Paxton reported the latest information to Branden. "Mr. Duncan, the Hacker Alliance acted against the Winfreds because they expelled the Alliance's representative. They've completely stopped the Winfreds' maritime shipping in Oceanvile. Xavier, upon hearing this, got extremely angry and was rushed to the hospital. We don't know how he's doing now."From Paxton's report, Branden instantly deduced the situation.The shipping route was like the heart of the Winfred Group. They made a lot of money from it in recent years.If the Hacker Alliance had the power to cut off the Winfreds' lifeline, it meant they could destroy them in the blink of an eye.How could Xavier not be anxious?Branden coldly commented, "The Winfreds brought this upon themselves!"Paxton agreed with Branden. In business, honesty was important, and the Winfreds deserved their problems for not being truthful."Mr. Duncan, word has it that the Hacker Alliance not only messed up the Winfreds' business but also sent t
Korbin looked puzzled as he held Xavier's photo, his mind swirling with questions.From the photo, there was no doubt that the person in it was Catherine, but what worried him more was the Winfreds' intentions.Did it make sense to sacrifice a portion of the mining and shipping businesses for an illegitimate child?If the Winfreds had no other heirs, Korbin could somewhat understand such a sacrifice.However, Xavier had two legitimate sons, and his wife's family had significant influence. Allowing Xavier to act recklessly couldn't be permitted.Korbin's greater concern was that Xavier might set a trap and harm the Swanns. After all, the Swanns were currently the weakest among the Four Noble Families. It's possible that Xavier planned to use them to gain more advantages in Casier.He gave the photo to his secretary and said, "Take a look!"After receiving the photo, the secretary took a picture of it and sent it to someone.A few minutes later, the photo analysis results came
When Audrey asked her questions, Catherine stayed quiet, as if she didn't hear anything.Korbin, noticing Catherine's attitude, couldn't resist but complain to Audrey, "You see it too, right? It's not me being too tough on her. It's her attitude."Audrey sat there feeling embarrassed, unsure of how to respond to her father.In her upbringing, Catherine's attitude was indeed inappropriate. After all, she was the daughter, and she shouldn't treat her father this way. However, Audrey also felt that Catherine had her reasons.Perhaps it was because Korbin didn't fully understand Catherine's personality, which had led to the current misunderstanding.Seeing her father turn away in frustration, Audrey had no choice but to try to persuade Catherine. After all, they were all family."Kathy, if you know anything about that Hacker Alliance, just let Dad know. We're all family, and there shouldn't be any secrets between us, right?"Catherine gave Audrey a cold look, but Audrey remained s
In a remote estate in Casier.Triston was in high spirits today. He had organized a wine tasting event and brought out his long-cherished wines for the occasion.What excited him even more was Branden's presence. He had initially thought that Branden wouldn't come, but to his surprise, he did."Branden, how's this wine? Pretty good, right?"This wine came from a vineyard in Veridonia and had been stored for thirty years.It was quite rare, and Triston had spared no expense to treat Branden.People outside saw Triston as a notorious playboy, always living it up and never getting down to serious business.He neglected the family's business and instead hung out with women, and purchased islands and vineyards. This was in stark contrast to Branden, who had been attending high-level meetings at the Duncan Corporation since he was eight.However, only Branden knew that Triston, in reality, was quite cunning.Despite his carefree image, every time he took action, he made a significan
Triston's estate served multiple purposes. The top floor was his private space for hosting guests. The first and second floors housed a bar and club, respectively. Triston had developed this entire estate to the fullest.Apart from "Charm Bar," this club was also very well-known in Casier. Many wealthy people frequented it for leisure.One had to pass through the first floor to leave the top floor. After concluding his discussion with Triston, Branden descended from the top floor.Branden glanced at an open private room as he walked through the first floor.He noticed someone he knew inside, which caught his attention.Paxton noticed that Branden had suddenly stopped, and following Branden's gaze, he saw Audrey standing in the private room.Audrey was with a few fat men, and one of them, the film producer Jeff Baker, was seen holding a glass and pouring Audrey a drink.Considering Audrey's relationship with Catherine, Paxton proactively asked, "Mr. Duncan, should I go over?"
Branden and Audrey returned together, and as soon as the elevator doors opened, they happened to see Catherine coming out.The encounter of the three seemed somewhat awkward.Catherine had her hands in her pockets, standing there with a carefree attitude.Audrey, on the other hand, appeared somewhat awkward and had an inexplicable feeling of being caught off guard!Once she realized it, Audrey quickly distanced herself from Branden, who was initially quite far away."Kathy, please don't misunderstand. I just happened to run into Mr. Duncan, and he knew I was coming back, so he gave me a ride back!" Audrey explained anxiously.Catherine looked at Audrey calmly. Compared to Audrey's flustered state, Catherine seemed much more composed.To Catherine, it was usual for Branden to run into Audrey and give her a ride home. So, Catherine wondered why Audrey seemed so nervous."What's wrong?" Catherine asked.Audrey paused briefly, relieved that Catherine didn't suspect anything."N
Branden didn't seem hungry at all, as there was only a plate of pasta primavera on the table.While Catherine was eating, he sat quietly by her side.Occasionally, he picked up his phone to attend to messages, seemingly working.Even though he was wrapped up in work, Branden still watched Catherine closely, never taking his eyes off her.Unlike Catherine's dominating and cold demeanor, she was exceptionally graceful while eating, clearly indicating the strict training she had likely received since childhood.She ate quickly but with a touch of elegance in every bite.Catherine had a rhythmic way of eating, taking a bite of pasta followed by a sip of soup, almost like a well-rehearsed performance. Before long, Catherine had polished off her pasta primavera, leaving just a bit of soup.She gently pushed her empty plate forward as if showing off her accomplishment.Branden's hands, calloused from years of gun practice, gently brushed her cheek. Catherine was quite familiar
In the blink of an eye, it was time for the National Literary and Art League.Loyalty Academy had a total of three slots, and Class 8 managed to secure two of them.The principal specifically instructed their homeroom teacher, Myra, to keep a close eye on these two teams and do her best to bring glory to the school.Myra wasn't worried about Liana's team at all. Liana worked harder than anyone else.Even the school's music department teachers praised her as a promising talent, noting how diligently she practiced daily.On the other hand, Catherine's team was rarely seen rehearsing, which always left Myra sighing. There were three people on that team.Ronin was quite unruly, and Myra couldn't seem to get any chance to communicate with him.As for Bryan, his enthusiasm for participation was relatively low from the start.Myra had no choice but to approach Catherine, who appeared the most difficult to get close to, but still had some room for negotiation."Catherine, for the Na