Ch. 901..910
Chapter 901 Don’t Trust Me
Amelia nodded without hesitation, looking at Catherine with admiration in her eyes.
“Super Catherine, I call you ‘super’ for a reason. You should understand how much I believe in you,” she said.
Faced with Amelia’s unconditional trust, Catherine gave a faint, wry smile. “Don’t trust me too much. I’m not exactly a soft-hearted person,” she replied. In her life, kindness and weakness would only lead her into trouble.
Catherine’s response caught Amelia off guard. When Catherine thought she had startled Amelia, she heard Amelia say in a serious tone, “I believe you would never harm anyone, let alone kill. If you do anything, it must be under extreme circumstances.
Kindness isn’t just about doing good deeds. If someone loves life, takes care of themselves, and looks after their friends, they are kind people.”
Hearing this, Catherine glanced at Amelia with admiration.
Amelia blushed at the look. “Super Catherine, why are you looking at me like that?”
“No wonder you got into Styre University. You are quite mature,” Catherine praised.
Amelia felt a bit embarrassed. “Super Catherine, I wouldn’t dare call myself a top student in front of you. You’re flattering me,” she said.
Their conversation was interrupted when the teacher entered the room. The meeting officially began, and both of them focused on the proceedings.
The lengthy meeting ended with intermittent speeches from the teacher, which sounded almost hypnotic.
After the meeting, Sophia suggested going for a meal. Amelia invited Catherine to join them, but Catherine, knowing her classmates were nervous about her presence, politely declined the offer.
Not long after leaving the classroom, Catherine’s phone rang. It was the annoying mysterious person, sending yet another urgent text. Catherine decided to call back directly.
“Have you made a decision?” the mysterious person asked, seemingly expecting her call. Without waiting for her response, he said, “Miss Swann, tomorrow at three, at the agreed location.”
“Okay,” Catherine replied before hanging up. She put away her phone and headed towards the school gate, where she saw Branden waiting for her. “How did you know I was here?” she asked.
He gently looked at her, his eyes as indulgent as ever. “I didn’t see you at home, so I asked around and found out you were at school. I came here to pick you up. Is everything settled?” he asked.
Catherine nodded slightly.
Branden took her hand and said, “Let’s go home.”
They walked hand in hand, like most couples around them. When they arrived home, Catherine took off her shoes and walked in. Before she could sit down, Branden suddenly said, ” There’s an important press conference tomorrow afternoon, and I want you to accompany me.”
He rarely made such requests, so there must be a reason. Catherine didn’t immediately refuse, just inquiring, ” What time do I need to be there?”
“The press conference is at five. Do you have anything scheduled?”
There was a two-hour gap between three and five, which should be enough for her to handle things. After thinking it over, she agreed, “No, I’ll be there on time.”
Branden’s face lit up with a gentle smile. “If you’re at the apartment, I’ll come back to pick you up.”
“No need,” Catherine declined Branden’s offer. “I have something in the afternoon, but I’ll come over after it’s done.” She didn’t specify what it was, and Branden didn’t press for more details.
Chapter 902 Dietary Restrictions
At three in the afternoon, Catherine arrived at the agreed location on time. The other party, however, notified her of the address at two thirty. Upon receiving the address, Catherine promptly set off and arrived punctually. Just as she finished parking, a boy appeared beside her.
“Are you Catherine?” he asked. Catherine nodded, and the boy handed her a note. “Someone asked me to give this to you,” he said.
“Thank you,” Catherine replied, taking the note and opening it.
It was a Sudoku puzzle, not too difficult. Catherine quickly solved it, revealing a simple set of coordinates. Following the coordinates, she soon reached her destination-a stylish restaurant that stood out amidst the surrounding skyscrapers with its industrial decor, exuding a distinct charm.
Upon entering, a waiter guided her inside, leading her through a corridor to the basement. It was there that she discovered a totally different place.
“Miss Swann, your reserved private room is right here. Your guest is already waiting inside,” the waiter informed her.
“Okay,” Catherine grunted, pressing the door handle and entering the room.
The spacious room contained only one person, quietly perusing the menu at the dining table. After she entered, the person didn’t even look up, but softly said, “Miss Swann, please have a seat.”
Catherine pulled out a chair and sat across from the man.
“Miss Swann, any dietary restrictions? “he politely inquired.
Catherine looked at him and sneered. ” Don’t you even know my dietary restrictions?”
The man seemed taken aback, apparently not expecting Catherine to say that. “Miss Swann, what do you mean? It’s our first meeting. How could I possibly know if you have any dietary restrictions?” he asked.
“You seem to understand me so well, yet you don’t even know about my dietary restrictions?” Catherine replied.
Hearing this, the man chuckled. “It seems we haven’t done our job well enough.” He was initially worried that Catherine might have sensed something amiss, and he was now reassured.
As he assessed Catherine, she was also sizing him up. “Since you’re here, care to introduce yourself?” she asked. “You know about me, but I don’t know about you!”
The man’s appearance was unremarkable, with no distinctive features that would make him stand out in a crowd. Yet Catherine saw through his facade. This man must have been disguised, and the face she saw was not his real one. “What’s behind that mask?” she wondered.
Perhaps sensing Catherine’s scrutiny, the man proceeded to introduce himself. “Miss Swann, you can call me Cloude! I’ve always admired your talent and would like to be friends with you. If you’re willing, Miss Swann, we can not only be business partners but also good friends!”
Catherine observed him with narrowed eyes. “Being friends with you comes at a high price!” she remarked.
Cloude, also known as Black Robe, was revealing his identity for the first time, deeming Catherine’s unique nature worthy of sharing his name. “Miss Swann, I assure you that being friends with me will not leave you at a loss. Although it may seem like you’re losing out on some benefits, you should know that even if I don’t get them, they won’t end up in your pocket. Remember. This project belongs to Styre University and is under the jurisdiction of Eskana.”
“Mr. Cloude, I think it’s necessary to emphasize that I am Eskanese,” Catherine said in a serious tone.
Chapter 903 Conditions
Cloude was momentarily taken aback by her response, then chuckled. “Well, I didn’t expect you to be so patriotic, Miss Swann. It seems I really didn’t do my job well and almost misunderstood you.”
Catherine glanced at the time. It was almost four o’clock, and if she didn’t act quickly, it could disrupt the schedule for the press conference. “Mr. Cloude, if there’s nothing else to discuss, let’s get straight to the point.”
“Agreed.” Cloude immediately consented to Catherine’s proposal. His terms remained unchanged-he still demanded a fifty percent stake, with the rest open for negotiation.
Catherine agreed, but also presented her conditions. “First, help me find Professor Warner and bring him back.
Second, remove all online impacts on me. Third, regardless of how the lab operates, you must not intervene. You need to understand. I don’t need anyone meddling in my affairs.”
Upon hearing Catherine’s conditions, Cloude showed no surprise as if he had anticipated her requests. After assessing Catherine, he said seriously, ” I fully agree with the last two conditions. However, the first one may need some adjustment.”
Catherine raised an eyebrow and gave him a cold glance. “Adjust what?”
Cloude’s expression darkened slightly as he picked up his fork. “Not so fast. Let’s eat first and discuss later.”
Seeing that Catherine didn’t seem inclined to eat, Cloude explained, “Miss Swann, I’ve been waiting for you and haven’t eaten a thing. Can’t you even allow me a moment to eat?”
Catherine glanced at the time and gestured for Cloude to continue.
Cloude’s upbringing must have been exceptional, evident from his dining etiquette. His manner was particularly elegant, with a deliberate pace and a touch of grace.
Cloude noticed that Catherine hadn’t even touched her food and paused to look at her. “Miss Swann, aren’t you going to eat anything? Or do you have something urgent to attend to?” he asked.
Catherine seemed displeased, sensing that Cloude was intentionally stalling. ” You’re right. I do have something to attend to. If we can discuss it now, let’s do so. If not, we can do it another day.”
Cloude’s smile faltered, and he stopped eating. “In that case, let’s talk about your first condition.”
Seeing the seriousness in his demeanor, Catherine ceased her objections and entered negotiation mode. “What do you propose for my first condition?”
“We can only ensure Professor Warner’s safety. I can facilitate communication between you and him, but I don’t have the power to release him,” Cloude replied with a serious expression, his deep, inquisitive eyes fixed on Catherine.
From his gaze, Catherine could tell there was no room for negotiation. Not one to enjoy haggling, she felt it was enough and decided to leave. “Alright, let’s go with that condition. I have nothing else to discuss. I’m leaving!” She stood up and exited the private room. Cloude made no attempt to stop her as if letting her depart was part of his plan.
As Catherine took a few steps, a waitress rushed up and accidentally spilled food all over her. Her entire outfit was stained with sauce. The waitress, visibly frightened, continuously apologized to Catherine, who remained cold-faced, “I didn’t mean to do it. I’m sorry! I’ll cover the dry-cleaning expenses. Is that okay with you, Miss?”
Catherine didn’t take it to heart in the first place, assuming it was an accident. However, when she glimpsed the waitress’s hands, any remaining sympathy vanished. Her hands were even softer than Catherine’s. How could a waitress have such delicate hands from regular work?
Catherine seized the waitress’s hand and coldly stared at her. “No need. You don’t have to compensate. Please step aside.”
The waitress seemed surprised by Catherine’s leniency and smiled, saying, “I know you’re kind-hearted, but please allow me to pay for your dry cleaning. Even though I’m just a waitress, I understand the responsibility of making amends. Please give me this chance.”
Ignoring her, Catherine continued walking. But the waitress audaciously blocked her path. “Miss, please give me this chance,” the waitress insisted.
Catherine halted and gave her a piercing look. The waitress, intimidated by her sharp gaze, took a step back. “If I let you go, cherish the chance. Don’t provoke me,” Catherine warned.
The waitress attempted to speak, but Catherine cut her off, “Next time you pretend, make it more convincing. Soak your hands in water for a few days might help.”
The waitress instinctively tried to hide her hands, but it was futile. Catherine pushed her aside and left.
As the waitress watched Catherine depart, a hint of malice crossed her face. She wanted to use violence to stop Catherine, but a man’s deep voice intervened, “Don’t do that. You can’t stop her.”
The waitress felt reluctant but dared not defy him. “Just wait, Cloude. Next time, I’ll bring Catherine to you.”
After leaving the hotel, Catherine didn’t have time to change her clothes. She drove as fast as she could, realizing she only had twenty minutes left before her scheduled meeting with Branden at five o’clock. It would take over twenty minutes to get from here to the Duncan Corporation, and the time was incredibly tight, even without a traffic jam.
With little time to spare, Catherine had to constantly step on the gas, maneuvering her car through the congested traffic.
Meanwhile, the press conference was about to start, but Catherine still hadn’t arrived. Paxton was extremely anxious. However, he couldn’t muster the courage to approach Branden, who remained remarkably composed.
He had no choice but to wait until the time was almost up before finally gathering the courage to inquire Branden, “Boss, Miss Swann hasn’t shown up yet. Should we give her a call?
Branden remained calm, responding with just one word, “Wait.”
Paxton had to keep quiet, soothing the journalists and patiently waiting for Catherine to appear.
Chapter 904 Being Late
As the scheduled start time of the press conference approached, there was no sign of activity from the Duncan Corporation. This made the journalists present anxious, sparking a stream of discussions about what was going on. Some even started causing trouble.
Someone asked, “By now, the lights should be dimmed, and we should be getting ready for the start. Could it be that the Duncan Corporation’s press conference is just a sham, a ploy to drive up their stock prices?”
Though these thoughts were not openly expressed, they all thought it made sense, especially since the announcement of the press conference had indeed caused a spike in the Duncan Corporation’s stock prices.
Paxton wanted to address these rumors but found that any explanation seemed to only make things worse. He looked turned towards Branden for guidance, but Branden remained unfazed, checking his phone briefly without finding any updates before returning to his previous calm demeanor.
Meanwhile, Catherine rushed to the Duncan Corporation building, looking disheveled. Without hesitation, she took off her jacket, revealing a utility vest and casual pants underneath, her perfectly toned midriff on display. Her appearance momentarily mesmerized the security guards, who were too slow to react when they realized they should stop her.
“Miss, do you have an invitation?” they called after her, but it was too late; they couldn’t catch up. In a panic, they called for backup.
Carlo, overseeing security, noticed the swift figure on the surveillance cameras and immediately instructed the security team to stand down. “It’s Miss Swann, no need for alarm!”
After informing the security, Carlo immediately informed Paxton, ” Paxton, Miss Swann is here. She should be in the elevator by now.”
Upon hearing that Catherine had arrived, Paxton finally felt relaxed.
After some hesitation, Carlo decided to notify Paxton. “Paxton, you might need to prepare some clothes for Miss Swann,” Carlo said.
Paxton was puzzled by this request. What do you mean?”
Carlo didn’t know how to explain and simply said, “You’ll see.”
As they spoke, Paxton had already arrived at the elevator. As the elevator doors opened, he finally understood why Carlo had asked him to prepare clothes for Catherine.
After a glance, Paxton immediately lowered his head, not daring to look further. Luckily, he reacted quickly, and in that split second of lowering his head, Branden appeared behind him.
Upon seeing Catherine’s attire, Branden couldn’t help but furrow his brow.
Catherine was about to explain when she heard him ask in a displeased tone, “Aren’t you cold?”
Catherine hesitated for a moment. The air conditioning in the Duncan Corporation building was a bit strong, so she instinctively nodded.
Branden took off his suit jacket and draped it over her. “Put it on. Don’t catch a cold!” he said.
“Okay!”
Catherine then appeared at the highly anticipated press conference wearing Branden’s suit jacket.
When Branden appeared with Catherine, all eyes were on them. Some people recognized Catherine as Branden’s fiancée. The murmurs below started again, this time focusing on Catherine.
“So the reason the president of the Duncan Corporation hasn’t held a press conference is because he was waiting for his fiancée.”
“How romantic! He was making so many of us wait for his fiancée!”
The sarcastic remarks left the reporters irritated.
Chapter 905 His Answer
The atmosphere at the press conference became increasingly tense. Paxton, unable to calm the reporters down, approached Branden for advice. ” Should we ask some reporters to leave first?” he suggested. They had identified several troublemakers, and removing them might calm things down.
“No need!” Branden rejected Paxton’s proposal. He knew that trying to cover it up would only make things worse.
Looking at Catherine, he noticed a stain on her neck and gently wiped it off with a handkerchief. “What did you have for lunch? How did it end up on your neck? “he asked.
Catherine, unsure of what to do, was surprised when he reached out toward her chest in public only to help her remove the stain.
Catherine smiled helplessly. “I bumped into a waitress in a rush, and the food spilled on me,” she explained.
“Why didn’t you change your clothes after getting stained?” Branden frowned, knowing Catherine well. Though she was unconventional, she had a sense of propriety and wouldn’t act recklessly. While her outfit today wasn’t problematic, it wasn’t suitable for the press conference.
Catherine didn’t expect Branden to piece everything together so quickly. She nodded slightly, confirming his suspicions.
Branden’s eyes were full of concern. ” Did you get hurt? Let me see.”
Catherine was surprised that Branden wanted to lift her clothes in public to check. She knew he was anxious, but it wasn’t that urgent. She stopped his hand and said, “It’s okay, just some sauce. The press conference is running late. You should go up.”
As the president of the Duncan Corporation, Branden was supposed to take the stage as the first speaker. Catherine didn’t want to affect him because of her mishap.
Branden decided to address the press conference first before dealing with Catherine’s accident. He stood up, holding Catherine’s hand, and before she could react, he had already pulled her onto the stage.
Catherine glanced at Branden. Despite just wearing a gray shirt, he looked quite charming. Standing beside him, she smiled.
Then, Branden took the microphone and said something that shocked everyone. “Today is a very important research presentation for the Duncan Corporation. I want my fiancée to witness this crucial moment with me.”
Many of the reporters present had been invited to important meetings by the Duncan Corporation before, but it was the first time they had heard the usually reserved president say so much.
People erupted into cheers. Those who had been criticizing and gossiping were now moved by Branden’s words. Everyone wanted to share life’s most important moments with the person they loved. A few minutes’ delay didn’t matter; the key was that everyone who needed to be there was present.
Just a moment ago, everyone seemed to think that Branden was disrespectful and that the Duncan Corporation didn’t value them. Suddenly, everyone changed their attitude and started praising Branden.
The subsequent press conference followed its normal course. The Duncan Corporation, as one of Eskana’s most renowned enterprises, had always been closely watched for its business and project research and development.
There had been rumors circulating that the Duncan Corporation had long been investing heavily in chip technology research and development. However, the corporation had not made any public announcements, so there was only speculation without any evidence.
The public relations department of the Duncan Corporation announced that they would hold a research presentation on the development of the seventh-generation chip, which immediately shocked the world. Not only that, the Duncan Corporation made a high-profile invitation to a multitude of reporters to attend the event.
What no one expected was that before the conference even began, they were treated to Branden’s public display of affection.
After Branden’s speech, the professional research and development team took the stage, giving a brief introduction to the seventh-generation chip and demonstrating it live.
Everyone present was deeply impressed by the latest cutting-edge technology. At that moment, the Duncan Corporation seemed poised to lead globally, with its business footprint spanning all industries in the future.
The research and development team provided only a preliminary introduction. In cases involving cutting -edge technology, they would only present some visual results and not reveal too much.
The reporters wanted to know more. One of them made a request. “Today is a thrilling moment for us to witness such high-end technology. We are honored, but we wonder if your company could provide some time for free questioning, allowing us to learn more.”
This proposal received unanimous approval, as not everyone could witness such a prosperous era.
Faced with everyone’s eager anticipation, Paxton had to seek guidance from Branden. “Boss, what do you think?”
Branden took the microphone and stood on the stage with the research and development team, while Catherine remained at his left side. ” Ten minutes!” he declared.
Hearing this, all the reporters erupted. It was rare for the president of the Duncan Corporation to be so generous, and everyone eagerly began asking questions, not wasting a single second.
The research and development team answered a lot of questions. The journalists present were all satisfied.
Finally, someone handed the microphone to Branden, and to the surprise of everyone, he took it.
A bold female journalist began her question, “This will be the last question. I’d like to ask Mr. Duncan. The answers provided by the research and development team were excellent, but this question is unrelated to the chip. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”
Paxton suddenly felt a pang of unease, but it was too late to stop what was coming.
The female journalist raised her voice, asking, “Mr. Duncan, what is your response to the recent uproar online about a video showing your fiancée committing murder when she was younger? Are you worried that your partner is a killer?”
The next moment, the entire room fell silent. No one had expected the journalist to be so audacious. Despite knowing the sensitivity of the question and the potential repercussions from the Duncan Corporation, they couldn’t suppress their curiosity. Everyone remained silent, waiting for Branden’s response.
They wanted to know whether the president of the Duncan Corporation would defend his fiancée or prioritize his reputation.
Catherine, standing quietly on the side, also waited for Branden’s answer, curious to see what it would be.
Chapter 906 Calling the Police
Branden held Catherine’s hand high and displayed the image of them holding hands. He held a microphone and looked firmly at everyone, finally fixing his gaze on the female journalist who had just asked a question.
“Murder is a serious crime, and whoever commits it will naturally face legal consequences. If you have evidence or clues, please submit them to the relevant authorities as soon as possible. I believe you will get a satisfactory answer. Spreading rumors carries legal responsibility. My fiancée and I reserve the right to hold you accountable,” he added.
The warned journalist turned pale with fear. She had only wanted to pressure Branden to answer the question while everyone was present. It was a potential breaking story, not only increasing newspaper sales but also potentially propelling her career to new heights. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken the risk.
However, she never expected Branden not only to boldly respond to her question but also to issue a warning.
The journalist was so scared that she had intended to give up, but then she received a new message on his phone. After seeing the content, her eyes immediately lit up. Her chance to turn the tables had arrived.
Even though Branden had already answered the last question, the female journalist boldly inquired, “Mr. Duncan, does this mean you unconditionally trust your fiancée?”
Branden turned and led Catherine away without intending to respond. When the journalist caught up, Paxton intercepted her.
“Miss, Mr. Duncan said there would be only ten minutes for questions. We have already exceeded that time. Please show some respect.”
Despite Paxton’s attempt to stop her, the female journalist showed no signs of giving up and continued to shout in the direction Branden had left. “Mr. Duncan, as an anonymous journalist, I’m not afraid of being targeted. Can’t you respond to my question? Are you worried about making a mistake if you say too much?”
Branden stopped, turned around, and approached the journalist.
The onlookers felt uneasy, fearing that something was about to happen, but no one dared to intervene.
Paxton knew the journalist was in trouble. Even he was angry just by looking at the journalist, let alone Branden. However, it wasn’t the time to reprimand the journalist, especially in public.
Paxton wanted to stop it, but he didn’t dare to do so. He could only hope that Catherine would step in.
Catherine remained calm, almost like an outsider. Paxton kept signaling to her, hoping she would intervene.
The female journalist, seeing Branden approaching step by step, was so scared that she kept swallowing hard. She was extremely nervous right now, considering Branden’s ruthless personality. No one dared to offend him. Her actions today were definitely asking for trouble.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for the dangerous scene to unfold.
As Branden was about to take action, Catherine, who was standing beside him, rushed forward and grabbed the journalist’s collar.
The onlookers were shocked by the scene, never expecting Catherine to be the one to take action.
Catherine grabbed the journalist’s collar and coldly scrutinized her. “I’m right here. If you have questions, ask me. Today is the Duncan Corporation’s press conference, yet you keep asking unrelated questions. What are your intentions?” Catherine directly countered the journalist, leaving her momentarily speechless.
“Miss Swann, you made a high-profile appearance at the press conference. As Mr. Duncan’s future wife, your reputation is being tarnished online. Don’t you think you should clarify things? As a journalist, I have the right to help the public know the truth,” the journalist said.
Catherine sneered, her eyes filled with sarcasm. “Oh, really? What a good reason. Claiming to help the public know the truth, huh? I think you’re a spy! The release of the seventh- generation chip is so important, and everyone wants to know more about it. But here you are, asking irrelevant questions. You’re surely a spy!”
People’s attitude toward the female journalist changed. The attendees invited today were all professionals in the chip industry, and upon learning about the new chip, they were excited to gain more information about it. Getting a chance to ask questions was extremely valuable. The journalist’s continuous pursuit of gossip seemed quite out of place.
Seeing her credibility being questioned, the female journalist became agitated, continuously mentioning the online video, attempting to tarnish Catherine’s reputation.
Catherine’s response was unexpectedly firm. She took out her phone and dialed a number in front of everyone. “Hello, I need to report something. I saw a video online…”
No one expected Catherine to publicly call the police. This provided strong evidence, and proved her innocence. After all, if she had committed a crime, wouldn’t this be like walking into a trap?
Catherine’s cold gaze locked onto the journalist. “I’m reporting myself. Would you dare to do the same? I have the National Security Bureau’s number. I can give it to you, and you can call them now.”
The journalist fell silent. Although she was confident she wasn’t a spy, her phone held too many secrets. If he were taken away by the National Security Bureau, her life would be ruined.
Seeing this, Catherine took Branden’s hand, saying, “Let’s go.”
Branden held her hand and left.
As for the female journalist, she was destined for a bad ending. Catherine dared to clarify herself, but she didn’t, which indicated that she was suspicious. Even if she didn’t make the call herself, someone would find out about her.
Paxton followed the two of them out, noticing Branden’s bright smile, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He thought that perhaps the reason Branden held such a high-profile press conference was to clear Catherine’s name.
Chapter 907 Do as I Say
In the lounge, Catherine sat bored on the sofa, undisturbed by the commotion outside.
Paxton found the journalist’s information. Although she wasn’t a spy, her reputation was bad, known for exploiting others. She had even driven a poor student to suicide for the sake of publicity.
After reviewing the information, Branden ordered, “Send this to the public relations department and release it all.”
Upon hearing the command, Paxton hesitated. “Shouldn’t we just leak the information to some other journalists? “The female journalist was insignificant, yet involving the public relations department would make it a big deal. Paxton worried about the public perception of bullying a journalist.
Despite Paxton’s persuasion, Branden insisted, “Do as I say.”
Paxton, obedient to Branden’s unwavering attitude, promptly carried out the order. Catherine was Branden’s Achilles’s heel, and anyone who messed with her would face dire consequences.
“Alright, I’ll see to it,” Paxton said after arranging his subordinates. He then turned his attention to Catherine. “Miss Swann, do we need to handle the matter of you calling the police?”
Catherine smirked. “No need. Someone else will take care of it. There’s no need to trouble the Duncan Corporation.” If the other party wanted to cooperate with her, they would have to show sincerity.
Catherine gazed at the clear blue sky outside, recalling unforgettable scenes from years ago. It was a rainy day when she was forced to duel with a group of bloodthirsty older teens. Only the last one standing had a chance to survive. She didn’t want to fight; she didn’t want to kill. She had a way to keep herself alive. But in the end, she had to take action.
Ronin was there with her. When she saw Ronin being attacked, she acted swiftly and fiercely. However, those attackers didn’t die. She didn’t intend to kill them. The rules were set, but she wasn’t bound to follow them.
In the end, both she and Ronin walked out of that hellish training camp alive, and Ronin became her sidekick from then on.
As Catherine was holding her phone, it buzzed, catching her attention. She glanced down, her eyes turning cold.
Branden noticed the change in her expression and gently asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, just a spam,” she replied, deleted the text, and then snuggled up to Branden. “I’m a bit hungry. Let’s go eat something!”
It was rare for her to say such things, and Branden couldn’t help but smile. “I heard about a new restaurant that’s supposed to be good. I’ll take you there.
“Okay!”
Zobber and Withal were furious when they heard about the press conference.
“That woman is asking for trouble. How dare she treat Catherine like this? I won’t let her get away with it!”
Withal said pitifully, “Come on. Before you teach her a lesson, can you stop doing this to me?”
Zobber was caught off guard and realized that she had been angrily gripping Withal’s shoulder, nearly causing it to bleed. She quickly released her grip, offering an apologetic smile. ” Sorry, I was just so angry. I didn’t realize.”
Withal, accustomed to her impulsiveness, simply rubbed his shoulder and rolled his eyes at her. ” You should find a boyfriend to vent your frustrations on, instead of targeting me all the time.”
Initially wanting to retaliate, Zobber relented upon noticing his swollen shoulder. “Fine, let’s focus on that despicable journalist first. She’s clearly taunting Catherine, and in public, Catherine can’t retaliate. We can’t just stand by and do nothing.”
“Do we really need to get involved?” Withal asked disdainfully before pushing his laptop towards her. “See for yourself.”
As Zobber browsed through the web pages on Withal’s laptop, she found an outpouring of public outrage against the unethical journalist.
Eventually, Zobber traced it back to its source. To her surprise, the original post was from the Duncan Corporation’s public relations department, detailing the journalist’s transgressions over the years. Many of her evil deeds had been uncovered.
Initially, some thought the Duncan Corporation was overreacting and seeking revenge. However, as more and more victims appeared, it became clear how much harm the despicable journalist had caused.
There was the impoverished student he had driven to suicide, leaving behind a shattered family-his mother went insane, his father succumbed to depression and took his own life, leaving only the elderly grandmother to care for the mentally ill mother. The neighbors, upon seeing the journalist’s atrocities, shared the family’s plight, shedding light on the severity of the journalist’s deeds.
Those who had initially criticized the Duncan Corporation deleted their comments. Many internet users applauded the corporation, realizing that if the despicable journalist had not targeted the corporation and angered Branden, they wouldn’t know who the next victim might be.
As Zobber read on, she grew increasingly furious at the journalist’s actions. “This despicable bitch! She deserves the death penalty,” she huffed.
Withal coldly commented, “Even if you’re angry, you can’t punish her. He said words that he shouldn’t, but it’s not against the law.”
“Should we let her get away with this?” Zobber protested.
“This despicable woman definitely has a shady background. Dig a little deeper, and there might be surprises,” Withal hinted at Zobber with a sly look.
Zobber eagerly agreed, “I’m an expert at digging up people’s backgrounds. If I don’t make her pay the price, I’ll change my last name to hers.”
Withal reminded her, “Unfortunately, her last name is the same as yours.”
“What?” Zobber was furious. Her family name had been tarnished by this scoundrel.
Chapter 908 Intuition
Zobber has been repeatedly watching the video from that evening. Catherine’s cruelty was truly impressive, even for someone like Zobber, who was accustomed to dealing with tough situations. Just thinking about Catherine’s gaze in the video made her feel uneasy.
Back then, Catherine was just a child, and if she was that formidable then, it was hard to imagine her strength now.
Zobber wasn’t watching the video to marvel at Catherine’s capabilities, but to uncover the mastermind behind it and help Catherine resolve the situation.
Seeing Withal casually scrolling through his phone, Zobber became annoyed and kicked him in frustration. “Can’t you do something useful? Why are you acting like it’s no big deal?”
Withal slowly raised his head, as if moving in slow motion. “Even Catherine can’t figure it out. Why do you think I can? You’re overestimating me.”
Zobber retorted, “Just because you can’t find anything doesn’t mean you won’t do anything! When did you become so useless?”
Withal, patient as ever, let her vent her anger on him without saying a word.
Zobber pondered for a while and boldly speculated, “Withal, do you think this might have something to do with Ronin? He’s betrayed us before. Maybe he will do it again.”
While others might not have recognized it, those familiar with Ronin could tell that the little boy cowering in the corner, almost passing out, was Ronin. These videos were highly secretive and unlikely to have been released by the organization, as they weren’t at the point of exposing their secrets. If the investigation were to continue, it would likely be most detrimental to the organization, considering the lives they’ve taken.
The only remaining individuals who knew the truth were Catherine and Ronin, and Ronin was most likely to have obtained the video footage.
“No way!” Withal immediately denied Zobber’s speculation, leaving her somewhat skeptical. She scrutinized him keenly, trying to discern anything wrong.
“Why are you so sure that Ronin wouldn’t do it?” she asked.
With a mysterious smile, Withal looked at Zobber and whispered, “Intuition!”
Zobber felt like knocking some sense into him, and seeing her anger, Withal explained, “It’s simple logic. Ronin is involved. If we investigate, he can’t escape. If Catherine can’t get away, Ronin would be the next to be caught. Even if he’s foolish, he wouldn’t put himself in that position.”
After considering this, Zobber found it reasonable. “So, who could be behind this? They not only have to be skilled but also have an in-depth understanding of Catherine. The scope is narrow, and it’s frustrating that we still can’t figure it out!”
Withal comforted her, “Don’t rush. We’ll take our time to figure it out.”
Frustrated by Withal’s nonchalant attitude, Zobber stormed off, venting in her room.
Shortly after returning to her apartment, Catherine received a call from Cloude. “Miss Swann, are you planning to break your promise?”
Catherine chuckled and casually asked, “Have I broken it, Mr. Cloude? Did I refuse to cooperate with you or change the profit-sharing ratio, making you feel like I broke my promise?”
Catherine indeed hadn’t violated their cooperation and hadn’t altered any terms. She had simply spoken a bit more at the Duncan Corporation’s press conference, prompting Cloude to handle the aftermath, which didn’t constitute a breach of promise.
Cloude was furious when he realized he had been fooled, but he had no way to deal with Catherine. “Miss Swann, the Duncan Corporation has already announced the release of the seventh- generation chip. Do you think our cooperation still makes sense?” Cloude asked.
“If you want to cancel our cooperation, I agree anytime,” Catherine replied nonchalantly.
Seeing her indifferent attitude, Cloude couldn’t help but speculate. He even suspected that Branden and Catherine had conspired to trap him, as Catherine had transferred her research results to the Duncan Corporation, allowing them to develop the chip so quickly.
As if she had read his mind, Catherine said, “Do you think I teamed up with the Duncan Corporation to deceive you? Well, the Duncan Corporation has nothing to do with me. Although our researches are similar, we work in different labs.”
If someone else had said this, Cloude wouldn’t have believed it, but Catherine was different. He knew she never lied.
“Are you not worried that once the Duncan Corporation’s chip hits the market, your research will become worthless?” Cloude asked.
“Will it?” Catherine replied coldly. ” That depends on their successful development.”
Cloude quickly asked, “What do you mean by that?”
“Figure it out for yourself,” Catherine said before hanging up. As for what Cloude could uncover, that was up to his abilities.
After hanging up the phone, Catherine emerged from the bedroom and found two people sitting in the living room. The atmosphere was particularly strange. Branden was seated on one end, and Ronin was across from him, but they didn’t exchange a word.
Seeing Catherine, Ronin immediately stood up with joy. “Catherine, are you done with your tasks?” he asked.
Catherine inquired, “Why are you here?
In Catherine’s presence, Ronin instinctively softened his demeanor, transforming into an adorable little boy. “I happened to be passing by and realized I hadn’t seen you in a while, so I came up to check on you,” he explained.
In reality, Ronin had seen the news and was worried about Catherine, so he rushed over, even though he knew she would be fine.
Knowing that Ronin had something to discuss with Catherine, Branden stood up. “You two talk. I’ll go to the study to handle some work,” he said.
Once Branden left, Ronin felt more relaxed. He approached Catherine and lowered his voice, saying, “Boss, I think the journalist was definitely arranged by those people. They pretend to talk about cooperation with you, but they also want to set you up. It’s too devious.”
Catherine responded, “Devious? That’s not something surprising.’
Ronin nodded in agreement. ” Catherine, what should we do next? We can’t keep being chased by them forever. We have to do something,” he suggested.
Ronin had been feeling quite frustrated recently, waiting for the right moment to retaliate.
Catherine blinked and said, “When have you ever seen me bullied?”
Understanding Catherine’s meaning instantly, Ronin exclaimed, ” Catherine, I’ll be waiting for your good news!”
Chapter 909 What a Coincidence!
The next day, a clarifying video appeared online, causing a stir. The person who posted it claimed that the video circulating on major websites was a fake, created using AI face- swapping technology to frame Catherine. He admitted to his wrongdoing and voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.
Local law enforcement reposted the video and issued a statement to clarify the situation. Catherine, tired of being repeatedly woken up by phone calls, reluctantly answered, throwing the phone aside after putting it on speaker.
“Hello?” she said in a hoarse voice, instantly calming down Ronin’s excited mood. Carefully, he asked, “Catherine, were you sleeping?”
Catherine, irritated by the sudden disturbance, replied, “Do you really want me to tell you?”
Ronin could sense the underlying anger in her words, and he became extremely cautious. “Catherine, it’s really important. I’ve sent you the news. You can check your phone. If you’re tired, you can check it later.”
Ronin quickly hung up, seemingly afraid of being reprimanded by Catherine for any delay.
After the call, Catherine was wide awake. She glanced at her phone, noticing seven or eight missed calls, including from Ronin and Marshall. It was clear that something had happened.
Catherine immediately opened the message from Ronin and watched the clarifying video. She remained expressionless, uninterested in the content. Below the video, there was a wave of condemnation, with people cursing the video’s creator for using such means to frame a college student.
Many of Audrey’s fans, skilled in online confrontations, swarmed the uploader’s account, hurling insults.
Catherine knew the video wasn’t fabricated, but she didn’t sympathize with the uploader, who was merely a scapegoat.
After watching the video, Catherine exited and was about to reply to Ronin when Cloude’s call came in. She answered, hearing the man’s low voice asking, “Miss Swann, are you satisfied with the gift we prepared?”
Catherine sarcastically chuckled. “A gift? Isn’t it a condition for exchange?” She refused to play along with the pretense.
Hearing Catherine’s change in tone, Cloude laughed, seemingly in good spirits. “Miss Swann, you’re right. It’s indeed a condition for exchange. I hope for a pleasant cooperation ahead.”
“We surely will,” Catherine replied before promptly hanging up, showing no courtesy. If they wanted her cooperation, they had to prove they were worth it.
Catherine messaged Ronin, arranging to visit the school together. It had been a few days since she visited the laboratory, and she needed to check on her experiments. She feared that Marshall would go bald if she didn’t show up soon.
Ronin had been waiting at the school gate for a while, and as soon as Catherine appeared, he happily greeted her, “Catherine, shall we go to the lab now?”
Catherine replied, “Not in a rush. It’s almost noon; let’s grab something to eat.”
Ronin readily agreed to her suggestion. “Alright, Catherine, let’s go to the fifth cafeteria. I heard they have new dishes today,” he proposed.
Catherine didn’t mind; the cafeteria food all tasted similar, and any new dishes were just a temporary novelty. The main advantage of the cafeteria was its relative cleanliness and safety compared to takeaway options.
As they walked, Ronin noticed a familiar figure up ahead and immediately alerted Catherine. When she looked up, Rylan happened to glance their way. Upon making eye contact, Rylan’s face lit up with a smile. “What a coincidence! I rarely visit Styre University, and yet I run into both of you,” he remarked.
Ronin winked and looked at him with a suggestive expression. “Is it really a coincidence, Rylan, or did you deliberately come here hoping for an encounter?”
In response to Ronin’s teasing, Catherine remained unresponsive, but Rylan’s cheeks showed a hint of shyness. “I can’t find Catherine’s whereabouts. She’s just too mysterious, “he joked.
“That’s right. Catherine isn’t just anyone, and her whereabouts aren’t for everyone to know,” Ronin replied. Their banter left Catherine speechless.
Ronin noticed Catherine’s change in expression and steered the conversation. “Rylan, have you eaten yet?”
Rylan shook his head. “Not yet. Have you two eaten? How about I treat you?”
“No need, we were just planning to go to the cafeteria. If you don’t mind, join us!” Ronin said, avoiding looking at Catherine.
Rylan gladly accepted Ronin’s invitation. “I’ve heard that Styre University’s cafeteria food is excellent. It’s a rare opportunity, so why would I refuse? I’m so glad you invited me.”
Rylan and Ronin walked on together, and at this point, it didn’t seem appropriate for Catherine to stop Rylan from joining them.
Chapter 910 How Could This Be Possible?
When the three of them arrived at the fifth cafeteria, they immediately attracted people’s attention. People discreetly focused on Catherine, being cautious not to disturb her.
Catherine, unfazed by the surrounding gazes, took a seat at the spot Ronin found.
Ronin and Rylan were in charge of buying food, while Catherine held the table. In reality, she didn’t need to do this-with a single glance, she made sure no one dared to occupy the seats she had her eyes on.
Ronin soon returned with the food, purposefully sitting across from Catherine and leaving the seat next to her for Rylan.
“Catherine, the fish today is particularly fresh. Have a taste,” Ronin said.
Catherine glanced at the fish, her brow furrowing instantly. Sensing her discomfort, Ronin moved the plate away. “It’s okay if you don’t like it; there’s some chicken here,” he said, trying to offer an alternative. However, Catherine continued to frown.
After a few more attempts, even Catherine felt she was being too picky and stopped Ronin. “Alright, I’ll have some vegetables,” she said.
Rylan, who had been observing the two
the whole time, directed his scrutinizing gaze toward Catherine.” Catherine, have you lost your appetite recently? There are a few dishes that used to be your favorites, aren’t they?” he asked, his eyes repeatedly glancing at her stomach.
Catherine straightened up and gave him a cold look. “Who says my tastes have to remain the same? Just because two people used to be friends doesn’t mean they’ll be friends for life.”
Rylan’s expression froze, making the atmosphere quite awkward. It was obvious what Catherine’s words implied.
Sensing the awkward situation, Ronin stepped in to ease the tension. ”
Catherine, don’t say that! Misunderstandings happen occasionally. Our friendship is not just about fate but also about suitability. I sincerely hope that the three of us can remain good friends,” Ronin said, then turned to Rylan, “Right, Rylan?”
Surprisingly, Rylan, who usually managed his expressions well, didn’t dare to meet Ronin’s gaze at that moment. His reaction instantly dampened Ronin’s spirits.
Throughout the meal, nobody talked, and Rylan’s thoughts drifted away from Catherine.
When they finished eating, Catherine stood up. “You guys eat, I’m off to the lab.”
Ronin wanted to stop her, but Rylan held him back. “Let her go!”
After Catherine left, Ronin showed a hint of disappointment.
Rylan, in turn, comforted him, “Ronin, thank you.”
Ronin looked puzzled until Rylan explained, “Thank you for always standing by my side.”
Hearing this, Ronin smiled faintly. ” Rylan, we’ve been good friends for many years, haven’t we? Well, I just remembered I haven’t prepared the fruit for Catherine. I gotta go now!”
Everyone knew how much Ronin cared about Catherine, so Rylan didn’t think much of it and waved him off. “Go ahead!”
Ronin stood up, and in that instant of turning around, his smile vanished. All he could think about was the scene of Catherine having dinner just now. He couldn’t help but wonder if Catherine’s sudden change in taste meant she was sick. With this in mind, he couldn’t help but quicken his pace.
Marshall heard from the students that Catherine had appeared in the Styre University cafeteria today, having dinner with Ronin. He had been waiting at the laboratory’s door early on. Before long, he heard Catherine’s voice and immediately stood up to greet her. ”
Just as I expected, you always come to the lab when you’re at school,” he said with a confident look.
Facing Marshall, Catherine chuckled and said, “Professor Hartley, the experiment is still ongoing. Where else would I go?”
This was why Marshall admired Catherine-they both regarded the experiment as their life.
“Is everything okay now?” Marshall asked.
“Let’s talk inside.”
Some things were not suitable for discussion in public. Marshall immediately understood Catherine’s intention and followed her into the office. Once they were seated, he eagerly inquired about her situation.
Catherine didn’t hide anything from him. “The label that was hanging over my head has been removed for now, but I’ve agreed to their conditions.”
“Those bastards!” Marshall slammed his hand on the table, unable to conceal his anger. He knew Catherine must have been threatened, but he hadn’t expected these people to be so malicious. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He didn’t blame Catherine; in such a situation, swallowing one’s pride was simply a matter of helplessness.
Catherine took the initiative to comfort him, “Professor Hartley, don’t worry. I agreed to their conditions. But it’s not certain whether they will be able to obtain it smoothly.”
Marshall’s eyes lit up. “How did you do it, Catherine?”
Catherine smiled mysteriously and said, “I can’t talk about it now. When the time is right, I will tell you!”
“So, you’re keeping secrets from me?” Marshall said, pretending to be disdainful. “Well, since you have your plan, I won’t interfere.”
Now that Catherine had returned, Marshall immediately handed over all the experimental projects to her, even skipping the reporting procedures.
After much hardship, Zobber finally found some clues. She had traced the original IP address of the video, and if they could lock onto this clue, they might be able to identify the uploader.
Excited by this discovery, Zobber shared the good news with Withal. Seeing her exhausted, Withal felt sorry for her. “Go and rest. I’ll take care of the remaining work.”
Zobber had been working for over 20 hours straight, and Withal’s offer was a rare opportunity she couldn’t pass up. She stood up and comforted him with a pat on the shoulder. “I’m counting on you. Good luck!”
Withal wanted to say something to her, but seeing how tired she was, he remained silent. He sat at the computer and immediately took over Zobber’s previous work. Their years of working with each other made it easy for Withal to get started. Zobber had already done most of the work, and he only needed to tie up some loose ends.
Despite this, it still took Withal quite some time. When the results finally appeared, Withal was dumbfounded. He double-checked the results, finding it hard to believe what he was seeing.
“How could this be possible?” he exclaimed inwardly.