Ch. 921..930
Chapter 921 Don’t Scare Me
For many years, Thomas has taken care of Catherine like a doting grandfather. When something was bothering Catherine, she didn’t want to keep it from him. She extended her wrist towards Thomas.
His expression darkened drastically. He thought that Catherine was unwell. He couldn’t imagine any other reason for her to summon him from afar, using the excuse of a seminar at Styre University, unless she was seriously ill and didn’t want anyone to know.
“Catherine, don’t scare me. I’m old and can’t handle this kind of stress!” Thomas exaggerated, earning a smile from Catherine, who felt moved.
Healing was Thomas’s area of expertise, and he had never shied away from it. His panicked reaction to the misunderstanding showed just how deep his love for her ran.
“Thomas, don’t worry. It’s just a minor ailment, nothing incurable!” Catherine reassured him.
Thomas skeptically placed his hand on Catherine’s, carefully checking her pulse. After a moment, he released her hand, eyeing her with suspicion. A slight shake of her head conveyed her message to him.
Furrowing his brow, Thomas said coldly, indicating his frustration. “That rascal, if he treated you poorly, I’d skin him alive right now!”
Catherine stood quietly by, smiling. It felt good to have someone supporting her. After venting a bit more, Thomas looked at Catherine with a hint of reproach. “Why didn’t you call me earlier? You’re just a young girl. Could you handle this on your own? And does Branden know?”
Catherine honestly replied, fearing that Thomas might really get upset, “No, you’re the only one who knows for now. I just found out. I didn’t even get checked, and immediately contacted you!”
Thomas felt relieved after hearing this. “At least you’ve got a conscience, girl. It’s good that you told me right away after all the care I’ve given you. I’m here now, so don’t worry. I won’t leave. I’ll stay by your side and keep you safe!”
Catherine now thought Branden’s habit of lavish spending wasn’t so bad after all. It seemed like Thomas might have to stay in Loxton for a while. Staying in a hotel for a long time wasn’t comfortable. The house Branden bought would provide a more comfortable living situation for him and Scott.
“Alright, I’ll follow your lead, but for now, only you know about this. You have to keep it a secret for me until all this mess is sorted out,” Catherine said.
Although Thomas wasn’t directly involved in the situation in Loxton, he had heard some things from Scott. He knew Catherine’s current situation wasn’t easy. They used to handle things effortlessly when they were in the shadows and the enemies were in the light. Now that the situation was reversed, things had become much more complicated. He could understand Catherine’s cautiousness and thorough consideration.
“Cassie, remember not to shoulder everything on your own. Branden is reliable, and the Duncans are powerful. You don’t need to suffer,” Thomas advised.
“Got it.” Catherine nodded. “Let’s go. I’ll continue showing you around Styre University.”
Thomas slowed his pace to match Catherine’s.
Ronin had been trying to reach Zobber for some time, but even when he managed to contact her, she ignored him and even threatened to eliminate him if she saw him.
Seeing Zobber’s response, Ronin smiled somewhat helplessly. “This woman has quite the temper! It’s been days, and she’s still not over it.”
He got into the car, planning to have another chat with Withal. However, before he could set off, he received a mysterious phone call, prompting him to change direction.
As he was two miles away from his destination, he received another call, this time demanding that he get out of the car.
“Pull over and come in!” the voice on the other end commanded.
Irritated, Ronin retorted, “Have you lost your mind?”
Finn coldly stated, “You can choose not to obey the orders,” before arrogantly hanging up the phone.
Angrily, Ronin pounded the steering wheel, causing the car to emit a piercing honk.
Reluctantly, Ronin obeyed and then got out of the car. It took him about ten minutes to cover the remaining two miles and reach his destination.
Upon Ronin’s arrival, Finn emerged from a corner and handed him a key. ”
The boss is waiting for you,” he said.
Ronin took the key and headed towards the bathhouse.
After finding the corresponding room, Ronin opened the door. A strong herbal scent filled the room as Black Robe lay on a nearby massage bed, undergoing a steaming treatment.
“It’s getting hot. This is good for your health. Ronin, would you like to join?” Despite the man not even lifting his head, he knew it was Ronin.
“Thank you, but I don’t need to,” Ronin declined the offer, concerned that his life might be in danger. He respectfully sat down in front of the man and asked, “What do you need, Sir?
Black Robe said slowly, “I heard that Zobber had a falling out with you.”
Ronin got angry when he mentioned this, and he didn’t hide his inner rage. ” It’s more than just a falling out. She almost killed me! I risked my life for you, and yet you framed me like this. Is that fair?” Ronin asked.
Black Robe casually asked Ronin, “Are you injured now? Or have you suffered any inhuman treatment?”
Ronin hadn’t, because before Zobber could harm him, Catherine arrived and stopped everything. “You work for me. I won’t let anything happen to you. Everything is under my control, so rest assured!”
The relaxed and confident tone reminded Ronin of something. He frowned in surprise and looked at Black Robe. “So, you provided Catherine with my location that day?”
Catherine came too timely, and Ronin always thought it was because Catherine knew everything about Zobber. He hadn’t thought much about it at the time. Now, hearing Black Robe’s words, he couldn’t help but wonder.
Upon hearing Ronin’s question, Black Robe chuckled. “I told you that you’re smart. Just as I said, you guessed right. I gave the location to Catherine. Now you understand, right? Nothing will happen to you.”
Ronin was secretly surprised. He had been followed for so long, and he hadn’t noticed at all. It was a total failure. He knew that Black Robe must have other purposes for finding him today. He decided to ask proactively, ” Sir, what is the reason for finding me today?”
Chapter 922 I Want Flash
Black Robe, seeing Ronin pressing for answers, directly told him the real reason. “It’s not a big deal. Since Zobber is so dissatisfied with your alliance and Catherine, you should find a way to persuade her to join us.”
After understanding the reason, Ronin was shocked. He even doubted if his ears were playing tricks on him. “Sir, you’re not joking with me, are you? Just before coming here, I received a message from Zobber. She threatened to kill me and issued a pursuit order against me. And now you want me to persuade her to come here? Isn’t that sending me to my death?”
Faced with Ronin’s emotional outburst, Black Robe remained incredibly calm. ” Ronin, why get so worked up? Haven’t you forgotten what I just said? If you work for me, I’ll protect you!”
Ronin feared that once he was no longer useful, they would kill him without hesitation. “I can’t do it. Such a difficult task should be given to your elite subordinates.”
“Ronin, you are my elite now. Are you planning to betray me?” The man’s icy voice carried a clear warning.
Ronin knew that if he didn’t agree, he might not leave this place today. “Sir, if I remember correctly, we are in a partnership, right?”
Black Robe suddenly understood Ronin’s meaning. “Just say what conditions you want.”
Seeing this, Ronin didn’t beat around the bush. “I want Flash.”
Worried Black Robe might misunderstand, Ronin added, “Flash tortured me so miserably before. It’s time for me to pay him back.”
Black Robe had heard many times that Ronin took advantage of the opportunity to mistreat Flash, a matter that Finn had talked to him about repeatedly. Finn respected Flash and hated to see his former leader suffer such humiliation. But to Black Robe, Flash was already useless. If Ronin liked, he could do anything he wanted to Flash. Trading Flash for Zobber was a good deal.
“Alright, I agree,” he said. “As long as you can bring Zobber in, I’ll give you Flash.”
Ronin nodded contentedly and left the room. Once he was gone, Finn emerged from the shadows. He had been keeping watch in case Ronin did anything harmful. When Ronin made a move, it would be time to kill him.
“Sir, are you sure you want to agree to Ronin’s terms?” Finn asked.
Black Robe knew Finn’s concern, but he didn’t care. Even though Finn had sympathy for Flash, he didn’t dare to betray him.
Black Robe turned and squinted at Finn. “Do you think Zobber is more important than a useless person?”
This statement left Finn unable to argue. Flash had once harbored thoughts of betrayal, which meant he would never be trusted again. But Finn would rather see Flash locked up for life than suffer humiliation at the hands of Ronin.
“Sir, are you sure Ronin won’t betray us?”
“As long as Professor Warner is around, Ronin is like a puppet!” Black Robe said confidently. He wasn’t worried at all; he had the means to control Ronin.
Finn could only watch helplessly as the matter was settled.
After Ronin left, he immediately rushed back to school and inquired about Catherine’s whereabouts.
“Catherine, I’m here!” Ronin exclaimed as he burst through the door, causing Thomas’s face to darken.
“You rascal, why are you so restless? You’re not a kid anymore!” scolded Thomas.
Ronin had heard that Thomas had arrived yesterday, but it was too late to visit him. Now, being reprimanded by Thomas, he immediately became more obedient. “Mr. Theo, I know I was wrong. I won’t run off next time,” Ronin promised.
Thomas not only took care of Catherine, but also treated Ronin, who was like a brother to Catherine, with great affection, almost as if Ronin were his grandson. Ronin deeply respected the care Thomas showed him.
Being alone in the world, apart from Catherine and this group of friends, Ronin didn’t have family. Thomas was like his grandfather.
Although Ronin had apologized, Thomas was still not satisfied and glared at him. “Next time? If there’s a next time, old man here will break your legs!” Thomas threatened, visibly angry.
Ronin, not daring to argue, turned to Catherine for help, but she paid no attention, enjoying the spectacle. Rarely seeing Ronin being scolded, she had no reason to intervene.
Thomas grew even angrier, worrying that Ronin, unaware of Catherine’s situation, would accidentally collide with Catherine.
After being scolded by Thomas for about ten minutes, Ronin was finally let off the hook. As soon as Thomas left, he immediately approached Catherine. “What’s up with Mr. Theo? Why did he have to make such a fuss?” Ronin asked.
Catherine promptly tapped his head. ” You brat, stop talking nonsense. Just listen to Mr. Theo’s advice!”
Feeling aggrieved, Ronin could only hold back his emotions. Only Catherine knew that Thomas’s actions were mainly to take care of her and ensure her safety.
“Why did you come here?” Catherine asked.
It was then that Ronin realized, thanks to Catherine’s reminder, that he had almost forgotten an important matter due to Thomas’s intervention.
“Yeah, Catherine, I need to talk to you about something,” Ronin said, recounting his day’s experiences to Catherine.
After listening, Catherine sneered. ”
Well, he’s got his plans all figured out, hasn’t he?”
“Catherine, what should we do next? Should we really try to persuade Zobber?” Ronin inquired.
Catherine gave him a sidelong glance. ”
You already promised, didn’t you? Since you’ve promised, then you have to follow through!”
Ronin was very puzzled by this response. As he looked at Catherine, who kept smiling at him, his confusion grew. “Boss, what do you mean by that? “he asked.
Catherine stood up and lightly tapped his head. “You’ll figure it out on your own, you little rascal!”
Chapter 923 Everything Belongs to Her
After receiving the data from Arbotte Laboratory, Lance immediately led his team into a frenzy of overtime work. The information provided by Arbotte Laboratory gave them a breakthrough and set them on the right path. After several days of research, the team overcame a technical barrier.
Excitedly, Lance found Cory and said, ” I have good news for you! Our experiment has reached the third stage!
Upon hearing this, Cory was also delighted and said, “This is indeed good news. Lance, congratulations. By the way, Boss is here. Let’s go and share this piece of good news with him.
When Lance heard that Branden was present, his eyes lit up. Previously, he had been impressed by Branden’s charm and believed that Branden was not just a profit-driven businessman but also had a great love for the country. This was why Lance was willing to join Red Star Laboratory for research.
After Lance’s arrival and careful observation, it became clear that Branden was intelligent and highly capable, and he was not a mere money- minded merchant.
Cory then took Lance to meet Branden. “Boss, Mr. Broadman is here!”
Branden put down the documents, stood up, and walked towards Lance. “I heard the experiment has broken through the third stage. Congratulations!”
Lance, in an unusually good mood, expressed his gratitude. “Mr. Duncan, the smooth breakthrough and completion of the third stage of the experiment wouldn’t have been possible without the data provided by Arbotte Laboratory. I didn’t expect you to have a stake in Arbotte Laboratory as well. I’m truly impressed!”
Branden glanced at Cory, who quietly explained, “Boss, you and Miss Swann are destined to be family. Arbotte Laboratory is essentially half yours, and half of our lab belongs to Miss Swann.”
Branden glanced at him with almost no change in his expression. Even such a light and fleeting look made Cory’s heart race, leaving him pale. “Boss, It’s my fault! I shouldn’t have said something like that!”
“Yeah, you shouldn’t have,” Branden replied coldly. “If she likes it, it’s all hers!”
Cory was left speechless, Branden’s public display of affection hitting him like a blow.
Lance hadn’t quite grasped the situation yet but found their conversation quite intriguing and couldn’t resist asking, “Mr. Duncan, what’s your relationship with Arbotte Laboratory?”
Branden gave Lance a casual look and said, “The head of Arbotte Laboratory is my fiancée, and she will also be in charge of Red Star Laboratory in the future. Everything of mine, including myself, belongs to Catherine, as long as she needs it.”
Lance was momentarily stunned before it finally sunk in. He hadn’t realized that the woman Branden had chosen was even more impressive. And he was shocked to see Branden’s smile. He didn’t understand young couples’ love, so he decided to focus on arranging the lab’s research work.
Today, Branden came to the laboratory mainly to check the progress of the research. He was eager for the experiment to succeed quickly.
Cory followed him and found it strange that Branden seemed more anxious than usual about this project, which was crucial for the Duncan Corporation.
“Boss, I feel like you’re placing a lot more importance on this project than ever before,” Cory said.
Branden, standing on the steps, gave him a scrutinizing look. “Is there a problem with that?”
“No problem!” Cory didn’t dare to argue.
“Then get to work.”
After dismissing Cory, Branden looked at the progress chart alone. His experiment was about to be completed, and the gifts he had prepared would soon be complete. How could he not take this seriously?
After leaving the laboratory, Catherine went to the campus to find Thomas. She spotted Thomas and Branden playing chess in the small park on campus. She noticed that when Thomas was around, Branden’s intimidating demeanor seemed to subconsciously soften, showing a humble and respectful side of a young man.
“Good game!” Thomas exclaimed, then noticed Catherine and waved at her. ” Cassie, why didn’t you come over?”
“You were so engrossed in your game. Who won?” Catherine asked.
As she approached, Branden took her hand in his, gently massaging it. “It’s a draw,” he said.
Thomas shook his head in disagreement. “It can’t be a draw. Your skill is definitely superior to mine. You’re just going easy on me because of my age, right? I may be old, but I can still tell!”
Branden smiled faintly and didn’t respond.
Catherine looked at the chess pieces on the table, each one smooth, round, and translucent, clearly of high quality.
Thomas noticed Catherine’s gaze and quickly showed off his new treasure.”
Cassie, these chess pieces are made of emerald, which feels especially comfortable in hand. It’s a gift from Branden,” he said proudly.
Catherine glanced at Branden, and they exchanged a meaningful look. She didn’t expect him to be so good at pleasing people.
Thomas was usually quite reclusive and had a peculiar personality, but he had a hobby-playing chess.
The emerald chess pieces were undoubtedly valuable, but what mattered more was that some things couldn’t be bought with money.
Catherine took a look of appreciation at Branden and then said with a smile, ” Thomas, you should keep such a precious treasure safe. Don’t let your mischievous grandson use it as a toy.”
Upon hearing this, Thomas immediately protected the chess pieces as if his troublemaking grandson would appear at any moment.
Thomas used to have a set of emerald chess pieces, which he cherished as a collectible. Unfortunately, Scott used them as marbles, damaging half of them. Thomas fell ill and was bedridden for three days after discovering the damage. Scott received a stern punishment from his father, and the incident became a running joke, often brought up to tease Scott.
Then, Branden suggested, “Let’s have dinner.”
Chapter 924 Put On a Show
Since the last time Ronin saw Catherine, he had been pondering what she really meant. Determined to figure it out, he decided to personally visit Zobber.
Before meeting Zobber, he sought out Withal, hoping for a heart-to-heart conversation. They agreed to meet at an internet café, but as soon as Withal entered, he punched Ronin in the face.
Stunned, Ronin clutched his swelling cheek and glared at Withal. “Are you out of your mind?” he exclaimed.
Withal grabbed Ronin by the collar, seething, “You little punk, how dare you show your face in front of me again? I’ll ask you one more time. Are you a traitor?”
As Withal questioned Ronin, he made a gesture, a secret code within their alliance known to only a few. It was originally invented by Wantel, and everyone found it amusing, so they all learned it.
Understanding Withal’s meaning, Ronin feigned a look of distress and pleaded, “Withal, I’ve always treated you like a brother. I’ve been an orphan since I was young. Are you really going to treat me like this too?”
“Brother…” Ronin’s plea almost brought tears to Withal’s eyes. He pulled Ronin up, pressed him into a chair, and sternly gazed at him. “Tell me the truth, did you betray the Hacker Alliance?”
Looking pitiful, Ronin hesitated for a while before speaking. “Withal, I had no choice. Do you really want to see me dead?”
With a furious roar, Withal punched Ronin in the chest. “Considering our past friendship, I’ll let you off this time. But I won’t show mercy next time.
With that, Withal left in a rage. Ronin slowly stood up, holding his aching chest, his brow furrowed in frustration. “Damn it! Did he have to hit so hard? My ribs are broken!” With that, he picked up his backpack and prepared to leave. Before he departed, he glanced disdainfully at a nearby surveillance camera.
“Captain, here’s the video copy you wanted,” Finn received the video data from his subordinate and then went to Black Robe.
“Sir, Ronin contacted Withal, hoping to use him as a breakthrough, but it didn’t work. He even got beaten up by Withal and is currently hospitalized. Withal beat him up,” Finn reported.
They not only monitored the internet café but also secretly tracked Ronin. After leaving the internet café, Ronin went to the hospital. The results showed that he had indeed broken two ribs.
Finn reported this after seeing the CT scan report. He initially didn’t believe Ronin, but witnessing the private meeting and the subsequent beating by Withal made him believe that Ronin had truly betrayed Catherine and the others.
No wonder his boss was willing to exchange Flash for Zobber. If it were him, he might have agreed as well. After all, a useless person couldn’t compare to Zobber in terms of importance.
Black Robe looked at the video of the two men in an angry confrontation with a hint of a smile in his eyes. ” Ronin, you’re quite the asset to me.”
Recently, good news kept coming in. He arranged for a professional research team to study the data given by Catherine. Based on her information, they replicated an experiment in just three days. Catherine had spent nearly a year on this experiment. Even a genius like her needed a year to overcome various obstacles and technical barriers to achieve the current results.
All of this relied on the core data provided by Catherine, allowing them to successfully get the answers and quickly establish the experiment. Those in higher positions didn’t understand why he had spent a fortune to set up a laboratory despite already controlling Catherine and working with her lab. Only he understood that no one in this world was always trustworthy; friends could turn into enemies. People’s hearts were unpredictable, and he only wanted to trust himself.
Catherine was temporarily in his hands, but he knew she wasn’t someone who could be easily controlled. If she were to strike back one day, he realized that he wouldn’t even know how he’d meet his end unless he was fully prepared. He needed to ensure he had everything firmly in his control to guarantee a lasting victory.
Branden found a quaint restaurant in Loxton and brought Catherine and Thomas there for a meal. The chef was particularly special, an elderly man similar in age to Thomas. He was short and had a peculiar personality, not fond of meeting guests.
The restaurant only opened for dining once a day, and if the old man was in a bad mood, it wouldn’t open for days. This rule, despite being customer- unfriendly, led to a three-year waiting list.
Thomas was pleased with the authentic feel of the restaurant. “You can tell the owner of this place has quite the taste. It’s a marvelous restaurant,” he remarked.
Seeing Thomas’s delight, Catherine lightly tugged on Branden’s sleeve and whispered, “Good job!”
Branden responded in a low voice, “Mr. Theo is your elder and a guest at our future wedding. I must treat him well.”
Catherine was taken aback and gave Branden a puzzled look. “Is he getting bolder?” she thought. “Future wedding? Have I agreed to marry him?
Why is he talking about the wedding already?”
“What are you two whispering about? Mind your manners in public.”
Thomas’s stern voice interrupted their conversation. He had just finished touring the restaurant when he saw Catherine and Branden whispering closely, and his expression soured.
Although the two were in a normal boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, she hadn’t married him yet, and Thomas needed to keep a close eye on her; her reputation must not be tarnished.
Branden, the usually ruthless president of the Duncan Corporation, who had even disregarded Karl’s orders, immediately straightened up and didn’t even attempt to argue back when Thomas called out.
If it weren’t for the young servant coming out, the awkward atmosphere wouldn’t have been easily broken. ” Everyone, please come inside and take your seats!”
“Let’s go. It’s time to eat!” Thomas gave the order, and they followed him into the private room.
As soon as they entered, they were drawn in by the delightful aroma filling the room.
Thomas looked at the table full of delicious dishes and said to the young servant nearby, “Your chef is really talented. When can we meet him?”
The young servant, accustomed to such questions, respectfully replied, “I’m sorry, Sir. Our chef doesn’t meet with guests. Please understand.”
Paxton knew that Branden was trying to please Thomas, so when he heard about Thomas’s desire to meet the chef, he intended to make it happen.
However, Thomas noticed and quickly stopped him. “No need. Everyone has their own rules, and we should respect that.”
Thomas had his own rules when it came to medical treatment, and anyone who broke them would face his wrath. He expected respect from others, and in turn, he respected them.
“If the dishes get cold, they become less tasty. Please enjoy your meal, everyone!” Not only was the place decorated in an old-fashioned style, but even the servants here were dressed in a refined manner. Thomas loved this, and Branden was also pleased with it.
After a few dishes, everyone felt satisfied with the food. It was no wonder that despite the many rules, the business was still thriving. The chef’s skills were truly remarkable.
As Thomas savored the food, he introduced Catherine and the others, ” Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this soup. It may only have a few ingredients, but it’s a true test of skill. And the most important thing is the soup itself. Its freshness depends entirely on the chef’s skills.”
Thomas spoke with authority, and Catherine and the others listened with great interest as if they were hearing a captivating story.
“Exactly!”
An abrupt voice, accompanied by enthusiastic applause, drew everyone’s attention. Upon seeing the newcomer, Paxton quietly reminded Branden on the side. “Boss, that’s the owner of the restaurant.”
Branden nodded, and Thomas, who was sitting nearby, also heard and stood up to greet the newcomer. ” Hello, my name is Thomas Theo.”
The old chef, puffing on a pipe, glanced at Thomas and bluntly said, “My name is Aaron, Aaron Melton. Seems like you’re quite the foodie, and you know a lot about cooking. Interesting.”
Aaron, whose ancestors were imperial chefs, has always adhered to traditional recipes, making the flavors very authentic, but also maintaining many rules.
Aaron was a bit arrogant, but Thomas wasn’t offended. He smiled and said, ” Aaron, considering we’re about the same age, here’s a piece of advice for you. When you’re chopping vegetables, wrap the handle of the knife with a cloth as much as possible. As you get older, your joints won’t be as nimble.”
Aaron, who was about to light his pipe, paused and carefully examined Thomas. Although he was a cook, he had seen too many people over the years, and his eyes were sharper than anyone else. He had long noticed that the guests at this table were not ordinary, but he didn’t care. However, this old man called Thomas was not as easy as he seemed.
“Are you a doctor, Mr. Theo?” Aaron asked.
Chapter 925 Torture You
Thomas smiled and nodded. “I’m just a makeshift doctor. I see patients when I have free time.” This statement was not entirely wrong-he only saw patients when he had free time, and whether he would see them depended on his mood.
Feeling a connection with the chef, Aaron, Thomas was willing to take a look at his condition. “Aaron, I’ll give you a prescription. If you follow it, your condition should improve a bit.”
Upon hearing this, Aaron couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re quite the peculiar doctor, not as skilled as other physicians!”
This remark piqued Thomas’s curiosity, and he looked at Aaron with a puzzled expression. “What do you mean?”
“Other doctors have always told me that if I follow their advice, they can cure my disease. But you can only guarantee that my condition will improve. Are you not skilled in medicine?” Aaron said.
Hearing this explanation, Thomas burst out laughing. “Interesting. If that’s the case, then I’m truly not skilled in medicine. I’m ashamed!”
Scott, who had been listening to their conversation, couldn’t sit still when someone belittled Thomas. Despite their usual banter, he wouldn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of his grandfather.
“Hey, do you even know who my grandfather is?”
Seeing Scott getting serious, Thomas immediately calmed him down. “I’m sorry. My grandson is young and impulsive. He doesn’t know what he’s saying. Apologize to Mr. Melton right now, do you hear me?”
Reluctant but obedient, Scott apologized to Aaron. After he finished, Aaron said slowly, “It’s okay. My grandson was just as stubborn at his age.”
During the conversation, Thomas sensed Aaron’s loneliness and quickly changed the subject. “Aaron, my prescription can only make your condition improve, but it won’t hinder you from working. A craftsman for a day is a craftsman for life. As long as the passion remains, one must continue their craft.”
Aaron immediately realized something. The doctors who claimed they could cure him always demanded that he give up his kitchen knife. He had been a chef all his life. He could let go of anything, except for that kitchen knife. Letting it go would be like giving up his life.
Aaron realized that Thomas not only treated diseases but also healed the heart, addressing the root cause of the patient’s illness. This, to Aaron, was the mark of a truly skilled doctor.
“Mr. Theo, I’ve learned a lot from you!”
Thomas waved his hand, and seeing this, Catherine handed him a notebook and pen from her bag.
Thomas’s face lit up with joy upon receiving them. “Cassie, you know me the best!”
Observing Thomas surrounded by his grandchildren, Aaron felt a tinge of envy. He had heard his youngest grandson had come to Loxton, but he hadn’t visited. Aaron wondered if the boy still held a grudge over past events.
Catherine felt that Aaron looked somewhat familiar, but she couldn’t place where she had seen him before.
She just had a vague feeling of familiarity, an impression not deeply etched in her memory.
Due to Thomas’s prescription, Aaron waived the cost of the meal. Despite their insistence, Aaron insisted on this, and in the end, they had to respect his decision. They considered it as helping Thomas make a friend and saving the cost of a meal.
After dinner, Thomas strolled around the restaurant for a while before they all left together. As soon as Catherine got in the car, she received a call from Rylan.
“Can we meet sometime? I need to talk to you about something,” Rylan asked.
Catherine responded coldly, “It’s too late today. I’ll contact you tomorrow.”
Seeing Catherine’s non-rejection, Rylan felt somewhat pleased. “Okay, I’ll wait for your call tomorrow.”
Branden noticed Catherine remained still after hanging up the phone and turned to look at her. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
Catherine smiled faintly. “Nothing.”
Rylan’s call reminded her of where she had seen Aaron before-in a photo in Rylan’s house. If it weren’t for her excellent memory, she might not have remembered. It seemed that Aaron had some connection with Rylan.
Aaron’s appearance at such a sensitive time seemed too coincidental.
Catherine felt she needed to be a bit more cautious and arrange to investigate the relationship between Rylan and Aaron.
Meanwhile, Ronin had been constantly followed by Finn’s men, who seemed determined to achieve their goal. This disrupted his plans to have dinner with Catherine tonight. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, feeling the urge to confront Finn and give him a beating.
Ronin intentionally hid in a dark corner and then disappeared. Finn immediately rushed forward when he realized he had lost track of him. He knew he couldn’t afford to fail the task given by his boss. In his boss’s eyes, a failed pawn was of no use and would be eliminated.
The alley was pitch black, and Finn had to rely on his keen senses to move forward. After taking a few steps, he sensed something unusual at his side. When he turned, his opponent had already launched an attack. Finn was struck and began to fight back fiercely, but he soon found himself at a disadvantage.
Ronin successfully subdued Finn with a swift kick. Finn glared at Ronin, feeling extremely angry to be pinned down by a loser like Ronin.
“If you’ve got the guts, just kill me!” Finn exclaimed.
Ronin chuckled coldly. “Hmph, why would I kill you? I’m not in the mood right now. It’s more fun to torture you, isn’t it?”
Chapter 926 Is It Okay?
Finn believed that Ronin wouldn’t actually harm him, but he also believed that Ronin would torture him. Thinking about Ronin’s ways of tormenting people, Finn felt a chill down his spine as Ronin’s cold eyes stared at him intently.
“What do you want from me?” Finn asked.
Ronin smirked as he casually patted Finn’s cheek and suggested playing a game of car racing.
Hearing Ronin’s intentions, Finn raised his voice. “Ronin, don’t mess around. Boss has arranged for me to follow you. Do you dare to defy him?”
“Humph.” Ronin sneered arrogantly. ” Do you really think I’m his underling? I merely have a business relationship with him. Do you think you are more important to him than his current plans and overall strategy?”
Finn understood that in his boss’s eyes, he was just a tool. If Ronin were to harm him, his boss wouldn’t punish Ronin, because Ronin was much more important.
“What do you want, Ronin?” Finn asked cautiously.
“I don’t want anything,” Ronin said indifferently. “If you really want me to let you go, you just have to help me with one thing.”
“What is it?” Finn asked.
Ronin whispered a few words in Finn’s ear, then stepped back, looking pleased. “So, what do you say? It’s a simple matter. You shouldn’t refuse, right?”
After careful consideration, Finn realized that the task wouldn’t betray his boss. and would benefit him. “Okay, I agree.”
Branden printed out the report sent by Lance and brought it directly to Catherine. “Do you want to take a look? “he asked.
Catherine took the report, glanced at it, and knew its contents. She was surprised that such a confidential document was handed to her so casually. However, she wasn’t interested in the information and simply put it aside.
Branden had thought that she would be interested, especially given her specialization in the field. Her reaction caught him off guard. She slouched on the sofa, seemingly exhausted.
Leaning in, he buried his head in her neck and took a deep breath. “Are you feeling tired?” he asked.
Catherine shook her head, not bothering to respond. She wasn’t tired; she just didn’t want to look at the report. After spending the whole day in the lab, she just wanted to lie down and relax.
Unconsciously, Branden moved closer to her. She always had a faint, pleasant scent that was captivating. His hand gently lifted her clothing, tracing her smooth skin upwards. Just as things seemed to be getting out of control, Catherine suddenly reached out and stopped him.
Branden paused and slowly looked up, his eyes filled with an ambiguous glint. His voice became even huskier. “Is it okay?”
Chapter 927 A Breakup?
Everything was going smoothly until Catherine suddenly called a halt. “I’m a bit tired today,” she said.
Branden paused, reluctantly withdrew his hand, and buried his head deeply in Catherine’s neck. After a while, there was no movement.
Concerned, Catherine gently patted his shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” he replied hoarsely, showing restraint in his voice. Не composed himself, then got up and headed to the bathroom.
Lying on the bed, Catherine listened to the sound of water from the bathroom, feeling both amused and sympathetic. She gently stroked her flat abdomen, a wide smile on her face.
In the bathroom, Branden stared at himself in the mirror, for the first time feeling helpless. Was it he who had changed, or had Catherine lost interest in him?
As Catherine waited, Branden finally emerged from the bathroom. When he came out, she felt as if he had just. walked out of the cold storage, exuding a chill. “Aren’t you afraid of catching a cold?” she asked.
Shrugging off her concern, Branden said, “I’m strong and healthy. It’s fine. “He lay on the bed, not bothering to lift the blanket, and held Catherine tightly against the blanket. “Rest well. I’ll massage your hand so you can sleep peacefully.”
Due to her long-term use of weapons, Catherine’s hands had always been prone to tendon inflammation. Unless she rested, the muscle damage and pain persisted.
Branden knew about her physical issues and would massage her hands whenever he had the chance, which effectively relieved her discomfort. Within three minutes, Catherine, who usually had trouble falling asleep, had drifted into a deep slumber.
The next day, after dropping off Catherine at school, Branden headed to the company for a meeting.
Paxton noticed Branden’s low spirits during the car ride, evident from Branden’s furrowed brows. After much hesitation, he couldn’t help but ask, ” Boss, is something bothering you today? You seem a bit off.”
Branden glanced at him, a simple look that still managed to startle Paxton, causing him to shrink back.
“Imagine a couple, and the girl suddenly becomes very distant and rejects intimate communication with the guy. What does that usually mean?” he asked.
The abrupt question left Paxton momentarily stunned. “What could it mean?” he asked himself. It seemed like an issue related to romantic relationships, but was quite profound. Having never been in a relationship, Paxton was at a loss. After a long pause, he couldn’t come up with a reasonable response.
As the car pulled up to the Duncan Corporation building, the driver, in a cold tone, remarked, “In most cases, it means the girl’s lost interest. The guy needs to be careful; he might soon be replaced.”
Branden’s expression immediately darkened at the driver’s words, his eyes turning much colder.
The driver’s words brought a sudden realization to Paxton, who promptly nodded in agreement. “That actually makes a lot of sense. I didn’t realize you knew so much.”
The driver gave a wry smile. “My last girlfriend broke up with me that way. I’ve had some experience.”
Engrossed in their conversation, neither of them noticed Branden’s increasingly dark expression. As Paxton became more convinced of the driver’s words, he was about to tilt his head to report to Branden. But at that moment, he felt a chill run down his spine.
“Boss, you…” Before Paxton could finish, Branden pushed open the car door and left.
Witnessing this, Paxton quickly got out of the car. Before his feet even landed on the ground, Branden gave a cold command, “You don’t need to go upstairs. There’s no one supervising the construction site in Weseville. You need to go there.”
With the temperature soaring to at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit today, the ground was scorching hot. Sending him to the construction site in this kind of blazing weather could literally be torture.
“Boss…” Paxton pleaded desperately, almost kneeling on the spot.
Branden, however, didn’t even look back and went straight into the elevator.
Paxton looked at the driver beside him, who seemed resigned. “Paxton, do you think the person Boss mentioned just now could be himself?”
Paxton immediately realized that Branden’s anger might be because the person mentioned was actually himself. “Did Miss Swann cheat on Boss?” he wondered. He felt like he was about to hear something astonishing. Now, being sent to work at a scorching construction site didn’t seem too unjust.
Alone in his office, Branden replayed the conversation between the driver and Paxton in his mind. He didn’t believe Catherine would betray him. However, her recent behavior had been strange. Their contact had decreased, and she seemed uninterested in the food he made. Could Catherine really be growing tired of him?
Realizing the possibility, Branden became restless. He opened the most popular Q&A website and entered keywords in the search bar to find answers to his concerns about a relationship growing distant.
After sifting through numerous unsatisfactory answers, he shut down the computer and made a phone call. ” Are you busy?”
Catherine replied, “Not really, what’s up?”
Her cold response left Branden feeling even more disheartened. “Nothing, I just miss you,” he said.
“Okay, I’ll hang up,” Catherine replied before ending the call, resuming her work without knowing that Branden had been staring at his phone in disbelief for a full five minutes after the call ended.
Branden noticed that Catherine’s current behavior almost perfectly matched the reactions listed in the Q&A for when a girlfriend wanted to break up. Feeling increasingly uneasy, he immediately searched for a few more keywords, such as, “How to mend a relationship,” “How to change a girlfriend’s mind about breaking up,” and so on.
Someone replied, “Focusing on romance, paying attention to details, reminiscing about sweet memories.”
After reading the answer, Branden slowly came to a realization.
Chapter 928 Ambitious
When Catherine received the message, she was a bit confused. Branden suddenly said he wanted to take her out for dinner tonight, just the two of them. “Is he planning something on his own?” she wondered.
Not sure of the answer, Catherine decided to temporarily ignore Branden’s invitation. She still had a few hours before she met with him, so she wasn’t in a rush.
After finishing her work, Catherine sent a message and summoned Ronin. Within about ten minutes, Ronin arrived promptly, impressing Catherine with his efficiency.
“You came really quickly!” Catherine exclaimed.
Ronin grinned. “It’s because the person called me is you, Catherine. I happened to be at the school, so I rushed over as soon as I could! Tell me what you need, Catherine. As long as you command, I’ll get it done right away!”
Rolling her book into a stick and tapped Ronin’s head with it. “You little rascal, focus on the point. Did you finish the task I gave you earlier?”
“I did it!” Ronin was always proactive in carrying out Catherine’s orders. ”
I’ve already instructed Finn to do as I said. I believe there will soon be news from Zobber. When that happens, don’t forget to inform Zobber, Catherine,” Ronin reported.
“Okay.” Catherine nodded. “Go find Withal and discuss with him first.”
“Got it!”
After Catherine gave her instructions, Ronin turned to leave, but she stopped him by grabbing his collar.
“I haven’t finished speaking! Why the rush?” Catherine said.
Ronin smiled cautiously. “Catherine, do you have more orders for me?”
“Go and investigate the background of Aaron, the chef at the Northville Courtyard Restaurant.”
“Investigate a chef?” Ronin hadn’t anticipated what Catherine had in mind, but he knew there was a reason for her request.
“After I talk to Withal, I’ll look into this chef,” Ronin assured.
“Good.” With the tasks assigned, Catherine finally let Ronin go.
Just as Ronin left, Catherine received a call from Cloude.
“Miss Swann, I have something to ask you,” Cloude said.
“Go ahead,” Catherine responded coldly.
Despite Catherine’s indifferent attitude, Cloude wasn’t bothered; he knew exactly who Catherine was. If he didn’t have something that could threaten her, she would have retaliated long ago. One misstep and he would be finished.
Cloude forwarded some information to Catherine, hoping for her help. After receiving and glancing at the data, Catherine got to know Cloude’s intentions.
He had taken her research results, formed his own research team, and effortlessly replicated her long-term work. Now, facing a problem his team couldn’t solve, he had the audacity to come to her for help. “Does he think I’m an easy target to manipulate? What a joke!” she thought.
Catherine knew she couldn’t let him off so easily. She picked up the phone and called back. “I can provide the research data, but the terms are simple-I get 60 %, and you get 40%.”
Originally, they had agreed on a 50-50 split, but now that Cloude had new demands, Catherine naturally wanted to renegotiate. If he disagreed, she would maintain the original terms and not provide any new assistance.
Cloude hesitated. He knew Catherine would negotiate, but he hadn’t expected her to propose this. The cost of this term was tremendous, especially considering that Catherine would only be solving one problem for them and yet still wanted 60% of the share. She seemed to be too greedy.
“Miss Swann, how about reconsidering the terms? You seemed to be a little too ambitious!” Cloude teased.
“Humph,” Catherine responded coldly, “I’ve always been so ambitious. You seem to know me well, don’t you? You may not be an expert in this area, but you should know that if this issue isn’t resolved, it will be difficult for your team to continue their work, right?”
Cloude definitely knew that. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to Catherine in the first place. Once the data reached her, she could easily see through everything.
After much thought, Cloude made a decision. “Miss Swann, I agree to your proposal!”
Catherine smirked, a look of triumph in her eyes. “Good, you’ll have your answer in a day.”
With that, she hung up the phone. In reality, the problem wasn’t difficult to solve. If Cloude was willing to spend time on it, he would likely find someone suitable to handle the issue. However, he was impatient and reluctant to disclose the information. He had likely secretly formed the research team, hence his eager acceptance of her request.
For Catherine, it was a win-win situation. By simply solving a problem, she could reclaim a 60% share of the profits. Only a fool like Cloude would agree to such a deal.
Catherine went to the laboratory. In truth, she could easily solve the problem in an hour. Deliberately dragging out the process made it seem more troublesome, and it was necessary.
Cory was temporarily brought to the president’s office to serve as an assistant to Branden. It was said that Paxton had said something he shouldn’t have and was punished by being sent to work as a laborer at a construction site, prompting the urgent transfer of Cory.
Cory was initially worried that Branden’s bad mood would soon affect him. Upon arrival, he was extremely cautious, fearing to make any mistakes. However, after observing for a while, he noticed that Branden’s demeanor was mostly the same as usual, cold- faced but not much else.
“Are you in a hurry to leave, Boss?” Cory asked softly, noticing Branden checking the time several times, seemingly particularly concerned about it.
Glancing at his watch, Branden realized there was still an hour left before the end of the workday. Today seemed to be dragging on.
“Is the restaurant reserved?” he inquired.
“It’s all reserved according to Miss Swann’s preferences!” Cory replied.
It seemed that Branden was eager to date Catherine, hence his constant concern about the time. Cory couldn’t help but acknowledge Branden’s deep affection for her.
“Boss, there’s nothing important this afternoon. Why don’t we go to Miss Swann’s school and wait? If she finishes early, you can see her sooner,” Cory suggested.
Cory knew that Branden must be thinking about Catherine. It seemed better to go and wait for her early, as there was nothing requiring Branden’s attention at the company today.
Branden pondered for a moment and found Cory’s proposal to be a good one.
“Prepare the car!”
Chapter 929 Is It for Me?
Catherine saw the message from Branden half an hour later. She never brought her phone into the laboratory, and today was no exception. Although it wasn’t time to leave yet, she often left early. Branden’s urgent message made her decide to set aside her current work and go see what was going on.
Arriving at the school gate, Catherine noticed a car parked not far away. This time, Branden wasn’t waiting in the car as he usually did. His tall figure leaning against the car attracted quite a bit of attention.
Despite the admiring glances from many girls, no one dared to approach, knowing about their relationship.
Branden, focused on his phone, seemed to be waiting for an important call or message.
Catherine quickened her pace and approached. When Branden looked up and saw her, his cold expression lit up as he asked, “Why didn’t you reply to my message?” He had been waiting for her message, planning to wait for her in the laboratory building.
Catherine didn’t like him using his privilege, knowing he wouldn’t drive onto the campus without a special reason.
“Why the rush to find me? Is something wrong?” she asked. Branden had been acting strangely today, repeatedly contacting her and even coming to pick her up early. She was worried something was amiss.
“It’s nothing. Get in the car.”
“Alright.” Catherine followed him into the car, and as soon as she got in, Branden took out a beautiful sapphire blue box and placed it in front of her.
“Is this for me?” Catherine looked at Branden with surprise.
Branden’s gentle smile deepened. ” Open it and see if you like it!”
Receiving an unexpected gift without any special occasion made Catherine feel a bit strange. However, her curiosity got the better of her, and she opened the box in front of Branden. As the box opened, her eyes lit up.
Inside was a beautiful necklace made of a string of diamonds, each likely over a carat, with small diamond tassels around them, making the diamonds even more dazzling. The centerpiece was a large sapphire, clear and flawless, with a perfect cut that showcased its extraordinary charm.
It was undoubtedly a priceless necklace.
“For me?” Catherine looked at Branden with a puzzled expression.
Branden nodded and chuckled. “Who else would I give it to?”
After getting a definite answer, Catherine became even more puzzled. ” Why suddenly give me such a valuable gift?”
“Do you not like it?” Branden frowned, his expression somewhat indescribable.
“Perhaps no girl would refuse such a gift!” Catherine smiled wryly. “It’s just that it’s so expensive.”
Although she wasn’t lacking in money, she never indulged in luxury or pursued designer brands or jewelry.
“If you like it, keep it.” Branden took the necklace from the box and gently placed it around Catherine’s neck.
Today, Catherine happened to be wearing a top with a wide neckline, showcasing her perfect neck. The sparkling necklace, against her flawless skin, looked even more beautiful.
Some people needed fancy jewelry to enhance their beauty, while some could make the already dazzling jewelry even more beautiful. Catherine was the latter. When she wore this priceless necklace, it looked even more attractive.
Branden also realized that despite being with Catherine for so long, he seemed to have not given her many gifts. Catherine was so special that he thought nothing in this world seemed worthy of her.
“I haven’t given you gifts before, but when I saw this necklace today, I felt it suited you, so I bought it,” Branden explained. He hadn’t given her anything because he took care of everything for her, from clothes and shoes to jewelry and bags. He wondered if there was a need to give her separate gifts.
Catherine looked at Branden with a sweet smile and said, “In that case, I’ll keep it. It’s a beautiful necklace, and I love it!”
Seeing her sweet smile, he felt relieved. Although in his eyes, these jewelry pieces didn’t match her, he realized that no girl would be unhappy to receive a gift, and Catherine was no exception. He decided he needed to collect more beautiful gifts to keep the freshness of their love.
After a while, they arrived at a luxurious hotel. As the car stopped, a waiter respectfully opened the door. The hotel manager immediately welcomed them. “Mr. Duncan, your reservation is ready. Shall I take you and Miss Swann there now?”
Branden nodded slightly and then linked arms with Catherine.
Although the hotel was one of the old luxury hotels in Loxton, it had recently been completely renovated. It was said that this restaurant was currently the most popular and luxurious one in Loxton, highly sought after for dates and proposals. With only three tables available each day, reservations were booked a year in advance.
Today, the entire restaurant was booked by Branden.
Upon arrival, the manager greeted them and carefully introduced the restaurant’s features. The owner had personally called to emphasize the importance of not offending the VIP guests.
Upon arrival, the manager greeted them and carefully introduced the restaurant’s features. The owner had personally called to emphasize the importance of not offending the VIP guests.
Branden paid little attention to the manager’s introduction, his gaze fixed on Catherine. “Do you like it?” he asked.
Catherine looked out through the enormous windows, feeling as if she were floating in the sky. “It looks amazing,” she replied, and Branden breathed a sigh of relief.
After observing Branden discreetly for a while, the manager felt much more at ease. “This is the menu, Mr. Duncan.”
Branden signaled for the menu, which the manager promptly handed to Catherine. After ordering, Branden asked Catherine to sit while he excused himself.
Not long after Branden left, the sound of a melodious piano filled the air. Catherine instinctively turned to look and was pleasantly surprised. There he was, dressed in a gray suit, resembling a prince, seated at the magnificent piano. His skilled fingers danced across the keys, producing a beautiful, enchanting melody.
Catherine rested her chin on her hand, her eyes filled with joy. She admitted that at that moment, she truly felt the romance and surprise.
Chapter 930 Pregnancy
Catherine had never known that Branden was so talented in music. The melodious sound of the piano had a mesmerizing effect on her. Even after the music stopped, she remained immersed in its beauty for quite some time before coming back to reality.
Branden approached Catherine, his handsome face always managing to tug at her heartstrings. She raised an eyebrow at him, her beautiful eyes shimmering like stars. “Not bad!” she remarked.
Branden chuckled, only revealing his emotions in her presence. “As long as you like it,” he replied, taking his seat and gesturing for the waiter to bring the food.
Catherine could tell that not only had the restaurant been arranged to her liking, but every dish had been selected according to her taste. She wondered about his intentions-gifting, piano playing, arranging a grand meal-what was he up to? She discreetly observed him, trying to figure out his motives.
“Perhaps…” she began, but Branden interrupted, “The fish is excellent. Give it a try!” He carefully removed the bones from the fish and placed the meat on a clean plate, presenting it to Catherine.
As the plate approached, a strong fishy smell hit Catherine. Suppressing the urge to vomit, she covered her mouth and nose.
Seeing her discomfort, Branden quickly moved the plate aside and looked at her with concern. “Are you okay? Have some water!” He offered her warm water, but instead, Catherine grabbed the nearby lemonade and took a big gulp.
Branden furrowed his brow. He knew the fish didn’t taste fishy. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have offered it to Catherine. Besides, she usually didn’t like sour things, yet today she refused the warm water and opted for a large glass of lemonade.
The refreshing scent of lemon, accompanied by its tangy taste, finally quelled the nausea rising in Catherine’s stomach. Sensing Branden’s puzzled gaze, she set down her glass and casually remarked, “My stomach has been feeling a bit off lately.”
“Stomach? What’s wrong?” Branden asked, looking concerned. Not knowing about her stomach issues indicated his recent neglect, which explained Catherine’s dissatisfaction with him.
“It’s nothing, just an old ailment from spending too much time in the lab and not eating on time. Mr. Theo gave me some advice yesterday and prescribed medicine. A few days of that and I’ll be fine,” Catherine explained.
Despite her explanation, Branden still had a worried expression on his face. ” It’s my fault!” he said.
Just as Catherine was about to tell him not to worry, she heard him promise, ” From now on, I’ll deliver meals to you at regular times, arranging three meals a day for you. If you refuse, I’ll move the kitchen to the first floor of your laboratory building and cook for you. You can’t refuse, understand?”
Catherine could only smile wryly, squinting at Branden. “Why would I refuse? If I refuse, the Duncan Corporation would lose an excellent president, and Styre University would gain an unexpectedly handsome chef, right?” Catherine teased.
Branden felt proud. “Correction, your personal chef!” he added.
After some banter, the atmosphere became pleasant, although Catherine didn’t eat much due to her stomach.
Concerned about her discomfort, Branden didn’t pay much attention to his other plans. He had other arrangements, but Catherine was too tired to leave the restaurant. Her eyes were already half-closed.
Seeing this, Branden canceled his upcoming plans and took Catherine back to rest.
Cory nearly cried when he found out their plans were canceled. He had been trying so hard to surprise Catherine that evening, hoping to earn some praise from his boss, but all his hopes were dashed.
Catherine was genuinely exhausted. Without waiting for Branden to say anything, she had already closed her eyes and leaned against him in the car. When they arrived at the apartment building, she was still fast asleep.
Seeing her tired and withered face, Branden felt heartbroken. The little weight she had recently gained had disappeared again. He wanted her to stop everything and let him take care of it all, but he knew her well. If he suggested that, she might leave and only return after handling everything herself.
He couldn’t take that risk and didn’t want her to leave. After carrying her upstairs and gently placing her on the bed, he tucked her in before quietly leaving the room.
In the living room, he found Cory, who was holding a briefcase with a frown. “Speak up!” Branden demanded, knowing that Cory had something to say but was hesitant.
After getting permission, Cory said, ” Boss, I can’t help but feel that Miss Swann’s reaction doesn’t seem like a stomachache, but more like morning sickness!”
“Morning sickness?” Upon hearing that, Branden paused for a moment. His mind went blind before a word appeared in his head-pregnancy.
He suddenly looked up and turned in the direction of the bedroom. It was completely silent around him. His head was filled with a cacophony of thoughts that prevented him from calming down.
Cory had never seen Branden look so bewildered before, and he found it quite amusing. He wanted to capture the moment and share it with his friends, but he didn’t want to rush into danger.
After what felt like an eternity, Branden’s brain finally seemed to start working again, and his sharp gaze focused on Cory.
His stare made Cory nervous, and he began to swallow, saying, “Boss, please don’t look at me like that… I’m scared.”
“Keep an eye on Mr. Theo and report any news immediately,” Branden instructed.
Cory was puzzled. If there were suspicions about Catherine’s pregnancy, why should they keep an eye on Thomas?
“What about Miss Swann?” Cory asked.
“Keep this to yourself. Don’t tell anyone. Got it?” Branden’s cold tone and the warning in his eyes made Cory shiver. He had planned to share the news with his friends that evening, but now he knew he couldn’t say a word about it.
“Boss, you can trust me. I’ll keep it to myself,” Cory assured, and Branden waved him away to leave. He needed some quiet time to adjust his plans for the future.
If Catherine was indeed pregnant, all his plans would need to be reworked. Nobody understood her intelligence better than he did. If she was pregnant and hadn’t intended to tell him, she would notice the slightest change in his behavior.
Branden ordered Cory to keep the matter to himself until he could investigate further. Despite the uncertainty, the possibility of Catherine’s pregnancy softened his expression.