Ch. 71..80
Chapter 71 I Want Your Leg
Branden, who was lagging far behind just now, suddenly accelerated and pushed to full throttle.
The other motorcycles surrounded him, obstructing his route and not allowing him to move.
But no one had expected that he would turn sideways and drive the car to the edge, using the drain to overtake the motorcyclists and forcing his way to the red motorcycle in front.
Holy God, he went over the corner by the drain!
This method was extremely dangerous. With the slightest misstep, the motorcycle would crash at a fast speed. This man was too bold.
Henry, the person riding the red motorcycle, had finally realized that Branden was skilled. He did not dare to take Branden lightly. So he kept accelerating, not wanting to be overtaken. However, it seemed that it was too late.
The handsome black and silver Harley-Davidson overtook the red motorcycle effortlessly, leaving only a nice back view for the cyclist after that.
Branden stopped the motorcycle at the finish line.
Catherine got off the motorcycle first. She took off her helmet and shook her long hair.
Branden propped up on the ground with one foot with ease, resting his chin on one of his hands, looking at her stunning face.
That face was as beautiful as a dream in the night, like a goblin falling into the mortal world, so captivating that people could not take their eyes off it.
For the first time, Branden felt that his heart fluttered. When Catherine stopped and looked at him arrogantly with raised eyebrows, he felt his breath taken away for a moment, and he forgot to breathe.
Catherine looked at Branden coldly, with a provocative look in her eyes and a wicked smile on
the corner of her mouth. She nodded at Branden.
“You have good driving skills!”
She rarely made positive comments about a person, and Branden was the first person to make
her comment in such a short time.
Branden looked at her with his head tilted. The deep eyes seemed to have hidden a sea of stars,
which was very seductive.
“You have got a good motorcycle!”
She complimented his driving skills. In turn, he praised her motorcycle?
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What a scumbag!
She remodeled the motorcycle herself and was the only one in this world. How could it be worse?
The two talked briefly before the red motorcycle slowly appeared, followed by the motorcycle gang.
Henry got off the motorcycle. He had planned to settle scores with Branden as he had never lost in this way.
He must have met a person who is playing dumb today. Otherwise, how could he have lost in such a humiliating way?
He had to get this back. Or else, how would he survive in the future?
However, when Henry came up and stood in front of them, he froze suddenly when he saw Catherine.
Henry, still acting aggressively just now, widened his eyes suddenly, and his eyes were full of excitement inside.
He could not control his emotions efficiently and shouted. “Gosh, what a hot chick!”
Catherine’s face was really stunning. Although she was wearing a simple white short-sleeved shirt with jeans, those simply could not hide the radiance emanating from her body.
Those tight, slim-fitting jeans perfectly showed her long slender legs, which looked extremely attractive.
Branden’s dark eyes turned cold like the blades of ice skates shooting at Henry. He said coldly, “Look again and I shall gouge out your eyes and step on them.”
The simple tone was filled with power that people dared not ignore. Henry subconsciously. lowered his head. The other party’s aura was so powerful that even he did not know why he was so afraid.
Branden reached out, grabbed Catherine’s wrist, and pulled her back, blocking her with his tall body.
Catherine’s rare obedience allowed Branden to control her.
The opponent’s aura was domineering, but Catherine was not the kind who would give in easily. She had always protected others. This was the first time someone would take the initiative to protect her. This feeling made her feel an inexplicable emotion growing in her heart, and she suddenly forgot to struggle.
It took a while for Henry to react. He had been unbeatable for a long time. This guy was too arrogant, having the guts to challenge him the first time they meet.
Henry got his momentum back. He raised his head arrogantly, looked at Branden with his legs shaking provocatively, and said, “You were cheating just now. You acted weak deliberately. So the competition does not count! Do you have the guts to compete again?”
Branden gazed at him coldly. He seemed only a couple of years older than Bryan, but it was ridiculous that this fellow had tried to put an arrogant front of being the big brother.
He took the cigarette case from his pocket, lowered his head, pursed his lips, and took one out. The movement was elegant, domineering tinged with evil.
Even Henry could not help but gulp. God, this man was too charming!
“How do you want to compete?” With a cigarette dangling from his lips, his voice was a bit vague, but it was difficult to hide his arrogance.
Henry froze for a moment, not being able to respond.
Catherine, at the side, reached out suddenly and pulled the cigarette out of Branden’s mouth, and threw it on Henry’s motorcycle.
Branden turned his head and looked at Catherine. His dark and deep eyes were like a gentle and lovely night. The corner of his mouth curled up, and his eyes slowly fell on her, with unconcealed doting.
Catherine threw the dangling cigarette away. He had also tossed out the remaining pack of cigarettes.
If she did not allow it, he would quit doing it!
Another shadow streaked past, and Henry Lowe returned to his senses.
Damn, were they treating him like a trash can?
However, the two parties didn’t feel the slightest bit.
Catherine looked at his actions and admired Branden’s actions. “Not bad. He’s obedient!” she
thought.
Henry couldn’t stand it anymore. He didn’t come here at night to watch the two getting all romantic. He had to find his place again.
“Kid, are we going to compete?”
Catherine frowned slightly. “Ah, this guy is so annoying,” she murmured inwardly. She turned her head and said impatiently, “Didn’t he ask you what to compete? Are you deaf?”
Henry was stunned after being scolded.
What a hot girl!
He made a move after a while. He pulled the girl from behind him and put her before Catherine.
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“This is my girl. I have just competed with this kid. There is no point in competing again, so let’s change a game between my girl and you, do you dare?”
Henry knew his skills were not as good as Branden’s. And he wanted to get back from elsewhere.
Henry’s girl wore a black, tight-fitting leather jacket. She had two massive breasts that trembled like two giant balloons when she walked.
She was wearing heavy makeup and looked at Catherine provocatively, “Little girl, do you have the guts to compete? Let me warn you first. I have never lost. Don’t complain that I bullied you if you lost.”
Catherine smiled faintly and evilly. She spoke lightly, “Since it is a gamble, what about the stakes?”
Henry became interested after hearing Catherine spoke, “That’s right, it’s time to talk about the stakes. You are on the right track.”
“Let’s see. If you guys lose, you’re mine tonight. How about if we lose, we give you a million?”
“Fine!” Catherine replied coldly, her eyes darkened, and a gleam of coldness flashed across her eyes. “I agree to your conditions, and I will increase the amount. If you win, I will even give you this motorcycle.”
Henry’s face was full of excitement. He had already had his eye on Catherine’s superb Harley- Davidson. Since she brought up the topic herself, he would not hold back. “Okay, if we lose, I’ll add another million; I will not take advantage of you!”
“We don’t want it if we won. Even if it is 10 million.”
Henry was a little confused, looking at the other party with puzzled eyes. “What do you want then?”
Catherine spoke coldly. Her voice was chilling, like it came from hell.
“I want one of your legs!”
Chapter 72 Do It Yourself, or I Do It
Catherine’s aura was so powerful that Henry was frightened. He even felt that a big knife was slashing toward his leg as soon as Catherine’s voice came out.
Surrounded by his friends, Henry couldn’t show his cowardice. He had to agree even though he was afraid, not to mention that he did not think Catherine could win.
His girlfriend was correct. They ran on this road daily, and there was no way this girl could win them. Henry’s attitude became arrogant after he had come to a decision.
“Fine, we will take the gamble? Let’s begin!” The other party was ready and waiting for Catherine to make an appearance.
Catherine looked at Branden. She reached out and grabbed his collar gently, and stared at him coldly.
“Are you not coming?”
Branden was the heir of a wealthy family, so he had no reason to join the gamble of life with her here. Catherine left the choice to him.
Branden looked at her with profound interest. He took a step back instantly.
At an astonishing speed, one hand crossed Catherine’s waist, picked her up, and put her in the front seat.
There was no sloppiness in that series of smooth and neat actions.
The people watching wanted to scream.
Branden did not release his hold on Catherine’s waist even after she had sat down.
Catherine frowned slightly and shook her body after she noticed it,
Even so, Branden had not let go of her
He closed the distance between them again, then spoke slowly, with a deep and seductive voice. “I believe in Miss Swann’s driving skills, but I will be afraid if it goes too fast. Holding you can give me a little more sense of security.”
Damn it!
Wanting to have more sense of security was a hoax. This man was taking advantage of her.
But why didn’t she kick the man aside and cripple him?
While Catherine was thinking, Branden spoke again. “Miss Swann, we will show ourselves as
an unmarried couple in the future. You will need to learn to adapt to this kind of intimacy early!”
Branden could feel Catherine’s body soften after hearing what he said. She was not as stiff as before. He watched her retreat through the rearview mirror. A faint smile appeared at the bottom of his eyes, the corners of his mouth raising unconsciously.
“What a slim waist she has!” he thought.
With everything ready, the motorcycles drove out at high speed at the sound of the whistle.
Catherine started the car slowly amidst the crowd’s scrambling. The referee began to feel anxious for her because of her slow attitude.
The
person in question did not respond. It was okay if she didn’t. The problem was even the man behind her was not responding.
Branden slowly sat down, full of calmness, and he did not rush Catherine.
With the beauty in his arms and her waist so slender, why would he be anxious when he was so comfortable?
With the tip of her tongue against her cheek, Catherine saw that the red motorcycle had already driven half a lap, so she started the car at a slow pace.
One either wouldn’t move or moved in a way that shocked everyone.
Vroom!
There was a gust of wind, and it blew the referee’s hat
away.
He had wanted to mock Catherine for losing. But when he opened his eyes, the people before him were gone. He turned his head and asked the people around him about the whereabouts of the motorcycle.
The crowd was also bewildered. The people did not see clearly how those two accelerated, and they had already disappeared from everyone’s eyes.
The referee looked at the dust still floating in mid-air, the whistle inside his mouth falling to the ground.
Damn, did gods descend on Earth? Why were both the man and the woman so powerful?
Catherine didn’t release the throttle from the moment she started.
She modified the motorcycle personally. Accelerating without letting go of the accelerator would enable her to reach the limit.
At the same time, it was precarious to do so. With this speed, even a tiny stone could make the tires skid, and the motorcycle would crash.
It was a test of skills. The acceleration at this time was even faster than when Branden was
driving.
Their motorcycle was like a phantom in the night, quickly surpassing the other motorcycles, one after another, approaching the one at the front.
At the moment when the other party felt that triumph was near, lightly overtaking them would be like pouring a large basin of cold water down hard on them.
Wouldn’t it be boring to overtake them early and lead all the way?
Even if a cat caught a rat, it would not kill it instantly. But it would play with it slowly, allowing it to escape and capture it again. Wouldn’t such repeated play be fun?
Catherine had this in mind. Unfortunately, the opponent was so weak that there was no fun.
Catherine stopped the motorcycle. Branden sat in the back seat, and the expression on his face remained unchanged. He was still holding that cold smile in contempt of everything.
Beneath the seemingly calm and unchanged handsome face, there was turmoil in his heart.
Limitless accelerated speed, the extreme pleasure made it seem like some power in his body. was about to burst out.
Henry and the others lost, and Henry also knew that he had met an opponent. He couldn’t help but admire Catherine.
He was clear that he was also unable to win the girl in front of him. He got off the motorcycle. and walked to Catherine with a change in attitude. “Girl, I concede defeat. How about 10
million?”
Catherine curled her red lips, revealing a wry smile. “You do it yourself, or I do it?”
Henry was a little anxious, seeing that the other party refused to give up. If the soft approach didn’t work, it would have to be on the hard.
“Girl, I’m well-known in this area. It’s not worthwhile for you to offend me. How about making a friend? You can use my name next time, and I will protect you.”
Ha!
Protect her?
The person who could protect her didn’t even exist in this world!
Henry was acting all unreasonable. His people behind him had also gathered around, making a
scene.
There was no fear at Catherine’s side, and their expressions did not change.
Branden crossed his arms around his chest, leaning against the motorcycle, watching it all like
a spectator.
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He didn’t do anything because Catherine didn’t ask him to. He wanted to see how Catherine would handle it.
The atmosphere became tense instantly.
Henry was ready to attack at any time. He looked at the other party and raised his chin with an arrogant attitude. “Girl, you had better be sensible and leave. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ungracious.”
Catherine looked at him coldly and said in a provocative tone, “Very well, go ahead!”
She wanted to see how rude this little black man was going to be.
Henry was about to let his people make the move. To teach her a lesson to warn her off.
Suddenly…
Vroom!
There was a roar, and a dozen rare top-class sports cars came speeding by.
The head of the pack was an arrogant fluorescent green Huracan. There were only three such cars worldwide, and Casier had only one.
The car was a symbol of status.
Henry’s and the others’ faces sank the moment the car appeared.
Everyone here was a car enthusiast, and everyone knew the owner of this top sports car.
Those cars behind him were also not to be underestimated. Who could have attracted these big shots here?
Chapter 73 She’s Damn Cool
When the car stopped, the door was opened.
Henry rushed to the car and respectfully greeted the young man who took the lead. “Mr. Guzman, what brings you and the other misters here?”
The young man was wearing a pinstriped suit with black suit pants. His hair was light yellow, and he looked fancy.
Henry was indeed overbearing, but he could only behave obediently in front of this young
man.
But Mr. Guzman ignored Henry’s paying court to him. He looked at Henry in dislike and said with dissatisfaction, “Piss off! Don’t get in my way to see the true big shot here.”
With that, the young man shoved Henry away and led the others to Catherine.
The dozen young men who came were more powerful and wealthier than Henry. The leader, Keith Guzman, had the most influential family among them in the underworld.
It could be said that Keith was the future leader of the underworld.
No one dared to offend Keith.
He had the power to be bossy there.
However, such a bossy person changed his look in front of Catherine. He put away his lordly manner and was well-behaved as he walked over to Catherine. There was a flattering grin on Keith’s face as he said, “Catherine, why didn’t you tell me that you would come here? Am I not one of your friends?”
Keith always played it cool and was taciturn. Now that Catherine was there, Keith became at
chatterbox.
“I heard an awesome silver-black Harley-Davidson was here, and I guessed it was you. I told
my
friends it would be eye-opening and took them here in case they missed it. I’m smart, right?”
Keith’s fellows were shocked. They were curious who this girl was and why Keith, the future underworld leader, would be so respectful to her.
Catherine eyed him casually but did not speak.
But Keith felt flattered by that glance. He thought thrillingly, “Oh gosh! Catherine looked at me just now!”
Catherine checked her watch and thought that she should get going. She had delayed for long enough because of this accident.
Catherine pointed her finger at Henry and said flatly, her tone calm, “Keith, this guy lost a bet with me. He owes me his leg. You know what I mean.”
Keith understood and said in reverence, almost down to his knees, “I know what to do, Catherine. Leave it to me, and you can rest assured.”
When Keith’s words fell, someone handed him a baseball bat.
If he hit Henry’s leg with it, Henry would be disabled without a doubt.
Henry wanted to flee, but it was too late. He was pinned down by some of Keith’s fellows.
Catherine knew what would happen next and had no interest in the scene. She was about to leave, so she shot a glance at Branden.
Branden got on the motorcycle when he heard Henry yelling.
“Let’s see who dares to lay a finger on me! It’s the Duncans who are behind me! I’m one of their relatives!”
Catherine raised her eyebrows at Branden, but the latter shook his head slightly, meaning he had no idea what Henry was talking about.
Catherine got off the motorcycle and to the ground. Branden followed behind her.
She moved toward Keith, and Keith stopped his move and said to her, “Catherine!”
Henry thought Catherine was scared after he told her his identity, and he was smug.
He squinted at Catherine and scoffed. “How is it now? Are you scared? Well, you should be. No one dares offend the Duncans in Casier. Even the Guzmans should show respect to them.”
Catherine smiled wickedly, which caused Keith to shudder and sent shivers down his spine.
He knew the smile was saying that someone was bound to get unlucky.
Henry was a fool. A hopeless fool. He had no idea who Catherine was.
Catherine was a big gun that even Keith’s father would be respectful to. It was a joke thinking that she would fear the Duncans.
The smile on Catherine’s face gradually faded away. When the smile was completely gone, she suddenly made her move. She was so quick that no one saw how she made her move. All they could feel was a whoosh blow.
Then a desperate roar escaped Henry’s mouth and pierced the night air.
“Ouch!”
That was not enough. Catherine stretched out her hand to pull Branden from behind her. She looked daggers at Henry, and her eyes were like two ice skates ruthlessly stabbing into Henry’s heart.
“Open your eyes and have a good look. This is the current big cheese of the Duncans. He’s Branden Duncan!
“You don’t even recognize him. How dare you claim that the Duncans are behind you?”
Her stern voice astounded everyone around her.
And her words caused an uproar.
Even Henry forgot to shriek in pain. He just gaped at Branden in horror.
Who would’ve thought the leader of the Duncan Corporation would take a girl out and have a car chase in the middle of the night?
And the girl actually pushed Branden around. It was too shocking!
The imposing manner of Branden could not be faked. Besides, he was stunningly handsome. Who could say that it was not Branden?
Yet, Branden, who let Catherine do whatever she wanted, was not irritated. It was just there was a hint of resignation in his bright eyes.
Well, Catherine was his girl. She wanted him to be up there with her, and he would be.
After saying so, Catherine did not care what other people’s reactions were but took Branden’s arm and left.
The rest of the people rubbernecked at their figures and was at a loss.
Henry, in particular, knew he was so screwed.
His family had been relying on the Duncan Corporation to make a living. Now that Branden. knew how he used the reputation of the Duncans to boss around, Henry knew what his fate would be. Branden would not let him and his family off.
It was nothing that he lost a leg compared to the destruction of his whole family.
Watching the silver-black Harley-Davidson motorcycle speeding away, Keith could not help but
snap his fingers and exclaim with awe. “She’s damn cool! Even a big potato like Branden Duncan listened to her! That’s amazing!”
On the way home, it was still Branden running the motorcycle. This time, he drove it at a regular steady speed.
Catherine got tired. She rested her head on Branden’s broad back quietly.
When they drove past a busy business street, Catherine sat up straight abruptly.
Branden immediately sensed something wrong with her. He jerked his head back and asked her with his eyes, “What’s wrong?”
Catherine stared at the front and said coldly, “Stop now!”
Branden found a place to stop the motorcycle without delay. Catherine walked to the business street while Branden followed behind her and blocked the crowded people for her.
Catherine came to a halt. Her eyes, staring ahead of her, became even more menacing.
Branden followed Catherine’s stare and saw a man and a woman.
The man had an average appearance but was dressed in style and looked arty. There were several shopping bags of luxury brands in his hand.
The woman was adorable. She held an ice cream and beamed obsequiously at the man.
Their interaction with each other was quite intimate. They ate the same ice cream from time to time, looking like a sweet couple.
Branden did not know why Catherine would pay attention to those two people. He asked with confusion, “Do you know them?”
Catherine did not answer. She only eyed him briefly and then walked away.
However, Branden could sense the change in Catherine’s mood. She was instantly sullen.
Was she angry? Because of that man and woman?
Branden turned around, took a picture of the couple, and sent it to Paxton.
Chapter 74 She’s Pretty
Catherine’s look remained dark all the way from the busy street to the Swanns’s residence. On ordinary occasions, Catherine was aloof, but now, she looked gloomy. Branden guessed she was angry, but he could not understand why she would be like that.
In the nick of time, Branden received Paxton’s message. He took a look, and a faint smile crept across his face. He thought, “Catherine is not totally cold and heartless.”
He gave his phone to Catherine, and his voice rang out, “Come on, have a look.”
Catherine got down from the motorcycle and saw Branden handing over the phone. She took it, tapped on the screen, and glanced at the information Paxton sent.
A cold light flashed across her eyes, and the aura on her was even more frightening. “What are you going to do?” asked Branden.
Catherine did not reply to that question. She handed the phone to Branden and demanded, ” Send me everything about him.”
“Sure,” Branden promised briskly and found the QR Code on his WhatsApp and showed Catherine. “Add me as your contact, and I’ll send it to you.”
If Triston were with them right now, he would say Branden was sly and took advantage of adding Catherine as a friend on WhatsApp. “Good for you, Mr. Duncan,” Triston would probably say.
Catherine thought nothing of it. She took out her phone and scanned the QR Code to add
Branden as a contact.
Then, Branden forwarded the information to Catherine’s phone.
After receiving the information she needed, Catherine turned to leave. She turned her back to Branden and raised her right hand high. She waved without looking back as a goodbye.
Branden stared at the thin figure. The corners of his mouth raised, and he said silently, “Good night.”
When Branden turned around, the car Paxton drove stopped steadily by Branden’s side.
Paxton got off, opened the car door for Branden, and waited by the door subserviently.
When Branden sat still in the car seat, Paxton closed the door for him and walked around to get in the car.
Branden fiddled with his phone. He tapped open WhatsApp and checked Catherine’s status, but there was nothing. It was as mysterious as she was.
Her WhatsApp profile photo was just a pure black picture, and Branden could not see any more profile information.
“Interesting.”
Branden made a cold snort, but there was a smile on his lips.
Paxton peeked at his boss in the backseat from the rearview mirror. He still kept a straight face, but there was a hint of disbelief in his calm eyes.
Paxton thought, “What the heck happened to Mr. Duncan?”
Branden had been indifferent and abstinent for over two decades and never allowed any female to show up around him within a hundred meters. Why would he be so serious about Catherine?
He now went drag racing with Catherine in the middle of the night and even drove Catherine home!
Besides, Branden meddled in Catherine’s family affairs, which was extremely weird.
When Paxton got the picture Branden sent him, he thought something big happened and arranged for men to check it out. Paxton even utilized the information network of the Duncans.
To his surprise, the man Branden asked him to check was merely a photographer whose name was Erik Burke. The woman was an influencer and a still model. She had not many fans, and there was nothing special about her.
After Paxton dug deeper, he found out that Erik, the photographer, had another girlfriend, who happened to be Audrey Swann, the eldest daughter of the Swanns. Only then did Paxton realize why Branden cared.
Erik got a lot of nerve. He had a romantic relationship with the eldest daughter of the Swanns while having an affair with an influencer. What was worse, they got caught by Catherine and Branden.
Well, Paxton knew that was the end of Erik
Paxton did not need to guess to know that Erik would not have a happy ending.
As for how miserable Erik would be, there would not be a limitation.
Branden raised his eyes to see Paxton’s puzzled pair of eyes.
Branden stared at Paxton for two seconds, and Paxton noticed it instantly.
It was too late for Paxton to flee. Since his boss spotted his puzzlement, Paxton could only tell Branden what was on his mind.
Paxton said hesitantly while there was timidness in his tone, “Mr. Duncan, what do you think is so special about Miss Swann?”
He was just curious why Branden would be so interested in Catherine.
Branden’s eyes moved, and a faint trace of a smile lingered on his lips. He spat out two words casually. “She’s pretty.”
Paxton heard Branden, but he still did not comprehend. He muttered to himself, “Miss Swann is indeed pretty, but there are a lot of pretty girls in the entire Casier. Mr. Duncan never darts a look at those girls, let alone being interested in them.”
Well, ordinary people like him could not be on the same wavelength as the big shots. Paxton kept his mouth shut. Catherine went to the school the following day.
The moment Catherine entered the classroom, she felt something wrong. It was not that Catherine’s classmates were weird, but Bryan was somewhat strange.
On ordinary days, when Bryan saw Catherine from afar, he would stand up to pull the chair out for her.
However, Catherine walked to her seat today, but Bryan still laid face downwards on the desk and was motionless. Catherine glanced around briefly at her classmates and saw David and the others kept their heads down silently.
Catherine did not ask Bryan to get up. Bryan was in his youth and sometimes did silly things, so Catherine ignored him. She pulled out the chair herself and sat down.
Catherine did not take it to heart, but her classmates started gossiping in whispers.
They all knew how Bryan idolized Catherine. Suddenly, Bryan neglected Catherine, so the others were all gossiping, and there were rumors on the grapevine.
Someone conjectured lowly. “Do you think Bryan falls out with Catherine? Without Bryan’s care for Catherine, she must be lonely and has a hard time.”
“Without Bryan, Catherine is still the chairperson of the Swann Corporation.” Another person. retorted the former one in dissatisfaction.
“Pff! That title is a mere bluff. Don’t you believe me? Ask Liana about her opinion of the so- call chairperson!”
With the conclusion of the person’s remark, people turned their eyes to Liana. In people’s eyes, Liana was the true daughter of the Swanns. Therefore, no one knew more clearly about Catherine being the chairperson than she did.
Under the curious gazes, Liana smiled faintly and looked as usual while her thoughts were spiraling.
“I’m not sure. My dad still makes the decisions, and I heard Catherine only needs to sit there. After all, Catherine just returned from the countryside, and there are things she doesn’t understand.”
Her classmates all understood what she implied. The Swann Corporation was a large corporation. How could it allow a girl returning from the countryside who knew nothing to be the chairperson? It was probably some kind of strategy to let Catherine sit there and turn people’s attention to her. It was normal among those large families.
Liana looked in the direction of Catherine coldly. Seeing, Bryan still face down on the desk, her heart jumped joyfully.
She thought, “Catherine gets to be bossy around because of Bryan!
“Let’s see how that jinx can continue being overbearing now that Bryan blows her off!”
The morning passed by, and here came the off-school hours. When the bell rang, Catherine woke up as a rule. She shot a glance at Bryan. He was still leaning against the desk.
Catherine let him be and put her hands in her pockets, ready to leave. As soon as she turned around, Bryan, lying on the desk, suddenly stood up. He stared at Catherine’s back and said. slowly, “Boss!”
Catherine heard the sound and turned back to look at Bryan with a slight raise of her brow. Bryan hesitated for a long time before asking Catherine cautiously, “Can I still call you ‘Boss’ in the future?”
After he went home yesterday, he was tortured all night because of the matter. He could not. accept the fact that Catherine was going to be his future aunt-in-law. But after Bryan pondered it, it seemed no one deserved Catherine other than his Uncle Branden.
Bryan was slumped for a day under the double torment of melancholy and hesitation. The school hours were almost over, and Bryan finally plucked up the courage to speak to Catherine.
Catherine looked at Bryan’s cautious appearance, and a slight smile arose on the corner of her mouth. As she expected, people at puberty were always dumb and silly.
“Never ask me such a stupid question again.”
With that, Catherine walked away gracefully. It took a while for Bryan to react, and he shouted at Catherine’s retreating figure, “Hail Boss! I love you! Boss!”
David thought, “Bryan must be out of his mind! He must be possessed.”
Chapter 75 Let Me Buy It for You
Just as Catherine walked out of the school, she felt vibrations from her trouser pocket. She pulled out her phone to check. It was Audrey calling.
When Catherine pressed the answer button, she heard Audrey’s excited voice, “Kathy! Is the school over? I’ll pick you up! Let’s go shopping, shall we?”
Audrey’s voice was so penetrating that Catherine had to put the phone away from her ear.
Catherine scowled, wondering why Audrey had to be so dramatic like Ronin.
Her high-pitched voice was hurting Catherine’s ears.
Catherine never liked going shopping, nor had she ever gone shopping. If she had the time for shopping, she preferred sleeping at home.
She was about to reject Audrey and end the call when the scene she saw last night suddenly occurred to her. Her rejection changed, and she said, “Send me the address.”
After hanging up, Catherine got the message from Audrey.
The address was a shopping mall nearby. Catherine glanced at it, and the corners of her lips. slightly curved into a beautiful arc.
Five minutes later, Catherine rode her motorcycle and arrived at the mall that Audrey
mentioned.
She stepped through the entrance and noticed Audrey waiting there for her.
It seemed that Audrey was in a good mood today. Seeing Catherine, Audrey rushed toward her with a wide grin.
She winked at Catherine playfully, stretched out her hand to hook Catherine’s arm, and said in a low voice, “Kathy, let me tell you this. I have received my endorsement fee, and I’m much richer now! I’m so happy today! I want to buy some things for you!”
After leaving the Swanns’, Audrey became a fashion and beauty blogger with a background of being born blue blood. She taught her fans makeup skills and how to match clothes. Besides, she shared the merits and demerits of luxury brands and how to identify if they were fake. She was now a famous influencer on social media apps.
Catherine had been wearing a T-shirt and jeans every day ever since she returned to live with the Swanns. Audrey was worried that Catherine’s classmates would look down upon Catherine at school, so Audrey specially arranged for Catherine to go shopping with her after receiving the endorsement fee and planned to buy Catherine some clothes.
Catherine wrinkled her brows as she gazed at Audrey with bewilderment.
Seeing Catherine in a daze, Audrey patted her chest and promised Catherine, “Don’t worry,
Kathy. Leave everything to me today. I have plans for you and will definitely make you look more beautiful. You’re so pretty, and your clothes must be good enough to match your beauty.
Catherine came here to show the evidence of Erik’s cheating on her. She wanted Audrey to see Erik’s true color and leave the scumbag as early as possible.
But at that moment, Catherine was not so sure. She liked the smiling Audrey, and she did not. want the smile to disappear from Audrey’s face.
As for Erik, since he dared to be a two-timer, Catherine would make him pay the price of cheating on Audrey.
“You don’t need to do this. I have enough clothes.”
Catherine rejected Audrey’s proposal and turned to leave the mall.
Audrey did not give up. She dashed forward and hugged Catherine’s arm.
Catherine lowered her head and looked coldly at where Audrey was hugging her. The icy look. frightened Audrey, and she let go instantly.
Yet, Audrey still did not give up. She looked at Catherine with a complimentary expression.
“Kathy, I know you have clothes. But all you wear are T-shirts and jeans. I think they are too drab. Let me buy something different for you. What do you think?”
“No, it’s a waste of money!” Catherine responded brittlely. She only wore haute couture clothes that the chief designers of the mega brands personally made.
She would never wear ready-made clothes sold in this kind of shopping mall.
Unfortunately, Audrey did not grasp Catherine’s point at all.
From her perspective, Catherine was saving her money.
They were all family, but Catherine was so much better than her other two siblings.
The Swanns were rich, but all the money and properties were concentrated on Vicente.
Korbin strictly controlled his children’s pocket money. Except for Audrey, his other children
were students and had no other source of income.
When Johnathan did not have enough pocket money to squander, he would ask Audrey for it.
Johnathan did not care if Audrey had sufficient money for her own usage. Every time he asked Audrey for dough, the amount was over a hundred thousand dollars.
Even Liana took a great deal of money from Audrey. Catherine, however, was the only one who did not want to spend Audrey’s money. Even if only to buy several pieces of clothes.
Thinking of this, Audrey became more determined to buy clothes for Catherine.
She did not want to make fish of one and flesh of another of her siblings. She liked to be nice to Catherine too.
“Let’s go, Kathy. Do me a favor. You know I’m a beauty blogger, and I sometimes teach my fans how to match clothes. Be my model. I want to take some pictures as the materials to explain to my fans.”
Worried that Catherine would still refuse, Audrey hurriedly explained, “I know you don’t like to be photographed, so I will only take pictures of the clothes. Catherine, please, or I will lack the materials for my blog this time. Promise me, will you?”
Unable to stand Audrey’s pleading, Catherine nodded almost negligibly.
Audrey turned to be in raptures, and regardless of Catherine’s frown, she hugged Catherine’s arm again and pulled her forward.
Audrey had a good figure but was half a head shorter than Catherine.
Besides, Audrey knew she was going shopping today, so she wore a pair of flat shoes, Holding Catherine’s arm, Audrey looked like a dainty little woman.
Well, it was also owing to the powerful vibe from Catherine.
Catherine was not very tall either, but her vibe was too strong, making her look taller than she
was.
Audrey took Catherine to the women’s clothing floor on the third floor, where all the luxury brands were there. She did not want to buy low-end goods for Catherine. She thought only big brands deserved Catherine.
The luxury brands were costly, indeed. But with her money, Audrey could still afford one or
two suits.
Audrey led Catherine into a shop of an upscale brand. When Audrey and Catherine entered the shop, the service assistant recognized Audrey and greeted her, “Miss Swann, Welcome! We have some newly released bags. Would you like to have a look?”
Audrey felt sad in her heart. What a coincidence that she came here today and there were new arrivals!
The service assistants would not specially mention the newly released goods if they were not receiving high-class clients. The new arrivals were saved for top clients, and ordinary ones would not have the chance to buy them even with money.
It was a rare opportunity for Audrey to purchase bags!
After a while of sadness, Audrey gave up the new bags. She smiled softly, “No, thank you. I’m not here for the bags today. I want to buy some clothes for my younger sister. Do you have any newly arrived clothes?”
It was quite a pleasant decision from Audrey for the service assistant. She could save the new bags for her other high-class clients and still earn money from Audrey by selling clothes.
She led the two ebulliently into the inner room and introduced, “These are our new arrivals this season. Miss Swann, please have a look. Let me know if you are interested in any of them.”
Catherine sat on the sofa and dozed off as soon as she entered the door. Audrey let her be and concentrate on choosing clothes on her own. She would like to do anything to make Catherine look more shining
Audrey picked one after another, but she could not make up her mind to decide on one She felt every piece of the dress suited Catherine and matched her well, but she also thought those clothes were not worthy of Catherine’s gorgeousness.
Such contradictory and complicated emotion was constantly growing in Audrey’s heart.
The service assistant could tell what Audrey was thinking, so she walked to Audrey and asked, “Miss Swann, we have some top new arrivals Do you want to have a look?”
Top new arrivals meant that they would be expensive
Audrey knew it, but since she had decided to buy something nice and expensive for Catherine, she was ready to spend money
“Great Get them and show me.
Chapter 76 Domineering
The service assistant left to get one of the new dresses. When she brought it out, Audrey liked it at the first sight of it. It was a simple one-piece white dress, but it was well-designed and slim in cut, matching Catherine to a tee.
Audrey was delighted, thinking that Catherine must look gorgeous in that dress. She was about to ask the service assistant to take it down for Catherine to try when she heard a slightly shrill and faking sweet voice from behind. “Mommy, this one seems nice.”
If it weren’t for the fact that the voice was harsh on the ears, Catherine would not have turned her head to look at the speaker.
The woman who spoke was in a pink dress with the brand logo printed all over it. It seemed as if she was afraid that other people would not know that she was wearing a mega brand.
The woman had a relatively fine face shape but was wearing heavy makeup. One could tell that she had spent a lot on cosmetic surgery.
Catherine looked at her from head to toe before closing her eyes and getting back to her rest.
On the other side, Audrey shot a disdainful look at the woman. She was acquainted with that
woman.
The lady was the daughter of the Burton Group’s boss, called Sheryl Burton, and she was also Audrey’s rival. The two of them had never gotten along peacefully.
Audrey cast a disgusted look at Sheryl before she turned to the service assistant and said, Please take it down and let my sister have a try.”
The service assistant nodded and reached out to get the dress down.
”
Sheryl suddenly grabbed the dress. She looked askance at Audrey and said sourly, “Look who this is! The unpopular social media influencer driven out by the Swanns. Why are you here? Do you have enough credit on your credit card to use?”
Even after saying those mean words, Sheryl did not want to let Audrey off so readily. She put on airs and said to the service assistant drily, “You! Your shop is a posh shop. Do you not have a basic judgment on how to choose your clients? How can you let such a D-List influencer in? They will only take pictures or videos of the clothes! Do you think they will buy anything here? They might even steal the designs of your brand. They are low! And your shop is becoming
one as well.”
The service assistant was embarrassed and quite out of countenance. She glanced at Audrey timidly.
She knew Audrey was a beauty blogger. Furthermore, Audrey had been to their shop a thousand times before and would buy things every time. Therefore, the service assistant did not regard Audrey as an unknown blogger. Besides, she watched Audrey’s videos as well.
However, the service assistant could not afford to offend Sheryl too.
Faced with Sheryl’s provocation, Audrey’s only response was to put on a cold face. She did not want to conflict with Sheryl and turned to the service assistant. “Take the dress off and let my sister try it on. If it suits her, we will buy it.”
Sheryl turned and dragged her mother over as she demanded, “Mommy, I want this one!”
Carol, Sheryl’s mother, turned her nose up at Audrey. She said to the service assistant, “Wrap it up for us. I’ll buy all the new products in your shop. Pack them and send them to our house!”
The service assistant was astonished, thinking of the vast difference in how a Madam of a wealthy family shopped.
Sheryl looked at Audrey proudly and said, “Don’t pretend to be rich and shop here. Go away!”
She said to the service assistant, “And you. Tell Miss Swann the price of this dress.”
The service assistant was a salesgirl who could not slight her clients. She quoted Audrey the price of the dress as instructed. “Miss Swann, this dress is one of the new arrivals in our shop. The price is about 680 thousand dollars.”
Audrey was shocked when she heard the price, which was far beyond her budget.
Sheryl saw through Audrey’s hesitation.
She snorted coldly with contempt, and her snort was so loud that the whole shop could hear it. She said to the service assistant, “You see? She can’t afford it! Hurry up! Wrap it up for me.”
When Audrey was still considering whether to spend all her money on buying the dress, a fair and slender arm stretched out behind her, holding out a black credit card.
The card was handed to the service assistant.
Then, a chill yet majestic voice came out from behind Audrey, “Take it. I’ll have everything in the shop.”
The service assistant was stunned. She had seen many wealthy people who bought an entire row of goods at a time, but she had never seen one so affluent that she could buy out the entire shop. That was incredulous!
Audrey also could not believe her ears. She looked back at Catherine.
Catherine still had that bland expression on her face. To her, saying that astounding sentence seemed as simple as saying she wanted to buy a bottle of water.
Sheryl was dumbfounded too. When she came in, she saw Catherine on the sofa, but she did
not pay much attention to her.
Never in her wildest dreams would she think that Catherine would make such a shocking
statement.
Sheryl examined Catherine up and down and saw that Catherine was good-looking but not well -dressed. She did not think Catherine’s clothes came from the big brands at first glance.
She heard Audrey say that Catherine was her younger sister, and Sheryl knew Liana. To be precise, Sheryl and Liana got well with each other.
In Sheryl’s heart, Liana was the true and only daughter of the Swanns while Audrey was nothing.
Sheryl could guess who Catherine was, and she sneered. “Audrey, is this your younger sister who came back from the countryside? I heard she is a jinx. Aren’t you afraid that she will bring bad luck to you?
“How dare she impersonates a rich person here? Does she think she can lie to all of us with that card? Does it even have money in it?”
Catherine’s pretty face instantly turned grim, and a hint of coldness appeared in her
eyes.
She wanted to say something when Audrey beat her to the punch.
Audrey stormed toward Sheryl in rage and pointed at Sheryl as she said, “What have you eaten today? Why does your mouth smell? You should find a mirror and look at yourself! You look like an ugly pig! How dare you come out to shop? Aren’t you afraid that you will scare people out there? They may have nightmares after seeing you.
“Do you think you will become a diva after having double eyelid surgery, a chin implant, a nose job, and a boob job? Wrong! With such an ugly face, you should hide at home!”
Audrey felt it was not good enough of a comeback after cursing Sheryl out, so she snatched the credit card over and waved it in front of Sheryl.
“Open your damn eyes! This is a top-level Black Card! There are only ten such cards on earth, and you thought it had no money! Are you really from a wealthy family? I think you are the bumpkin instead.”
Audrey was so mad. She could tolerate it when others looked down on her, but she would not allow people to talk ill about her sister.
Catherine had never caused an affront to Sheryl. What right did Sheryl have to insult Catherine?
After saying so many angry words, Audrey was tired. She panted with her hands on her hips.
A smile flashed across Catherine’s eyes, and the corners of her mouth raised a little. Her gaze fell on Audrey and the usual coldness within them was gone.
She never thought that her elder sister would be so fascinating.
Sheryl was not an opponent for Audrey and could not retaliate.
She was furious and ran to her mother for help. “Mommy!”
Carol had not planned to participate in the vindictiveness of the young people, but her daughter was now humiliated and defenseless. If Carol did not take action, people might feel the Burtons were weaklings.
She stood up slowly and walked to Audrey. Her next move was out of everyone’s expectations. She raised her hand suddenly.
People’s mouths fell agape. They wondered if she would hit Audrey.
Chapter 77 Of All the Nerve
Carol moved at such a speed that the others thought that Audrey would be hit without a doubt.
However, Catherine, who was standing behind Audrey, suddenly made her move. No one noticed how she did it. She dragged Audrey away with one hand and grasped Carol’s hand to fling it away hard.
Carol lost her footing and fell to the ground.
Audrey gaped at the scene. She could not help screaming in her heart. “Oh my gosh! Catherine is an alpha girl! She’s so cool and domineering! All hail Kathy! I love you!”
Sheryl hurried forward and helped her mother up before glowering at Catherine and Audrey. She said with resentment. “How dare you attack my mother? Do you wish to die?”
Carol stood up slowly. Her face was gloomy, and there was killing intent in her angry eyes. She screamed, “You got the nerve to push me! Even your father, Korbin Swann, would not dare to lay a finger on me if he was here. You two chicks attacked me! Our family would be shamed if I don’t get even with you!”
Audrey was somewhat flustered. Dealing with Sheryl was totally different than getting Carol involved in this matter, and Carol did not want to let them go.
Audrey gently tugged on Catherine’s hand, trying to persuade Catherine to leave. However, Catherine did not respond to her and maintained her composure.
Catherine raised her eyebrows and stared at Carol, whose face was distorted from anger. She scrutinized Carol from up and down and said icily, “Just cut your crap and do it!”
Carol blinked. She had thought that Catherine and Audrey would be frightened by her threat.
Catherine was surprisingly arrogant. Looking at Catherine’s rebellious and hostile face, Carol wished she could tear Catherine apart. She pointed a finger at Catherine and warned her loudly. “Listen, you bastard from the countryside. I will show you how powerful the Burtons are today!”
Catherine narrowed her eyes. She looked as terrifying as a bloodthirsty person. There was only coldness was in her eyes and nothing else.
She grabbed the hand that Carol was pointing at her and did a perfect shoulder throw. Her movement was smooth and without any hesitation or delay.
Before the others could react, Catherine had already slammed Carol to the ground.
Bang!
With a loud bang, Carol’s slightly fat body slammed heavily on the marble floor, making a startling sound.
Catherine looked down on Carol from above with malice. Her voice was as callous as if it came from hell.
“Didn’t anyone tell you
that it’s rude to point at people when talking?”
Carol grimaced and bared her teeth in pain. She could not utter a word while facing such a fierce and powerful Catherine. She was scared.
Sheryl’s eyes widened in horror, and they almost fell out of their sockets. She trembled. She had never thought that Catherine would be so bold as to attack her mother.
“Catherine Swann, are you insane? I’ll call my dad to come here right now!”
Audrey was frightened as well. She immediately pulled Catherine and wanted to walk out of the shop.
“Kathy, run! Leave it to me here!” she whispered.
Catherine tilted her head and looked at Audrey calmly. “Leave it to you? Can you handle it yourself? Can you bear the consequence?”
Audrey knew that this matter was getting serious. The Burtons would not spare her now even if she apologized or take the blame.
But she did not want Catherine to suffer, so she could only grit her teeth and bear anything that awaited her.
“I can,” Audrey answered Catherine’s question firmly.
Catherine squinted at Audrey with a confused look.
Audrey knew she was no match for the powerful Burtons. Why would Audrey bear the consequence for her?
“Why do you do this?”
Catherine finally asked the question.
A faint smile hovered around the edges of Audrey’s lips. “Because I am your sister!”
Catherine felt an inexplicable emotion brewing in her heart.
She wanted to hold onto that feeling, but she could not.
Done with the call, Sheryl calmed down and looked at Catherine viciously.
“My dad is in this mall as well. He’s on his way here! You’re screwed.
“Don’t think that you can run away from this!”
Audrey was still urging Catherine to leave, but Catherine dragged Audrey to sit down without any panic or fear on her face.
“We’ll wait here,” said Catherine.
Not long after, a man in an expensive suit came in with two bodyguards.
Sheryl rushed forward like a gust of wind before hugging the man. She cried, “Daddy, you are finally here. These two damn girls from the Swanns attacked us. Do you see? Mommy’s back is in so much pain that she can’t even straighten up.”
Josh Burton pulled Sheryl and came in with an imperious vibe. He stopped in front of Catherine and tried to size her up with piercing eyes.
“Did you attack my wife and daughter?”
Catherine shook her head.
Sheryl screamed, “You lied! You did it!”
Josh’s face twisted further. He turned to shoot a glance at his daughter, and the latter had to quiet down.
Catherine narrowed her eyes slightly. She stood still and slowly raised her head to look at Josh.
“I would only admit to what I have done. I didn’t touch your daughter. You can’t wrong me for that.”
There was strength and a domineering aura in her clear voice.
She did throw Carol to the ground but did not touch Sheryl. That was the truth.
It was beyond Sheryl’s expectation that Catherine would remain aggressive even with her father’s arrival. She thought Catherine did not understand what she was facing.
“Daddy, you have to take revenge for us. She’s too arrogant and doesn’t take us seriously.”
Josh was infuriated seeing his wife gasping for breath and trembling all over because of pain.
“Girl, your father and I have a good relationship. You should kneel before my wife, admit your mistake, and ask for my wife’s forgiveness. Then, you would go home and ask your father to apologize to us. I will then consider forgiving you,” he scolded Catherine.
Catherine faced Josh with cold eyes. She remained composed and without the tiniest bit of fear.
She spewed the words out from her thin lips, “What if I say no?”
Josh nodded. He could tell that Catherine was indeed arrogant. His brows knotted tightly. His face was dark and full of displeasure.
“Don’t blame me for being rude to you and your sister in that case.”
Catherine’s eyes twinkled with interest. She stared at Josh and savored his words. “Oh really? What do you plan to do to us?”
“Your father will have to carry you out of here in stretchers,” Josh threatened.
Sheryl blustered at the side. She was not afraid of anything with her father at her side.
“Kneel or be crippled. Your choice, bitch!”
Catherine glanced indifferently at the two bodyguards standing near Josh. They were big, but did they think that these bodyguards could cripple her?
They wished!
The atmosphere was tense. The service assistant was so frightened that she hid at a side and shivered.
Audrey stood by Catherine, ashen-faced, while Catherine looked unaffected by what was happening.
Seeing this, Josh signaled to the two bodyguards.
“Do it,” he ordered mercilessly.
The situation was about to get out of hand.
Suddenly, a cold and aggressive voice stole everyone’s attention.
“Mr. Burton, of all the nerve!”
Chapter 78 He Protects Her
Following the voice, the people present turned their heads and saw a tall and handsome young man walking towards them with several executives in tow. They all gasped to see him.
The man had a breathtakingly gorgeous face. Catherine frowned at Braden’s alluring face. His features were refined and well-curved, and the corners of his eyes were slightly up. He had such an eye-catching appearance.
What enhanced his charm was the aristocratic nature he was born with. He was young, but there was no air of impetuousness about him. He was distant and aloof, and people could not resist being in awe of him.
Josh was also taken aback when he saw Branden. He knew who Branden was, of course, the one in the power of the Duncan Corporation and the heir to the Duncan empire.
Josh took a step forward and faced Branden with respect. The smile on his face turned to one of flattery as he said, “Mr. Duncan, what a coincidence! What brings you here today?”
Branden stepped toward Catherine, and a trace of danger flashed across his deep eyes. He darted a sharp look at Josh while his voice was low.
“It’s not a coincidence. I heard that my future wife was being bullied. That’s why I am here.”
Seeing that the incident was getting out of control and the people involved were big shots, the service assistant informed the mall’s management team for support.
Branden happened to be at the mall for an inspection. He got the news that the daughter of the Swanns had a conflict with others, so he hurried to the shop to have a look.
It was indeed Catherine!
Branden’s claim surprised everyone there.
“Future wife?” Josh looked at Branden in bewilderment, wondering who Branden was referring to among the females there.
Branden noticed Josh’s confusion and did not mind giving Josh a heads-up.
“Mr. Burton, you’re a successful businessman. Didn’t you do some background checks before taking action?”
Malice flickered in Branden’s eyes. Although the smile on Branden’s face was gentle, it made Josh feel like kneeling before him in terror.
Could it be that…
1/4
Something came to Josh’s mind and he was scared stiff of it. The corners of his mouth twitched as he opened his mouth to ask, “Mr. Duncan, is this young lady…”
Branden cut him off and gave him the answer.
“That’s right. Catherine and I are engaged. Mr. Burton, did you ask your men to hit wife in my mall just now? Well…”
my
future
He drew out the last word. It sounded indolent, but it carried a strong warning nonetheless.
Josh was wild with fear. Just a few words from Branden were more than sufficient to give him nightmares.
Carol and Sheryl, who stood behind Josh, turned white with fear. They thought Catherine was a bastard, an unwanted child who returned from the countryside, but who knew that Catherine had such strong backing?
She was Branden Duncan’s future wife!
In Casier, to fall foul of the Duncans was akin to courting death. That would be big trouble.
Audrey watched Branden’s towering figure and was ecstatic.
Branden had absolute masculine charms and was the perfect boyfriend for Catherine.
She tightened her grip on Catherine’s hand and was overjoyed. She winked at Catherine several times in an attempt to cue her.
Catherine tilted her head and furrowed her brows at Audrey. “What’s wrong with your eyes? Why are they twitching?”
Audrey was speechless.
Her sister did not have a single cell of romance in her.
Audrey had to remain silent and watch her future brother-in-law deal with the Burtons.
Since Branden admitted that Catherine was his future wife in public, Catherine would be Mrs. Duncan one day.
The Duncans were rich and powerful. The Burtons could not afford the consequences of provoking them.
As a businessman, Josh knew how to weigh the pros and cons of any matter. He immediately pulled his wife and daughter to him and rebuked them with a sullen face. “Are you blind or deaf? Apologize to Mr. Duncan’s future wife right now!”
Carol treated people the way she could because of her husband’s power. Now that her husband was powerless, and to make matters worse, it was the Duncans whom she had provoked. How dare she not bow her head and apologize?
She pulled Sheryl forward and apologetically said to Catherine, “Miss Swann, we are sorry. It’s all our fault. Please, forgive me and my daughter. I’m begging you.”
Carol accepted reality quickly and apologized without hesitation.
But how could Sheryl, who was spoiled since childhood, be willing to apologize to a country girl like Catherine? She was trembling with anger and stared daggers at Catherine as though her eyes would kill Catherine there and then.
She refused to accept that Catherine would be Branden’s future wife. “Catherine is not worthy of such a wonderful man,” she thought.
Branden eyed sideways at Catherine, only to see that her face was stern and her brows knitted. together.
His face darkened, and he went on the offensive against Josh.
“Is this the Burtons’ attitude when making an apology?”
Josh turned pale with fright. He whirled around and slapped Sheryl. “Sheryl, do you remember what I have taught you? I will send you to the overseas boarding school today if you do not apologize to Miss Swann.”
The threat made Sheryl flustered. She would rather die than be sent to the closed-up women. boarding school abroad.
She looked at her father in panic, but there was a decisive and non-negotiable expression on Josh’s face.
Sheryl turned to her mother for help, but her mother signaled for her to compromise.
At last, Sheryl had to lower her head and say sorry. She opened her mouth with difficulty and said stiffly, “I’m sorry, Miss Swann.”
Catherine shot Sheryl a glance without change in her straight face. She said in a stone-cold voice, “You apologized to the wrong person.”
Sheryl peeked up at Catherine, feeling infuriated. But in such circumstances, she could only bear with it. She turned to Audrey and bowed her head again to apologize. The unprecedented humiliation made her eyes bloodshot, and her voice choked up as she spoke, “Audrey, I’m sorry!”
Audrey loved to see her lifelong rival Sheryl being taken a peg down.
But the look of aggrievement on Sheryl’s face made Audrey feel a little bad as well.
“Alright. That’s it. Let’s drop this.”
However, Sheryl’s head was still down, and she remained motionless.
Audrey understood. Branden was the only one who could make decisions there. Without his
approval, no one dared to end this matter.
She stole a glance at Branden and was startled by his vibe.
Audrey did not have the guts to talk to Branden, but she could speak to Catherine.
“Kathy, let it go. We were alright anyway.”
Sheryl and her mother had spoken ill of them, but they did not lay a finger on them after all.
However, the Burtons were miserable. First of all, Catherine had thrown Carol over her shoulder. Carol was in so much pain that she took quite some time to get off the ground.
Then, Josh slapped Sheryl in public. Both punishments were disastrous for Sheryl and Carol.
Catherine turned to Audrey upon hearing her persuasion. She raised her brow and asked, “Are you sure?”
Chapter 79 Why Not?
Audrey suddenly realized that Catherine had been refusing to respond as she was standing up for her. Audrey nodded repeatedly and said, “I’m sure. She had apologized to us, and I think that’s enough.”
“Okay, it is up to you,” Catherine said coolly and flung Branden a look. Without Branden asking, Paxton arranged for the security guards who were guarding the shop door to part.
Josh said to Catherine with gratitude, “Thank you, Miss Swann, for forgiving us. Let us know if you need our family to do anything for you. We are leaving now. Sorry to bother you today.”
With that, he pulled his wife and daughter away hastily. He seemed deeply afraid that he and his family would not be able to leave if he delayed for just one more second.
Catherine looked at their retreating backs, and a glint flashed across her eyes. It was a cutthroat world, and the weak would be eaten. Only men with power could overrule. everything.
The only way not to be bullied was to stand at the top. The Burtons and their people were gone. Audrey took Catherine’s hand and was about to leave as well.
Audrey felt quite uneasy with Branden around them, especially since he had such an imposing manner. “Kathy, shall we go to the next shop?”
Audrey seemed determined to buy some clothes today and she would not go home if her goal was not achieved. Catherine had to nod in agreement
Branden had been observing Catherine’s expression from the side. He could tell Catherine did not want to go shopping, but she held herself back and did not refuse Audrey.
He was somewhat curious about the reason.
The Catherine he knew would never force herself to do anything she did not want to.
Branden thought Catherine was indulging Audrey and not just tolerating her.
Audrey seemed to occupy an important position in Catherine’s heart.
“Catherine’s patient with Audrey, but why did she always have a poker face when talking to
me?” thought Branden.
Audrey held Catherine’s arm and was about to step out of the shop.
“Wait!” Catherine suddenly shouted to stop her.
Audrey stopped walking and looked at Catherine in confusion, wondering what Catherine wanted to do.
Catherine rested her eyes on the service assistant, and the latter flinched under her icy gaze.
The service assistant did not know what Catherine was up to. If Catherine wanted to get event with her, she would be doomed.
She stepped forward, trembling as she went, and asked carefully, “Miss Swann, is there anything I can do for you?”
“There is,” said Catherine muffledly. She gazed at the white dress and ordered, “I want it. You may wrap it now.”
Catherine handed the credit card to the service assistant, and Audrey automatically reached. out to stop her.
Catherine tilted her head and gave Audrey a bewildered stare. She was not sure what Audrey had wanted to do.
Seeing the frown on Catherine, Audrey pulled her to the side. She did not want to embarrass Catherine before Branden, so she muttered in a low voice. “Kathy, that dress is too costly. We
don’t need to beat the Burtons now. You don’t have to buy it.”
Her words calmed Catherine down, and there was a hint of a smile in her eyes.
Catherine whispered, “It’s okay. You like it, so I want you to have it.” Her tone was still chilly, but the sternness in her voice was much lesser than before.
Audrey was touched when she heard Catherine’s answer. She tightened her lips and stared at her sister. She had never heard such words from her boyfriend, but she heard it from
Catherine.
Audrey was grateful to have a wonderful sister who cared so much about her.
Catherine faced the service assistant and gave her the card again, but the latter refused to take it. She handed the dress that was wrapped up to Catherine in reverence. “Miss Swann, Mr. Duncan said he would pay all your bills today.”
Then, the service assistant handed several shopping bags to Audrey and said, “And Miss Swann, these are the bags that just arrived in our shop. I’ve packed them for you.”
Audrey’s eyes widened in disbelief. Her lips could not help but twitch in surprise. “Did Mr. Duncan pay for all of these as well?” she asked.
The service assistant gave her a nod. Paxton, who was standing next to them, added without any expression. “Miss Audrey Swann, Mr. Duncan will pay for everything you and Miss Catherine Swann buy in this shopping mall.”
Audrey was stunned.
It was the largest shopping mall in Casier, and only customers with money and power could afford to shop there.
It would be awesome if Branden did as he promised and paid for everything for them.
Branden was indeed a good catch!
Although Audrey was thrilled internally, she dared not show it on her face or take the bags. She turned her head to Catherine, waiting for Catherine’s response.
Catherine’s
eyes fell upon the handsome man near her, waiting for him to explain himself.
Branden was staring at Catherine, so he noticed Catherine’s move when she tilted her head.
Branden eyed Catherine up and down slowly. His dark eyes were unruly and charming. His thin lips raised and formed a faint smile.
“Kathy, you are my future wife, and this shopping mall belongs to my family. It’s only reasonable that I pay for all things you want.”
Catherine did not care much about the money, as it was, at most, several million dollars.
After all, the projects in cooperation with the Duncan Corporation were worth tens of billions of dollars. The daily profits churned out by the projects alone were enough to pay the bills.
What she needed was merely a reason. She would not take anything that was given to her without a reason.
Branden’s explanation was quite sensible, so Catherine turned to Audrey and nodded.
Just as Catherine nodded, Audrey reached out and took the bags the service assistant handed her without hesitation.
As a fashion influencer, Audrey loved those bags. How could she not be cheerful since she could possess them effortlessly?
Audrey beamed brightly as she thanked Branden wholeheartedly.
“Thank you so much, my future brother-in-law.”
Branden was satisfied with how Audrey addressed him and nodded at her with a grin.
Both Branden and Audrey were happy, while Catherine was a little confused.
She examined Branden secretly out of the corner of her eyes and could not figure out why Branden was so pleased.
Catherine thought she had made it clear to Branden that they were just partners.
Since their engagement was fake, why was Branden delighted when Audrey greeted him as her future brother-in-law?
Audrey’s spirits rose now that she needed not to spend a penny to shop.
Out of basic politeness, Audrey invited Branden along. “We’re going to shop for a while more. Catherine doesn’t have enough clothes, and I want to get some for her. Are you coming with us, Mr. Duncan?”
Branden gave Catherine a probing look and saw that she wore her usual T-shirt and jeans. He said in a low voice, “Indeed. More clothes will be better.”
Audrey was puzzled. “What?”
Branden’s answer was unexpected.
“Sure. Why not?”
His words caught Audrey off guard. She had invited Branden to join them out of politeness and did not expect her future brother-in-law to take her words seriously.
It seemed that Branden was indeed enamored with Catherine.
Otherwise, how would Branden, who had a million things to do, have the mood to join them for shopping?
It was insignificant to Catherine whether Branden went with them or not.
In the end, Audrey was the one who walked in the front. She went into every shop and purchased lots of things.
Branden walked alongside Catherine, following Audrey in silence.
Catherine stuck her hands in her pockets. She was bored after seeing how excited Audrey was.
“Shopping is quite a bore,” she complained.
Branden looked at her with approval, seemingly to tell her that great minds think alike. He suggested, “How about we go to a barbecue restaurant?
Chapter 80 He’s Seductive
Before Branden talked about the barbecue, Catherine felt nothing. Now that he brought it up, she realized she was rather hungry.
She did not consent immediately but looked playfully at Branden and said sarcastically, “I thought you could not eat such heavy food.”
Branden took half a step forward and leaned closer to Catherine. They were so close to each other.
On Branden’s handsome face was a slightly mischievous and charming grin. His voice was low and magnetic as he spoke. “Kathy, are you showing concern for me?”
The warm breath gently caressed the back of Catherine’s ears, which were her sensitive spot. It instantly brought bursts of tingling sensation to her, and her heart skipped a beat. This man was damn seductive!
Audrey was walking out of the shop and wanted to ask Catherine to come in when she saw Catherine and Branden standing so close to one another.
Afraid that she would scream out loud, Audrey hurriedly covered her mouth with her hands. She wondered if Catherine and Branden were kissing.
But that was too big a step for them!
Audrey caught a glimpse of Paxton standing stupidly like a block of wood nearby and reached out to drag him away. She gave Paxton a dissatisfied look and whispered, “What are you doing? Aren’t you aware that it’s rude to stare at them?”
Paxton was confused and thought less of Audrey. “Is the eldest daughter of the Swanns a fool?
A moment later, Catherine came to herself. She took a big step back. She was nearly enchanted by Branden earlier.
Feeling her face burning, Catherine had to recite the periodic table in her heart several times to force herself to calm down.
Branden stood before her with one hand in his pocket. He stared pointedly at her without avoidance in his eyes.
any
“Kathy, are you shy?”
Catherine raised her head and looked at the man opposite with displeasure. Why did Audrey and Branden love calling her “Kathy”? Was the nickname “Kathy” that lovely?
She warned Branden with a stony face and irritation in her eyes. “Do not call me that!”
After seeing her attitude toward Audrey, Branden was no longer concerned that Catherine would be mad at him.
Catherine might seem heartless, but she would not be mad at those who were kind to her.
“Well…” Branden deliberately stretched his word and stared at Catherine charmingly. “What should I call you if I can’t call you ‘Kathy’? You’re my future wife. It sounds distant if I call you by your name. If I can’t call you ‘Kathy’, perhaps I should call you ‘Honey’, ‘Darling’, or…”
“Enough” Before Branden could finish his words, Catherine shushed him angrily. She got goosebumps upon hearing those words. She turned her face away and refused to look at Branden She said flatly, “Alright. Kathy is fine. I should ask Audrey if she wants to go to the barbecue restaurant with us.”
Branden stood on the spot and watched Catherine walk away, feeling pleased. He could tell Catherine was freaked out.
Catherine told Audrey about going to the barbecue restaurant, and Audrey gladly agreed.
The three of them left the shopping mall together.
When they stepped out of the gate, Catherine’s face changed dramatically, and she turned to pull Audrey away from the entrance.
“Let’s leave from the other gate.”
Audrey was in the dark about Catherine’s sudden and weird movement. She asked, “Why? We’re already at the gate.”
Catherine did not give her another chance to ask but dragged her away.
Branden also noticed Catherine’s odd reaction. He looked up in the direction where Catherine had been looking at. Then he immediately realized why Catherine had to take Audrey away. His deep eyes darkened as he saw what Catherine had seen.
Audrey had wanted to follow Catherine’s order, but she thought of Branden and wanted to ask him to follow them. She jerked her head back abruptly, and Catherine failed to stop her.
It was probably divine will. Audrey saw everything when she turned her head around.
Her boyfriend was chatting and laughing happily with a woman in his arm, and they looked
intimate.
Audrey went rigid with shock. She could not believe her eyes. Slowly, she walked to her boyfriend and stood in front of him.
The moment Erik saw Audrey, he was taken aback and quickly let go of the woman’s hand.
The woman with Erik leered at Audrey and asked, “Honey, who is she?”
Erik was rattled. He looked regretfully at Audrey, thinking it was a stroke of bad luck for him
to get busted today.
He automatically shook off the woman’s hand on his arm and reached to hold Audrey’s, but Audrey dodged.
“Audrey, I can explain everything ”
Audrey eyed him with disappointment. She was heartbroken.
She had been with Erik for over three years and refused to marry the man her father arranged for her. Her father was enraged and kicked her out of the family.
Now she caught Erik cheating on her. How could she handle this?
She scowled at Erik with extreme disappointment and resentment. “Shut up! I have seen it with my own eyes. What can you explain?
“We are done.”
After saying that, Audrey took a step back and ran away.
Erik sprung forward to chase after Audrey. He could not lose Audrey because Audrey was still
useful to him.
A figure, however, showed up and blocked his way.
Erik looked up to see a pretty girl show up out of nowhere. He was surprised. He was a photographer and studied the human body, especially the face.
Erik could tell at a glance that the girl in front had the perfect facial features.
Still, what mattered most to him now was getting Audrey back. He knew Audrey was a pushover. As long as he said sweet nothings to her, she would listen to him and forgive him. But he did not expect the beauty to be so tricky to deal with.
Catherine grabbed Erik by the collar and lifted him above the ground with one hand.
Erik was stunned by how a dainty and thin girl would have the force to lift him with only one hand.
He struggled to break free from Catherine’s grasp, but Catherine was unmoving.
Erik worked out a lot, and holding the camera day by day gave him strong arms. But he was weak before Catherine.
Catherine let the scumbag struggle till he stopped. Then, she squeezed his neck hard.
Her momentum, eyes, and the vibe she was giving off all frightened Erik
Erik’s stomach gave an unpleasant lurch. When Catherine started to tighten her clasp, Erik panicked and wanted to shout for help.
Catherine gave him no chance to do so. Catherine finally tossed him to the ground like trash
after his breathing got weaker and his face turned red.
The woman with Erik was horrified. She shrank her neck and did not dare say a word.
Catherine looked down at Erik aggressively. Her face was full of unquestionable dominance.
There was danger in her low and ruthless voice.
“Take your mistress away and disappear from Casier if you don’t want to die. Don’t show up in front of Audrey again, or you’ll regret that you were ever born.”
Catherine turned to leave. She had to chase Audrey.
Erik, who lay on the ground for a long time, found his breath again. He muttered to himself that the girl just now was hell. Her eyes on him were full of malice and killing intent.