-law was not only competent and beautiful but also filial. He liked her very much. Every time he went out, he showed off to his old friends, who all envied him.
“Catherine is here; take a seat. I’ve prepared the best rose liqueur for you. I’ll let the butler bring it out now,” said Karl.
Ever since knowing that Catherine liked to drink it, the old mansion not only kept Branden’s favorite coffee beans but also specially prepared Catherine’s favorite rose liqueur so that she could have it whenever she wanted.
Branden was about to speak, but Catherine stopped him. Catherine glanced at him, and Branden obediently stayed silent.
Seeing the interaction between the couple, Karl felt sweet as he sipped his coffee. His grandson was notoriously tricky to handle, but now someone could manage him.
Catherine knew what Branden meant; he wanted her to rest early. However, Karl cherished them so much. He even arranged her favorite drink. If she left like this, wouldn’t it hurt Karl’s feelings?
After sitting with Karl for a while, the old man took the initiative and said, ” You’ve been rushing all the way; you must be tired. Go rest. The rooms are ready, and we’ll call you for dinner later!”
Although Karl was old, he was clear- headed. Nothing could escape his eyes.
After the two went upstairs, Simon dared to approach Karl and asked softly, “It’s rare for them to come back. Why not let them accompany you more?
Karl laughed lightly. “As long as they’re at home, it’s the same. The Swanns have had so many things happen. Catherine has a hard time. Let her rest more. Who knows what else will happen next.”
Hearing Karl’s response, Simon joked with him, saying, “In the world, only you spoil your granddaughter-in-law so much. She’s not even officially married into the Duncans, and you’re pampering her like this!”
Karl, instead of getting angry, admitted generously. He said, “She is such an outstanding girl. If I don’t spoil her a bit more, many people are probably outside waiting to snatch her away!”
He felt that his grandson had done the best thing in his life by agreeing to the Swanns’ arranged marriage.
Chapter 597 Rapid Progress in Relationship
At eight o’clock that evening, Catherine received the news that the plane Thomas was on had landed at Casier.
After exchanging a few words with Karl, she decided to go to the hospital.
Branden personally drove, and the two set off together.
Standing at the entrance of the old mansion, Karl, watching their figures coming and going together, asked in a low voice, “How much longer until Catherine graduates?”
The butler responded quietly, “Sir, Miss Swann has another three and a half years to graduate from Styre University.”
Karl’s brows furrowed instantly when he heard that. “Is it still that long?
When will my great-grandchild finally arrive then?”
Knowing Karl was anxious, Simon comforted and said, “If they can’t marry yet, let’s have an engagement ceremony. Even though the families have verbally agreed, we haven’t held a formal banquet yet, right?”
“Good point!” Karl, satisfied, nodded at Simon. “You’re quite smart. When Branden comes back later, tell him to find me!”
In the corridor outside the operating room, Catherine spotted Audrey, but to her surprise, Triston was accompanying her.
Their intimate behavior suggested a close relationship.
It seemed that the two staying in Casier had made rapid progress in their relationship!
Sensing movement beside them, both of them turned their heads.
When Audrey saw Catherine, she immediately jumped away from Triston.
Seeing this, Triston felt awkward, even sensing Branden mocking him on the side.
He had said he was a dreamboat to all women before. But now Audrey had pushed him away in public. It was like a slap in the face.
Feeling displeased, Triston grabbed Audrey’s arm and declared to Catherine with a raised chin, “Catherine, I solemnly tell you, I am now pursuing your sister and will soon become your brother-in-law!”
Before Catherine could respond, Audrey exploded and kicked Triston. ” Are you crazy? What nonsense are you talking about?”
Triston gazed affectionately at Audrey and said, “Audrey, I’m serious. Today, Catherine is here as well. Let’s clear things up!”
“Clear what? If you dare repeat such nonsense, I’ll beat you up!”
Blushing, Audrey looked at Catherine and changed the topic. “Kathy, why are you here at night? Is there something going on?”
“Mr. Theo is here!” Catherine had just finished speaking when footsteps approached from behind.
Paxton appeared with Thomas, and accompanying Thomas was Scott.
Knowing that his grandfather was there to see Catherine, Scott even sacrificed his precious time to make a deal with him, exchanging it for the opportunity to accompany him to see Catherine.
“Catherine, I missed you so much!” Scott reached out to hug her, but before he could reach, Branden stretched out a leg, causing him to fall flat on his face.
Thomas, standing by, didn’t mind. His grandson was mischievous and sometimes needed to be disciplined appropriately.
Scott lay on the ground, ready to explode. “How dare you scheme against me! Do you want to die?” he shouted inwardly.
However, when he turned around and met Branden’s ice-cold gaze, Scott shrank his neck, quickly retreating. He couldn’t afford to provoke Branden.
Scott looked up with a pitiful expression and gazed at Catherine. ” Catherine, it hurts!”
“Stand up!” Catherine coldly uttered two words, and Scott immediately stood up, assuming a military posture.
Thomas approached Catherine, standing in front of her with a smile. ” It’s only you who can manage this rascal!”
Upon hearing that Thomas had arrived, Rhys rushed to the scene and stood at the operating room door. “Mr. Theo, it’s really you. Long time no see.”
Rhys had the privilege of meeting Thomas at a previous academic symposium, and that had left him a deep impression.
Having only heard briefly from Catherine, Rhys hadn’t expected her to bring Thomas over so quickly. This level of influence was not something an ordinary person could possess.
“Mr. Parry, please provide me with Korbin’s medical records. After reviewing them, I plan to see the patient and make a decision based on the condition.”
“Sure, I’ll arrange it right away.”
After Rhys left, Thomas resumed a serious expression and looked at Catherine. “Rest assured. I’m here.”
He knew better than anyone what Catherine had been through and understood her attitude toward Korbin.
Catherine politely responded, “Thank you, Mr. Theo!”
Soon, Rhys brought Korbin’s medical information.
Finally, Thomas understood why Rhys had said their hospital wasn’t confident about this surgery.
The operation was extremely risky, mainly because Korbin’s body was too weak to withstand such a powerful procedure.
To save Korbin’s life, the blood clots in his brain needed to be cleared. Many of these clots were connected to sensitive nerves, and mishandling them could lead to Korbin not even being able to get off the operating table.
This was why the hospital hesitated to proceed with the surgery; they didn’t dare to offend the Swanns due to Korbin’s special status.
Holding the information, Thomas said to Catherine, “The situation is not optimistic. Let me go back and think tonight. If I can come up with a plan by 8 a.m. tomorrow, we’ll proceed with the surgery immediately!”
Time was running out. One more second of delay would put Korbin in more danger.
Catherine agreed, nodding. “Okay.”
Paxton took the initiative and respectfully invited Thomas, saying, ” Come with me!”
But as soon as he finished speaking, Scott immediately rejected. He said, ” No, I don’t want to stay in a hotel.”
Scott looked at Catherine with pleading eyes. “Catherine, can I stay with you?”
As long as he could live under the same roof as Catherine, he would be happier than anything else.
To increase his chances of staying with Catherine, Scott turned to ask his grandfather for permission.
The two engaged in a series of gestures that were incomprehensible to outsiders.
To live under the same roof as Catherine, Scott reluctantly entered into an unequal treaty with his grandfather.
After he agreed, Thomas said slowly, ” Cassie, I don’t want to stay in a hotel either. I want to be with you guys.”
Catherine looked up at Branden. Today, she would most likely stay at the Duncans’ old mansion. Since it was the Duncans’ place, she couldn’t make the decision herself and waited for Branden’s opinion.
Seeing Catherine look up at him, Branden understood her meaning and instructed Paxton beside him, ” Arrange a car to take Mr. Theo and the others to the old mansion.”
Excited at the mention of going to the old mansion, Thomas asked, “Cassie, do you guys mean the Duncans’ old mansion? I mean, where Karl lives.”
“Yes.” Catherine nodded slightly.
Thomas seemed thrilled. “Great! I haven’t seen Karl in a long time. Perfect, I’ll go meet him tonight.”
“Mr. Theo, do you know Karl?”
Thomas joked and said, “Of course, I know him. Back in the day, we even competed for the same girl.”
Seeing that they were acquainted, Catherine had no more reservations and led them to the Duncans’ old mansion together.
Chapter 598 There’s Hope
After Catherine left, Karl waited in the living room.
On a regular day at this hour, he would already be upstairs preparing for rest. Today, however, he sat in the living room with a spirited demeanor, and Simon came up to persuade him.
“Sir, it’s getting late. Let me help you upstairs!” Simon suggested.
Karl replied leisurely, “What’s the rush? They haven’t returned yet. Why are you in a hurry?”
Seeing Simon persisting, Karl became impatient. “You old man, what do you understand? Catherine and the others haven’t come back yet. Catherine is a sensible girl, unlike Branden. If she’s not coming back, she’ll let me know. If she doesn’t say anything, she’ll come back. I’m waiting for her!”
Simon complained quietly in his heart. People who didn’t know might think Karl was Catherine’s grandfather.
Never had he seen someone so caring for a future daughter-in-law. In Karl’s eyes, his grandson was like a weed, and the prospective daughter-in-law was the treasure. As for his son, he probably didn’t even rank as high as a weed!
Just as they finished chatting, they heard a car honk at the door.
Slapping his thigh in joy, Karl looked at Simon with satisfaction. “See, I told you. Catherine is a sensible child. She knows I’m waiting for her, so she’ll definitely come back.”
Simon quickly agreed and said with a smile, “Yes, you’re right. Miss Swann understands you the best!”
This struck a chord with Karl, and he nodded happily.
As Catherine entered the house with Branden, she noticed Karl sitting in the living room, and she was stunned for a moment. “Karl, why haven’t you rested yet?”
Karl smiled nonchalantly and replied, ” I had a hearty dinner tonight, so I’ll rest later. How’s it going at the hospital? Everything alright?”
Simon, standing aside, silently rubbed his nose. He thought Karl was a master of lying, even more so than in the past. He showed no sign of embarrassment, no change in expression, not even a blink of his eye.
“Everything’s fine at the hospital. I brought two friends back; I hope you don’t mind,” Catherine said.
Karl waved generously. “This is your home. Why would I mind when you have guests? If you can do this, it means you consider this your home.
I’m more than happy!”
Just as he finished speaking, a vigorous voice sounded from behind. “Karl, I came all the way here, and you come out to greet me!” didn’t
Thomas deliberately let Catherine and the others enter first, wanting to see Karl’s reaction.
“This voice sounds somewhat familiar. “Karl frowned, looking at Catherine in front of him. “Who is it?”
“See for yourself!” Catherine said, stepping aside to make way.
Karl carefully examined the person and recognized him instantly. He stood up in an instant. “You brat, what are you doing in my house?”
Thomas did not get upset and approached Karl with a smile. “It’s been so many years, and your temper hasn’t changed a bit!”
Karl pretended to be unhappy. He snorted and stared at Thomas, hands behind his back. “Is it you who tricked Catherine into bringing you here, thinking she’s easy to talk?”
“Heh, do you think I can trick Catherine? You overestimate me,”
Thomas responded with a disdainful tone. “Let me tell you, Catherine is exceptional. Only you have the blessing to have such a good grandson, winning her over. It’s truly enviable!”
Karl was very proud to hear those words, and the slight unpleasantness in his heart instantly disappeared.
“This is true. With a daughter-in-law like Catherine, I am very proud.”
Branden, seeing the two old men reminiscing, pulled Catherine upstairs.
Simon followed, quietly saying, “Mr. Branden, you and Miss Swann can rest without worrying. I’ll take care of the rest!”
With Simon taking care of things, Catherine didn’t need to worry. She followed Branden upstairs to rest.
Early the next morning, Catherine set off for the hospital with Thomas.
In the car, Thomas was still exclaiming, “If it weren’t for having to perform surgery today, I could have had a bottle of good wine with Karl last night. It’s been more than ten years; we both have aged!”
Hearing his grandfather’s words, Scott couldn’t help but taunt him. “Grandpa, with your current drinking capacity, I’m afraid two drinks would be enough; no need for a whole bottle.”
“You brat!” Thomas was angered and scolded.
Amidst the argument, the group arrived at the hospital.
Audrey hadn’t returned home last night and had been waiting at the hospital. As soon as she saw Thomas, she quickly approached him.
“Dr. Miracle, do you have a solution for my father’s illness?”
Knowing she was Catherine’s sister, Thomas treated her quite well. “Rest assured, I’ve got it. If the surgery goes well, your father not only can keep his life, but he might also recover even better. If it’s not successful, at worst, he’ll go back to the way he was. In any case, I can save his life.”
Hearing this, Audrey breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good. Thank you, Dr. Miracle!”
Thomas went to prepare for the surgery, and everyone waited in the corridor outside the operating room.
Around noon, Liana arrived. She didn’t want to talk to Catherine and went straight to Audrey. “Audrey, I heard a miracle doctor came to perform surgery on Dad. Is that true?”
Audrey nodded. “Yes, Catherine brought him here. The doctor said Dad’s life can be saved, and if the surgery goes well, he might even recover fully and be able to talk and walk.”
Just as she finished speaking, Audrey noticed Liana seemed slightly off.
“What’s wrong? Why do you look so preoccupied, and there’s a hint of unhappiness?”
Liana forced a faint smile. “Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just worried about Dad. After all, this is a major surgery, and I’m afraid.”
Hearing her say this, Audrey felt somewhat relieved.
She always felt Liana had become somewhat cold and heartless after Korbin’s injury. Although Liana was busy with work and had come a few times, she hadn’t returned after going to Loxton. Even her visits were less frequent than Catherine’s.
As the most beloved daughter, this was unacceptable. Now, seeing Liana show concern for her father, Audrey felt a bit better.
“Don’t worry. Mr. Theo is extremely skilled. He will personally perform the surgery, and everything will be fine!”
Liana sat aside, lowering her head. There was a hint of panic in her eyes.
She looked very nervous, and many people thought she was worried about her father, so they didn’t think much of it.
But only Liana knew what was really going on. She was in a state of panic, unable to think of a solution.
Chapter 599 Successful Surgery
The surgery lasted a full three hours, and at almost one o’clock in the afternoon, the lights in the operating room finally went out.
Thomas, wearing surgical attire, emerged from the operating room. He was slightly trembling, showing signs of fatigue.
Scott immediately went to support his grandfather. Although he often bantered with his grandfather on ordinary days, he cared more about the old man than anyone else at crucial moments.
“Grandpa, you should rest for a while!”
“I am still strong. No problem!” Thomas sat down, panting yet with a smiling face.
Audrey was deeply worried. If she hadn’t seen Thomas being too tired just now, she would have immediately inquired about the situation.
Now, all she could do was stand patiently on the side, waiting for Thomas to catch his breath before providing them with answers.
Thomas had been a doctor for so many years, so how could he not understand what his patients were feeling?
After resting for a while, Thomas turned to Audrey and slowly said, ” Don’t worry. Your father’s surgery was very successful. Not only did we save his life, but we also cleared the blood clots in his brain!”
Upon hearing this, Audrey was so excited that she almost jumped up. She turned around and grabbed Catherine’s hand, eagerly asking, “Did you hear that? Dad is going to be okay!”
Catherine nodded calmly, showing no excessive excitement. She had brought Thomas here only to save Korbin’s life; what happened afterward was not her concern.
Unnoticed by everyone, Liana, who had been silently standing in the corner, slipped away after hearing this news.
In the hallway, Liana trembled, unsure of what to do. If Catherine and the others found out that she was the cause of her father’s condition, they would not spare her.
She had now realized one thing-she currently lacked the power to defeat Catherine. She could only wait patiently for an opportunity, a chance to bring Catherine down.
But Catherine would surely come after her if her father woke up and revealed the truth.
Without the ability to fight back, how could she confront Catherine?
After all the effort and grievances she had endured, she couldn’t bear to give up now. No, she absolutely could not give up.
If her father could sleep once, then let him sleep a second time. As long as he kept his life, that would be enough.
Korbin was wheeled out of the operating room and transferred to the intensive care unit.
Having just undergone surgery, he wouldn’t wake up so quickly; he needed to be observed for another three days.
For a long time to come, he would need to stay in the intensive care unit, gradually recovering.
Audrey was overjoyed with this outcome, She had never thought that her father would have a chance to get better, and all of this was closely tied to Catherine.
From Rhys, she had learned how powerful Mr. Theo was and understood that the more skilled a person was, the harder they were to approach.
Who would bother with them if it weren’t for Catherine’s influence?
Audrey felt sorry for Catherine. She had been treated poorly since childhood, and yet she repaid it with kindness in the end.
“Kathy, you guys go back. The surgery is over now, and I’ll take care of things here. I’ve asked Kim to help me reschedule some of my acting commitments. For the next while, I’ll fully focus on caring for Dad.”
Catherine hadn’t been raised by her parents since childhood, and after finally returning to the Swanns, she still faced unfair treatment. Audrey believed that she didn’t owe anything to her parents.
Audrey, however, was different. Her parents had raised her, and now, she couldn’t rest easy to entrust her father to Rachael’s care, so naturally, she had to take time out to care for her father.
Catherine had no objections. She had already arranged for caregivers; if Audrey insisted, she could stay.
She had no obligation to Korbin and wouldn’t sacrifice her time to care for him. Saving Korbin’s life was the kindest thing she had ever done in her life.
“Let’s go!” Catherine told Branden, and they all left the hospital together.
With the critical surgery over, the rest could be handled by Rhys and the hospital staff, and Thomas did not need to stay. He left with Catherine and the others.
Seeing Catherine’s group leaving, Liana felt secretly triumphant.
She had been worried that with Catherine around, she wouldn’t find a suitable opportunity. To her surprise, Catherine didn’t care about Korbin at all.
Now that they were gone, she could carry out her plans. After leaving the hospital, Catherine had Branden take her to the Swann Corporation.
Since going to Loxton, she had entrusted the Swann Corporation to a professional manager. Now that she was back, it was a good time to check on things.
Initially, she wanted to send Thomas to the Duncans’ old mansion to catch up with Karl. Unexpectedly, Thomas disagreed and insisted on following her.
“Cassie, take me with you. I promise not to disturb your work!”
Seeing his determination, Catherine agreed.
She took Branden’s car keys and personally drove. As soon as she pressed the accelerator, the high- performance car sped away.
Scott, who had never been in such a fast car, turned pale with fright. ” Catherine, can you drive a bit slower?”
“You’re still so green!”
Upon hearing his grandfather’s teasing, Scott turned around, ready to mock him. Unexpectedly, his grandfather remained calm, steadily sitting in the back seat without even blinking. It was as if the high-speed racing car did not affect him.
Seeing his grandson glance over, Thomas calmly said, “When I used to race, your father was still in school.”
This remark left Scott completely at a loss for words.
If he retorted, it would be the same as insulting his own father. His grandfather was too cunning. Scott could not say anything and obediently sat in the seat.
Catherine drove the car to its top speed, then stopped by a park.
She pushed open the car door and stepped out, with Thomas following suit.
Just as Scott was about to move, Thomas stopped him with a stern look. “Sit still!”
Rarely did his grandfather look so serious, and Scott was startled, obediently sitting back down.
Catherine leaned against the side of a corridor, waiting for Thomas to walk over slowly.
Supporting himself with a cane, Thomas panted as he reached Catherine’s side.
Just as he stopped, he laughed and pretended to scold Catherine, saying, ” Girl, how can you walk that fast with your long legs? Don’t bully the old man!
Catherine raised an eyebrow and looked at him. “Mr. Theo, just say what you have to say.”
Seeing her like this, Thomas, with his straightforward nature, didn’t bother concealing anything. He burst into laughter. “Haha, you’re indeed sharp. Nothing can escape your notice!”
Chapter 600 Welcome Back, Miss Swann
The reason Thomas didn’t agree to go to the Duncans’ old mansion but followed Catherine was because he wanted to talk to her privately.
Catherine noticed this, so she took the keys from Branden and left with Thomas. Catherine leaned casually on the corridor, revealing her perfect figure effortlessly.
A gentle breeze tousled her hair, causing it to flutter in the wind.
Thomas glanced at her. When he first met Catherine, she was only eleven years old.
At that time, she already showed her sharpness as a rebellious and cold teenage girl.
There was no childishness in her that should have been present at her age and no ordinary warmth. She was like a cold machine, indifferent to everything.
However, ever since he learned about her relationship with Branden, he saw different emotions in Catherine’s eyes. She seemed to become just like an ordinary little girl.
He was genuinely happy for Catherine. He didn’t expect to see this in his lifetime, and it was a rare sight.
“I heard you’ve contacted the Breens?”
Catherine confronted the Facers through the Breens, extracting a considerable sum. Although it was confidential, for the major families, it wasn’t difficult to uncover such information.
Many people now wanted to know Catherine’s true identity. After returning to the Swanns, she quickly took control of the whole family with strength. That was already astonishing.
What was more, who would have thought she was also the mastermind behind the Skybow Group and now connected to the Breens?
The Breens, on her behalf, took the initiative to approach the Facers.
Otherwise, how could the Facers, firmly rooted in Loxton for a century, easily hand over half of their family fortune to Catherine?
The Duncans had always been secretly using their connections to keep Catherine’s identity hidden. Others might not understand the intricacies, but Thomas was one of the few who knew the situation.
“I received a message. Shane wants you to go back, right?”
“Heh.” Catherine looked up and chuckled, her indifferent eyes filled with disdain and coldness. “Should I just go if he wants me to go back?”
She was used to ordering others; no one had the authority to order her.
Catherine glanced at the time; 15 minutes remained until her scheduled meeting with Linda. Driving from here would be just right.
“I’m leaving if there’s no other business.”
Watching Catherine’s graceful departure, Thomas shook his head helplessly. He didn’t know how things would develop in the end.
After Catherine kicked Scott out of the car, he hurried to his grandfather. ” Grandpa, did you make Catherine angry?”
Thomas glared at him angrily. “Kid, what nonsense are you talking about?”
“If you didn’t anger Catherine, why did she leave with such a cold aura, as if she was about to settle something with someone?” Scott looked puzzled as he stared at his grandfather. The way Catherine carried herself made it seem like she was prepared to take on an entire group alone.
Thomas sighed. Catherine would have to resolve this herself.
After figuring that out, Thomas raised his hand and slapped the back of Scott’s head. He shouted, “You brat, come on, let’s go for a walk!”
Scott rubbed his head in pain, his face twisted. “Grandpa, can’t you speak nicely? Why did you hit me?”
The two bickered as they left.
At 2:10 p.m., Catherine’s car smoothly parked in front of the Swann Corporation building.
She drove Branden’s car, a symbol of top-tier status in both the license plate and emblem. The security guard approached promptly, opening the car door courteously.
“Miss, may I ask which floor you’re going to and whom you’re looking for?”
Catherine glanced and saw that the security personnel at the Swann Corporation had changed since she was last there.
Linda, who had been waiting downstairs, saw Catherine and immediately approached along with her team, respectfully bowing to Catherine.
“Welcome back, Miss Swann. We’re honored to have you inspecting.”
After her words, the high-ranking executives behind her collectively shouted, exuding an imposing and somewhat domineering aura.
The security guard was momentarily stunned. Although he had heard that the current chairperson was a young lady, he hadn’t seen her, and he never expected the young chairperson to be so young and beautiful.
After regaining his composure, the security guard stood straight and respectfully saluted Catherine.
“Good afternoon, Miss Swann!”
Catherine glanced at him, and Linda immediately stepped forward. “Miss Swann, these security personnel just took office this month. Following your instructions, we rotate positions every month.”
Catherine had requested regular rotation for security positions, especially at the front gate.
Although seemingly inconspicuous, these positions could have a fatal impact. Anyone entering or leaving the company would encounter the gate security.
If one person stayed in this position for too long, there was a risk of people seeking opportunities for personal gain.
If a security guard understood the attendance patterns of internal employees and leaked that information, it could significantly impact the company.
Catherine nodded slightly and replied coldly, “Good.”
With her cold reply, the atmosphere among those present seemed to deflate.
Despite Catherine’s young age and resemblance to current pop stars, her business acumen, as reflected in the Swann Corporation’s financial reports over the past two quarters, was beyond what even Vicente could achieve. The decisions that led to significant profits were all projects approved by Catherine, this new chairperson.
Vicente’s two right-hand men, Leonel and Linda, were now following her orders obediently.
The company’s continuous growth was assured even if she wasn’t physically present at the Swann Corporation.
With such capabilities, who would dare to underestimate her?
“Miss Swann, please follow me.” Linda led Catherine up to the top-floor conference room of the Swann Corporation.
Catherine instructed Linda to display the cooperation plan with the Grelin Group on the large screen in the conference room.
Sitting at the head of the table, Catherine’s posture was extremely casual, in stark contrast to the serious executives below.
Yet, none dared to underestimate her presence.
As her spokesperson, Linda stood dutifully at her side.
Linda immediately conveyed her message with a slight lift of Catherine’s gaze.
“Managers, Miss Swann would like to hear your opinions on this project. Any thoughts or ideas are welcome.”
With these words, discussions erupted below.
Some advocated for continuing the collaboration, while others believed the required capital was too vast, posing a threat to the Swann Corporation’s stability.
After all, with the Swann Corporation flourishing, there was no need to take such a risky gamble.
Since the Grelin Group had yielded and was willing to bear all the consequences by withdrawing, it might be better to drop this project.